Spotted: When a fly disturbed Ash

The insect kept hovering around Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and she had to keep waving it away at a launch event

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan unveiled a real estate project at an event held yesterday at a Worli hotel. A fly kept hovering around her and she had to keep waving it away

Hope it was not the proverbial fly on the wall. Ash also continously held on to the sides of the chair and kept adjusting her gown. Blame it on the design?

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Salman cycles around Aishwarya's van

Everyone knows that Salman Khan loves to cycle to keep fit.

But what a birdie saw on Wednesday evening at Mehboob Studios was of particular interest. Sallu was at the studio for Dabangg 2 media interactions while Aishwarya Rai Bachchan happened to be at the same location for an endorsement shoot. Sallu was spotted cycling around Ash's vanity van for quite a while!

Onlookers wondered what would happen if the two crossed paths? But sadly that did not happen and the actress left the venue long after Sallu had. But it's not the first time the two have come close to meeting.
Two weeks ago Ash was at Mehboob Studios while Sallu too was in the vicinity. However, they never crossed paths. What would happen if they did meet face-to-face? 

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Revealed: Aishwarya-Salman's close encounter

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Salman Khan were both at Mehboob Studios for their respective work commitments 

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Salman Khan happened to be at the same location! Both the stars were at Mehboob Studios in Bandra but did not cross paths.

While Ash was shooting for a hair product she endorses, Sallu was interacting with the media for his forthcoming sequel.
Says an onlooker, Aishwarya arrived at Mehboob Studios around 12.30 pm and proceeded to stage No 3 for the shoot. Salman arrived by 4 pm and was at stage No 1. While Aishwarya left the venue at 7 pm, Salman was there till late night.
Adds the source, As the security folk were strict, no one could take Aishwarya's entry and exit snapshots. Even though a lot of media folk were present for the Salman event, Ash made a quiet exit.

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Comparisons with Aishwarya taking its toll on Deepika

It is not easy being a Sanjay Leela Bhansali heroine. This, Deepika discovered when she had to perform a traditional Garba for Ram Leela. Traditional choreographers from rural Gujarat have been specially flown in to Mumbai to choreograph the number. 

Says a source close to Deepika, It was the same Garba team that had choreographed Aishwarya Rai's Dholi taro dhol bhaje number in SLB's Hum...Dil De Chuke Sanam. And the director's brief to the team was simple. Make it as scintillating as Aishwarya's number.

Deepika is the only trained classical dancer from her generation of actresses. However the Garba requires a different discipline. 

Says the source, Deepika never performed the Garba before. She had been training for it for the last fortnight. Nonetheless the constant pressure of being compared with Aishwarya is taking its toll on her nerves.
It's giving her performance anxiety. Given the chance she would have liked to dance for the Garba number in her own way. But the constant reminder that she must do it as well as Aishwarya is proving counter -productive to her performing abilities. 

For those who came in late, Aishwarya played a girl from a well-to-do zamindar's family in rural Hum...Dil De Chuke Sanam. Deepika's character in Ram Leela follows the same route. 

Both Aishwarya and Deepika are South Indian girls. But Aishwarya's everyday speech was free of any accent whereas Deepika has a certain Dravidian twang in her voice. 

Says our source, For her Gujju Juliet's role Deepika had to work from scratch. From her speech to her dancing she has gone through a complete revamp. But now when she's been told to do 'another Dholi taro' Deepika is not enjoying the pressure of having to live up to a reference point. 

Look out for fireworks ahead. 

It's My Home

Deepika is deeply wounded with reports that Siddharth Mallya has bought her a home.

Taking a deep breath the house-proud actress says, From the time I came to Mumbai I was looking for a particular kind of home which didn't have to be bought according to the kind of of money I made in Mumbai. 
I've been used to a certain kind of lifestyle from long before I came to Mumbai. And I worked hard for it. Thankfully my Dad has handled all my finances pretty wisely. Yeah, I am smart about money. To hear people take away from my achievements by suggesting someone bought my house for me and, worse, that I am going to sell the house is insulting. 

Buying property in Mumbai is not that simple. I'm just getting used to my home, where's the question of moving out? I come from a home in Bangalore where we were taught to value what we have. I never took money from my father once I started working. 

More than me it's very embarrassing for my parents to read my home has been bought by someone and that I am selling the home that has supposedly gifted. I'm very proud of my house. It's been a year since I moved on. I wouldn't dream of moving out.

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Are Abhishek and Aishwarya, Shah Rukh's new 4 am buddies?

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai were spotted outside Shah Rukh Khan's home Mannat in Bandra at 4 am yesterday 

The couple had come to wish King Khan on his 47th birthday. Looks like the history between the Bachchans and SRK has been clearly forgotten. 

New 4 am buddies kya? 

Abhishek Bachchan is a dotting dad

At a recent even held in honour of wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, hubby Abhishek Bachchan played the doting dad to the hilt looking after baby Aaradhya.

Abhi was seen cuddling and kissing the little one throughout the evening. And when the little one broke into a cry, daddy dearest rushed out with his little one to pacify her. 
He stood outside the hall patiently waiting for Aish to finish her speech. Aish couldn't help but get a little emotional. The lady graciously thanked her hubby, and her daughter for giving her the honour of being a mom. 

With a daddy like Abhi, we are sure that the little one will be pampered no end.

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Beti B hogs limelight at mom Ash's event: What made Aaradhya cry?

Aaradhya is not even a-year-old and to think this toddler, who has been kept away from the prying eyes of media, hogged the limelight at an event to honour her mother, actress Aishwarya Rai. 

Dressed in a frock and floral hairband, Beti B grabbed all the attention with her cute antics Thursday at an event where Aishwarya received the prestigious French Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contribution to the arts. 

The entire Bachchan family, with the exception of Jaya Bachchan, were present to support the actress. Aishwarya's parents were also there. 

Entering the hall in her mother's arms, Aaradhya didn't like it one bit when Aishwarya was called on the podium to receive the honour. Her constant cries forced her dotting dad Abhishek to carry her outside. 

Aishwarya reasoned it out saying, "It gets overwhelming for babies. That's why we get protective. We would love to share our personal moments with all of you, but we tend to take care of our babies." 
The actress is thoroughly enjoying motherhood.

"I am realising what it takes to be a mother. Thank you (Abhishek) for giving me such an indefinable experience of being a mother. It surpasses everything," she said while looking at Abhishek. 

The mother-daughter duo is inseparable - Beti B accompanied her Aishwarya to Cannes film festival this year. They also travelled to Chicago to visit Abhishek on the sets of "Dhoom 3". 

Aradhaya was also seen at grandfather Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday bash. 

Aaradhya will celebrate her first birthday Nov 16.

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Aishwarya gets French honour

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai was Thursday conferred upon a civilian award by the French government for her contribution to the arts on the occasion of her birthday

Francois Richier, ambassador of France to India, conferred the honour of prestigious 'Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters' on her at a hotel here. On receiving the award, Aishwarya said: 'I want to thank the French government for honouring me with the award. It's truly overwhelming. I thank you in all humility.' 

She thanked her family for their support and expressed her gratitude towards her colleagues. 'I want to thank every professional who I have worked with and who made it possible for me to have such a glorious career, ' she said. The Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters honour is given to people who have shown exceptionable contribution to arts in France and the rest of the world. 

In the past, noted celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and Nandita Das received the honour. The entire Bachchan family, except Jaya Bachchan, were present at the event. Aishwarya's daughter Aradhaya was also there. 

Besides her family, actress Nandita Das, Parmeshwar Godrej and filmmaker Pritish Nandy were also present on the occasion among others. 

Aishwarya turned 39 Thursday, so a cake cutting ceremony was also organised for her. After winning the Miss World crown in 1994, Aishwarya debuted as an actress in Mani Ratnam's 1997 Tamil movie 'Iruvar'. Later she did Hindi movies like 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', ' Guru', 'Jodhaa Akhbar' and 'Devdas'. 

Proud of Aishwarya's French honour: Big B
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he is proud that his daughter-in-law, actress Aishwarya Rai, has been chosen to receive a civilian award by the French government for her contribution to the arts on her 39th birthday. 

Aishwarya received the honour of prestigious 'Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters' by Francois Richier, ambassador of France to India, here Thursday.

"Aishwarya celebrates her birthday and also a recognition by the French government. They confer on her the medal of honor for arts and letters, their second biggest award," the 70-year-old posted on his blog. 

"Many years ago the French had decorated me with the Legion d'Honor their highest medal and now the family prides itself with having two of the family gaining recognition from the French," he further posted. 

The Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters honour is given to people who have shown exceptionable contribution to arts in France and the rest of the world. 

In the past, noted celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan and Nandita Das have received the honour.

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Aishwarya Rai turns 39 today, so what're her big plans

Aishwarya Rai turns 39 today. The actress has planned a family celebration for her birthday

Bollywood diva and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turned 39 on Thursday. Her 10-month old daughter Aaradhya will be joining in the celebrations this year.

According to media reports, husband Abhishek Bachchan, who is currently shooting for "Dhoom-3" in Chicago, might be planning to a mini-vacation by flying his family away for a two-day celebration in Goa. 

The reports say that the family may also plan a get-together with some of their close friends and it is possible that they may fly out later as Aishwarya visits a temple on her birthday. 

The actress will also receive a French honour this evening. 

Ash and Abhishek Bachchan got married in 2007 and are the proud parents of a girl child. 
Winner of two Filmfare Best Actress award, Aishwarya was the youngest Indian actress to be conferred with the fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri, by the Indian government. 

The talented actress not only won the hearts with her roles in 'Devdas', 'Taal', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Guzaarish' and 'Namesake' but also conquered critical acclaim with her performances in films like 'Choker Bali' and 'Raincoat'. 

A regular jury at The Cannes Film Festival, the actress has also showcased her talents in the Hollywood industry in films like 'The Pink Panther 2' and 'Bride and Prejudice'. 

Ash, who is known for her social work, has been appointed as a goodwill ambassador for UNAIDS. 

November promises oodles of celebrations for the Bachchans as Aaradhya's first birthday is about to be celebrated after a fortnight that is on 16th of the month.

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Aaradhya is the prettiest baby in the world: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

When the world got the first glimpse of baby Aaradhya Bachchan last week, obvious comparisons where made between the little one and her mother.

When a reporter told her that her little one was cute, the gushing mom said, "I am totally besotted with my baby. I think that she's the prettiest in the world."

When the lady was asked about being a protective mom, Aishwarya replied, "Well, I think it's a mom's instinct to be protective. At the airport, when I saw 40 cameras flashing at my baby, it was natural on my part to shield her.

I don't want her to get hassled by this attention. After all, she's not even a year old."

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I know Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Halle Berry

Halle Berry on working with a big actors and playing half a dozen characters in 'Cloud Atlas' 

Juggling hats comes easy to Halle Berry. No wonder that the former Bond Girl has played six roles in her upcoming film based on David Mitchell's novel Cloud Atlas with elan. The Oscar winner chats with us about her yummy mummy status, her industry colleagues and much more...

How do you manage being a career woman and a doting mother at the same time?
If you want to have a career, you can have it. At times when I don't want to work and be a mom, I do that. I think it depends on what you do. Working in this industry is always hard.

You've worn a sari in the film. How did that come along?
It was a part where I had to attend a party so I chose to wear a sari. It was something I've never tried before but I'm glad I pulled it off quite nicely.

Was it tough playing six characters in the same film?
After all, it was an opportunity to work with directors like Lana and Andy Wachowski and Tom Tykwer. They are such wonderful people. To play different kinds of characters in one film was a constant challenge day- after-day and every character I played is different from the other.
How was it working with Tom Hanks?
It was amazing. I believe one actor sharpens another. And while working with someone as great as Tom Hanks, you have no choice but to grow and get a little bit better.

And what about Susan Sarandon and Hugh Grant?
They are fantastic. There's so much to learn from them and it was fun watching Hugh go around the set in his cannibal outfit. He looked awesome!

Any plans to visit India soon?
I kind of have an idea of what I am missing so I want to be there as soon as possible. I have seen pictures of the country and read so much about it.

Lastly, have you watched any Bollywood film?
I know Aishwarya Rai (Bachchan). She looked beautiful when she was on Oprah Winfrey's show and also in The Pink Panther. But I haven't seen any of her films. 

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Aishwarya shields Aaradhya from media

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was off late seen with her daughter Aaradhya, Thursday became a protective mother, shielding the 11-month-old baby from photographers

I understand it is your job to take pictures and bytes. But she (Aaradhya) is newly woken up to this world. I don't want the child to get hassled. You want the child to be protected.

It's a natural instinct of being protective,  she told reporters. Aaradhya is on the US time and I am on double duty for 24 hours.

I love spending time with her, ' added Aishwarya. Aaradhya was born Nov 16, 2011.

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Aishwarya Rai in the Hot Seat

Ash will be interviewed by veteran journalist Sir David Frost for his new show. He will also attend Amitabh Bachchan's birthday bash 

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has always been the international media's darling. Not only has she been interviewed by Oprah Winfrey and David Letterman in the past, buzz is that British journalist Sir David Frost is now all set to have the actress in the hot seat.

Our source says, The veteran journalist is starting on his new show titled The Frost Interview and has lined up Ash as one of his first interviewees. Frost is also expected to attend Amitabh Bachchan's birthday party. He will arrive in Mumbai around the same time.
Sir David Frost is best known for his interviews with former President Richard Nixon, which were made into a film and a play. The series of eight, one-hour interviews will feature a person who has changed, or contributed greatly to his or her line of work. 

Our source adds, Frost will also interview Sir Paul McCartney and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in separate episodes.

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Aishwarya named UNAIDS' goodwill ambassador

The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has appointed Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as its International Goodwill Ambassador

She will raise global awareness on protecting children from HIV infection and increasing access to antiretroviral treatment. The appointment came a day before the start of the annual debate at the UN General Assembly. Aishwarya has been involved in humanitarian issues for many years and will now have a special focus on HIV/AIDS, Xinhua reported.

At a press conference Monday, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe welcomed Aishwarya to the UNAIDS family. Mrs. Rai Bachchan is respected and admired by millions of people around the world, Sidibe said.

I am convinced that through her global outreach, Mrs. Rai Bachchan can help UNAIDS reach its goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children by 2015.

Speaking on this occasion, Aishwarya said: 'I am honoured to accept this appointment.' 'Spreading awareness on health issues, especially related to women and children, has always been a priority for me,' she said. And now, as a new mother, I can personally relate to this -- the joys and concerns of every mother and the hopes that we have for our children.

I strongly believe that every baby should be born free from HIV. And I wish that every woman living with HIV stays healthy and has access to treatment. I promise that with UNAIDS, I will do my utmost to make this happen,' she added.

Aishwarya worked as a model before starting her acting career, and won the Miss World pageant in 1994. She has starred in films in various languages including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali.

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Hollywood calling Zarine Khan not Ash

It appears that Zarine Khan might just be Hollywood-bound! Buzz is that the starlet is the latest from B-Town who has been approached by Daniel Silva for his film Chimera, based on his bestseller novel The Falling Angel

Says a source, `Zarine got a call from the filmmakers last week. She is contemplating on the offer.`

It appears that Zarine, who was last seen in Housefull 2, might just agree to the project. A while back there was speculation that Aishwarya Rai had been offered a role in the film headlining Billy Zane (Titantic).

There was also buzz that telly actress Sara Khan had also been approached.

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Who was Aishwarya Rai kissing?

Aishwarya Rai and Sikander Kher greeted each other tad too enthusiastically at a private party

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Sikander Kher greeted each other tad too enthusiastically at a private party in the city 

Reminded us of the peck between Vijay Mallya and Nita Ambani
Draws fans in Kochi

Bollywood actress drew thousands of fans in Kochi while she was there to inaugurate a jewellery store
This was her first public appearance after the delivery of her daughter in November last year. The former beauty queen was in Kochi Sunday for the launch of the first Kalyan Jewellers store, and several fans had lined up along the roads leading to the store. 

Aishwarya, who shot her first post-pregnancy ad for the brand, addressed the fans from atop a special stage, before she went ahead with the formalities of the launch of the store.
The 38-year-old looked traditional in an off-white ensemble by designer duo Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla. She inaugurated the store alongside Malayalam star Dileep. She was accompanied by her mother Vrinda Rai and daughter Aaradhya on the trip.

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First look: All new and slimmer Aishwarya is back to work!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been busy shooting for a South jewellery brand ad

Over the last two weeks, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been busy shooting for a South jewellery brand ad at various locations in Mumbai

She was given a warm welcome by the unit folk as she was facing the camera after motherhood. It was also a nostalgic moment for Ash, as she shot with ace cameraman Kiran Deohans. Kiran had earlier shot with her, when Ash first returned to work post her marriage as well.

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When Salman said Aishwarya on TV!

Actor hails kid's dance performance as better than Aishwariya and Madhuri Dixit

A bitchy actress called to say that she loved the way Salman Khan referred to Aishwarya as Ash on a children's dance reality show

Sallu was the celeb guest on the show for the promotions of his film. When one of the kids danced, he thought she had done a better job than what Aishwarya and Madhuri Dixit had done in Devdas.

But when he was told that the song was picturised on Kirron Kher and not the actresses, he quickly told the kid that she had still done a better job than Ash! Hmmm...

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Aishwarya back in action with a Hollywood film?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has reportedly been approached to be part of a Hollywood project

If rumours are to be believed, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will soon be seen in a Hollywood film co-starring Billy Zane of Titanic fame. 

Our source says, “Ash has been approached by director Daniel Silva for his upcoming film that also stars Billy Zane, TV actress Sara Khan and singer Lucky Ali.”

Sara Khan confirms our story and says, “I have signed the film. I have been told the makers have approached Ash. We will start shooting in Los Angeles from September 13. It’s a thriller film and I am playing Billy’s wife.”
Aishwarya however did not respond to our request for confirmation. The new mom, who had taken a sabbatical from Bollywood after becoming pregnant with her first child, is said to be working hard to look fit for this project.

The film also stars Billy Zane

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Incomplete without Ash, Aaradhya: Abhishek

Abhishek Bachchan says it's tough to choose between his wife Aishwarya Rai and daughter Aaradhya.

"No father on the earth can ever answer that question like that. Both are an integral part of my life and I need both of them to complete me, " Junior B said.

The 36-year old was at the 92.7 Big FM studio here to chat with listeners.

Abhishek and Aishwarya welcomed their first child Nov 16 last year.

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Beti B has brown eyes

Aishwarya Rai, who is in London with Abhishek Bachchan for an event has been spotted with daughter Aaradhya on the streets

Though the Bachchans are safely guarding Beti B’s face from being photographed, Ash’s fans, who had a dekko of the baby in London, have stated that her eyes are brown as well as her skin tone and she has long eyelashes.

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