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Superstar Rajinikanth is one man who has his own magic to steal the hearts of others. This time, it was none other than his co-star and the gorgeous green eyed beauty Aishwarya Rai.
Ash happens to be his leading lady for the film ‘Yanthram’. Usually when Rajini is in Chennai he gets his food from the home. So when the shooting of their movie was on in Chennai, it is heard that Rajini arranged for special food even for Ash from his kitchen.
It is said that the pretty lady was relishing those delicacies and was impressed with the food stuff that was coming from the superstar’s kitchen.
‘Yanthram’ has been progressing briskly without a break and this is being directed by the showman of the south, Shankar.
Mumbai (IANS): Real-life couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, who are busy wrapping up Mani Ratnam’s “Raavan”, have now also teamed up for slick espionage film “Crooked”.
They are carrying on with the trend set by them and another real-life pair, Saif Ali khan and Kareena Kapoor, who are playing spies in Sriram Raghavan’s “Agent Vinod”.
“Our slick espionage thriller will be in the same genre as ‘The Bourne Identity’. It will be shot in Greece, Istanbul, Thailand and India,” said Ritesh Sidhwani, the producer of “Crooked”.
Gul Panag and Jimmy Shergil along with Boman Irani, who has just wrapped up Shyam Benegal’s latest, will also be playing key roles in the film.
“The English-language title will most probably change,” says Sidhwani, who’s working with the entire cast, barring Boman, for the first time.
The film will be directed by Abhinay Deo who is currently in the process of wrapping up Aamir Khan Productions’ “Delhi Belly” with Imran Khan and Shernaz Treasuryvala in the cast.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a woman of substance and there is surely no doubt about it. Recently a survey conducted by a popular research agency, revealed that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is the most powerful female actor racing ahead of the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and even Madhuri Dixit.
CHECK OUT: Aishwarya & Akshay receive Padmashri
This was the first ever extensive research that was conducted of such magnitude to measure Celebrity Power in India; concentrating on different attributes like Popularity, media presence, power of persuasion and image attributes. This all India research also revealed that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is amongst the most persuasive and likeable celebrity in India. She has also garnered over 98.8% of recognition as well as recall value which is at par with cinematic legends like Amitabh Bachchan and cricketing star Sachin Tendulkar; incidentally she is the only female who is part of the top 10 recognized celebrities from all walks of life.
The survey also divulged that Aishwarya is clearly one of the most popular faces among classes as well as the masses. In an otherwise male dominated society Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has clearly emerged as the woman on top!
NEW DELHI: She may no longer be the face of brands like Coca-Cola and Nakshatra diamond jewellery in India, but Aishwarya Rai is still riding
high on successful and long-standing international endorsements.
Aishwarya has completed nearly a decade of endorsing Swiss luxury watch brand Longines and international soap Lux. She has also been the brand ambassador of global haircare brand L’Oreal since 2003.
Noted ad-man Prahlad Kakkar says Aishwarya is sought by well-known brands because she is more than just an actress and is often perceived as an ambassador of India.
“Aishwarya was never a big or major endorser of Indian products. She has an impressive list of international brands to her name and that’s because she is not just an actress who can be judged on hits and flops, but the fact that she is a representative of the Indian woman and is an ambassador of the country,” Kakkar, who made her famous as Sanju in a 1993 TV commercial
for Pepsi, told IANS on phone from Mumbai.
Even representatives of the brands that Aishwarya endorses feel she adds a new dimension to their products.
“Aishwarya has been associated with us since 1999 and it is a big help. Not only in this country but also globally,” Charles Villoz, vice president (sales) of Longines International, had earlier said.
“People across the world love Bollywood films and they go housefull. Wherever we have travelled (with Aishwarya) the response has been overwhelming. She is a global face and we would like to continue this association as long as possible,” Villoz said.
For Aishwarya, who has made her presence felt internationally through English language films like “Bride and Prejudice”, “Mistress of Spices”, “Provoked” and “Pink Panther 2“, signing films and endorsements has been a very selective affair.
When she was approached to promote L’Oreal‘s skin whitening cream, the beauty queen-turned-actress refused as she didn’t want to endorse such a product especially in India, where one’s skin colour is an issue, said a source close to Aishwarya.
“Whether it is films or endorsements, I am – and have been – very selective about my work. I take up work which suits me and fits in my schedule,” Aishwarya had told IANS.
“I don’t take projects that I cannot handle because I believe in totally fulfilling the commitments made by me,” she added.
Following her trip to Tinsel Town and the release of ‘Pink Panther 2‘, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan is back in Bollywood with a heavy duty call sheet in hand. The actress, who was recently felicitated with the prestigious Padma Shri award in Delhi, is set to resume shooting in Mumbai for Vipul Shah’s ‘Action Replay’.
Meanwhile, she has her hands full with Mani Ratnam’s much awaited ‘Raavan‘, opposite her hubby Abhishek. The movie is scheduled to be released in 2010, and is being shot simultaneously in Tamil under the title of ‘Ashokavanam’. Though the cast in the Tamil version differ slightly, the main characters are being essayed by the likes of Vikram, Govinda,Prithviraj Sukumaran, Prabhu Ganesan and Manisha Koirala. It’s being claimed that Raavan/ Ashokavanam is a modern day version of the Ramayana, with Ash as Sita.
From the past to the future, Ash’s next project is S. Shankar’s flamboyant ‘Endhiran’ with superstar Rajnikanth. The movie is being shot in exotic locales and is going to be loaded with sci-fi special effects. Ash’s being paid a cool Rs 6 crores for the film, making her the highest paid actress in India. As of now she’s also signed on for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next production with Hrithik Roshan. Also in the pipeline are Abhinay Deo’s next film to be produced by Farhan Akhtar, and Vishal Bharadwaj’s next directorial venture.
The lukewarm response to her recent Hollywood release Pink Panther-II has had Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (35) conceding her position as the most popular face of Bollywood in the West to the new international craze 24-year-old Freida Pinto (Slumdog Millionaire), who according to reliable sources has been signed for two films — one with Woody Allen and the second with Julian Schnabel.
Freida, who is said to have earned over two million pounds, overtaking
Bollywood beauties like
Aishwarya,
Kareena Kapoor and
Katrina Kaif is also, according to a world film distributor, being wooed to walk the
red carpet at Cannes in May 2009.
On the Bollywood front, Kareena Kapoor (28) has nudged Aishwarya Rai Bachchan out of the Filmfare Top-10 Power list. But a producer from Chennai confirms that Ash is still the highest paid Indian heroine and has reportedly been paid a fee of Rs six crore for Shankar’s Robot, where she is cast opposite Rajnikant. The actor is said to have received a cheque of Rs one crore as signing amount, that is also a first. Usually it is only the leading men who receive such a big sum as a signing amount.
Reportedly, Rajnikant himself is said to come with a price tag of Rs 25 crore for the same film. He will also get a share in the profits since Robot will be released in Hindi and Tamil. The Tamil superstar will be on top of the heap even as far as Bollywood heroes’ prices go.
Regarding Aishwarya’s price, her manager Hari Singh said, “Aishwarya is definitely one of the highly paid actors in the country, but I would not like to comment on the price she has been paid.” Singh also said that exaggerated prices often made the rounds.
Closer home, Kareena Kapoor has reportedly been paid Rs 2.5 crore for Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kambakkht Ishq. Nadiadwala refuses to comment on his heroine’s price but says, “She has been paid what she deserves.”
According to him, with film corporations in the fray, there is more transparency involved and people can actually check prices. “But that is a whole load of hogwash,” says a trade consultant. “Bollywood still continues to be ambiguous with its payments. What is shown on paper is not necessarily the right price.”
Katrina Kaif is said to have been paid Rs 2 crore for Ramesh Taurani’s Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Priyanka Chopra Rs 2 crore for Vishaal Bharadwaj’s Kaminaay.
Of the leading men, Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar have last been paid Rs 21 crore for Ghajini and Singh is Kinng, plus a reported share in the profits. Shah Rukh Khan is said to have had a share in profits for Aditya Chopra’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and he is a partner on Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan, as Johar himself was quoted saying, “It is difficult to put a price tag on SRK.”
It is believed that looking at
Aishwarya Rai’s international recognition and admiration she was being considered by Mattel to be the next celeb face of the popular doll, Barbie. Unfortunately, Ash’s prior commitments didn’t allow her to give a nod. But this did wonders for the beautiful
Katrina Kaif who has now bagged the honour of having a Barbie designed on her. She recently walked the
Lakme Fashion Week ramp at the ‘
Barbie Doll’d up’ show and had everybody in awe. Many were of the opinion that no other celeb could have made a better Barbie.
Katrina has surely outshined Aishwarya when it comes to popularity and her getting selected by the makers of Barbie is not just one reason that points towards that. We present some instances where the young actress has outdone Aishwarya Rai.
Nakshatra chooses Ash over Katrina
Now this is not the first time that Katty has grabbed Ash’s glory. She replaced Aishwarya in her one of the biggest commercial. Katrina surprised all when she replaced Ash in Nakshatra’s commercial. She became the brand ambassador for Gitanjali’s Nakshatra Diamond jewellery and took over the mantle from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Most searched celeb on Google
Being most popular among youngsters Katrina has been declared as the most searched Indian celebrity on the Internet. While Ash failed to find a place in the top 10 fastest rising searches in the India Zeitgeist list.
The Sexiest Asian Woman
She is not just the most searched celeb on the Google Zeitgeist list but London’s Eastern Eye has also declared her to be the Sexiest Asian Woman.
The most Desirable Woman in the world
Katrina Kaif made it to the list of ‘Top 50 Most Desirable Woman in the World’. Interestingly, Aishwarya Rai stood 60th whereas the sexy damsel Katrina won the 48th place.
Big budget films
Katrina is among the A-league of Bollywood. She has been doing all the big and interesting projects like Yash Raj Films’ New York, Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani, and a politician’s role in Rajniti.
Kareena Kapoor is excited after replacing Aishwarya Rai in Filmfare’s power list. The actress says the position is both flattering and scary as it comes with a lot of responsibilities
Kareena, who was seen in last year’s hit ‘Golmaal Returns‘, admits the power comes not just from the movies, but also the products that one endorses.
‘But I make sure the products reflect my personality. I’m endorsing 10 brands. Saif and I are endorsing just one brand together. We’re going easy on signing together,’ she said
Q: It’s quite an honour to zoom to the top 10 of the power list and to be the only woman there.
A: It’s flattering. And it’s scary. Lots of responsibilities. My power comes from my honesty to myself and to my work. I’ve always done things that come naturally from my heart. It’s amazing that I’m in the power list although I’ve never applied much thought to the process of getting there. I’m all heart, as you well know. At the end of the day, being true to myself is very important.
Q: Earlier Aishwarya Rai was in the Top 10 list.
A: Yes, I know. Everyone has a chance to be in a certain position. I think Aishwarya has had a great innings. I think it’s a great honour to be where she was in the power list. Power equations in the entertainment industry change minute by minute. I’m definitely going to try my best to hold that position.
The position makes me feel very responsible. I want to keep doing the kind of work that will keep me in that list. Last year I was seen in a successful film ‘Golmaal Returns‘ where I didn’t have a pivotal role. Strangely audiences expect me to take centre stage all the time.
There is a buzz that Mani Ratnam’s under production Raavan in Hindi and Tamil is a modern day adaptation of the Ramayan.
However the director now is trying to play it down as he does not want to get the ire of the Hindutva brigade.
The one line story is about a married women Sita (Aiswarya Rai) getting kidnapped by a guy with negative shades, a modern day Ravan (Vikram in Tamil and Abhishek in Hindi version), and subsequently they get attracted to each other.
Meanwhile her husband a Police Officer ( Prithviraj in Tamil and Vikram in Hindi), who always thinks negatively does not have the best of relationship with his wife as he is devoted more to his brother (Laxman?) played by Prabhu.
The protagonist is Ravana, an anti hero who is doing it to take revenge on the cop who humiliated his sister (Priyamani) and was responsible for her death. Mani fearing the wrath of Hindu organizations is now trying to keep the parallel between his ‘fictional’ story and Ramayan to the minimum.
He has not shot any intimate love scenes between Vikram (Abhishek) and Aiswarya Rai, and as per sources it is suggestive.
Mani Ratnam is treading very cautiously, as there are too many similarities between the epic and his film. Imagine if a BJP government were to come after the Lok Sabha elections, he would be in a fix.
Model girl
Morning my banofee pies! I’ve just refused a billion dollar endorsement deal. Everybody who is somebody is signing contracts.. left, right and centre. But I choose to stay away from the bhed chaal. I don’t need no endorsement, is my new mantra. This, at a time when everybody is asking for more. But then, I’m not everyone, right?
Meanwhile, according to Rapchik Rajni, the Katrina Kaif — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan rivalry will only get more intense this year. Nah, it’s not about movies, but ads, my dahlings.
Apparently, a company whose product range Ash endorses, is debating over whether to renew the contract with her.. and at the same price or not?
Ash’s commitment expires later this year.. and representatives have already touched base with Kaif over the possibility of teaming up end 2009.. or early 2010.
Kat has been scoring high on various opinion polls even though some of her contemporaries have been around longer time and have established their credentials as actresses.
How I would love to tell you more details about this deal seal.. but it’s a kinda sensitive, right now because the company in question is yet to take a final call on their model gal.
Watch this space for more.
Don’t watch man!
My cutie dolly, Lolly was at Cinemax near Lokhandwala Complex for a dekko of Watchmen with her hubby. And in strolled the Chhota Nawab, in a gulabi shirt over a pair of denims, accompanied by a dost.
No, it wasn’t Kareena Kapoor but some stranger.. and male. They sauntered just in time to catch the 10:30 p m show of the angrezi action flick.
But five minutes into the movie, Saif Ali Khan was shifting restlessly in his seat. The do becharas.. Saif and his friend, not Lolly and her hubby sillies.. however stayed put, even after the interval, in the hope that the maar dhaad would get better. They were obviously disappointed. It was worse for Saifu because his Bebo was not by his side. Now she would have been a welcome diversion.
After what seemed like eternity, Saifu and his buddy finally upped and left. And within 15 minutes the film ended. Tsk tsk.
What’s this?
Oi oi.. here’s Madhu my Mottu Maid with my mint tea. And almost immediately she launches into a monologue on Manjari Phadnis ki punctuality ke side deffects.
Seems the Jaane Tu gal had reached the venue for a recent event a little too early. Actually, it wasn’t her fault. She was told the bash would flag off at 7.30 pm and she was there on the dot. But no one else was watching the clock.
The show got moving only a couple of hours later. Meanwhile, early bird Phadnis sat around, despondently asking the PR guys if any presswala wanted to interview her. No luck.
In a bid to kill time, she even hung around with the bachcha party performing at the event. And they immediately got into the ragging mode.. crooning, “What’s this?.. What’s that?”.. her line from Jaane Tu.. pointing to everything from a half-full water glass to the chandeliers, tablecloth and even used tissues.
Bechari Manjari, this time she didn’t have a dialogue writer to bail her out of their tricky question hour. Really now!
Tantrum pum pum
I don’t mind Mottu hanging around at five star hotel lobbies and coffee shops. But I will have to bar her from reality show shoots.
Otherwise, she’ll give me daily updates on the likes of Gauhar Khan.
I don’t know who she is, but Mots tells me that this Ms Khan could well win the Most Unpopular Person Award from amongst the contestants of Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa or some such.
First, she had a tu tu main main with her choreographer Hanif Hilal.. and before he left the show, Gauhar got personal and insulted him on stage. This hasn’t gone well with the channelwalas who are quite fond of Hanif otherwise.
Mottu’s even found out that television actor Karan Singh Grover, footballer Bhaichung Bhutia and even the attention-seeking music artiste Hard Kaur are polling more votes than Gauhar.
She says all will be thrilled if the Tantrum Queen is booted out this weekend. Oof! Kya karun is Mottu ka? But then, such is life dearies.
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