Bollywood queen Aishwarya Rai's maiden Hollywood project in August
Mumbai, June 27 : Aishwarya Rai begins work on her first major Hollywood project this August, silencing cynics who thought the beauty was making up stories about an international career.

"Last Legion", an action-adventure film featuring Ben Kingsley of "Gandhi" fame and Colin Firth and set during the fall of the Roman empire, has Aishwarya as the female lead. The movie will be shot in Tunisia, Italy and Slovakia.

After Paul Berges' "Mistress Of Spices" and Jagmohan Mundhra's "Provoked" where she plays Indian characters, "Last Legion" will see her playing a character not binding her to her nationality.

Ash isn't allowed to speak about the costume drama, but it's reliably learnt that the movie has a $70 million budget.

Ash said: "There never was any doubt in my mind about which way my career abroad would go. But the doubters back home seemed to feel I was imagining the offers when in fact they were coming in constantly.

"Yes, I've been offered several international projects, including the latest Will Smith comedy 'Hitch' which I couldn't do because of date problems. When it came to choosing between a film in Bollywood and an international project, I was very clear that I'd always opt for the former."

"Last Legion" is being produced by the company of the late Dino de Laurentiis that produced classics like "War and Peace", "Silence Of The Lambs" and "Diabolik".

So positive was the buzz about the film at the Cannes Film Festival last month that Harvey Weinstein, the ex-chief of Miramax, immediately bought the North American distribution rights for "Last Legion".

Doug Lefler, who directed episodes on the TV series "Hercules" and served as first assistant director on "Spiderman", will make his debut as a feature film director with "Last Legion".

Priyanka Chopra has replaced Aishwarya Rai in Rohan Sippy’s Bluff Master, starring Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh.
And it seems Ash hasn’t been informed that she is being dropped from the film — on Friday, she told the press in Amsterdam (where she was attending the IIFA events) that she needed to get back to Mumbai in time to shoot for Rohan’s film.

This news comes after rumours that Ash is replacing Priyanka in and as J P Dutta’s Umrao Jaan.

No written contract

When told about the change in the Bluff Master cast on Saturday morning, Ash was shocked and disbelieving. “How can that be? I’ve finalised everything, given Rohan the dates he wanted.

Of course, I don’t have a written contract with them. But does one need to sign formal papers with friends?

Maybe I should be more practical and business-minded. Abhishek and I are here (in Amsterdam), talking about what fun it would be to shoot together again. And now this? No, there’s got to be some serious error in communication,” says the actress.

How could he do this?

By now, Ash is thoroughly upset. “I ran into Rameshji (Rohan’s father, producer Ramesh Sippy) and we spoke about the project. How could Rohan do this? We’re friends. We had so much fun doing Kuch Na Kaho.

That’s why I had absolutely no hesitation about being in Rohan’s second film.”

Master stroke

We asked Priyanka about what happened. “I’ve no clue if anyone was approached before me. All I’m concerned with is what I’m offered,” she says.

“Bluff Master seemed like a great deal of fun. Since some of the dates for Rakesh Roshan’s Krissh got cancelled (due to Hrithik’s injury), I decided to use them for Bluff Master. I’ll get to work with Abhishek for the first time, just as I’m working with Shah Rukh in Farhan Akhtar’s Don for the first time.

After Akshay Kumar and Arjun Rampal, I need to work with more co-stars who suit me. Was Ash really offered the film first? I wouldn’t know,” Priyanka maintains.

Roles interchangeable

Says Priyanka, “Roles are interchangeable in this industry. When Sajid Nadiadwala launched his post-Mujhse Shaadi Karogi film Jaan-e-Man (to be directed by Shirish Kunder), everyone assumed I’d be in the cast along with Salman and Akshay.

But when Preity was signed, Sajid had the decency to call me and express regret about it. That’s a rare gesture in this industry. No one gives a damn who gets hurt, as long as the deal is attractive enough.”

Stabbed in the back

Meanwhile, Aishwarya’s hurt is palpable. “I’ve always been thoroughly professional, and a true friend. How can my friends stab me in the back like this?” she asks. And then, in a saddened whisper, “Does Priyanka know what they’ve done to me?”

Aishwarya Rai has again proved to be the most popular Indian celebrity on the web. In the latest results posted by desifans.com, an internet popularity engine for Indian celebrities, Aishwarya Rai led the race with 90 points, way ahead of other Bollywood and sports celebrities from the Indian subcontinent.

Aishwarya Rai has again proved to be the most popular Indian celebrity on the Web. In the latest results posted by desifans.com, an internet popularity engine for Indian celebrities, Aishwarya Rai led the race with 90 points way ahead of other Bollywood and sports celebrities from the subcontinent.
   
Bollywood king Shahrukh Khan came second with 24, followed by Salman Khan 20, Kareena Kapoor 16, Rani Mukherjee 15 and Hrithik Roshan with 13. A surprise inclusion in the top 10 was Sneha Ullal who debuted this year in the movie "Lucky". The most popular among sports celebrities was India's new craze Sania Mirza with 11 points.

The site desifans.com is a unique website with the motto "for the fans, by the fans" and carries news and articles about specific Indian celebrities maintained by fans from all over the globe. The popularity engine results at desifans awards, the points every month by combining data from various sources on the internet related to the popularity of the celebrities on the internet. Desifans.com carries news, views and articles from fans of various Indian celebrities including Aishwarya Rai, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Sania Mirza, Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan, Saurav Ganguly, Rani Mukherjee, Kareena Kapoor and other prominent stars from the Indian subcontinent

One moment she is at the Cannes Film Festival ‘declaring the festival open’, the very next moment one sees her on the cover of ‘Time’ magazine or a Russian journal, look further and she is seen ‘charming her way’ through the Oprah Winfrey show.

Her recent films in India like Kyon, Ho Gaya Na , Raincoat and Shabd may have met with a lukewarm response in India, but ‘beyond the seven seas’ in Hollywood, Aishwarya Rai is well and truly the "cynosure of all eyes".

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A look at her Hollywood projects would bear testimony to her ‘firmly entrenched’ presence on the International cinematic arena.

For, within a short period since she made her foray in the West with Gurinder Chaddha’s Bride and Prejudice , which co-starred her with New Zealand actor Martin Henderson , Ash has managed to bag a host of Hollywood projects, many of them starring big names like Meryl Streep, Brandon Fraser, Keenu Reeves, Dylan McDermott and Michael Douglas.

On present count, Ash is said to have more than ten Hollywood projects in hand the notable ones being the Meryl Streep-starrer ‘Chaos’ being directed by Coline Serreau, British Director Barton Randall’s ''I know a Place'', Michael Douglas’ ‘Racing the Monsoon’, Jagmohan Mundhra’s ‘Provoked’, Gurinder Chaddha’s ‘Mistress of Spices’ and Director Doug Prochilo’s ‘Dot Or Feather’.

Trade sources also say that director Shekhar Kapoor has approached Ash and Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt for his forthcoming movie on the life of Lord Buddha.

Ash is also said to under active consideration for role in a Hollywood project, ‘Mr. Surprises’, a film which will pit her against top stars Keenu Reeves and Jude Law. Also on the cards is Rolland Joffe’s much-delayed ‘Singularity’ (earlier named ‘Invaders’) where Ash features alongside Vivek Oberoi and British actor Brandon Fraser.

Besides, Ash will also play a key role in a forthcoming English film ‘Windfall’, based on the infamous Union Carbide gas leakage, as well as a Hollywood-Bollywood joint venture ‘Heart of India’, to be made in English as well as Hindi.

Touted as India’s first I Max film, ‘Heart of India’, titled ‘Taj Mahal’ in Hindi, has Ash playing the role of Mumtaz. The film is being produced and directed by renowned filmmaker Ganapathy Bharat Bala.

Further underscoring her presence in Hollywood is her appearance on a host of television shows in the West like the David Lettermann show, the Jay Leno Show and, most recently, the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Amsterdam, June 09: After appearing on the cover of 'Time' magazine, Bollywood queen Aishwarya Rai, adjudged one of the most beautiful women in the world, was honoured by the Netherlands, which today named a special variety of the tulip flower after her.

The special tulips were named 'Aishwarya Rai' after the former miss world during a press conference on the first day of the four-day International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend here.

Presenting Rai with the tulips and the certificate authenticating their new name, Hans Van Driem, managing director, Netherlands board of tourism said that the tulips were a celebration of Rai's beauty.

"Herewith I give you the tulip - the symbol of the tourist destination Holland. This tulip represents all the beautiful things of Holland. This tulip will be named after one of the most beautiful women in the world - Aishwarya Rai," Van Driem intoned before sprinkling the pink tulips with champagne.

Accepting the flowers, 'Ash', who has the rare honour of being the Indian actress to appear on the Oprah Winfrey and David Letterman shows on US television, said she was "honoured and thankful" to receive the honour.

When asked why she was being bestowed the honour, Van Driem told reporters that Aishwarya was "a symbol of Indian beauty" and that "a special hue of Netherland's prized tulips was nurtured by researchers" for the occasion.

The diamond festival, the Nakshatra Utsav 2005 has been launched by the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) and will continue till the end of this month.  
 
The Nakshatra Utsav celebrates beauty, mystery, magic and the aura of all constellations. .In addition, the Utsav introduces 12 new designs especially for all Nakshatra buyers.

As part of the Utsav, a new television commercial is on air. The company's brand ambassador Aishwarya Rai invites viewers to attend the Utsav, saying, “‘Aap Nakshatra Utsav mein aa rahe hain na?”  
 
The Nakshatra Utsav has over 150 retailers in 40 cities participating. Visitors have a chance to win gifts. The first 10 customers who walk into a store and shop for Nakshatra jewellery worth Rs 30,000 stand to win gorgeous, designer sarees. These have been specially designed, blending the Nakshatra colours and essence.

Rai says, “There is a kind of depth to a diamond which no other stone has. Diamonds are classy yet simple -- and the statement they make is one of dignity and grace. No woman can resist the combination of permanence, feminity and elegance.” 
 
DTC markleting dierctor India Cherie Tandon Saldanha said, “We are pleased to announce the Nakshatra Utsav, which will showcase a variety of designs of our exquisite Nakshatra diamond jewellery.Women no longer have to wait for the festive season to avail of exciting offers on purchase of Nakshatra diamond jewellery. This is an opportunity for them to indulge in choosing from the wide range of Nakshatra styles.”

The earlier mkentioned 12 pieces, crafted extensively for the Utsav, tell a story of celestial celebration. The collection consisting of rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants and more, comprise a circle of five to nine diamonds that sparkle like the stars and capture exquisitely the mystery, magic and aura of the constellations above.

Evoking images of the cosmos, of beauty and radiance, the designs range from the traditional to the ultra-modern. The designs are classic yet contemporary and have the Certificate of Authencity and the Nakshatra Mark Hologram.

Aishwarya Rai now on Russian magazine cover

Ash is the ninth most beautiful lady in the world

She may have been crowned Miss World almost ten years ago, but Aishwarya Rai still has that beauty, charm and grace to be voted as the ninth most beautiful lady in the world.

Ash is ninth in the poll of the 100 Most Beautiful Women of Today, which appears in the July issue of Harpers and Queen.
 

Hollywood beauty Angelina Jolie topped the poll, followed by supermodel Christy Turlington, Queen Rania of Jordan, film director Sofia Coppola and domestic goddess Nigella Lawson.

The top five in the Harpers & Queen magazine list, compiled by 1,000 experts from the worlds of fashion, arts, the media and, peculiarly, plastic surgery, are brunettes.

Blondes such as supermodel Kate Moss, ‘Kill Bill’ star Uma Thurman and Lost in Translation's Scarlett Johansson are in the top 100, but have been relegated out of the top five.

Harpers & Queen editor Lucy Yeomans said: "We were really surprised when the brunettes came out on top. But from our panel results, we witnessed a definite shift away from the traditionally deified blonde stereotype. Instead, people with a more unusual and interesting beauty ranked higher.”

"We encouraged people to vote on the all-round package, rather than on physical beauty alone, so it was great to see less obvious beauties such as film director Sofia Coppola making the top five."

List of  Top 25:
Angelina Jolie, Christy Turlington, Rania of Jordan, Sofia Coppola, Nigella Lawson, Uma Thurman, Emmanuelle Beart, Kate Moss, Aishwarya Rai, Charlotte of Monaco, Charlotte Rampling, Beyonce Knowles, Cate Blanchett, Scarlett Johansson, Ziyi Zhang, Sophie Dahl, Natalie Portman, Liv Tyler, Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Connelly, Natalia Vodianova, Dita Von Teese, Julie Christie, Margherita Missoni, Gwen Stefani.

01st June 2005  11.19 IST By ApunKaChoice Bureau 

Angry British Journalists 'Provoked' controvesy?

 Aishwarya Rai has expressed outrage over a British media report that she angered Sikhs while shooting at a London gurudwara, saying she "never plays with religious sentiments".

A story in the British paper Eastern Eye, which largely caters to Asians, suggested that there was trouble at the gurudwara when Aishwarya and co-star Naveen Andrews had gone to shoot for Jagmohan Mundhra's Provoked.

Aishwarya said from London: "There have been so many completely false reports on my life and career. But this one takes the cake. There was absolutely no fracas, no tension and certainly no member of the Sikh community was provoked and angered.

"And you know what? This time the canard cannot be allowed to go by because it has to do with religious sentiments and I'm very, very careful that I never play around with those."

To the film crew's good fortune, the entire shooting of Provoked in the gurdwara was filmed by the BBC.

Says Aishwarya: "There's therefore documented evidence that there was absolutely no sign of trouble anywhere. Are we stupid to walk into a gurdwara with our heads uncovered and shoes on? I think some sections of the media really need to exercise self-control.

"Coming in the wake of trouble over that other film, Jo Bole So Nihaal, this is sheer mischief and very damaging mischief. And we can't allow it to go scot-free."

Adds Murli Manohar, the producer of Provoked: "To impute such irresponsible behaviour to us is to really belittle our sense of dedication and honesty to making films.

"We aren't here to instigate any individual or community. The crew for Provoked is almost completely British and therefore very, very particular about not hurting other culture and people's sentiments.

"Besides, we had all the required permission in writing before we went to the gurdwara. Once there, we came across the most amazing crowds waiting for a glimpse of Aishwarya. There was absolutely no trouble. And the BBC has filmed the whole incident for a documentary on Bollywood called 'Better Than Hollywood'."

Adds Aishwarya, "I'm truly tired of these stark lies. We are trying to make a film on the life of a very traumatised, very brave Sikh woman. Such false stories cannot help our cause. The fact is, when we went to the gurdwara, people came forward to support us in every way possible. They told me how to hold my dupatta right. They showed my co-star Naveen Andrews how to hold his sword in the correct position. The atmosphere in the gurdwara was supportive and affectionate, not at all confrontational."

So where did the story of irate Sikhs come from?

Explains the producer: "There were journalists from Eastern Eye at the gurdwara who wanted to meet Aishwarya. Because of the tight schedule she couldn't give them time. I think they went away angry and vengeful."

Aishwarya Rai in a fix!

Sanjay Leela Bhansali might have put his period drama Bajirao Mastani on hold, but other filmmakers seem mighty eager to take on the epic mantle.

While Ketan Mehta's Rising (or Mangal Pandey, as it is called in Hindi) is on the way, Ashutosh Gowariker has already announced his plans of making Jodha-Akbar, based on the Mughal emperor's life, next.

As if there aren't enough historical figures to portray on film, two prominent directors want to make a film on legendary Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan and his lady love, Samyukta.

Not only do Rajkumar Santoshi and Chandraprakash Dwivedi want to make the same epic, they both want to cast Aishwarya Rai as the heroine.

"Raj Santoshiji and I almost did Prithviraj-Samyukta. But then we zeroed in another subject called Saamna, which we're starting later this year," says Aishwarya.

"But Prithviraj is very much on, though not necessarily with Rajji. Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi wanted to make (a film on) the same subject. He had earlier offered me Pinjar. He's adamant to do Prithviraj Samyukta with me. I told him I was ethically committed to Raj Santoshi for the subject. He said, 'Dono karo (Do both)'. But why should two good filmmakers make the same film? The core personality of the historical figure gets diluted in the duplication."

Earlier, five films on freedom fighter Bhagat Singh were released at the same time, including Rajkumar Santoshi's The Legend Of Bhagat Singh and Guddu Dhanoa's 23rd March 1931 -- Shaheed.

"The whole idea gets lost in superficial comparisons," says Ash. "I've spoken to both (Santoshi and Dwivedi). We've decided that I'll be Samyukta for whoever makes the film first!"

"They both agreed only one of them would make the film. This was a settlement worked out amicably among three of us. Both Rajji and Chandraprakashji have done ample research and are ready to share their knowledge with each other."

Santoshi is currently busy with Family, featuring the Waqt pair of Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. Then, his Saamna (with Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar and Ash) will go on the floors. After that he's doing another film with Devgan.

But Santoshi or Dwivedi, Ash wins both ways.

Subhash K Jha | May 17, 2005 17:27 IST in rediff.com