How Abhishek fell in love with Ash!!!

Abhishek Bachchan said his wife is uncomplicated and "always smiling," in a newspaper interview published Wednesday, describing how he met and fell in love with Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai.

Bachchan and Rai were married in April in what Indian media dubbed "The Wedding of the Century" — an extravagant affair that had photographers and cameramen camped for days outside their homes in suburban Mumbai.

The two became friends when they worked together on the 2000 movie "Dhai Akshar Prem Ke," but cupid didn't strike until they filmed "Dhoom 2" five years later, he told.

They were paired together again in Kuch Naa Kaho (2003) but it wasn't till Aishwarya and he jived together to the beats of Kajra Re in Bunty Aur Babli, right under the eyes of dad Amitabh Bachchan, that the sparks began to fly.

The romantic drama, Umrao Jaan, was supposed to be their big film together.

When it hit the floors Abhishek and Aishwarya had not started dating, but well before its release they were known, though not acknowledged, to be an item.

The film, though made with a lot of passion, failed to stir audiences and onscreen chemistry between the couple remained lackluster.

Dhoom 2 shortly followed Umrao Jaan. Though Abhishek was not paired opposite Aishwarya the two spent a lot of time together on the sets and that seems to have done it.

"We started dating in the latter half of the film as 'Dhoom 2' was shot for over a year-and-a-half," he said.

"There are so many things I love about Aishwarya. She's very human and unaffected and down-to-earth," Bachchan told The Times. "A simple little girl who is always smiling and that's very endearing."

But he said it was difficult to pinpoint when he fell in love.

"There was no defining moment as such," said Bachchan. "I cannot explain it in words."

Has life changed after marriage? Bachchan says Rai was pressuring him to change his diet.

"She tries to make me eat healthy food as she knows I have unhealthy habits," said Bachchan.

Don't waste your time on me: Bips

Bipasha Basu isn't enjoying the way her relationship with John Abraham is being linked to her absence in the new shampoo ad for the brand they they endorse.

"People can say what they like. They do that anyway, no matter what explanations we give. John and I are not answerable to anyone."

Regarding the speculation about John doing the shampoo ad with another model, Bipasha sighs, "When we signed the contract for the shampoo we didn't even know we'd be doing any of their ads together."

Bipasha and John signed their contracts separately. "And my association with that brand of shampoo continues. At this point of time John and I are advertising different brands of shampoo. So the question of me being replaced in the new ad doesn't arise. People can continue to speculate as much as they like. It doesn't bother me."

All the loose talk about the status of her relationship with John has begun to annoy Bipasha. "Let them say what they like. My life is mine alone. I'm answerable only to myself, my family and my close friends.

Beyond that, does it really matter? What I'm doing in my personal life shouldn't be of any consequence to anyone except me. I mean no harm to anyone. So why harm me with such endless speculation?"

The gossip mongers have been going to town with the now-off-now-on observations. Says Bipasha. "Precious news space shouldn't be wasted on such trivia. There's so much more worth writing about. From now I won't discuss my private life in print."

"I have a glamourised look in Heyy Babyy." - Vidya Balan

A serene and silent music release was held for the film Heyy Babyy, directed by Sajid Khan, on the last day of the shoot at Film City recently. Quiet because, only the media was invited with the cast and crew, minus the regular pomp and splendour of a five star hotel. On the sets, we met up with the beautiful Vidya Balan. A brief tête-à-tête follows:

How is the music of Heyy Babyy?
The music is extremely youthful and chirpy. Very soul stirring. The kind you will love to hear anytime, anywhere. When you have the trio of Shankar- Ehsaan- Loy composing for you, it's got to be out of the world! The story is based on people of Indian origin living in Australia, so the music is in tune with the theme. When you watch the movie, you will realize that you can go out of India, but you can't let India go out of you!

What is your role in Heyy Babyy?
Sajid Khan has presented a different side of me. He has a great sense of humour. The story is set in Australia. For the first time the audiences will be looking at a western and glamorized me! I hope they enjoy it. Can't really disclose much about the character right now, but you will know in time. When the story was narrated to me, I really felt confused whether I can do justice to the role. Sajid convinced me wonderfully and so I did it. Sajid is a close friend, so there was no way I would be uncomfortable with his judgmental prowess.

How was it working with a first time director?
He has a cinematic bent of mind. He is extremely affluent with the technical aspects of film making. His ability of explaining the scenes reminds me of childish enthusiasm coupled with the art of a connoisseur. As a director, he gives due liberty to the actors to give their inputs and allows them to perform freely. That's how the look of the movie is very fresh.

How was the atmosphere on the sets of the film?
It was a complete mad house with Akshay, Riteish and Sajid. I was almost thinking that I was back in college. They used to play so many pranks that we used to end up crying while laughing. My boisterous attitude had sprung up during the making and it was a perfect situation of work and pleasure going together.

Were a lot of pranks were played at the shoot of the film?
Of course. There was this one time when Susan, our foreign co-star had a fight with her driver. We were shooting at Madh Island. The guys started scaring her saying that it is very unsafe for females to drive down home alone as a lot of rape and murder cases have already taken place in this area. After a while Akshay gave her a note saying that it was from her driver, who gave it before he left. "How will you go alone now?" the note said. Poor Susan was very nervous and in tears. But, when they realized it was going overboard, they burst out laughing and called it off!

How do you compare these with your earlier movies?
My earlier films, Parineeta, Eklavya, Salaam- e- Ishq; all created a serious impact on the audiences. This is a fun packed entertainer with great commercial value.

Your family is very protective about you.
Yes they are. Apart from my parents, who are extremely protective, my sister and my brother-in-law are also very particular about how I am handling my life. They are more keen to know what I am doing, how I am going about things etc. Honestly, in the movie business, one has to have a support system without which it isn't easy. And it feels nice to live a life where you feel sheltered.

Have you looked up to any actress and any performance?
I think makers also have an important role to play in this. Madhuri Dixit was wonderful in 'Devdas'. She has gone through her career very well and this was a high point. I want to live my life the way she did and I shall feel very happy about that for sure.

People have even compared you with the legendary Madhuri Dixit. Comment.
I am quite flattered by the comparison. But I guess I have loads to reach before I come close to her.

Are you an ambitious actress?
Yes. But I am not very ambitious. I love to enjoy and live life to its utmost.

Do you think we should leave our hearts and minds at home before we watch Heyy Babyy?
Not at all! You can take both to the cinema halls and enjoy the film. It is also an intelligent film in parts.

Source - Sanskriti Media

Doctor gave me what God did not!!

Mallika and Rakhi are two names that make heads turn and spell OOMPH. The sex symbols have been known to hit tabloid headlines since their entry in to the industry and especially of late, what with Rakhi appearing on Karan Johar's high-profile show, and Mallika doing a Rs 1.5 crore guest appearance in Himesh Reshammiya's Aap Ka Suroor

But recently the question that has been arising is who is the best? The diva! The Marilyn Monroe of Bollywood...

The bindaas Rakhi Sawant makes no bones about her humble background, rather she has been able to use it to her own advantage. Born to a Mumbai policeman, she entered Bollywood through the music video and item number route. Since then, she's done umpteen no. of minor roles in several minor movies.

Mallika Sherawat, the self proclaimed 'empress' (Mallika) of the tabloids, in contrast, made the right move to begin with, changing her name, divorcing her husband and kissing her first hero (Khwahish) 17 times. Since then, her rise has been steady.

Her latest appearance in Aap Ka Suroor played up her vamp image, complete with Helen style Mehbooba dance. Mallika has done an excellent job crossing over from being a cheez to a heroine acting with Rahul Bose, and commanding Rs 1.5 crore for a guest appearance in Aap ka Suroor.

Certainly in the big league, she's also regarded as sexy rather than beautiful. Mallika was the first Bollywood actor to receive an offer from Playboy to pose nude, which she turned down. Both are known for courting controversy.

"I've slogged like crazy to get where I am. And those who think it's just my body that got me where I am, they should take a look at the others who have rushed in after me.

They haven't gone beyond their first feverish film," says Mallika, but brakhi isn’t very far behind with “I am not Mallika Sherawat, I am not Aishwarya Rai, I am not Preity Zinta. I am Rakhi Sawant and I represent the general public" and "Jo bhagwan nahi deta woh doctor deta hai.

Rakhi, with her unabashed comments about her plastic surgery, her kiss with Mika and her controversial Bigg Boss appearance.

Lets take a case study of Koffee with Karan.

Karan Johar has featured every celebrity worth showcasing on his show. And almost each one has mentioned either Rakhi or Mallika in conversation not always in a complimentary way.

While Mallika herself appeared on the show last season with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rakhi has only just come on —solo. Rumours have it that no star wanted to appear with her. Both got accolades for the way they handled themselves —with frills and blatant attitude.

Says brand domain expert Harish Bijoor, "Both have been in the public eye and have common points to offer. But Mallika's positioning has been on the level of class, she's branded herself with her work. While Rakhi believes all publicity is good publicity —that's not good brand positioning."

"Mallika Sherawat is instantly associated with one word: sexy. Her positioning is sharper. Rakhi Sawant's brand positioning, on the other hand, is what's known as dissipated —a bit of this and that. The name Rakhi raises the thought of controversy /Mika/kissing/exposure.

Behind the glamour, the grim reality

It's probably always been a part of Bollywood, but it never fails to shock. Casting couch is very much a reality in the industry that ironically presents a rosy view of life. But few choose to speak about this menace, for reasons that are obvious – career concerns, fear of retribution, backlash from peers, and so on.

All the same, on a search for the truth about casting couch and a TV special on it, which incidentally aired last weekend on a leading Hindi news channel, I came across some details that did a good job of putting me off films. Behind the smiles and the makeup lie the pain of compromises, the lack of trust and maybe even regret, all masked to earn the daily bread, with some butter on it. My first stop was, of course, the cream of Bollywood – the A-list names that audiences go gaga over. Strangely, this bunch was the one that was staunchly opposed to passing a single comment about the casting couch. None of the top notch people in the industry wanted to be associated with a topic so sensitive. Most would either not comment or vehemently deny that the casting couch existed at all.

Then I tried to target the second rung of actors and actresses, who are somewhere between 'strugglers' and 'A-listers'. They're finding their way around and are looking for a chance to break into the top bracket. Of course, they too are reluctant to talk about the menace, mainly because they don't want to rock the boat that might take them to stardom. Many have strong protectors in image managers and publicists, who monitor each and every word uttered by their clients to edit out politically incorrect statements. "My client is undergoing an image change and we would prefer him/her to not be associated with issues like this," was the standard response I received from these. It's hard to blame them. There's many a slip between the cup and the lip.

Some, however, were willing to speak up on conditions of anonymity. Model and actor Aryan Vaid boldly agreed to talk about his experiences. "I have been propositioned by one of Bollywood's biggest directors. I have been offered money to sleep with politicians by one of the biggest ever producers in Bollywood. These things keep happening but no one forces you in the industry," he says. The director in question is famous for his top star cast and his movies almost always have an international element to them. And politics? How
does one explain a top and prominent leader from one of the nation's most conservative political parties to seek sexual favors from actors? Preach what you don't practice seems the motto. It's scary then to think that these are the people shaping the country. Dale Bhagwagar, who is publicist to the likes of Shilpa Shetty and Hrithik Roshan, says: "When people are in a position of power a world of opportunity is open to them. With beautiful people around, the couch is just another pleasure trip that many choose to take."

The most vocal group was perhaps what we derogatorily call the 'strugglers'. The worst affected by the casting couch, they are exploited as they struggle to make ends meet in the hope that someday the world will sit up and take notice of them. They're more than willing to talk, for two reasons – an opportunity to air their grievances and free publicity (it's hard to not be an attention-seeker in this industry).

After talking to some of them, you realize that there are very few who might have escaped the couch. Yes, few are caught in the act, but most grin and bear it and give their bodies in return for fame, fortune and wards. Surprise, surprise – not many even consider this swap immoral. All is fair in love and the search for success.

When it comes to survival, morals can't give you food, clothing and shelter, can it? "Everyone is propositioned. But the ones affected most are the ones who come from outside Mumbai. They are the ones who have to get work somehow. Mumbai is an expensive city and to survive here, ethics sometimes don't help," says Poonam Jhaver. Those who cannot compromise take the train back home, but many see sex as a small exchange for dreams fulfilled.

Actress Nandini Jhumani simplifies it thus: "It's a game of give and take. If you want something you have to give something. This is the common rule of life. Why is this being blown into such a big issue? If two people are okay with what they are doing, then it's a win-win situation. We all know that without talent one can't get far. Sex is only a tool."

That's practical if not altogether palatable to many. But even then, not everyone can suppress their conscience to go with the flow. Television actor Bobby Vats is one person who couldn't warm anyone's bed to be a star. "There are good people, but it really depends on who you decide to associate with. I am six feet-two inches tall and could've had a great future in ramp modeling. But when I refused to get into the big bisexual circle that involves top fashionistas, I was no longer welcome in the industry." He even mentions the name of a top designer who openly propositioned him. "He does shows all over India and he works with all the top models including John Abraham and Arjun Rampal. I am not saying that everyone who works with him is like that. But a lot of them are. Today, when I see myself not working with him, I feel bad. But then I think of my ethics and feel happy I made the choice I did. I have to be able to look myself in the mirror," Vats adds.

Two others who had a tough time battling the lecherous eyes of Bollywood's bad boys are item girls Liza Malik and Nikita. Both have just started out in the industry but have had experiences that will shock you. While Nikita accuses one of the big producers in the industry of attempted rape, Liza alleges that a director who was recently nominated in the best director category of IIFA tried to misbehave with her.

As a journalist, all I can do is bring out these stories, of course with the names of both the accuser and the accused left out. Because there is no way to substantiate the accusations, because the old order might change but casting couch is handed down, because there are careers and livelihoods at stake, because the menace is very much a part of being a star. All the same, there's a certain part of me that still can't accept it and move on. Penning these down is but one more way to vocalize my angst.

Source : Pavithra Selvam/ Sanskriti Media

Hansika Motwani to pair up with NTR

Hansika Motwani, the heroine of blockbuster ´Desamuduru´ is going to pair up with Young Tiger NTR, for a film to be produced by C Aswinidutt on the banner of Vyjayanti Movies with Meher Ramesh as director.

This is her second film in Telugu. Debutant director Meher Ramesh had earlier worked as an assistant with popular director Puri Jagannath and proved himself as a successful director in Kannada.

It may be mentioned here that ´Okkadu and Idiot´ of Telugu were earlier remade in Kannada in Meher Ramesh´s direction. Though ´Andhrawala´ was a disaster in Telugu, it was remade in Kannada as ´Veera Kannadiga´ under Ramesh´s direction and it was a big hit there.

All these three films were moulded on the screen with the sons of Kannada Kanteerava Raj Kumar. Presently NTR was busy with the shooting of ´Yamadonga´.

After the completion of this movie, Aswinidutt´s film would go to sets