Aishwarya Rai’s Tandav Dance for RAAVAN!!

Move over sensuous dancing like Kajrare in Bunty Aur Bubbly, which Aishwarya Rai had done with Abhishek and Big B. Now the gorgeous lady is learning Tandav dance from reputed Indian classical dancer Astad Deboo, which will be a fusion of Kathak, ballet and contemporary form of dancing.







The dance will present a potent mixture of passion, retribution and redemption on the screen in Mani Rathnam’s upcoming mega venture ‘Raavan’. Sources from the set of the film reveal that director Mani Rathnam wanted to have a climactic dance showing life and death, and he zeroed in on Astad Deboo, as he is considered to be the master exponent of contemporary and classical Indian dancing.





Deboo specializes in fusion dance choreography and hence was considered by Mani Rathnam to be suitable to teach Aishwarya Rai these new steps for the upcoming flick.

In fact, Aishwarya Rai is required to perform this new dance twice in the film—first time it will be with hubby Abhishek Bachchan for the Hindi version, and second time with southern superstar Vikram for the Tamil version of the flick.



As the shooting for ‘Raavan’ is taking place into the deep jungles of Athirapally in Kerala and the floors are not very conducive for dancing, Aishwarya Rai has to learn these intricate steps on slippery grounds with her new guru Astad Deboo.



Though Aishwarya Rai had vowed the audiences with her sizzling hot dance performances in flicks like(Kajrare number) ‘Bunty Aur Bubbly’ and with Hrithik Roshan in Yashraj Films’ super hit ‘Dhoom’, but this Tandav dancing is entirely new to her, and the graceful lady is finding it really difficult to come to terms that easily.

However, it must be admitted that Aishwarya Rai was no less graceful while going for classical numbers in movies like Taal’ (Kahin Aag Lage… number) and in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ (Nimbuda …..number), and so should not have much difficulty in performing intricate steps for Mani Rathnam’s upcoming magnum opus ‘Raavan’.



‘Raavan’ is a contemporary adaptation of that great epic ‘Ramayan’ by master story teller Mani Rathnam. However, the catch in the film will be that it is going to be depicted as seen from the point of view of Raavan, and not from Ram’s point of view, as is usually the case. The title character of ‘Raavan’ is played by Abhishek Bachchan, and its he who kidnaps Aishwarya Rai in the flick.

Aishwarya Rai- Bachchan And Shah Rukh Khan To Pair Up Again?

If the grapevine is to be believed, the 'Mohabbatein' (2000) pair of Aishwarya Rai- Bachchan And Shah Rukh Khan are all set to end a seven year sabbatical and team up once again for King Khan's home banner, ‘Red Chillies Entertainment.’

As may be recalled after 'Mohabbatein', the SRK-Aish pair had shot for Aziz Mirza's 'Chalte Chalte'(2003). Unfortunately due to an on the set showdown involving the lead pair and Salman Khan, Aishwarya was ousted from the project and in came Rani. As a fallout SRK was not invited for the Abhishek-Aishwarya wedding.

Aishwarya Rai in “Action Replay”

Mumbai: The hot and stunning actress of Bollywood Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will be seen as an old lady in her forthcoming movie “Action Replay” under the direction of director Vipul Shah.

The director of the movie Vipul Shah wanted Aishwarya to play an original character of an old lady in his forthcoming direction, movie “Action Replay”. Vipul hired a make up artist from Hollywood for the make to Aishwarya. Aishwarya scolded Vipul for make up artist on the sets.

According to the sources, during her make up, Aishwarya got angry to bring her personal make up artist instead of hiring one but the director denied the actress and continued the make up by the Hollywood artist.

Rains spoil Raavan's mood

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan must be praying to the rain god for some mercy these days. The couple who are shooting in Kerala’s Chalakudy jungle are not able to give their perfect shot because of the rains.

These days Abhi Ash are shooting a chase scene where there are several underwater sequences. The rains are making it difficult for the couple to see clearly while running around.

The actors wake up at the crack of dawn and shoots till sun down.

We are sure, the couple would be displeased with rains for a long time to come.

For various reasons it seems that making of Raavan is a bit jinxed. Mani Ratnam's health scare. Opposition from the forest officials of Kerala. In Ooty officials seized caravans of Ash and Abhishek due to lack of proper documents The problems faced by the cast while shooting in the dense Orchcha forests of MP from poisonous insects and snakes. Trouble with vehicles from Chennai being used for the Ooty schedule and license issues.

Hollywood make-up artist makes Aishwarya look old

Mumbai (IANS): From a glam girl to historical character -- Bollywood screen diva Aishwarya Rai has played a variety of roles. Now for "Action Replay" she will don the look of an old woman and director Vipul Shah says he hired a Hollywood make-up artist to get the right make up on her face.

If certain media reports are to be believed, Aishwarya threw tantrums about getting her make-up done by someone other than her own make-up man, but Shah says otherwise.

"Ash did her old age make up with Paul, a Hollywood make-up artist. When we did it the first time, it didn't work out well. When you are doing age make-up, you can't correct it so it had to be removed fully and done again," said Shah in a statement.

The filmmaker, who has made movies like "Waqt - The Race Against Time" and "Singh Is Kinng", says the actress shot the scenes patiently.

"It took us six hours to get her look right. We started shooting at three in the morning and the shooting went on till 7 a.m.," he said.

"Action Replay" also stars Akshay Kumar. The story progresses backwards in time.

Why is Aishwarya Rai angry?

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai is angry now a day. According to the reports the actress is fed up with media.

She wants people to clarify these rumors with her spokespeople, so that they can know about the truth.

Aishwarya’s spokesperson says, “Aishwarya Rai is not just a star. She is also a daughter, a wife, a daughter-in-law and a symbol of true Indian tradition. She has always believed and practised values that govern our society.”

Aishwarya is reportedly angry at the recent quotes about her saying, “My career is more important to me than my family” and “If I want to remain in the film industry then I need to stay fit.”

The spokesperson says further, “Previously Aishwarya preferred to remain silent. Even when she was married off to a tree, she chose not to speak because she truly felt better sense would prevail.”

Aishwarya prepares 'Halwa' for the Jawans

As India is going to pay homage to the martyrs of the Kargil war on July 26th, actor Abhishek Bachchan covered an extra mile and paid a visit to the soldiers who in the most difficult situation are standing still and protecting our country from the enemies. He brought something special for the jawans, Gajar Ka Halwa and Aam Ras especially made by Aishwarya Rai and Jaya Bachchan.

NDTV and Abhishek remember the sacrifice of the Jawans who gave their life for India in the Kargil war 10 years back. Abhishek Bachchan also read out a beautiful poem ‘Agnipath’ written by his grandfather Harivansh Rai Bachchan and also conveyed the special message of father Amitabh Bachchan.

Abhishek Bachchan travels to some area of the war field of Kargil and Drass. He met with the soldiers and had a chat with them.

This special episode of junior Bachchan visiting Kargil will be shown on NDTV's special show "Jai Jawan" Saturday at 12 p.m. and Sunday 11.30 a.m. and 9.30 p.m.

Aishwarya Takes Karate Classes

She already knows how to wield a sword and ride a horse. Now Aishwarya Rai is taking karate classes for her role in the Tamil sci-fi thriller Endhiran , starring Rajnikant as male lead.

The movie has a few fight sequences in which Ash is pitted against the style guru Rajnikant. And to be able to unleash the best kicks and karate-chops on the veteran, Ash is said to taking lessons in the marital art from a seasoned stuntman down south. Reports say the stuntman, named Ramesh, runs a Japanese Shito-Ryu karate school where Ash has enrolled.

In ‘Endhiran’, Rajnikant reportedly plays Ash’s teacher and love interest. In one scene he challenges her for a hand-to-hand combat. And her character takes up the gauntlet and gives a tough fight to him.

In the past, Ash has shown her derring-do in films like Dhoom 2 and ‘The Last Legion’. She also did the highly risky sword-fight sequences in ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ herself.

Aishwarya Rai & Car Accidents?!

What's the deal with people searching for news about Aishwarya Rai and fatal car accidents?!

This is the second time I get numerous search hits on 'Aishwarya Rai dies in fatal car accident' ... Why?

The first time was back in 2006, and it was one of those pranks that spread throughout the net like fire in dry grass!

Yesterday, I got hundreds of hits on that particular post as well!

Let me put all your worries to rest, Ash is alive and kickin'! She's fine and hasn't been involved in any car crash.

Aishwarya is actually very busy preparing for a new role in the movie 'Endhiran'.

She's currently taking karate lessons from a stunt master called Ramesh, to get the moves right. Yup! she's gonna do her own stunts.

So, Ash is fine and I hope she'll be fine for a very long time!

Aishwarya Rai, Hrithik Roshan get place in school text books

Mumbai: Bollywood actors Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan are being seen in school text books.

These stars are being used as illustrations in Sanskrit text books to help students learn alphabets.

It seems Bollywood and learning go hand in hand, Mulayam Singh dedicated a School to Amitabh Bachan.

At the same time Amar Singh opened another school in the name of Aiswarya Rai in Barabanki last year.

It’s a welcome break from the mundane teaching methods.

L'Oreal celebrates 100 years with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

MUMBAI: L'Oréal, celebrated its 100th year with the launch of Beautiful Beginning. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan inaugurated L'Oreal's Beautiful Beginnings at I Lead, Khar Danda Village today. Aishwarya interacted with students of Beautiful Beginning and encouraged and motivated the students who are learning the traits of beauty service.



Beautiful Beginning is an NGO specialized in free vocational training and Education in Beauty to the underprivileged. It is an initiative providing training in beauty services to under privileged girls. It will provide beauty service training to 200 poor urban girls (school drop-outs) each year of Mumbai and Pune. As a result these girls either become employable in existing beauty salons or are able to set up their own small beauty salons. They become economically secure and get more freedom to balance their family duties.



On the occasion of this CSR effort, L'Oreal chief operating officer Dinesh Dayal said, “The L'Oreal India Team has created a comprehensive education and employment project starting with the curriculum for the 4 month course at Beautiful Beginnings and providing the equipment. The training covers Hair Cuts, Colour, Care, Styling, Skin Care Facials, Threading, Waxing, Bleaching and Manicure & Pedicure. We have extensively trained 2 dedicated trainers for the course. We also co-certify the course and will actively help the girls in getting employment afterwards.”



Aishwarya interacted with the students of the training school and said, “Beautiful Beginnings is a project which is close to my heart and I am happy to be its Patron. I connected with it instantly. When some of us are blessed with what we receive in life in terms of opportunities, it becomes wonderful to spread that around. A huge thank you to L'Oreal for considering this project for the centenary because when you are doing it not just with your mind but with your heart you really make a difference. I think it's a fantastic...idea. I am proud to belong to such a family.



L'Oreal India managing director Jacques Challes says, “What better way to celebrate 100 years for L'Oreal group than to give back to Society and the Industry in a meaningful way. The L'Oreal generosity projects have often focused on Women and Education. For example, since the past seven years we have promoting the scientific education of women in Maharashtra with our ‘For young women in Science' program. Now we are adding this new one meant for underprivileged school drop outs. Beautiful Beginnings is indeed a very relevant project for India's twin needs of generating employment and Uplifting Women”

Beautiful inside and out: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Beautiful inside and out: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan is a conscientious brand ambassador. The actress and former beauty queen inaugurated the Beautiful Beginnings on Tuesday, a generosity project to celebrate 100 years of L’Oreal. Opened in Khar Danda village, the project is an initiative providing training in beauty services to under privileged girls, making them employable at existing beauty salons. Aishwarya interacted with the students and declared how happy she is to be the project’s patron. Beauty is as beauty does, right Ash?

Showstopper Basic blue jeans and a white shirt and still she looks fabulous. How does the Bachchan bahu keep pulling it off?

Aishwarya Rai is today's 'dreamgirl', says Hema Malini

Noida (IANS): For Bollywood's original 'dreamgirl' Hema Malini, beauty queen-turned-actress Aishwarya Rai is the only one who deserves the 'dreamgirl' tag among all the new age actresses.

"Whoever is on top is the dreamgirl. I feel it is Aishwarya Rai," Hema told reporters on being asked who, according to her, deserves to be called the 'dreamgirl' nowadays.

Taking about the hardships an actress has to face, she said: "An actress' life is the same - nothing has changed. It is what it was even 20 years back. They have to work very hard, make themselves look beautiful and need a lot of dedication to remain at the top," said Hema, who was in this suburb of the national capital Monday to felicitate winners of supermarket Big Bazaar's 'Meet The Dreamgirl' contest.

Snubbing the whole idea of having a size zero figure, Hema said: "There's no need (for a size zero figure). I was not a size zero. You must have a flat stomach - not a pot belly - and a nice and beautiful face - at least a tolerable face - and you can be an actress."

Dressed in a pale yellow, elegant sari, the 60-year-old actress was at her forthright best when asked about her future projects.

"I've signed one or two (films) which are held up because of the financial problems in the whole world. Otherwise I would have finished those two and they would have released by now."

"One is with Nana Patekar which Deepa Sahi is directing, and the other is with another producer. It is not right to expose everything about a film," she said.

Another film that Hema is working on is "Ek Thi Rani Aisi Bhi" - in which she will play a role based on the life of prominent political figure Vijayaraje Scindia.

Hema, who has delivered hits like "Seeta Aur Geeta", "Satte Pe Satta", and "Sholay" in the past, is also toying with the idea of getting into production and returning to direction after almost 17 years.

"I'm planning to start production. I don't want to say much about it because every time I talk about these things, they never happen. It's my desire to make lovely films because I am an artist and a very creative person," she said.

"But filmmaking is not a joke...so many things are involved," she added.

The actress, who had her first stint with direction in 1992 with Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Dil Aashna Hai", says she would want to be a liberal producer and not want to impose her ideas on the youth.