Ash NOT the Most Beautiful Woman?, Ash not the most beautiful woman: Hugh Jackman, Hugh Jackman says Aishwarya is not the most beautiful woman

Hollywood hottie and superhero of X-Men series Hugh Jackman's remark at the closing day of FICCI Frames 2011 left everyone stumped. When the Wolverine hunk got to know that he will be meeting Bollywood's most beautiful woman, he remarked, "When I came to know that I will be meeting the most beautiful woman on earth, I actually thought it was my wife," he smiled and naughtily added, "Ash is very beautiful actress but not the most beautiful actress in the world".

Yes, this stumping statement and many more such interesting stuff summed up the final day of the FICCI Frames 2011. Bollywood Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan met the Wolverine hunk, sang, danced, and discussed movies.... all in one evening. Hugh Jackman along with wife Deborra- Lee Furness was on a 4 day visit to Mumbai.


Final day of FICCI sparked off with sheer revelry as both the super heroes' matched their wits with Karan Johar moderating the chat. As an honour to Jackman, FICCI put up a small AV on both the stars and the `Australia' actor enjoyed every bit of his stay there. He enjoyed SRK's company too. So much so that he offered himself to star in a sequel to SRK's My Name is Khan which he self-titled as `My name is Jackman', and I am not a tourist. "He also offered me to star in his movie X-men," said SRK to the cheering crowd but a smiling Jackman cleverly excused from the responsibility saying he only asked SRK to finance the film and not act in it.

Hugh Jackman and SRK also shared their views on the studio system and the marriage between Bollywood and Hollywood movies. Citing an example that they are already at it, Hugh Jackman informed that while shooting for `Australia', a scene required him to kiss Nicole Kidman. "And out of nowhere came the instruction that we were to kiss in the rain! I was like `Why can't it be the sun'? And then someone told me about Bollywood movies and the natural props they use to dramatise a scene," laughed the sexist man on earth.

In one of the biggest compliment, SRK attributed `Wolverine' as his inspiration for his super hero film `Ra.One. "Must confess my movie is inspired by Wolverine. My entire family is your huge fan, including me. And my son introduced me to all your work related to X-Men series, including the video game and the comic books". Jackman complimented back crediting stars like SRK for exposing Bollywood to the outside world.

In another big confession SRK publicly expressed his fears and inability to make it to Hollywood due to his Indianised accent. "So it's better that I make films for my people here, and make them and myself happy," he said. However Jackman didn't buy that logic and encouraged him to get a ticket to Hollywood. "I do not subscribe to your opinion. You are a big and popular star and I am sure you can make it in Hollywood".

The lovely evening came to an end with SRK teaching The Prestige star how to gyrate to a Bollywood numbers, with Madhuri Dixit's `Dhak Dhak karne laga, mora jiyara darne laga' as the song. And mind you, the sexy Hugh Jackman scored over SRK and how!

Aishwarya Rai More Photos at FICCI Frames 2011

Rani, Sonam lose Abhi, Ranbir, Sonam and Rani not well with Ranbir and Abhishek

For the first time Sonam and Rani admit that all is not well between them and their co-stars......

Abhishek-Rani
The Bunty Aur Babli pair won't be seen in a film anytime soon. Rani Mukherji, who was linked to Abhishek Bachchan, just before he married Aishwarya Rai is smarting from the humiliation of not been invited to the wedding.

For the first time in an interview to a magazine the actress admits being hurt at the omission, despite being close to the Bachchans for years. She has also worked with Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, and it hurt that much more when she was left out of the guestlist for the wedding. In the said interview, Rani opens up, "The truth is that if a person chooses not to invite you to their wedding, you realise where you stand with the person.

You may be deluded and think you are friends but maybe the friendship was only restricted to being co-stars on the sets. It doesn't matter. It became very clear and evident that we were only co-actors and not friends. Moreover, inviting someone to a wedding is a personal choice. Tomorrow when I decide to get married, I will choose the handful of people I want to invite. Poor guy has been married for many years, we should all move on. I will always have fond memories of working with him."

Ranbir-Sonam
Now it is out in the open. In an interview to Filmfare magazine, Sonam Kapoor has confessed that she is no longer on talking terms with her childhood friend Ranbir Kapoor.

The hostility started following some comments made by Sonam on Koffee With Karan, after which Rishi Kapoor blasted her in print. She expected Ranbir to show grace and apologise for his dad's rude comments. But that didn't happen. And things just got worse over time.

The actress candidly admits, "I don't speak to Ranbir anymore. We are no longer friends, I guess. I am not in touch with him. He doesn't feature in my life at all. Honestly, discussing him and Deepika in all my interviews is very annoying. By going on the show with Deepika when their break-up story was still fresh, I just got caught in the crossfire. I am an unfortunate victim."

Aishwarya Rai eyed by Vidya Balan’s beau

Even though they do not admit it, but Vidya “Parineeta” Balan and Siddharth Roy Kapoor, head of UTV, have been dating for sometime. But all is not well for them as there is a point of difference between the two.

Roy Kapoor wants to cast Bachchan bahu Aishwarya, instead of Balan, as the lead in UTV’s next production “Heroine”, directed by Madhur “Fashion” Bhandarkar. Siddhartha has been in touch with Aishwarya and has even persuaded her to do the movie. He has even gone on to say that if she wants she shall be provided with a narration of the script.

On the other hand, Balan is also doing a movie based on South Indian glam doll Silk Smitha. For this reason, Bhandarkar wants to put his project on the back burner. But, Siddharth seems to be in a rush to start of with his movie.

Balan is known to do offbeat roles like those in “Paa”, “Ishqiya” and “Bhool Bhulaiya”. Ash has of late done fewer roles. Her last released movie being “Action Replayy” with Akshay “Khiladi” Kumar in 2010. Hopefully, this movie will not lead to the souring of Ash n Vidya Balan’s relationship.

Aishwarya honours breast cancer fighter, Aishwarya Rai at Lavasa Women's Drive, LWD glittering ceremony

Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan presented special awards to the winners of the Lavasa Women’s Drive at a glittering ceremony here on Friday night.

It was an emotional moment when she handed out a special award to Anisha Oberoi for her continual fight against breast cancer and to Dr. K. Dinshaw, Director of TATA Memorial Hospital for her exemplary work in cancer research.
The third edition of the Lavasa Women’s Drive culminated with a glamorous award night on Friday at The Hyatt Regency.

Lavasa Women’s Drive (LWD) is an all women drive which is an expression of solidarity to unite various social causes and create awareness through friendships and achievements.

After concluding events comprising of the LWD anthem launch and the Mumbai and Pune flag offs, the award night was a celebration to set the momentum for International Womens Day.

Anuradha Paraskar, Sr. Vice President – Marketing, Lavasa Corporation Ltd played a perfect host as she welcomed the participants and briefed them on the agenda for the evening.

Celebrities such as Jackky Bhagnani and his co-star Pooja Gupta handed over a few awards and also spoke about their upcoming film while the suave Arjan Bajwa and Adnam Sami greeted winners.

Bharati of Comedy Circus fame had participants in splits with her performance. Alque Padamsee, Malvika Sanghavi and Suresh Bhojwani paid a visit.

“The third edition of the Lavasa Women’s Drive was a whopping success. The passionate involvement of all the participants was exemplary,” said Paraskar.

Whilst at Lavasa, not only did they all enjoy the events but in fact many cancer survivors came forth and shared their experiences urging all women to be careful and prevent cancer. Lavasa is proud to own this unique concept which is fun filled yet compassionate in nature and looks forward to making it better and better over the years!” said Paraskar.

The participants won awards in various categories including awards for Best Message, Best Dressed, Most Popular Team, Most Spirited Team, and High on Anthem Award etc.

Singer Shweta Pandit mesmerized audience with her rendition of latest bollywood numbers. Her spirited performance had women dancing till wee hours.

In short it was an evening to remember for all the participants who braved the ghats of Sahyadri to reach Lavasa to create awareness about various causes including women’s cancer.

Fight between Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra in run for fun, fearless award

Bollywood beauties Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are in the run for Cosmopolitan Magazine's fun, fearless awards, to be held in Mumbai Saturday.

The three actresses are competing in Fun, Fearless Female All Time Reader's Choice Award this year.

Other categories include - Fun, Fearless Power Couple award, for which the nominees are - Kareena Kapoor-Saif Ali Khan; Hrithik Roshan-Sussanne Khan and Arbaaz Khan-Malaika Arora Khan.

There is also a Fun, Fearless Male 2010 Reader's Choice Award, and Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Salman Khan, and Arjun Rampal are competing for the title in this category.

The event, in its third edition now, takes place annually in India, Britain and the US.

"The Fun, Fearless Female Awards is a cult, one-of-its-kind event that celebrates all that's iconic of the Cosmo woman - her attitude, drive, and the never-say-never spirit," Nandini Bhalla, editor of Cosmopolitan, said in a press statement.

The organisers are expecting a star-studded turnout at the event Saturday at the Taj Land's End, Mumbai.

"The response has been tremendous - from readers, Bollywood favourites, and the industry. The Fun Fearless Awards are a pat on the back to women (and some special men) from different areas of life-acting, music, theatre, and more.

"Last year's awards saw a great turnout - Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, and more. And this year's awards promise to be bigger, better, and more Cosmo than ever," said Mala Sekhri, chief operating officer, Lifestyle Magazines, India Today Group.

Indian women clutch it up

Hollywood's Anne Hathaway and Jeniffer Lopez flaunt them, so do Bollywood's Aishwarya Rai and Sonam Kapoor. And now flashy, bejewelled and palm-sized clutch bags have made it to every fashion fanatic's wardrobe in India - never mind if they defy practicality.

"The explosion of tiny evening bags has been a blessing for women who only need to carry basic items for a short span of the evening - such as the cell phone, car keys, lip gloss and a little cash. But the latest designs today are more an object of art, a statement piece rather than just a 'bag'," Saraswathi Arjunan, spokesperson of gordonMax Crysthelo evening bags, told IANS.


No doubt clutches have been around in all shapes and sizes in India for the past few years. But it is the tiny, hard bound, crystal studded, expensive variety that is catching the fancy of many nowadays.

Of course, they are statement pieces. How else would one explain a pure gold clutch, encrusted with real rubies and diamonds, owned by jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali?

"I own a real ruby, diamond and gold clutch presented to me by someone. That I would say is the most expensive clutch I own," said Farah.

But how practical is it?

"Usually I only keep my lipstick, house keys, mobile and a compact. I agree it is not a practical investment, but fashion never is. It is all about feeling good," she said.

Even socialite Riddhima Kapoor, daughter of Bollywood veterans Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, believes "nothing usually fits into a palm-sized clutch...maybe just a gloss!"

"Having one or two is good enough. I wouldn't consider it a practical investment," she added.

But Arjunan says evening bags are not really about practicality.

"Evening bags actually got their start as a coin purse hung from a girdle around the waist. The thing that differentiates the evening bag from a regular handbag is that evening bags have always had a certain status appeal and do not take into consideration practicality," she said.

Large, pocketed clutch bags ruled the roost for quite some time in India, before paving the way for much smaller, blingy versions.

These are also being picked up by many college-goers and middle-class women who are becoming fashion conscious.

"Earlier one used to see women going out mostly with their husbands, brothers or boyfriends, but things have really changed. They move out with their own set of friends and colleagues and don't always need to carry a big bag as there are minimal things to carry - her credit cards, mobile phone, money, house keys and some make-up like a lipstick...so a clutch is appropriate in terms of practicality and obviously looks trendy too," Nina Lekhi, CEO of bags and accessories brand Baggit.

Lekhi says her brand of clutches witnesses a boost of 18-20 during the partying season in winter, but she has seen an annual growth of around eight percent.

Shivani Gaur, a 25-year-old, is quite regular at parties. She said:

"It becomes really hard to manage a sling bag at discotheques, where you like to let your hair down. But a clutch is small, holds the important things you need...and it looks stylish. It's nice to have it in different colours and in metallic tones for it to go with all dresses."

In fact, Shivani's mother borrows her clutches at times for weddings and other family functions - so they are conducive for all age groups - from 16 to even over 60!

"Even if a clutch doesn't hold much, what's the harm? It looks good and attracts attention. What more do girls want?" quipped Rakhi Sachdeva, a 27-year-old marketing executive.

A decent clutch would cost anywhere upwards of Rs.1,000, but luxury clutch brands like gordonMax, Jimmy Choo and Judith Lieber can conveniently cost over Rs.50,000.

Aishwarya Rai Sparkles At Oscars, Shimmer Rules Red Carpet

Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai added some Indian glamour to the Oscars with an on-trend shimmery number at the 83rd Academy Awards where sequins dominated the red carpet.

The 37-year-old actress sparkled in a bronze Giorgio Armani Prive gown with rows of amber sequins and beaded detail at the waist, while husband Abhishek Bachchan stuck to a traditional black tuxedo.

The actress teamed the shimmery gown with a Jimmy Choo clutch, vintage jewellery and smoky eyes.

Like Abhishek, musician A R Rahman who walked the red carpet with wife Saira, too wore a tuxedo while his partner chose a flamboyant fusion ensemble consisting of a golden sherwani and cigarette pants.

Like Saira and Ash, the shimmer trend was followed by Gwnyeth Paltrow, who wore a gold Calvin Klein number and Halle Berry who stole the show in a nude sparkling number by Marchesa.

Hilary Swank's glistening silver Gucci column gave way to a romantic ostrich feather skirt, while the sparkling bodice of Mandy Moore's romantic Monique L'Hullier dress appeared to have been sprayed on.

Shimmering nude was also an age-appropriate choice for 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld, nominated for her role in True Grit, who won a Fifties-style dress by Marchesa.

While Celine Dion, wore a full-sleeved silver column dress, Amy Adams added a pop of colour to the red carpet with a sequined navy gown by L'Wren Scott, which she teamed with green accessories.

Other than the sparkle, another major trend was the resurgence of the red carpet favourite, voluminous red gowns.

The bustled creations worn by Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Hudson, and Sandra Bullock, were in the same traffic-stopping hue of red. Penelope Cruz too showed off her post-pregnancy bod with a sequined red gown by L'Wren Scott.

And while black remained a popular choice, with famously eccentric British star Helena Bonham Carter opting for it, there were some surprises from Cate Blanchett who wore an lavender Givenchy Haute Couture gown with yellow embellishment, and an unusual purple-burgundy hue seen on both Natalie Portman, in Rodarte, and Scarlett Johansson in Dolce and Gabbana.

Adrien is Mallika's Oscar date!

The 83rd Academy Awards is all set to begin in few hours from now. Who is wearing what and who is coming with who is what is on everyone's mind right now.

As far as the Indian presence at the Oscars is concerned, Ash will be walking in with hubby Abhishek. Freida Pinto is slated to the event with beau Dev Patel while Mallika Sherawat is most likely to be there too. We thus thought of suggesting a date for Mallika and we couldn't think of anyone else but Adrien Brody.

Mallika Sherawat attended the 'Women In Film Pre-Oscar Cocktail Party' at Soho House in West Hollywood, California on Friday, February 25, 2011. The actress who is known to socialize in LA, Hollywood has met the likes of Johnny Depp, Salma Hayek and Quentin Tarantino before. At Friday's event, dressed in vintage, Mallika got to rub her shoulders with this year's Oscar nominee Amy Adams. Mallika revealed, "I was enchanted by Amy Adams!"

Mallika also met the duo who made headlines for their impromptu passionate kiss on Oscar stage at the 75th Academy Awards, in 2003! The gorgeous Halle Berry and the dashing Adrien Brody!

Mallika described Halle as one of the nicest supergirls of Hollywood while Adrien as
dreamy and another famous kisser of Hollywood! Seems like Adrien reminded Mallika of a certain Emraan Hashmi from Bollywood! But going by the number of kissing scenes Mallika herself has done on screen, Adrien seems like a perfect Oscar date for the hot actress! What say Mallika!

Mallika joked about her Oscar outfit saying, "Maybe I'd wear veggies instead as my dress!"

Lets see who scores more on the red carpet: Malllika or Ash!

Ash bonds with Dustin Hoffman

She's still one of the best known Bollywood names in Hollywood. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has worked with and met many distinguished luminaries of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles on her trips to Cannes and various other assignments across the globe. But she never got a chance to meet Dustin Hoffman.

On February 20, Ash, who was at the exhibition basketball game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, bumped into Dustin and his son Jake. This was the first time she saw the giants of basketball fight it out in front of her eyes. But most interestingly, this night also saw Ash and Dustin bonding. An eye witness informs, "The two spoke for sometime about movies and global trends and newer market tapping agendas."

The two were also seen cheering for their respective teams and screaming their heads. Now are these two going to be spotted again at the Oscars tomorrow?

Abhi-Aish to attend Oscars?

Bollywood's star couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, who are currently in Los Angeles for a holiday, will be attending the 83rd Annual Academy Awards Sunday, according to megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

"Ya, Abhishek and Aishwarya have been invited by the Academy to attend the Oscars on Sunday ....so....(sic)," Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

Amitabh spilled the duo's plans while sharing how American actor Warren Beatty met Abhishek at an LA store for fittings.

"Oh! And incidentally they were getting fitted at a clothes store, for the Oscars Award ceremony for Sunday - Warren and Abhishek!," added Amitabh.

Abhishek, who had been busy with the shooting of Players in New Zealand, is in LA for a break with his wife Aishwarya. The couple will also be meeting once Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, who is also expected to attend the prestigious ceremony.

These apart, music composer A.R. Rahman, who has been nominated for two categories at the Oscar this year, will be attending the event too.

Rahman, who won two Oscars for his work in the 2009 movie Slumdog Millionaire, is vying for the golden statuette for the original score of Danny Boyle's 127 Hours as well as original song If I Rise from the same movie, this year. Rahman will also be performing the song at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the Bollywood fraternity is pinning hopes that the Mozart of Madras brings back the trophies this year too.

India-born British film editor Tariq Anwar is also in the Oscar race with a nomination for his work in the hugely popular historical drama The King's Speech.

Sonali Bindre is the new goes panty less! girl

It seems Sonali Bendre is following the current bandwagon where B-town girls are forgetting to wear the essential piece of garment. Sonali attended Karan Johar's bash at Four Seasons in Mumbai on Wednesday. The actress arrived at the party wearing a short black mini dress but forgot to wear the essential piece of garment - her underwear. She came along with family friend Aishwarya Rai and her sister in law Shrishti Arya.

It is believed that the actress who was sitting on the back seat of her car along with Ash was clueless about what was showing. When she was informed by the press, her reaction was all the more shocking. She smiled at the reporters and said, "I am happy that you saw it." It can be recalled that Yana went through the same situation and didn't took it very seriously and called herself the 'No Panty Girl'.

Bollywood celebs wish Abhishek success on birthday

A host of Bollywood celebrities, including Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh and Bipasha Basu, have wished good luck and success to Abhishek Bachchan on his birthday Saturday.

The actor, who turned 35, is currently shooting in New Zealand for Abbas Mastan's "Players". But his colleagues reached out to wish him through micro-blogging site Twitter.

Preity Zinta: "Happy Birthday Abhishek! Hope 2011 is most special with more happiness, more love, more success, more laughter and blockbusters."

Genelia D'Souza: "Wishin you a very happy birthday, may u have a fun-filled year with loads of success, lots of love."

Uday Chopra: "Big shout out to my partner in crime, Happy Birthday brada! Hope you all set to rock New Zealand just don't do too much damage."

Riteish Deshmukh: "Wishing one of the coolest people I know - a very happy birthday - have a great one big bro."

Neil Nitin Mukesh: "Happy birthday to my big bro! God bless you always."

Bipasha Basu: "Happy birthday my dear! Wish u Neverending happiness, love and success."

Rohan Sippy: "Happy Birthday AB! Hope this is the best one yet."

Abhishek began his career with J.P. Dutta's "Refugee" (2000). He then went on to give a string of poorly received films, but his performances in "Main Prem

Ki Diwani Hoon" (2003) and Mani Ratnam's "Yuva" (2004) proved his mettle as an actor.

The same year, he starred in "Dhoom" -- his first commercial hit -- and in 2005, he shot to fame with four movies that did well commercially - "Bunty Aur Babli", "Sarkar", "Dus" and "Bluffmaster".

In 2007, the actor starred in "Guru", receiving much acclaim for his performance, and the film emerged as his first solo hit. Later, he went on to do films like "Sarkar Raj", "Dostana", "Delhi-6" and "Paa", among others.

The actor has a full kitty this year with four films "Game", "Dum Maro Dum", "Players" and "Bol Bachchan".

Aishwarya plans a surprise Birthday for Abhishek

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is currently shooting in New Zealand for Abbas Mastan's "Players", is in for a surprise birthday Saturday as wife

Aishwarya and his friends are planning to visit his sets and take him out for some thrilling adventure sports.

Abhishek's friends will be flying down to New Zealand to indulge him in his favorite adventure sports. Aishwarya is planning a surprise 35th birthday for her husband, according to sources.

The sources said, the friends and Aishwarya have planned an entire day of bungee jumping, white water rapids and zorbing since Abhishek is a complete adventure junkie.

"Abhishek's friends plan to fly down to New zealand where he is shooting to surprise him. Abbas Mastan have decided to give the unit a break and celebrate his birthday in a big way. Since he loves adventure sports but hasn't got the time to indulge in them thanks to his hectic schedule his friends decided to surprise him and have booked an entire day of interesting activities," a source told IANS.

Abhishek, who will celebrate his 35th birthday tomorrow began his career with J.P. Dutta's "Refugee" (2000). He then went on to give a string poorly received films, but his performances in "Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon" (2003) and Mani Ratnam's "Yuva" (2004) proved his mettle as an actor.

The same year, he starred in "Dhoom" his first commercial hit and in 2005, Abhishek, shot to fame with four movies that did well commercially - "Bunty Aur Babli", "Sarkar", "Dus", and "Bluffmaster".

In 2007, the actor starred in "Guru", receiving much acclaim for his performance, and the film emerged as his first solo hit. Later he went on to films like "Sarkar Raj", "Dostana", "Delhi-6" and "Paa" among others.

The actor has a full kitty this year with four films "Game", "Dum Maro Dum", "Players" and "Bol Bachchan".