Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya and Abhishek Spotted At Sherwood school

2008-08-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

Aishwarya and Abhishek,Amitabh,Jaya visits At Sherwood school Pictures,Photo gallery,stills, Aishwarya and Abhishek Spotted At Sherwood school photo gallery

Abhishek Bachan and Aishwarya Rai Spotted In Chicago

2008-08-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

Abhishek Bachan and Aishwarya Rai Spotted In Chicago pictures,Abhishek Bachan and Aishwarya Rai Spotted In Chicago stills,Abhishek Bachan and Aishwarya Rai Spotted In Chicago paparazzi photos,Abhishek Bachan and Aishwarya For the Unforgettable Tour Rai in Chicago pictures

Katrina replaces Aishwarya as Nakshatra brand ambassador

2008-08-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

After creating mass hype in tinsel town even before it was made official, Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif was Tuesday named brand ambassador for Gitanjali’s Nakshatra Diamond jewellery, taking over the mantle from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Aishwarya has endorsed the brand since 2004. "I am delighted to be associated with a brand like Nakshatra that has garnered immense popularity not only in India but worldwide. I hope this association is amiable and mutually profitable," Katrina said in a statement here Tuesday. Gitanjali Group chairman Mehul Choksi said:

"Katrina is the perfect representation of the young, trendy and fashionable woman that Nakshatra targets. She lends a refreshing look to the brand. We are excited about having her on board as the new face for Nakshatra." This is the second time this year that Katrina has overtaken Aishwarya in terms of popularity and endorsements. Earlier, Katrina replaced her as the Bollywood star with the maximum number of downloads and searches on the Internet. The Britain-born actress, who was initially written off by critics for her strong stiff upper lip accent, has proved her mettle in Bollywood by delivering five back-to-back hits with "Namastey London", "Apne", "Partner", "Welcome" and "Race".

Aishwarya leaves Unforgettable Tour to tend to her father

2008-08-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

India’s best known actress Aishwarya Rai had to leave her Unforgettable Tour midway to tend to her father. Aishwarya Rai who is giving live performances in the USA with Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan had to give the tour a miss at least for a couple of days to be with her bed ridden father.

Krishnaraj Rai, father of Aishwarya Rai who is suffering from cancer will be undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a treatment option for many cancer patients. Many times, chemotherapy is a combination of drugs referred as "anti-cancer" medications.

Chemotherapy that is very helpful in the initial phase of the cancer has a few side effects. Some people experience them and some don't. The drugs used are very aggressive at destroying cells that are dividing, even healthy cells. A common side effect of the treatment is damage to cells found in hair. This is the reason for hair loss.

It is very important for a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy to be emotionally strong. And the presence of relative definitely helps a patient in a better state of mind.

The actress for the last fortnight has been touring Canada and United States with her husband Abhishek Bachchan and father in law Amitabh Bachchan besides many other Bollywood actors and actresses.

Ash hasn't lost to Katrina: Abhishek

2008-08-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

Trashing rumours about his wife Aishwarya Rai losing out the Nakshatra diamond jewellery endorsement to Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan said it was his spouse who had taken the call to pull out.

Aishwarya has been the brand ambassador for Nakshatra diamond jewellery since 2004 and Katrina is now the new face for the brand.

"Nakshatra was discontinued by Aishwarya. It is false news that she lost out the endorsement to Katrina Kaif. Aishwarya had some conditions and the company did not come to terms with this, so she called it off," said Abhishek.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the Omega Olympics Evening organised to honour the Indian contingent for the Beijing games.

The actor, who is busy with the Unforgettable Tour in the US, flew in for the event from San Francisco. He also explained the philosophy behind endorsement deals.

"Endorsements are not a competition. Nobody loses an endorsement. It is just that sometimes the technicalities don't work out between the endorser and the brand. At the end of the day, an endorser is asked to endorse a product because one's image looks best suited to the brand," said Abhishek who is the brand ambassador of Omega watches.

This is the second time this year that Katrina has overtaken Aishwarya in terms of popularity and endorsements.
Earlier, Katrina replaced her as the Bollywood star with the maximum number of downloads and searches on the Internet.

Asked about the response to the Unforgettable Tour, Abhishek said: "The experience is wonderful. The tour is meant to reach people who don't get to see enough of Bollywood action live. It is wonderful to perform on stage.

"We are through with one-quarter of the show with performances in Toronto, Trinidad and Tobago, Los Angeles and San Francisco."

Asked about reports that he had been taking dance lessons from Aishwarya for his "Unforgettable" performances, Abhishek quipped: "I learn everything that my wife teaches me. Once married you have to."

So how did the actor manage to find time from his hectic schedule to attend the Omega event?

"I think when you want to make out time, you always can and in this case, it was for a worthy cause."

Queried whether he too was planning to join the bandwagon of celebrity bloggers like his father Amitabh Bachchan, he promptly replied: "Blogs are a wonderful way of reaching out to audiences. I would like to blog, but I don't really have the time."

Abhishek flew back to the US on Friday and joined his family and Bollywood stars Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh, composer duo Vishal-Shekhar and choreographer Shiamak Davar who are part of the Unforgettable Tour.

Their next performances are in London, Rotterdam and finally in the German city of Oberhausen.

The husband-wife duo of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan alongwith Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta, at The Unforgettable Tour

2008-07-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

The husband-wife duo of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan alongwith Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta and Riteish Deshmukh, at The Unforgettable Tour wallpapers,The husband-wife duo of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan alongwith Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta and Riteish Deshmukh, at The Unforgettable Tour stills,The husband-wife duo of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan alongwith Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta and Riteish Deshmukh, at The Unforgettable Tour gallery,

After 5 years, Abhishek finally keeps his promise to Aishwarya

2008-07-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Five years ago, when he had no clue that he would one day marry her, Abhishek Bachchan had made a promise to Aishwarya Rai .

It happened during the making of their film Kuch Na Kaho in 2003 when Ash was headed for a world tour and tipped the organizers of the shows to ask Abhishek to be a part of the tour. Abhishek turned down the offer because he had no dates to spare. Since then Ash has been taunting him for that. But Abhi made a promise to her that one day he would definitely accompany her on a world tour.

Years passed and their lives turned out such that they ended up falling in love and getting married. Now, what did not materialize five years ago is finally going to happen.

For, Abhishek and Ash are headed to the ‘Unforgettable’ tour that will travel to Canada, the US and the UK. This is the couple’s first tour together. They, along with Pa Amitabh Bachchan , are at the helm of the tour.

The tour begins with a concert in Toronto on Friday.

While Aishwarya could not fully rehearse her dance steps for the first concert because she fell ill, Abhishek has assured the organizers (Wizcraft) that he is more than willing to step in for Ash or dad Big B if any of them feels unwell during the tour. The trio will perform solo as well as together in concerts.

Apart from the Bachchans, the tour features Preity Zinta , Ritesh Deshmukh and music composer duo Vishal-Shekhar .Other Bollywood stars like Madhuri Dixit , Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty would join the troupe on different legs of the tour.

Aishwarya Rai unseen wallpapers

2008-07-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Finally officially The ‘Unforgettable Tour’ got announced in Mumbai

2008-07-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

It will commence on 18th July in Toronto, The Unforgettable which will bring all of the three Bachchans- Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on a common platform was announced during a press conference in Mumbai on Friday July 11.

The Tour of 28 cities around the world that is described as the biggest show on the earth is also decorated with other stars like Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta and Ritesh Deshmukh .Hopefully, Shiamak Davar choreographed and music from Vishal- Shekhar would bring good fortune for the troupe of ‘Unforgettable Tours’, watch all of the Unforgettable Tour members at press conference in Mumbai.

Abhishek learns Aishwarya's dance steps for Unforgettable tour

2008-07-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

Abhishek Bachchan is playing the perfect doting husband to wife Aishwarya Rai. When she fell ill after rigorous rehearsals for their much talked about 'Unforgettable' world tour that kicks off in Toronto on Friday, Abhishek learnt her steps, too.

"We have been rehearsing for the tour non-stop for nearly a month now. Shiamak [Davar] has been working us around so hard to get our dance steps right that my wife Aishwarya fell sick with exhaustion. For three days, she could not move out of the house," said Abhishek.

"That put an additional burden on me because I had to do her steps also, not only at the rehearsal hall but at home too in order to teach her the dance steps Shiamak had given her for the songs she would be dancing to during the tour," he told reporters.

Abhishek says now he is ready to pitch in for both his father, Amitabh Bachchan, and wife.

"I told the 'wizzies' [members of Wizcraft, which is putting together the tour] that if she falls sick again and won't be able to dance during the show they should not get panicky because I have learnt all her steps and might as well double for her.

"Moreover, dad's body is also no longer as nimble as it was. In case he gets tired during the tour I may have to do the Kajra re… number all by myself. Well, I am prepared for that, too," Abhishek said with a straight face. His impromptu 'act' threw everybody into splits at the event.

Apart from the Bachchans, Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh, and composer duo Vishal-Shekhar are also part of the tour. There will be some guest stars as well—Akshay will perform in Toronto, Shilpa Shetty in Britain and Madhuri Dixit in the US.

Govinda and Aishwarya Rai come together in Mani Ratnam's next

2008-07-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

After doing comic roles for almost a decade, Govinda has bagged a Mani Ratnam film. Govinda has been signed for a pivotal part in the Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai starrer that will go on floors by the year-end.

Confirming this startling development, Govinda who's currently nursing his daughter Narmada after her facial surgery, expresses deep gratitude for being presented with a second innings as an actor.

"I had almost disappeared from the scene and was pulled back from the doldrums in the nick of time by my friends like Salman Khan and a few others," he says.

Expressing his happiness over being roped in by Ratnam, he says, "I am actually doing a film with him! Isn't it every actor's dream to work with him? We met recently and I heard about my role.

It is an interesting and a powerful role." So does it have a comic streak? "It is not comic by any standard. Mani is making an intense film. My role will definitely surprise people," he adds.

Having worked with Aishwarya once, Govinda is now looking forward to work with Abhishek. "I've done Albela with Aishwarya, but never worked with Abhishek. Whenever I happen to meet them socially, they're both so nice to me.

In fact, I'm a big fan of the Bachchans, especially Amitji, with whom I've done Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Now I'm going to work with Amitji's son. That's a happy occasion for me," says Govinda.

Any trepidation since Abhishek is known to share an amazing rapport with Ratnam? "Dekhiya bhaiyya, I've seen too much in life to be scared of competition. I feel I should do my job and leave the rest to destiny.

Besides, I have a wonderful role and Mani sure seems to be a humble and a down-to-earth person, just like I am. Hamare jaise log bahut vulnerable hote hain. I've been taken full advantage of, all my life.

But I've now reached a stage where I've gathered all the stones that are hurled at me and I'm using them to build a nice house for myself," he says.

However elated Govinda might be about working with Ratnam, he has not forgotten old friends. He is currently working with Vashu Bhagnani and David Dhawan in Do Knot Disturb. He has also completed a film with director Jagmohan Mundhra titled Excuse Me, Please.

Un-seen pix from ash-abhi's wedding

2008-07-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

I KNOW ITS AN OLD SUBJECT NOW BUT I FOUND in pinkvilla THOSE PIX AND WANT TO SHARE IT WITH ALL OF YOU!

Aishwarya down with German measles

2008-06-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is down with German measles but that isn't going to put a stop to her work commitments. The actress has been under the weather for the past one week. We spoke to her manager about the actress' condition.

"Yes Aishwarya has been unwell for the past one week. She has been at home for the last one week as she was running high temperature and her skin had broken out into a rash. But she is recuperating just fine now," informed Hari Singh. When asked about the Unforgettable Tour and her rehearsals for it, Hari Singh says "In 1-2 days she will be back on track. The tour is very much on and everything is going along just fine. In between she was on bed rest but now she is doing okay… and in a couple of days you will see her out and about." Aishwarya's illness comes just a few days after her father was unwell. In fact he underwent surgery himself and is currently recuperating at the Rai residence. About German Measles
Rubella — commonly known as German measles or 3-day measles — is an infection that primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes. A rash then appears that begins on the face and spreads downward. As it spreads down the body, it usually clears on the face. People who have rubella are most contagious from 1 week before to 1 week after the rash appears. Someone who is infected but has no symptoms can still spread the virus. The rubella rash typically lasts 3 days. Lymph nodes may remain swollen for a week or more, and joint pain can last for more than 2 weeks. Children who have rubella usually recover within 1 week, but adults may take longer.

Aishwarya gets busy in Hollywood

2008-06-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

While she has been taking it easy following the release of Jodhaa Akbar, Aishwarya Rai is geared up for a busy year ahead. And it’s not just Bollywood that we are talking about.

The Bachchan bahu will be seen in some big budgeted Hollywood films starting next year.

Her first big release next year is the truly international Pink Panther 2 which is slated for a February 2009 release. “Pink Panther 2 definitely was a super experience.
It was a great ensemble cast…Steve Martin is an institution in himself and we have been entertained by him for a while by his cinema! So it was very exciting and a lot of fun,” says the actress.
Aishwarya says that her name is attached to various films in the West right now but that doesn’t necessarily mean that she will be in each and every one of them.
“They work a little differently in the West where they have scripts, where stars get attached to scripts. And then it can roll out within two months or it can take a year… like recently when the strike came up and then that threw a lot of productions lopsided about when which film would actually roll out. So it’s different than how we work here… Here we get attached to films sometimes for as long as 4 or 5 years and then once everyone’s dates are available together the film goes on the floors,” explains Rai.
“So after that there is a film called Green Lit and then another called Singularity which I have been attached to for a couple of years. But it was all a case of bringing it all together. So for next year it’s Green Lit and they have asked for my availability and dates. I’ve just got the latest drafts of it and I will be reading it again so that I am sure yes I want to do it. And then we will check on the schedule to see how much time can be committed to it,” she says.
And then there is one of the most awaited films – the one where she shares screen space with acclaimed Hollywood actress Meryl Streep.
“In terms of the one with Meryl Streep it’s called Chaos. It was made in French and they are now working on the English adaptation. It’s going through re-writes as well. Both of us as actors had heard the idea and agreed to be a part of it. So therefore we are attached to it. And let us see when they say they are ready to roll and they are fixed on all the factors that come to making a film and then I will look on my dates and availability,” she says optimistically.
There was also a buzz that Aishwarya would appear on the hit television serial Heroes.
“Yes there was a talk about it. They were just enquiring about my interest factor and it would have had to be brought in as a guest role because I would not be able to attach myself to a TV series because of my film commitment. So there was a check on the possibilities and then the strike kicked in so it was stuck half way,” she explains.
But one can’t help but question whether her roles in these films will be as major as say they were in Bride and Prejudice – a film that was essentially set on an Indian girl. As far as Pink Panther 2 is concerned, the actress finds a mention well below top actors Steve Martin, Andy Garcia and even Heroes actor Yuki Matsuzaki.
So the big question is are these roles similar to those that she commands in Bollywood today or are they going to be blink and you miss appearances?
“From the time I have done my first English film which is not so long ago… Bride and Prejudice … I have always maintained that I wouldn’t want to dub it like I’m working in Hollywood. I’ve just expanded my career as an actor like I’ve worked in Tamil and Bengali films. I’ve worked in a couple of English films and I’m glad because the work it found me and enriched me as an actor in terms of experience. And as far as Pink Panther is concerned it was a great ensemble cast...There’s Andy Garcia, John Cleese, Yuki, Jeremy Irons, Emily Mortimer, Jean Reno. So it was a huge cast. And it’s Pink Panther! It’s a fun franchise… its not intense acting in terms of an acting piece but it’s a fun film. And we all had a great time filming it!” exclaims Aishwarya.

Aishwarya Rai to play Benazir Bhutto?

2008-06-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

UTV is planning to produce a film top lining Aishwarya Rai as former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, for which writer Neelesh Misra (Alibaug) has been asked to pen a script.

According to Zee, the producers are in talks with the Bhutto family and the PPP government in Pakistan.

Misra told reporters recently that he has been offered the project but has yet to take up the offer.

The box office potential of such a film would be immense. Benazir was popular not just in Pakistan but also in India. Similarly, Aishwarya has a significant fan base in Pakistan, which includes Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani!

With India and Pakistan warming up to the idea of watching films made by each other, and pooling resources in the entertainment industry, the UTV film is likely to have many backers.

Ashwarya and Meryl Streep to come together for film

2008-06-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Plans are afoot to bring Aishwarya Rai and Meryl Streep together in an American production of "Chaos", Colin Serreau's 2002 French movie.

Says a source, "They ran the concept with Meryl and Ash and they were game. They need to Americanise the theme because 'Chaos' was a very French movie. But, yes, in principle Ash is on for this film."

Ash is slated to play a sex worker in the film.

Another international project Aishwarya has agreed to is Roland Joffe's "Singularity" with Brendan Fraser.

Ash says she has asked for the final draft of the script. "Now the time factor has to be worked out. The time they want is devoted to Mani (Ratnam) Sir's project. New dates have to be worked out. There're so many projects that I want to do but because of the dates or a delay I can't. There're only that number of assignments I can take on. I've never done more work than I can do. I never can."

In the meanwhile, Aishwarya gets ready to shoot for Shankar's "Robot" and Mani Ratnam's film with Abhishek.

"There has been a little delay in Shankar's 'Robot' because of his writer Sujata 's death. That has delayed 'Robot' a bit. All kinds of rumours have been floated about the project. The dates situation does get tighter for me because I was supposed to shoot 'Robot' now and Mani Sir's film a little later during the year. We just have to work under a tighter schedule now."

Ash to play sex worker in H'wood flick

2008-06-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is finally setting foot in Hollywood. The actress has been sounded out on a story which will co-star Hollywood legend Meryl Streep. Titled Chaos, the film is an American production of Colin Serreau's 2002 French movie. Says a source, "They ran the concept with Meryl and Ash and they were game. They need to Americanise the theme because Chaos was a very French movie. But, yes, in principle Ash is on for this film."Ash is slated to play a sex worker. Ash says she’s asked for the final draft of the script. "Now the time factor has to be worked out. The time they want is devoted to Mani (Ratnam) Sir's project. New dates have to be worked out. There're so many projects that I want to do but because of the dates or a delay I can't. There are only that number of assignments I can take on. I've never done more work than I can do. I never can." Meanwhile, Aishwarya gets ready to shoot for Shankar's Robot and Mani Ratnam's film with Abhishek. "The dates situation does get tighter for me because I was supposed to shoot Robot now and Mani Sir's film a little later during the year. We just have to work under a tighter schedule now."

Bachchans not put together deliberately in 'Sarkar Raj'

2008-06-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has said that her latest flick 'Sarkar Raj' has not been made with an intention to deliberately present the three Bachchans - her husband Abhishek and megastar father-in-law Amitabh being the other two - together.

"Ramu had decided to make another film on 'Sarkar' much before the actual filming started. I was offered the film when I was not married," the former Miss World told reporters after the very successful premiere of 'Sarkar Raj' at IIFA weekend in Thailand.

"When Ramu finally decided to make the film, the storyline and cast remained unchanged. It will be unfair to say that the film is a deliberate strategy to present all three of us together for the first time after my marriage to Abhishek", she said Aishwarya after the film's screening late last night at Siam Paragon Cineplex.

The premiere was attended by veteran actors Mumtaz, Feroz Khan, Randhir Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, lyricist Javed Akhtar, filmmakers Karan Johar, Vashu Bhagnani, David Dhawan among others.

The princess of Thailand Maha Chakri Sirindhom was the chief guest at the star-studded event. Indians living in Bangkok and other parts of the country thronged the Cineplex to catch a glimpse of the actors especially Amitabh and Abhishek.They were virtually mobbed by fans and both father and son obliged the fans by posing for photographs and signing autographs.

Ram Gopal Varma, film's producer-director, described 'Sarkar Raj' as a drama involving characters who have their own agenda.

As the story progresses, the conflict between them and how each of the characters discover themselves and others form the crux of the film, he said. "Amid all the conspiracies around the Sarkar family, Sarkar's (Amitabh) decisions influence other people's lives because afterall he is a human being.

"Sarkar knows something was wrong. Still he gives space to Shankar (Abhishek) to do things his own way, a decision which he regrets later," he said.

He defended Abhishek's character Shankar Nagre's death in the film saying that 'Sarkar Raj' would have been similar to 'Sarkar' (first film of the sequel) had Shankar lived.

To a question if the director was leaving any room for a third film on 'Sarkar' by bumping off Shankar, Amitabh quipped, "Chiku, Sarkar's grandson can always grow up to look like Abhishek." When asked whether he lives his life on his own terms in real life too like 'Sarkar', Amitabh said it was wrong to equate screen characters with the actor's personal life. Responding to the same question for Bachchan, Ram Gopal Verma said, "even if he does live life on his own terms, he does not let the world know about it."

Abhi & Ash at the Sarkar Raj Premiere at IIFA

2008-06-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

More Pics of Ash & Abhi in Dubai

2008-06-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

Aish, Abhishek & Amitabh on India Today

2008-06-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

Aishwarya Rai & Abhishek Bachchan@IIFA Awards 2008, Bangkok

2008-06-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

Aishwarya Rai for nakshatra Diamond Jewellery pictures HQ

2008-06-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

Bollywood power couple Abhishek & Aishwarya Rai Bachchan become residents of Sanctuary Falls in Dubai

2008-06-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

Bollywood power couple Abhishek & Aishwarya Rai Bachchan become residents of Sanctuary Falls in Dubai

Bollywood celebrity couple Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has acquired a villa at the prestigious Sanctuary Falls, a resort-style villa community within Jumeirah Golf Estates being developed by Shaikh Holdings. Following in the footsteps of international celebrity couples such as David & Victoria Beckham, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt, that have acquired property in Dubai, Abhishek and Aishwarya now own a luxury villa in Dubai. At an exclusive "Residents’ Party" on Friday night, May 30 at the 7-star Burj Al Arab hotel, Abhishek and Aishwarya were present as new owners of a villa in the Sanctuary Falls development and were introduced to future neighbours by the property's developers, Shaikh Holdings. Although no details were divulged on the couple's new home, which is expected to be ready in the first quarter of 2010, Sanctuary Falls is a collection of 96 resort style villas in a secure double-gated community and overlooks the Earth golf course designed by Greg Norman. The community features five and six bedroom villas, ranging from 5,600 to 10,600 square feet, with villa prices from USD 4 million to USD 10 million. "I don't think we choose a place, I believe a place chooses you," said Abhishek with a broad smile on being asked why Dubai and why Sanctuary Falls. He added, “We saw the Sanctuary Falls project and the facilities and just knew that we had to be a part of it.” The couple looked relaxed despite a hectic past week, which included a visit to the Cannes Film Festival and a three-hour walk to Mumbai's Siddhivinayak temple. They also displayed no signs of anxiety ahead of Sarkar Raj's release this week, in which Aishwarya joins Abhishek and father-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan, on screen. "I don't think I've ever been nervous or stressed out before a film's release," said Aishwarya. Dressed in an Indian kurta, Aishwarya held onto Abhishek for most of the evening and did most of the talking when interacting with the small gathering of guests at the reception. When asked whether the couple would be looking to move to Dubai, Abhishek was quick to dismiss any suggestion of a shift. "We live in Mumbai and work out of Mumbai. As our whole family is in the acting profession, all our jobs are in Mumbai," he said. "I'm quite sure we'll be spending more weekends here though," Aishwarya said with a giggle. As visible public figures who generate constant media interest, Abhishek described privacy as "super precious" and added that in the selection of their new home, the couple's concerns towards security and privacy ranked extremely high. "I'd say it was probably the most important factor for us. Especially the security aspect. As for our public status, we respect the fact that we're public figures and are aware of the enormous responsibility that comes with it and also realise that we owe our current status to the audiences that love us. But, our privacy is very dear to us," he said. Describing Dubai as a special place, Aishwarya recalled the premiere of her film ‘Provoked’ in the presence of Amitabh Bachchan during the 2006 IIFA awards. "I always have fond memories of Dubai and I'm looking forward to enjoying more special moments during weekend getaways,” she said with a smile. "Dubai is special to us not just as a place where we enjoy great warmth and generosity in terms of love and acceptance from the people, but it's become a remarkable city and one that's so close to home," Abhishek added. "We're a normal couple and are part of a normal family,” Aishwarya said. "It's very important to us that home is a space where we can enjoy every moment together with the family." Shaikh Holdings has offered all owners the opportunity to customize their home experience. Abhishek and Aishwarya too have selected from a range of traditional, modern and contemporary architectural styles, interior finishes and kitchen designs. In terms of amenities, the developer will be providing the homes with fully landscaped gardens, arrival water fountains, resort style swimming pools, Scavolini designer kitchens and Bang & Olufsen home theatre systems. If that’s not enough, the couple will be able to enjoy views of lakes, waterfalls and the golf course throughout the community. “As we lay down the foundations of our villas, so too are we laying down the roots of our community. It is people that bring life to a community, and the Residents’ Party was a great way to bring everyone together, as we strengthen old relationships and welcome new residents,” said Imran Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer, Shaikh Holdings. Shaikh Holdings is a developer of luxury communities focused on golf, waterfront and themed concepts. Sanctuary Falls will be a landmark villa community set amidst lush golf vistas and inspiring lakes. The community is set on the Earth golf course, which was recently announced as the chosen venue for the richest golf tournament in the world, the Dubai World Championship starting in 2009. “We are especially excited to welcome the Bachchan family to their home in the Sanctuary Falls community and hope that it will provide their family with the perfect home away from home,” added Shamrez Shaikh, Chief Operations Officer, Shaikh Holdings.

Aishwarya Rai`s heroes

2008-06-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Chemistry is a given when it comes to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. It’s hard not to sizzle on screen with the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Woman’ by your side. Ash kick-started her movie career with Mani Ratnam’s Iruvar, where she dazzled as a flirty, vivacious actress opposite Mohanlal. However, it was soon found that casting her with certain heroes guaranteed a Molotov cocktail at the box office and at the gossip mills.

Her much awaited movie Sarkar Raj is all set to reveal how she matches up to husband Abhishek Bachchan and father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan. While we wait, here’s a look at some of the actors in Indian cinema who paired up with her—for better or for worse.