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The latest issue of People Magazine features not only the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai on the front cover but also runs a feature on her journey so far.

Its been 15 long years when Aishwarya Rai did India proud by winning the Miss World Title in 1994. The feature also talks at length about her Bollywood career and also marriage to Abhishek Bachchan.

Grab a copy if you care!

Amitabh Bachchan expressed his feelings on his blog on daughter-in-law Aishwarya’s felicitation with the Padmashree Award.

“Aishwarya’s Padma decoration is the fifth in the family. My father received Padmabhushan, myself with (two) Padmashri and Padmabhushan and Jaya was receipient of Padmashri. Five Padma awardees in one family. God is generous and kind,” Bachchan wrote in his blog.

We hope Abhi gets the sixth one… sooner or later!

Aishwarya Rai’s recent Hollywood venture seemed to be a damp squib when people discovered that she had only a few scenes. But she went ahead and justified her presence and role in Pink Panther saying that she did the movie only for Peter Sellers and not to make any statement.

She said, “I loved Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther series when I was a kid and watched these films. It was hilarious, a laugh riot and a thorough family entertainer. People across different age groups love ‘The Pink Panther’ because the films always bring a smile to one’s face.”

“When I was offered this film, I was really excited as for me I was doing something which I have loved seeing as a child. It was a fun film which I would enjoy working in. The film did not require me to do intense acting and I did not have to look forward to scoring points as it had an ensemble cast of terrifically talented actors. I wanted to have a good time with all of them and I said a yes to the project. I’m not expecting critical acclaim or something from this film since the film is not about me, it’s about Steve Martin and ‘The Pink Panther’.”

Then I wonder what was the hype and hoopla all about!

Superhit pair of Jodhaa Akbar are now all set to play another great couple from history – Ram and Sita.Sanjay Khan,Hrithik’s father-in-law has plans of producing Ramayan for Bollywood and Hrithik couldnt help but say yes to the role of Lord Ram.

Actor Zayed Khan, has been asked to play Lakshman and talking to a newspaper, he revealed, “My father is indeed making the Ramayan. It’s called The Legend of Rama. He has been planning this film for the last three years and looking for (someone) perfect to play Rama. And who but Hrithik could be the perfect choice for the role?”

Apparently Amitabh Bachchan has agreed to play Dashrata. Aishwarya Rai has been chosen to play Goddess Sita for the film.

They are yet to decide who will play the character of Ravan in the film.

While everyone was brouhaha about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan doing her first mainstream Hollywood flick trying to bank upon her international fame. The poor lady, after all the hype and hoopla, now is no more than a mere sidekick to Steve Martin.Apparently, the Bachchan babe was a bit too excited about this big Hollywood project she got in her kitty. But they didnt even feature her anywhere in the film’s promos. The producers reportedly decided upon not featuring Aishwarya Rai in the promos because they didnt know how to present her as a star in Hollywood because her star-status and popularity is only restricted to South Asia.

A source was quoted saying, “Yes, many know Aishwarya Rai as one of the most beautiful faces in the world. But that was not quite enough for them to flock to watch her movie.”

Bechari Ash… why go to foreign shores for sidekick roles when you can carry an entire film on your shoulders here in India.

Aishwarya Rai celebrated her most romantic birthday in the wilderness of Kochi, Kerala, with her husband Abhishek Bachchan. This was all she could wish for on her birthday.

She said, “In a way I couldn’t have asked for more. It’s a beautiful green paradise here. We started shooting just a day ago. And we already feel those vibes of an extraordinary happening. And my husband is with me.

So is my most favorite director (Mani Ratnam) who directed us in in one of our best films together (Guru) and who incidentally also happens to be my first director. And we’re working on the most beautiful film that we could ever hope for. What better birthday could I as for?”

Ask her what she has asked for as a birthday gift and she says,

“Ha, ” laughs lovely diva, “You know me. I don’t ask for anything. I already have everything that I could possibly want without asking for. And like I said I’m with the love of my life in the wilderness.

Sadly no one will be able to get through to me where I’m shooting. But all the sms, prayers and love will be with me when I return to civilization in the evening tomorrow. Yeah I miss my family on my birthday. But then I can’t have it all, can I?”

Aishwarya indicated that Mani Ratnam had given her a day off yesterday so that she could go out with Abhishek and enjoy celebrating her birthday.

For Aishwarya Rai, who turned 35 yesterday, life has never been more beautiful. She is happy and married, her career has reached a peak and she is keeping up there with new projects on hand.

Aishwarya is particularly excited for her forthcoming film with Abhishek by Mani Ratnam.

“It’s a really exciting thought for me and Abhishek to be coming together again with Mani Ratnam. All I can say about the film is that it goes into a completely different theme from ‘Guru’,” Aishwarya, who turned 35 today, told an Indian newspaper.

“You can’t expect Mani sir to go into the same space twice. Working with him is an exciting thought for any actor. The way he connects to his actors is very clear in the films that he makes. He creates magic on screen,” she added.

Talking about her last film with Mani Ratnam opposite Abhishek Bachchan, she said, “It has been a very precious experience on every level, and not just on a personal level. I’d say it was professionally very fulfilling.”

Despite their busy schedules, Abhi and Ash find ample time to spend with each other.

“I had joined Abhishek in Jaipur where he was shooting for ‘Dilli 6?. Then I was with him in Miami for ‘Dostana’. I also packed in Cannes and Paris. Life is beautiful. It really is. You know, life is as special as you make it for yourself. Of course, you can’t live your life in a bubble. There’re people who want to rain on your parade. It’s up to you how you protect your space,” said Aishwarya.

Perhaps that was a pointer to – ehem ehem.. You know who!

Bollywood gurus believe that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one of the most bankable stars in the Indian film industry.

Film critic, Taran Adarsh confirms, “Aishwarya’s career graph has been very good though not excellent but she is the only actress who can attract national and international crowds. She is the face of so many international brands and a very good actress also.”

Jagmohan Mundhra who directed Ash in provoked said, “She is a superstar. Not only is she a recognised name worldwide; she is a totally bankable star. My personal experience with her from ‘Provoked’ says that the film wouldn’t have worked without her.”

“The best thing about her is that despite her stature, she is completely a director’s actor. She would also give her inputs in the character and would never come back to see a shot once the director approves it. She is thoroughly professional,” Mundhra added.

Priyanka Chopra also has some praises to heap on Ash, she says, “She is a gorgeous lady, a very elegant person and a great representative of India abroad and I think she has made some great cinema recently. I’d like to watch a lot more of her in films,”

World famous Canadian comedian of an Indian origin – Russel Peters has a new topic to make people laugh with and that is of course the Indian movies.

At one of his shows he said, “I wouldn’t watch a Bollywood film even if I am at the lowest point of my life. These films have horrible stories and terrible acting. I don’t know why your films have singing or dancing every other minute. Either you are telling a story or you are not.”

And the best was when he took a dig at Bollywood’s internationally famous actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, he said, “Aishwarya Rai (now Aishwarya Bachchan) is the biggest example of bad acting. She has proved it time and again how it can do wonders. In Bollywood, people can become superstars just by having a pretty face.”

So now Aishwarya Rai along with International fan following has international jokes on her… Way to go Ash!

Amitabh Bachchan is finally home after being discharged from Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital yesterday. As soon as he was in the comfort of his own home he got time to update his blog and write about his experiences.

Big B was really overwhelmed by the concern and well wishes of his fans as he wrote,

“Your love overwhelms me. Your concern for my well being humbles me. I owe so much to you.”
“My sincerest thanks to all who gave me strength to fight another medical battle. The fans and well wishers. The media friends who wrote in on my mobile. Friends who visited me at the hospital and those that wrote in. Strangers who I never met or know.”

He really lashed out at the media on his blog on how the literally harrassed him the night he was being taken to the hospital.

“There is a muted silence outside…No one says a word, except the media. They clamour and scream for that exclusive shot, invading the sanctity of the ambulance. They would never understand the sensitivity of the situation,” he wrote.

He added: “Media is an added hindrance to a smooth, quick emergent ride to Nanavati. If they had their way they would ideally want to be seated on the stretcher with me and have me answering questions – ‘What would be the celebrations for the birthday sir and will you be inviting Shah Rukh’. Insensitive. Callous.”

Talking about his plans now, he said he plans to rest and recuperate and give company to women at home who would be celebrating Karva Chauth.