hmmm I agree with Ankit.....but on second thoughts, why dun these movie makers try black n white for a change.... with really good looking girl like Aishwarya portraying the character of Umrao Jaan.... just think would it not be something totally d.i.ff.e.r.en.t. ? (hint: check the nakshatra jewellary ad.)

Otherwise too, many ppl wud appreciate the bnw cinema, for a change.... wotsay guys? -- a serious subject, in bnw print, that too looking fantastic... hmmm


cheers!

__________________

more smiles per (e)mail.

cheers!

DHOOM-2
========

In spite of being revered as one of the most beautiful women in the world, Aishwarya Rai's Cannes Film Festival appearance in 2003 made heads turn for all the wrong reasons – a horrendous designer creation with oodles of excess weight. But that was until she was signed on by Yashraj Films for Dhoom 2 and categorically instructed by Adi Chopra and director Sanjay Gadvi to loose weight. To ensure Aishwarya's transformation, noted yoga therapist, personal trainer and pilates instructor Deepika Mehta was brought in to do the needful.

Hrithik Roshan, who stars opposite Aishwarya too has shed those excesses courtesy Mehta, who she met through stylist Anaita Shroff (she is Aishwarya's stylist in Dhoom 2). Evidence of the hardwork paid off when a svelte Ash was recently spotted at Zayed Khan's wedding where she looked amazing. Talking about this transformation, Mehta says, “I am just a catalyst, it's Ash who showed dedication and interest in grooming herself the way Yashraj Films wanted her to.”
Bound by a Yashraj Films contract, Mehta refuses to divulge any details about Ash's training, like the weight of the actress before she joined the fitness regime. But Mehta admits that Aishwarya needed to shed weight, to look sexy on screen with Hrithik. “I prescribe a diet depending on the metabolism of the person. You'll have to understand that I am not a gym instructor; I don't make my clients lift weights. Ash is an amazing dancer and believes in spiritual power. She is easy to work with, once she has faith in you. I made her do a little jazz movement along with some dance steps,” she says.
Mehta who prefers privacy, used to book the gym and the adjacent area at Taj Land's End to train Aishwarya. “We required a peaceful area for the yoga session. They have a private gym, which ensures one is not disturbed,” she says. All this with soft lounge music being played in the background. “Ash loves music, and I used to play Indian fusion with spiritual chanting for her,” she informs.

Considering Aishwarya's hectic schedule, how did she find time for her fitness regime with Mehta? “It was difficult, but not impossible. I travelled with her to London for Provoked and then went to Jaipur for Umrao Jaan,” she says.

What about her presence during the Dhoom 2 shoot? “I don't think they would require me during the shooting, but if they ask me, then I shall be available,” she assures. Mehta has trained under internationally acclaimed Guru Pattabhi Jois from Mysore and has been in this field for the last ten years. “Celebrities like Madonna have been my guruji's disciple. I have mastered the Ashtanga yoga, which helps in reducing weight,” she reveals. Mehta's other clients include Yana Gupta, Avanti and Yash Birla, and the models of Kingfisher calendar too. Mehta is undoubtedly the most highest paid personal trainer. “I won't be able to quote the exact amount, because it varies according to client requirements,” she adds.

__________________
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

Ash sexier than Shah Rukh


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Aishwarya Rai has at last beaten King Shah Rukh Khan — at least where sexiness is concerned. In E! Entertainment Television’s 101 Sexiest Celeb Bodies list, Ash ranks at No 7, while Khan is way down, at No 74.

Some of the others Ash has managed to beat include Jennifer Lopez, Gisele Bundchen, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Colin Farrell, Johnny Depp, Ashton Kutcher, Elizabeth Hurley, Justin Timberlake, Pamela Anderson, Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston and Enrique Iglesias.

In a brief chat with us, Ash’s international business manager Simone Sheffield, of Canyon Entertainment, tells hitList how the world perceives Aishwarya Rai…



Aishwarya Rai
With her being ranked No 7, how would you explain Ash’s emergence as an important global entity?

Aishwarya has made people see India and Indians in a new and positive light. I don’t think people in India understand her impact. I find it funny when I read false statements like “she can’t find work in the west” - that is far from the truth. We receive many offers for films that she simply has no interest in, or is not available.

What are the international projects that Ash shot for in 2005?

She shot for Mistress of Spices, Provoked and The Last Legion. Common sense will tell you she can’t work in Hollywood and Bollywood at the same time - there are only 12 months to the year!

Right now, she is working non-stop (Umrao Jaan and Dhoom 2) and has done so for the past four years that I have known her. She is by far the most professional and certainly the hardest working actress I have ever encountered in the 30 years I have been in this business.

Ash is now dedicating 2006 to her projects in India — all of which are major films with fantastic directors and co-stars. She has enough pending offers to keep her busy past 2009.

How has the NRI community responded to Ash?

Based on the emails I have received from NRIs over the past three years, they have been ultra supportive and positive. The Indian sector in the US alone is vast and economically powerful.

We are seeing a crossover growth in their music - with many international artistes mixing eastern and western sounds and clothes. I received thousands of emails after Aishwarya draped Oprah (Winfrey) in the sari.

Aishwarya’s segment was the number one story on the 60 Minutes website, following her appearance on the show last year, and her official website, continues to get overwhelming numbers.

Aishwarya may still be the new kid on the block - but she is certainly one that everyone wants to live next to.

__________________
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

Aishwarya & Abhishek!

ASH-ABHI ????????

Yes, this could come true very soon. The friendship which began with Kuchh na kaho is blooming with Umrao Jaan. And all the people on the sets of the film can't stop talking about their love off the sets.


All those who have Rani and Abhishek in mind ,do note that Mrs Jaya Bachchan is also very keen on Abhi-Ash.

__________________
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.

Abhishek developed feelings for Ash?


Aishwarya Rai is the most beautiful and sought after actress in Bollywood. Abhishek is fast picking up his father’s place of number one in the industry. And apparently both of them are said to be romancing on the sets of Umrao Jaan.

Ash and Abhishek have been shooting for J P Dutta’s Umrao Jaan in Jaipur, Rajashthan for more than a month now and people are saying that they spent a lot of time together on sets. It is rumored that both of them have developed deeper feelings for each other.

Therefore smart guy Abhishek is taking this to a next level – marriage. It is said that he will marry someone that his parents approve of and therefore he is in the process of convincing his parents. His mother (Jaya) has met Aishwarya and already approves of her.

Although Ash has been linked to many men but not one came out perfect for her. Ash- Viveik love stint ended before Ash started shooting for Umrao Jaan. Abhi also has been paired with many co-actresses but not one relationship surfaced seriously. Rani who was linked to Abhi sometime back is just his good friend, nothing more.

So when they both, Ash-Abhi met they were single and ready to mingle. And then there was the magic of romantic epic Umrao Jaan. Then they were in Rajashthan in the months of winter where love is in the air. Who can stop their new beginning?

Aishwarya
February 2, 2006
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I really have nothing to say on the matter. Nothing at all. My dignity doesn’t allow me to comment, refute or retaliate. As long as God and my family are with me, nothing else matters.” She says reacting to the stories about her split with Viveik and her link-up with Abhishek.

Ash taken aback

Aishwarya Rai, just back in Mumbai after a gruelling schedule of J P Dutta’s Umrao Jaan to shoot for Dhoom 2 is suddenly faced with a fusillade of flak that’s taken her aback.



Though she refuses to say a word against those who have portrayed her in a negative light, she does stop long enough to wonder who these “sources” and “friends” close to her are, who are making statements on her personal life.

Ash has only one close friend

After much persuasion she allows a prominent member of her family to speak on her behalf.

“Believe me, no one else has spoken to any member of the press. There’s nothing to be said. We’ve full faith in Ash’s conduct. What’s happening to her right now is stressing all of us out. Where are all these negative stories coming from. Ash has only one close friend. And that person has nothing to do with the film industry.”

Taking a deep breath, the source continues. “The fact and we all know it, is Ash and Vivek were over six months ago. Why didn’t she speak about it? When had she ever spoken about their relationship that she was supposed to speak about the break-up?

Many stars are comfortable conducting their relationships in public view. Ash is not. Is that a crime? Why is her silence being misconstrued as guilt? And for what? It’s being said she ‘used’ Vivek. Hello… for what purpose did she use him?

Absurd tales

It’s being alleged that Aishwarya instigated him to hold that press conference against Salman Khan. How utterly absurd is that? She was in Nasik shooting for Khakee and had an accident at that time.

From the hospital, she had given one press statement, just one statement… carefully worded and discreet. That’s how Ash is… take it or leave it. It’s so sad to see her being portrayed as a scheming conniving creature.

Why compare?

“They’re even comparing her equation with Salman and Vivek. What for? Just because they’re both part of her past? Is she answerable to anyone?

It’s being said that Ash even called Viveik on location after they had broken up. The only time she has met him is when he came over to discuss Shekhar Kapoor’s Paani. Why is every move of hers being twisted misconstrued and misrepresented? Fortunately for Ash, we believe in her completely. We’ve never asked her for an explanation. And that’s the only solace she has in this hour of crisis.”

As for the friendship with Abhishek… “They’re young, intelligent and extremely compatible. For God’s sake, let them be! All this loose talk is making them so self-conscious.”

__________________
I don't have an attitude problem. You have a perception problem.

If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side.

Never argue with a fool. People might not know the difference.

When you're right, no one remembers. When you're wrong, no one forgets.