Biography
Aishwarya Rai
(Photos)
Date of Birth
1 November 1973, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Birth Name
Aishwarya Krishnaraj Rai
Nickname
Ash
Gullu
The Queen of Bollywood
Height
5' 7" (1.70 m)
Mini Biography
Born into a traditional south Indian family, Aishwarya rai started modeling
at a young age. This green-blue-eyed beauty appeared in advertisements for
many prestigious firms; the ones that brought her into the limelight were
the garden sari and the Pepsi ad. Crowned Miss India 1994 runner-up, she was
a hot favorite in the run for miss world title, which she won, her beauty
and charm made her India's darling. Ash stormed into the Indian movie
industry, where she has proven herself a brilliant & genuine actress. Her
performance in Iruvar (1997) was critically acclaimed, and she won the
Screen best female debutant award for her role in ...Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya
(1997). She was adored in movies like Taal, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas,
her item number in 'Bunty & Bubbly' had sent waves of rhythm across the
nation. With her successful Bollywood movies & prestigious Hollywood
projects lined up for release it is impossible to ignore this Indian diva in
international scenes.
Aishwarya rai was an architecture student before she entered modeling as her
part-time job. She was best known for her Pepsi commercial with Mahima
Chaudhry. With her green-grey eyes, she was already approached by big names
in India's film industry, where they offered her starring roles. She
rejected the film offers since she aimed to be an architect. However, fate
had other things in store for her after she was crowned Miss World 1994.
Soon after her winning, again she received offers to star in movies. In
Southern India, she was best known for her role as Madhumita/Veishnavi in
Jeans (1998) and as Meenakshi in Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000). She won
the Filmfare Award for best actress for her performance in Hum Dil De Chuke
Sanam (1999) as Ajay Devgan's wife who is in love with another man. She also
won rave reviews for her performance as a rape victim in Hamara Dil Aapke
Paas Hai (2000).
Aishwarya Rai (Ash) is one of Bollywood's pre-eminent leading ladies. This
Indian darling burst upon the world stage when her striking beauty, poise
and commanding intelligence won her the Miss World crown in 1994. This
former architecture major soon became one of India's most famous models
landing a prestigious Pepsi campaign and appearing in Vogue Magazine.
India's top Bollywood directors were soon lining up to work with Ash. Her
film debut in Mani Rathnam's 'Iruvar' (1997) received critical acclaim and
her performance in Aur Paar Ho Gaya' (1997) directed by Rahul Rawail
garnered her the Best Female Debutante Award. In 2000 she was awarded Best
Actress by FilmFare and Zee Cine for her work in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's
"Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", in that same year, nominated for Best Supporting
Actress for her special appearance in Aditya Chopra's Mohabbatein (2000). In
2001 Ash was nominated for FilmFare's Best Actress Award for Satish
Kaushik's "Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai".
Ash's star continued to rise in 2002 working again with Sajay Leela Bhansali
in 'Devdas'. 'Devdas' is the most ambitious and most successful film in
Bollywood history. It became the first Bollywood picture to ever receive a
special screening at this year's Cannes Film Festival and broke box-office
records in India and the United States.
2003 brought even more exciting opportunities. Ash became the first Indian
actor to be a member of the jury at the Cannes Film Festival. She is also
the latest member of the elite L'Oreal Dream Team, joining beauties
Catherine Deneuve & Andie MacDowell as their international ambassador. She
graced the covers of India Today and the prestigious TIME Magazine. Time
Magazine has also listed her on their list of the "100 Most Influential
People in the World Today". She has graced numerous covers worldwide
including USA, UK, China, Russia, Israel, United Emerites, Italy, Spain and
France. Ash was also listed on Rolling Stone Magazine's annual "Hot List",
Hello Magazine's Most Attractive Women in the World", Stuff Magazine, FHM
magazine, V-Life from Variety Magazine, GQ Magazine, New York Times
Magazine, Harper's & Queen and countless others.
2004 saw Aishwarya take on the leading role in her first English language
film for Gurinder Chadha in "Bride & Prejudice". She also became the first
Indian female to be immortalized in wax at the world famous Madame Tussaud's
wax museum in London.
With over 17,000 websites dedicated to her, Ash finally launched her
"Official Website" www.AishwaryaWorld.com
2005 started with appearances on "60 Minutes", "David Letterman Show" and
the most watched television program in the world the "Oprah Winfrey Show".
Aishwarya's career continues to grow even stronger - she will soon be seen
in Mistress of Spices for director Paul Berges, Jag Mundhra's Provoked,
Sanjay Gadhvi's Dhoom 2 and legendary film producer Dino De Laurentiis's The
Last Legion opposite Colin Firth and Sir Ben Kingsley. The Queen of
Bollywood is already becoming the talk of tinseltown and is currently in
negotiations on two major motion pictures.
Spouse
Abhishek Bachchan (20 April 2007 - present)
Trade Mark
Her blue-green eyes
Trivia
Wanted to study medicine, but circumstances prevented her.
Miss World 1994.
Dated Salman Khan.
Was offered Rani Mukherjee's role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).
Runner up, Miss India 1994
Ambassador (spokesperson) for Longines watches since 1999.
Daughter of Vrinda Rai
Sister of Aditya Rai
In April 2003, she suffered an accident on the sets of Khakee (2004) when a
car driven by a stuntman got out of control, hit her, took her down a
crevice, and slammed her into a cactus plant. She broke a bone in one foot
and suffered severe cuts, and she was rushed to a hospital. The incident
rekindled the discussion about poor safety standards on Bollywood film sets.
The first Indian actress to be on the jury of the Cannes International Film
Festival.
Has made over 50 music videos in only seven years.
Despite the fact that she is adorned with jewelry in her music videos and
movies, she is apparently not too fond of it.
Is the highest paid actress in Bollywood.
Created a frenzy at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival when she arrived at the
premiere of her film Devdas (2002) in a coach and wearing a beautiful
yellow-orange-embroidered sari.
Was originally cast in the role of Jwala in the film The Rising: Ballad of
Mangal Pandey (2005), but dropped out before filming started due to contract
problems. The role was later given to Amisha Patel.
Loves collecting watches.
Made her first commercial for Camlin pencils when she was in the 9th grade.
Was the Coca Cola Girl for the Middle East and south Asia.
Favorite subject in college was Zoology.
Has achieved iconic status all over South Asia.
Is featured in the 2004 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.
In a poll conducted by Hello magazine, she was voted the number-one
attractive woman of 2003, beating actresses such as Nicole Kidman, Catherine
Zeta-Jones, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
In April 2003, L'Oréal signed her as its new international brand ambassador
(spokesperson).
The first Bollywood star to appear in Rolling Stone magazine (Issue 932,
October 2, 2003)
Gained 20 pounds for Bride & Prejudice (2004) because she didn't want her
character to look like a supermodel and also felt that it would add a sense
of realism to the character.
Is a Bunt, like fellow actors Shilpa Shetty and Sunil Shetty. The Bunts are
a South Indian community who mainly speak Tulu, which is Aishwarya's mother
tongue.
Turned down the lead in Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003). The role was given to
Gracy Singh.
Turned down the role of Mastani in the film Bajirao Mastani (2005).
The first movie star she ever met was Rekha. Aishwarya was still in high
school at the time and was a model. While at a grocery store with her
mother, Aishwarya was tapped on the shoulder by none other than Rekha
herself. Rekha recognized Aishwarya from her modeling ads. She complimented
the young Aishwarya on her good looks and wished her all the best.
Is fluent in the languages English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and Urdu.
Receives at least two movie offers every day.
Was originally intended for the role of Priya in the film Chalte Chalte
(2003).
Aamir Khan and Aishwarya Rai are the only stars to advertise for both Coca
Cola and Pepsi.
Before she was famous, she auditioned to do voice-dubbing for a television
serial and was rejected.
Shahrukh Khan recommended her to play Kaurwaki in the film Asoka (2001). But
the director wanted to cast someone who hadn't already been paired with
Shahrukh as a leading lady.
After winning the title of Miss World in 1994, the host of the event,
Richard Steinmetz, actually asked Aishwarya out. But being a professional,
she refused right away.
Sued the magazine Star and Style for a sum of Rs 20 million (2 crore) for
printing an article claiming that actress Raveena Tandon had caught her and
Akshay Kumar in a compromising position at the poolside of a five- star
hotel.
During the filming of the song 'Dola Re Dola' from the movie Devdas (2002),
Aishwarya's ears were bleeding because to the heavy earrings she had to
wear, but she continued to perform anyway.
Is a trained classical dancer. She learnt classical dance and music for five
years while in her teens.
Has a puppy named Sunshine, which was given to her as a gift by friend Vivek
Oberoi.
Won the title of Miss Photogenic in the 1994 Miss World Pageant.
Has won over 100 awards since 1994 when she was 20.
Is good friends with actress Preity Zinta.
Has gained a cult following in Pakistan.
Was listed in Time magazine as one of 100 most influential people in the
world (The 2004 TIME 100).
Ran the Olympic-torch relay in June 2004.
Turned down a role in San wa (2005) due to her touring schedule. The role
was eventually given to Mallika Sherawat.
Has refused to work with Salman Khan after their break-up, in spite of
several offers.
Has over 17,000 Web sites dedicated to her.
In 2004, Aishwarya became the first Bollywood and Indian actress to have her
own statue at London's Madame Tussauds museum.
On January 2nd, 2005, she became the first Indian actress to be interviewed
on "60 Minutes" (1968).
Voted #9 in Harpers and Queen magazine's list of the 100 most beautiful
women of today. (Harpers and Queen, June 6, 2005)
A tulip produced in 2005 was named for her.
Member of the jury at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.
When Oprah Winfrey saw Aishwarya's interview on "60 Minutes" (1968), she was
so fascinated by her that she got a hold of Ash and invited her to be a
guest on her show. On April 25, 2005, Aishwarya became the first Indian and
South Asian actress to be featured on "Oprah Winfrey Show, The" (1986).
Turned down the role of Helen in the film Troy (2004).
Director Andy Tennant offered her a part in Hitch (2005), but she turned it
down because she was so busy with other films.
Turned down the role of Anna in Barsaat (2005).
In the summer of 2005, Mattel released limited-edition Barbie dolls inspired
by Aishwarya and her costumes. They were released only in Britain and sold
out within minutes. These dolls are now considered rare collectibles among
fans.
Her favourite film is Casablanca.
Was voted number 12 on VH1's 50 Sexiest Actresses of the Last 20 Years.
(December 2005)
Roger Ebert has said he considers her the most beautiful actress in the
world.
Was voted as E's 7th sexiest celebrity in the world
The first actress from India to get signed on with the American Library
Association and also have a poster made of her for schools and library's all
across America.
Was originally signed on to play the part of Simmi in Bluffmaster! (2005),
but was replaced without any notice by Priyanka Chopra. Director Rohan Sippy
then gave Aishwarya a "special thanks" in the end credits as an apology.
Turned down the part of Sandhya in Saamna (2006).
When President George W. Bush visited India in March 2006, he invited
Aishwarya, along with Aamir Khan, to a luncheon. Aishwarya could not attend
because she was in Brazil at the time filming for Dhoom:2 (2006).
Was considered for the role of Priya in Krrish (2006).
Turned down the lead in Corporate (2006) because she didn't have any dates
available for filming. The role was given to Bipasha Basu.
In mid 2001, Aishwarya started work on two films titled Radheshyam Seetaram
and Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke. For reasons unknown, filming stopped on these
films in February 2002. Filming was never completed and the films have now
been shelved. The only glimpse of the movies that exist for the public to
see are photographs from the sets and publicity shots.
Performed to an audience of 85,000 in Melbourne, Australia at the closing
ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games with 800 backup dancers. (March
2006)
Was cast with a small role in Lajja (2001), but was dropped because there
were already too many major stars in the film.
When Karan Johar asked Aishwarya on his talk show which film she wishes she
could have been a part of, she responded Khamoshi: The Musical (1996).
Is the second Indian actress to appear on the cover of TIME magazine in
2003. The first was Parveen Babi in 1976.
Is very popular in many Arab countries.
Featured in People Magazine as one of the 100 Most Beautiful People in the
World. (Issue May,8,2006)
Was considered for the role of Kalyani in Water (2005).
Got her education at Arya Vidya Mandir and DG Ruparel College, both in
Bombay, India. She was also accepted into Raheja College of Architecture in
Bombay, but never went.
Good friends with fellow Indian superstar and icon, Madhuri Dixit. The two
worked together in the super-hit and widely acclaimed Devdas.
Listed as number 3 of 'Top Bollywood Actresses' of 2006. (rediff.com, 8-25-
2006)
Caused a day long traffic jam in Dubai, United Arab Emirates while filming a
soap commercial. People would stop for hours just to catch a glimpse of
their favorite actress. (September 5, 2006)
Listed #3 by UK magazine Eastern Eye one of "Asia's Sexiest Women" (Sept/
2006).
Is the most photographed woman in India.
She was the first choice for the role of Jane Smith in Mr. & Mrs. Smith
(2005), but she turned it down due to filming conflicts.
She secured 90% marks in HSC at Ruparel college in Mumbai.
her Pepsi ad with Aamir Khan was shot in one night during the infamous
Bombay riots.
Has been in six movies with Abhishek Bachchan, more than with any other
actor.
Came in #1 in BollySpice.com Magazine's list of "Top 10 Actresses of 2006".
Turned down the part of Malvika Talwar in Baabul (2006).
In January 2007, she announced that she has accepted a marriage proposal
from current boyfriend, actor Abhishek Bachchan.
Is often referred to as "the most beautiful woman in the world".
In 2005, Hugh M. Hefner attempted to create and Indian version of Playboy
for India, which would feature South Asian women and Indian pop culture
articles, but no nudity. He wanted to have Aishwarya on the cover of the
first issue. The magazine was rejected.
Twice turned down the lead in the Hindi version of Chandramukhi (2005).
Was invited in 2005 to be a presenter at The 77th Annual Academy Awards
(2005) (TV), but was unable to attend because she was busy filming for The
Mistress of Spices (2005).
Is active in various charities and often visits orphanages.
Her favorite Western designer is Giorgio Armani. Whenever she is in London,
clothes are taken to her hotel for her to choose from.
Is the second of five Indian women to win the Miss World title. The first
was Reita Faria, who won in 1966. Others include Diana Hayden who won in
1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999, and Priyanka Chopra in 2000.
Ranked #30 in TIME magazines issue of '100 Most Influential People of the
Year'. This is her second time making the list, her first being in 2004.
(The Time 100, 2007).
Has appeared on more magazine covers worldwide than any other Bollywood or
Indian star.
Director Brett Ratner is a fan of Aishwarya's and he wanted her to be cast
in Rush Hour 3 (2007), but she turned down the offer.
Was considered for the part of Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale (2006).
Her wax statue at Madame Tussauds Museum in London was borrowed by the
museum in New York for six weeks. The statue was flown to New York and made
its debut on August 15, 2007, making her the first Indian actress in the
American version of the museum.
About 15 kilos of henna was special ordered from Sojat in Rajasthan for the
henna ceremony before her wedding.
Her wedding invitations were embossed with two entwined As and delivered
along with a box of chocolate meringues. Within the invitation was also a
poem about new beginnings written by Amitabh Bachchan's father and renowned
poet Harivash Rai Bachchan.
Her wedding ceremony lasted a total of three days. It was the most awaited
and talked about wedding in years and the press followed it like Princess
Diana's wedding.
For her 34th birthday, she went to go see Beyonce Knowles in concert in
Mumbai.
Aishwarya Rai
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Personal Quotes
"I'm just average woman with average concerns."
"Life will take its toll on all of us. We get injured, we get old. It's
really sad to try to run away from these harsh realities of life. Looks are
not everything. I am not going to look beautiful all the time."
"You give to the world your greatest gift when you're being yourself."
"I believe that as an actress all my fears and phobias exist till I sign on
the dotted line for a film."
"I don't believe in proving a point to anybody. Nobody is that important."
"It's strange that Rakesh Roshan thinks I look older than Hrithik. In fact,
he's approached me for all his home productions."
"I always knew I would be successful. So there was no element of surprise."
"I know for a fact that if there's a role which I am suited for, I'll be
signed on. I'll never go begging."
"I only entered Miss India after pressure from friends and because I thought
it would be a laugh".
"Comedy is difficult for an actor. But I think I have a good sense of humor
and manage to make people laugh and make them happy."
On donating her eyes after death - "People know me more because of my eyes.
So, I decided to donate my eyes. But before that, I acquired all the
information about the campaign. Within what time after death one has to
donate eyes, and all other information. Only then I decided to donate my
eyes. It's not that just for doing something, I donated my eyes. I found
that useful so I did it. I like to do social service from my heart. Whatever
is possible I do, but I don't speak of that. But I would like to give more
time to it in the near future."
"Women in the industry have been exploited very often, but there are some
actors who belive that the short cut to stardom is through nudity or
exposure. Such success is, in fact, very short-lived."
"I have never done a kissing scene nor do I have intentions to."
About her film Chaos (2006): When this came to be early this year, I was
ecstatic. I couldn't believe that I was actually going to work with Meryl
Streep, someone I've always admired. In all my interviews 10 years ago
people used to ask who is your favourite actor and actress and I would
mention Robert de Niro and Meryl Streep. On my first trip there I met up
with de Niro and my first film is with Meryl Streep, and I said, 'Oh God
that's really, really cool. Really wonderful.
Ever since I went to the Cannes festival, the media overseas really
encouraged me to consider the possibilities of working in the West. Then I
got a call from some people who worked in the business in America, who asked
me to first obviously get an agent so that they could have direct access
because that's the way they work.
About turning down the role opposite Jackie Chan in the movie Time Breaker
(2004), "I did not have the required dates as I was busy with the shows
abroad. I had to turn down the film. I have no regrets because there is
always a next time."
"Indian cinema has begun to be recognized globally. And it's very important
for us to make our presence felt at important events such as Cannes. I feel
there should be more Indian representation at festivals. India is producing
such a large cross section of films. We need to be part of world cinema, and
we need to do that now."
"Someone asked me why I'm politically correct, even when people hit out so
openly at me. But the truth is, I've never been brought up to behave any
other way. I can't say anything hurtful about anyone. I just don't believe
in saying mean things. I won't feel good doing that. It's strange why being
well behaved is perceived as being too 'propah' and staid. This is the way I
am. I'm amazed how many people feel good hitting out at me. They're welcome
to do it. Earlier, they had more leeway to deny their indiscretions in
print. But now on television they look pretty ridiculous denying what they
say."
About the sari on the Oprah show: "I thought I'd wear one on the show, and
packed two of them, in case Oprah wanted to wear one too. As luck would have
it, my flight was delayed and I reached minutes before the show went on air!
So I had no time to change, which is a pity. Americans love the garment but
have no clue how it's tied. Oprah is very respectful and appreciative of all
cultures. She was very curious about the sari and I helped her put it on, on
air! She has sent me an autographed picture saying, 'Next time we change the
blouse.' She was very sweet." (Rediff, May 18, 2005)
About being on the Oprah show: "Yes, I was extremely happy to be on her
show. I absolutely admire her. I never thought I'd actually be meeting her
-- and that too, on her show! It's so strange. But prior to our meeting,
during my visit to the US for the premiere of Bride & Prejudice, I had some
afternoons off and I watched Oprah. I thought how wonderful it would be to
be on her show. And within a month, I was!" (Rediff, May 18, 2005)
"I am not comfortable about kissing or nudity. I am clear about what I want.
I'll work only with good directors who'll offer me two-dimensional roles.
The director and the role are most important." (Movie Mag International,
September 2004)
About her long career in entertainment: "This is my tenth year now, so
things have changed within this span of time - so drastically that when I
look at the work done when I just joined, it's like, "Oh my God!" So much
has changed in these ten years. You get to see how you're part of the
process of change within the Indian film industry. That's all positive,
that's all a good sign." (Forbes Magazine, August 25th 2005)
Her advice to aspiring professionals: "My biggest concern is always the
students who are working toward a certain career - when they limit
themselves to just that one option. They need to know that the world is huge
- it's an ocean, and there are so many options. It's not the end of the
world if they don't get to pursue an apparent childhood dream. That's really
important, because you find a lot of kids who believe that they want to
become a doctor or an aeronautical engineer or something, and if they don't
manage to make their degree, that's the end. They feel so defeated, which is
very disheartening. It's sad to know that people let themselves be limited
by these aspirations." (Forbes Magazine, August 25th 2005)
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
Life is a stage, and we are all characters. So play your part and play it
well!
On why she participated in the Miss World Pageant in 1994: "For me, it went
beyond being a beauty queen. For me, it was about being the 20-year-old girl
from India on international platform and a lot of people actually would
assume that I wasn't even educated in India because of the way I'd speak.
And they'd be like, 'Have you studied in India? Do you actually speak
English out there?' and, I was like, 'This is so interesting that so many
people know so little about my country.' and this is exactly what I wanted
to do when I set out on this little mission in my head." (Jan 2005, 60
Minutes Interview)
"Good films are good films regardless of being made in India or abroad. I
believe a great story transcends cultural lines and language barriers."
(American Way Magazine, 3-15-06)
I choose films with characters that I feel are relative to a woman's growth
for me. In The Last Legion, I play a warrior. This was a first for me and it
was a fantastic experience. I would like very much to do more action films.
As for the right direction, I make my choices and always move forward one
step at a time. (4-26- 06)
On her character in Mistress of Spices (2005): "I have related to each
character I have performed thus far, including Tilo. I am very sensitive to
moods and one's inward feelings and emotions. I am a true people person and
people watcher. I look forward to meeting interesting people and
understanding their experiences in life." (4-26-06)
On her character in Dhoom:2 (2006): "It's the kind of character I have never
essayed before. Sunehiri, my character in the film, is distinctly different
from any other character you have seen me play. That's what makes her
exciting to me. For the first time in my life I went through a bit of a
fitness regime. Contrary to popular belief, right since modeling, to the
(Miss World) title, to films, I have never been a fitness freak or
exercised." (October 2006)
About director J.P. Dutta: "J P Dutta is a committed taskmaster. I have
danced to songs before. But he always added to choreographer Vaibhavi
Merchant's steps, and that was quite challenging. He would shoot an entire
mukhda in one shot. To do all the songs at that level required remaining
focused at all times. In that moment, I felt I became Umrao Jaan. It was
interesting to deliver a performance that shows her passionate but tragic
story. The film is also reflective of the art that was at its zenith in that
era. The sex trade was called the performing arts then and not
prostitution." (October 2006)
On Umrao Jaan (2006) being her first Urdu language film: "Since our
generation speaks English, we are not very fluent in Hindi, leave alone
Urdu. I loved those dialogs and the experience to work and know about that
era. For me, it was a study of Urdu on the sets under the guidance of JP and
Javed saab."
About Rekha: "Rekha is very inspiring. It is not necessarily relative to
just one performance, but her entire career, the span of characters that she
has essayed, the performances that she has delivered itself is extremely
inspiring. I am inspired by her performance. But I cannot ape her." (October
2006)
On her role in Umrao Jaan (2006) :"Playing Umrao Jaan was a demanding
emotional journey. When a story takes that course, it is following an entire
arc; it goes through all the possible emotions. The process was satisfying,
inspiring and challenging. It forced me to deliver the best in every
moment." (October 2006)
On being compared to Rekha in the original version of Umrao Jaan (1981):
"For me, as an actor, it's a special experience to get the opportunity to
play Umrao Jaan who has been already iconised on our celluloid. When I
played Paro in Devdas, I went through the same area of questioning about how
my role will be compared with the ones played earlier." (rediff.com,October
2006)
"My reason for choosing a film is not to impress people. I don't choose
films for the box office." (November 2006)
"The audiences feel I am part of their life so they worry about me. I think
that is very sweet of them and I tell them that when I will marry I will
announce it. When I get married, you'll know. I believe in marriage and it
is a beautiful institution." (November 2006)
"It is a very tricky situation when you get the chance to work in English
films. I do films based on characters, not to get an entry into Hollywood or
whatever. In English, my Bride & Prejudice did well world over. I don't know
how it did in Hindi, but I know Jurassic Park too didn't do well in Hindi. I
was glad audiences worldwide liked an English film that was Indian. When I
did Mistress of Spices, I did it for Paul [Mayeda Berges, the director and
husband of Gurinder Chadha] as a team. The film found its audiences. When
the Provoked script came to me, I felt it was a very important story of an
Indian woman based in London who killed her husband because of marital
abuse. Kiranjit Ahluwalia made a big impression in England, and so I did
this film because I felt it was an important story to be told. Provoked is
an important film for many other Kirans in the world." (November 2006)
"As far as The Last Legion (2007) is concerned, it is a film based on a book
[A novel by Valerio Manfredi]. I don't think the character of Meera [her
role] is there in the book. I did the film for the new experience and it is
for the first time that I was with a complete foreign crew. Working with Ben
Kingsley was a great experience. Meera is an Indian in the film and she has
great roots and you will identify with her strength. I feel for Indian
audiences, and want them to feel pride in what I am doing: I am not doing
films just to be there as guest appearances."
On celebrating her 33rd birthday: "I am just not the birthday bash kind. My
day will start with a visit to the Siddhivinayak temple with my family,
something I do every year. There will be no loud parties... my birthday is a
very private affair. Concidering I have to leave for Dubai tomorrow, it will
be over early too. Only family and friends will be there." (November 1,
2006)
On the rumors that her black eye was the result of abuse by Salman Khan:
"For some perverse reason, no one wants to believe me, that I fell down the
stairs. First the media calls me the woman of the millennium, a woman of
substance. Then how can the same media make me out to be such a doormat? I'm
a self-respecting woman, I don't take nonsense from anyone. No one tries
caveman tactics on me. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger can fall and get hurt, so
why should I be any different?"
"I have never deliberately driven attention to the fact that I am working in
Hollywood films. I have categorically stated that I am working in different
kinds of films, be it British, Hindi, Tamil or Bengali. It's all about doing
films, which are my passion."
On meeting producer Harvey Weinstein for the first time at the 2005 Time
Magazine's 100 Most Influential People: "He is a big fan of Indian films. He
has seen Devdas (2002/I), and said he respected my work. It's a big
compliment coming from somebody who has such an immense body of work and yet
is so humble from him? He discussed a few ideas and scripts with me. He is
starting his own company. We are discussing projects. Time will tell all."
On attending the dinner for Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People of
the Year in 2005: "I am surprised at my life's turn of events. Six of us
were asked to raise the toast for the evening. And I raised it for my
parents and for my fans, without whom I wouldn't have reached where I am
today. Nicole Kidman had to rush out for some premiere, but she said that
she and her son loved Bride and Prejudice and I told her how I loved all her
performances. Sean Penn told me that I spoke well and I told him that I've
always been his fan!"
Upon hearing that Julia Roberts had said that Aishwarya was the most
beautiful woman she had ever seen: "That was embarrassing; at first I didn't
believe she said that. I thought it was a rumor started by a journalist. But
it's sweet. She's an incredible actor and she seems like a wonderful person,
so all you can do is say, Thank you." (April 2007)
"I am not comfortable about kissing or nudity. I've never said I'd never
kiss, or whatever on screen. I've always maintained I'd cross that bridge
when I come to it. Again, I'm accused of playing it safe. The truth is, I
don't know what tomorrow holds. So I can't make a close ended principle
about it." (2007)
Where Are They Now
(May 2003) Released "Aishwarya's Greatest Hits" on DVD containing 50 of her
music videos to date.
(April 2004) Will start her world-wide tour to perform alongside stars Lara
Dutta, Celina Jaitley, Hrithik Roshan, and Fardeen Khan.
Bollywood Aishwarya Rai's Latest Movies....
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'Sarkar Raj
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'The Last Legion' Aishwarya Rai’s first Hollywood movie, ‘The Last Legion’, is a period adventure thriller set in the Rome of fifth century.
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'Jodhaa Akbar' Set in the sixteenth century, Jodhaa Akbar is the story of the epic romance between Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great and a fiery young Rajput princess Jodhaa. |
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' Guru ' |
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'Umrao Jaan' |
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'Dhoom
2' |
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'Provoked' |
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'Mistress Of Spices'
'Mistress Of Spices' is the directorial debut of Paul Mayeda Berges, the
husband of Gurinder Chadha in whose movie Bride And Prejudice Aishwarya Rai
has previously acted. |
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'Shabd'
We have seen countless
love-triangle stories on big screen, but Shabd promises to be different. |
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'Khakee'
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'Mohabbatein'
Mohabbatein has all the ingredients peculiar to Yash Raj films that also
the audience seems to like forever, but the one ingredient that dwarfs
everything else in this three and a half hour Diwali treat is Amitabh
Bachchan. |
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'Raincoat' |
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'Kyon, Ho Gaya Na' |
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'Bride and Prejudice' |
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'Kuch Naa Kaho' |
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'Dil Ka Rishta' |
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'Devdaas' Three Bollywood stalwarts Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Nene and Aishwarya Rai play the leading roles in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s celluloid adaptation of Sarat Chandra’s poignant saga of timeless love and unrequited emotions: Devdaas. The film has Shahrukh Khan playing the title character of lovelorn Devdaas, Aishwarya as his childhood companion Paro, and Madhuri in the role of the infamous courtesan Chandramukhi. |
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'Hum Kisise Kum Nahin' |
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'Albela'
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'Dhai Akshar Prem Ke' Third shock by Big B's son It was yet another D-day and the third acid test for Abhishek Bachchan as his third film, Raj Kanwar-directed Dhai Akshar Prem Ke released this Friday. Dhai Akshar Prem Ke – inspired by a Kabir couplet, marks the silver screen debut of the good looking rampwalker Inder Sudan in a villainous role, and also casts Sonali Bendre, Anupam Kher, Sushma Seth, Tanvi Azmi and Amrish Puri apart from Aishwarya Rai in the female lead. |
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'Taal' Taal is promoted as a musical love story. Its a triangular love story at that. It’s main highlight is Aishwariya Rai’s beauty & acting and A R Rahman’s music. Taal has the eternal love triangle involving Mansi (Aishwarya Rai), Manav (Akshaye Khanna) and Vikrant (Anil Kapoor). Mansi, from Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, is the daughter of a village folk singer and dancer. |
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'Josh' |
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'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is Aishwariya Rai’s best chance to establish herself as a talented actress in the Bollywood. Sanjay Leela Bhansali who earlier tried his hands at an offbeat movie Khamoshi, has put together a good show. The story of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is a story of a happy joint family of classical singer Pandit Darbar (Vikram Ghokle), his wife (Smita Jaykar) |