The Former Miss World was spotted posing for the shutterbugs in a clingy black and white ensemble

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has finally arrived for the 66th Cannes International Film Festival. The actor kept it formal style-wise while interacting with the media.She opted for a full-sleeved shirt which she teamed with a high-waisted figure hugging skirt. The gold buckle of her belt stood out. Ash kept her hair loose, with very little make-up. We like the flowing long train of her skirt. It’s a prefect mix of classy and formal. But if you see closely, the paunch that’s sticking out is not exactly easy on the eye. The actor needs to work super hard to get rid of all that cellulite around her tummy. But what’s commendable is that despite not being in perfect shape she had the courage to opt for this body hugging outfit. If you ask us, it’s much better than the Roberto Cavalli kaftan she wore last year while she tried to keep it all casual, posing on the Martinez terrace, enjoying the Riviera sea breeze and making the most of the view.

What do you think about her look readers?

The main lead of the sitcom, whose character is called Jess, was seen going all Indian on screen

Western sitcoms seem to be smitten by the traditional Indian style as well – the mere evidence being Zooey Deschanel’s desi avatar on New Girl. Zooey, who is known for her funny antics in the comedy serial, was seen wearing a pretty blue saree with a shiny pink hem. While she looked quite simple, the supporting character Cece who’s getting married opted for a bright lehenga choli. Although Cece’s statement was a tad too loud, Jess impressed us with that subtle choice.

Popular singer Taylor Swift also made an appearance in the finale. It was a special wedding sequence and all the actors were seen celebrating it in absolute Indian style.

Our readers passionately shared their opinion on our stories over the past year, commenting on the behaviour of stars like Shahrukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit-Nene. We pick three of the best…

Bollywood is fanatically followed in India and any story – serious or fun – on the top stars, be it Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor or even Ajay Devgn, is met with passionate opinions by fans and detractors alike. In our second anniversary special, we share some comments made by BollywoodLife readers.

These might not be one of the ‘most commented’ stories – which highlighted…err…the charms of Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Satyamev Jayate, Ek Tha Tiger, Dabangg 2, box office reports, Sunny Leone, Sherlyn Chopra, Poonam Pandey and Veena Malik. We chose comments that we found most entertaining.

Click here to read the best comments on BollywoodLife:

BL Anniversary Special: Is Ranveer Singh a better actor than Ranbir Kapoor?

BL Anniversary Special: Is Ajay Devgn jealous of Shahrukh Khan?

BL Anniversary Special: Did Madhuri Dixit-Nene have cheek implants to look younger?

Looks like all’s well between Big B and Wizcraft, and the Bollywood legend might return as the face of IIFA in its 14th edition

After a decade-long association with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, Amitabh Bachchan, then the brand ambassador of the annual event, had a tiff with organisers Wizcraft International Entertainment. This was because the Bachchan family had refused to go to Sri Lanka for the awards in 2010 owing to some opposition to Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s film Raavan in the neighbouring country.

And so, Salman Khan had famously taken over the mantle from Big B, and was seen everywhere at the Sri Lankan IIFA Weekend. But last year again, the big stars of Bollywood like Amitabh, Salman, Shahrukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Akshay Kumar (Aamir Khan doesn’t attend award ceremonies) missed the event. It was evident that the IIFA party was losing sheen.

It seems now Sabbas Joseph of Wizcraft has called a truce and Big B is likely to be the face of the international Bollywood awards ceremony again. And Bachchan will make his comeback at a familiar venue – The Venetian Macao hotel in Macau, where the 2009 IIFA Weekend was held.

Looks like Wizcraft preferred to go with Macau looking at its experience with The Venetian, and rejected Vancouver’s bid earlier this year. Let’s see if Shahrukh and Salman will turn up for the IIFA Awards 2013!

Trust B-town celebs to create news all through the year. Whatever they did got written about, as they grabbed attention – adding more spice to the movie business. In the year gone by, filmstars kept the flashbulbs active and their guarded moves were captured by us at every moment…

Every year Bollywood churns out as much news as it does films, if not more. The clashing of fragile egos, blossoming of romance and lashing out at detractors make for special headlines. On the second anniversary of BollywoodLife, we bring you what screamed the loudest, who cried the hardest, what made us sit up and write, fastest. It has been a fascinating journey over the past 12 months, full of excitement, exhilaration, ups and downs, joys and griefs. And the folks in B-town gave us all these notable moments and much more.

BollywoodLife celebrates its two-year birthday with some very special photographs that said something more than words ever could….

Last year gave us some memorable and entertaining moments. And as BollywoodLife turns two years old, we decided to show off the moments that made things more fun for us and for you. Here are a few of the best pictures we gave you, from the first glimpse of Beti B Aaradhya Bachchan, to the very private Vidya Balan-Siddharth Roy Kapur wedding and Madhuri Dixit hugging arch rival Sridevi during a special episode of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5. Take a look…a re-look!

Photos: Yogen Shah

We hear that the world’s most beautiful mother and B-town diva Ash will walk the red carpet at the French Rivera with daughter Aaradhya. Grandpa Amitabh too will make his ‘grand’ presence felt at the prestigious do, but papa Abhishek will not make it to Cannes this year. Read on to know why…

While most of our B-town folks create shoo-shaa over getting that rare opportunity to fly to the Cannes and soak in its enviable glory, there’s one diva who has been so regular at the prestigious film festival that she knows the glamorous locale like her own backyard. And that name is – no prizes for guessing – none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan! The Bachchan bahu has been basking in the media glare all these years at the international fanfare.

This year too, we hear, Ash will attend the 66th Cannes International Film Festival. And guess what! Even her angelic daughter – baby Aaradhya Bachchan – will accompany her gorgeous mom at the red carpet. Now, isn’t that exciting?

What is not so-exciting though is the fact that papa Abhishek Bachchan will not be seen at the event this year, since he will be busy shooting for his forthcoming action movie Dhoom: 3. Sigh! But making up for AB Junior’s absence will be the grand daddy (or shall we say the adorable grandpa) of B-town, Amitabh Bachchan. Big B is already in the news in the global media for his larger than life presence in Baz Luhrmann’s much-talked about movie The Great Gatsby. And now the 70-year-old megastar is gearing up to rock the Cannes with granddaughter Aaradhya in toe!

She’s special, beautiful, strict, creative, caring and overworked – there aren’t enough words to describe just how wonderful they are! Meet the B-town mummy brigade whose members are all this and so much more…

They built their careers from scratch and gave it all up without a second thought to take up the responsibility of bringing up a child. Now they juggle motherhood and career without a twitch of their pretty noses and are doing a fabulous job. When the whole world was concentrating on the oodles of weight Aishwarya Rai Bachchan put on after her pregnancy, the actor stayed focused on looking after Beti B Aaradhya and is now rapidly getting mini-ready again. Thanks to her yoga, Shilpa Shetty Kundra lost all her pregnancy weight once she was sure baby Viaan was willing to let go of her for a while and is back cheering for her IPL team, her son on her hip. Lara Dutta Bhupathi is taking longer, but is all set to take over the reins of her production house and is reportedly getting in shape for a new movie role.

Here’s why we think new age Bollywood mothers are super cool….

The music maestro tweeted about his daughter’s brilliant performance on a microblogging site

AR Rahman is in seventh heaven as his daughter Khatija passed her board exams with flying colours. Khatija had lent her voice to the track Pudiya manidha from Enthiran starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan –the Tamil version of Robot.  She is Rahman’ s eldest daughter and the musician we are sure couldn’t contain his happiness as he wrote, “This is the first time in the family, my daughter Khatija excels in studies and score 94% in her 12^th public exams. எல்லாபுகழும் இறைவனுக்கே.” The Tamil text means ‘all praise to God.’

We must say Rahman’s daughter seems as talented and hardworking as her daddy. 94% in board exams is no mean feat for sure. We wish the gal best of luck for her future.

Instead of shining on the red carpet at the prestigious gala, Neil has decided to stay in Mumbai to shoot for his next film. But is that true, or is there more to the story than he is telling us?

If Neil Nitin Mukesh – who has had five flops in a row – getting that prized invitation to the 66th Cannes International Film Festival 2013 was not shocking enough, here is news that beats anything on the most-bizarre list.

Initially the 31-year-old actor was excited about promoting his new film, the Susi Ganesh-directed Shortcut Romeo. In fact, a special screening of the movie is being held at Cannes this year and the lead cast – Puja Gupta, Ameesha Patel and Neil himself – was more than thrilled to have a share of 15 seconds of fame in the media glare at the glamorous event. But now we hear that Neil has decided to skip his trip to the Riviera. And this ‘sacrifice’ of his is certainly questionable. What exactly is holding Neil back from walking the red carpet, we wonder! Especially since we get hourly updates on Ms Patel swanning it at the do that will, we all know, be dominated by the three queens with desi connections, Sonam Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Frieda Pinto.

Much to our surprise, Neil maintains that he is busy shooting for his next project (Dussehra), which has to be completed asap. Now this excuse sounds as bland and contrived as it can get. Everyone knows that Neil doesn’t have that many great offers on his career platter; he is not working on any reality show at the moment either. And Cannes is an event that can only add value to any filmi portfolio. So in this scenario, he can easily afford to take a couple of days off to promote Shortcut Romeo in France.

But the reality is – and our secret khabroo chirped about this to us – that the lad is jittery about going to Cannes. Perhaps because he may not get the same attention (read: bhaav) as the other B-town stars who will capture the limelight with their guaranteed star power. Plus, the burden of a string of innumerable flops is too heavy to carry along to the prestigious do, wethinks. And, of course, Neil is not particularly happy with the idea of being photographed flanked by not so successful bimbettes like Pooja and Ameesha. Staying home then obviously becomes the most intelligent choice – why face that barrage of smirks from the more brightly shining glitterati at Cannes, and the eagerly watching media in desi-land….right, folks

Photos: Yogen Shah

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s child is on her way to becoming a little fashionista

Move over Suri Cruise, Aaradhya Bachchan is here! The youngest member of the Bachchan household, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan’s daughter is garnering attention for her fashion statements.

The little girl was seen last night at the Mumbai airport in leopard print pants (already!) and baby Uggs. How cute is that! She sported a pink jacket and a matching hairclip.

Judging from all her public appearances so far, we can safely say that Aaradhya will most likely spend her childhood being a girlie girl in li’l frocks, pins and hairbands, funky bracelets, pretty shoes, bags, hats and maybe even a fashionable pink high-end handphone.

When she was littler child, we saw her in adorable baby frocks and flowery headbands that are almost a trademark now. She’s also gone ethnic in a red and gold traditional outfit. When she is travelling though, Aaradhya is most often in pink and white tights and tees or comfy frocks, holding firmly on to her momma as she rides in her baby sling in Ash’s arms.

We sure would’ve liked to see her in her baby car seat – like the one Aamir Khan’s son Azad Rao Khan was seated in, remember? But now that Aaradhya is a Big Girl, we’re waiting to see what her personal style will develop into. After all, little kids also exercise their choice.

What do you think of Beti B Aaradhya’s style quotient?

Photos: Yogen Shah

The lead girl from Gippi reveals how she thought that working in Bollywood was a cakewalk until she did a film and realised that it’s not all fun and games after all!

Riya Vij, the cute girl in the next Karan Johar film Gippi is as cute as a bug’s ear. Riya’s mum runs a NGO and her dad is an entrepreneur. When she was first offered Gippi, Riya jumped six feet high, she confessed, and then indulged in a small celebration with near and dear ones. A girl of few words, she blushes when she talks about the RK she adores, “It would be great if I get to share screen space with Ranbir Kapoor some day!” She goes delightfully scarlet. A huge admirer of Deepika Padukone and Parineeti Chopra, the kid makes it clear that she likes a couple of actors, but won’t consider herself a huge Bollywood buff.

Starting out slightly tense, Riya loosens up as the conversation gains momentum. Glancing at us demurely, she handles the interview pretty well for a novice…

So how’s the experience been, Riya?

It’s been really nice shooting and everything, very different. I thought I would be very nervous on the first day of the shoot, but surprisingly I was pretty comfortable, ‘coz the whole crew was so friendly and Sonam (Nair) was more of a friend than a taskmaster.

Did mum set any dos and don’ts for you while you were shooting for the film?

(Laughs) No, my mum didn’t set any dos and don’ts; she is not that type.

Not sure yet, but if I get an opportunity, then why not! As long as it doesn’t interfere with my studies, I don’t mind taking up more films. I wanted to become a dentist, but let’s see if that happens.

Some of them I could relate to. In real life, people don’t bully in such an over the top way as it’s shown. But it’s not very difficult to deal with bullies. In the film Gippi gets very embarrassed with her mum. In real life too, I feel very shy when my parents are around. There was one scene in the film when I was cheating in my test, so that part came pretty naturally to me. Gippi, in the film, is very conscious about her weight. Personally, even I get nervous when people talk about weight related issues in front of me.

Yes, I have started getting a lot of attention, but my close friends – they are always there. Their attitude towards me hasn’t changed much, so I am happy about that.

You look pretty fit now – did you have to put on weight for the film?

Ya, I had to put on a bit of weight, but now since it’s been a year ago that we shot the film, I have lost some of those kilos.

Ever dreamed of working in a Karan Johar film?

You had difficulty going over the top in the film – why?

I get extremely conscious to do so. In fact, I am much shyer in real life. The film also helped me build my confidence and become a bit of an extrovert.

What message you would like to give adolescents who aren’t very confident of themselves?

At this age, we all feel very insecure. Even if you are better than someone else, you will always feel conscious about something  or the other. I think these are the toughest years. We should all just be ourselves and be comfortable with that.

Parents shouldn’t embarrass their kids when they are outside. They just don’t realise that there are other people watching you. Even in the film, Divya Dutta – who plays my onscreen mum – makes me cringe by asking ‘Potty kia na, beta?’ in one of the scenes. Now that kind of thing should be kept at home. At this stage we are already concerned about studies, so parents should not make it worse by pressurising us more.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to play the piano and paint.

Your views on size zero…

I think nowadays curves are in – you don’t have to be size zero, you should just be yourself!

The cute main lead from Karan Johar’s upcoming production confesses that just like any other kid even she dreamt of looking like a typical Bollywood heroine

Riya Vij confesses that she is not a hardcore Bollywood fan. But that didn’t stop her from admiring the gorgeous babes of our film fraternity. So in a recent interview, the chubby bundle of joy from Gippi revealed that she neither had any fancy dreams of working in Bollywood nor did she harbour any kind of notions that she will be a top-notch heroine someday. In fact, all she wanted was to look like one of these hot B-town babes since she’s slightly conscious of her weight.

“I never thought of being a part of a Karan Johar film before, but like every other child I always dreamt of being as pretty as Kareena Kapoor and as tall as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan,” Riya disclosed while talking to us. Wethinks you are way more attractive and prettier than Bebo and Ash, Riya! Waiting to watch your fun, prank-filled, film!

It’s been six years since the couple tied the knot. So any idea what Abhi-Ash are planning to do this anniversary?

Last year Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrated their anniversary with their li’l bundle of joy – Aaradhya Bachchan. She was perhaps the best gift ever as she made an entry into the Bachchan household on November 16, 2011.

From strutting around on the red carpet, hands entangled around each other at fests and events to doing films together, Abhi-Ash have had it all smooth till now. The couple appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s show together and spoke about virtually everything under the sun – from the huge fan base they have to their love life.

On the sets of Koffee With Karan, Abhi had once described Ash as one of the guys, one of those buddies he loves to hang out with, and that she’s not overly feminine and that’s what makes them amazing friends, bolstering their relationship perfectly. The couple still looks pretty much in love. Whenever they make public appearances, Abhi is usually seen keeping an eye on Aaradhya and being by his wife’s side. Wish a happy anniversary to you two….

The veteran poet-writer-lyricist will script a film based on the legendary poet, Mirza Ghalib

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra prefers to be in a league of his own, unlike other B-town filmmakers! The director who’s totally engrossed in the making of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag based on the renowned athlete Milkha Singh, has now joined hands with the veteran and highly respected Gulzar to create Mirza, a film which is said to be based on the legendary poet Mirza Ghalib and his love Sahibaan.

It’s learnt that Mehra who’s busy finishing the post production of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has been simultaneously working on this project. And from what we hear, Rakeysh who prefers to write his own scripts, has entrusted the job to Gulzar saab this time around. It’s learnt that Mehra always wanted to work with the Aandhi director and has been waiting for the right opportunity, and it’s a dream come true for him as he has managed to convince the eminent lyricist to write the screenplay of the film. Well, this isn’t the first movie based on Mirza Ghalib. Sohrab Modi produced and directed a film called Mirza Ghalib in 1954 starring Bharat Bhushan as Ghalib and Suraiya as his courtesan.

We are curious to know who’ll relive Mirza and Ghalib on screen in this period love story and do justice to the roles. Hrithik Roshan-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan? Or the latest Ranveer Singh-Sonakshi Sinha? Any guesses, peeps?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan take a romantic vacation without baby Aaradhya Bachchan in New York. Looks like the couple are rekindling their romance away from all the hustle bustle of work and other professional commitments, but a fan caught up with them for a starry photograph. And while the duo is taking a much needed break, wonder who is taking care of Beti B in their absence. Maybe grandpa Big B has been appointed as the babysitter, right? ALSO READ: In Focus: Rahul Gandhi and Gauri Khan share a joke!

The award winning director confesses that many of his relationships didn’t work out, and how work completes his life

Sanjay Leela Bhansali admits that his life may be ‘unfulfilled’, but it isn’t ‘unhappy’. “All the pain, suffering, love, passion and conflict have made me what I am. I make passionate love stories because I don’t have love in my life. My art completes my life. My life may be unfulfilled. But it isn’t unhappy,” said Bhansali who turned 50 this year.

The maker of hits like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas doesn’t miss anything in life and adds that he has chosen the life he leads. “I am basically a nomadic loner,” said the filmmaker and adds, “Salman Khan is one person I’d always consider very close to my heart.”

Excerpts:

Earlier you were apprehensive about apportioning responsibility in your production house?

I am more adventurous now. I am more fearless as an artiste. I want directors from the outside to bring in their aesthetics into my production house. For example, Prabhudheva made Rowdy Rathore and my sister Bela made Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi for me, which I couldn’t have directed and which I am very proud of. I directed an opera in Paris in 2008. Now I want to do more of the things that I can do if I have a team around me. Today, I am working far harder than I did five years ago. I put in nearly 20 hours every day. And I am enjoying every bit of it.

With Rowdy Rathore you have set a trend for cheesy C-grade titles like Revolver Rani and Bullet Raja and Rajkumar Rambo?

I’ve grown in Bhuleshwar (in Mumbai). I’d pass through the red-light area every day looking at those theatres with those eccentric names. I’ve grown up with the rowdies and the rajas all around me. I loved those movies of the early 1970s near Alfred Talkies. The humour in my life, even in my own family was filmy. It’s a wonderful thing to go back to these titles. I am very proud of Rowdy Rathore. The day I titled it Rowdy Rathore was the day the film’s fate changed. I love the sound of it. And I am glad other directors have started using these massy titles. Nothing cheesy about it. People erupt with ecstasy at such titles.

Do you miss having that someone special in your life?

No, I have chosen the life I lead. There were relationships that didn’t work out. I am basically a nomadic loner. And I am not capable of moving ahead with the baggage of a relationship. I’ve seen relationships traumatize people. As a child, I’d helplessly watch relationships crumble around me. Every individual is a sum-total of his past experiences. Maybe that’s why I am wary of relationships.

If you had to change anything in life what would it be?

Nothing. Nothing at all. All the pain, suffering, love passion and conflict have made me what I am. I make passionate love stories because I don’t have love in my life. My art completes my life. My life may be unfulfilled. But it isn’t unhappy.

Is it possible to make good friends in the film industry?

I think so. But as a filmmaker I often find actors feel betrayed when you don’t cast them repeatedly and the friendship ends. That is very limiting and hurtful for any filmmaker. Also, there’s a tendency among some actors to make fun of the people they call their friends. But then cruelty is part of all human beings. But yes, people in the industry do stand by one another. As long as it’s not work-based.

Are Aishwarya Rai and Rani Mukerji your friends?

They are very dear to me. So are Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala. And Salman Khan is one person I’d always consider very close to my heart. But to me friendship doesn’t mean sitting with people every day.

The Barfi! actor and her office staff are doing their best to bring Jiban Patra’s body back to India

The latest we hear is that Priyanka Chopra and her office staff have been trying hard to get her assistant Jiban Patra’s body back to India. A spokesperson from her office said, “It’s a very unfortunate and unexpected situation. Our deepest condolences go out to Mr Patra’s family. Our aim throughout was to ensure that Mr Patra’s remains were brought back to his family at the very earliest.”

Chopra’s office said that the reason for the delay is that a NOC (No Objection Certificate) was needed from the family only after which the hospital and police authorities would release Patra’s body.

The actor’s spokesperson informed, “Owing to the situation that this occurred in a foreign country, where no family member was present, there were multiple levels of paperwork and processes that had to be followed to ensure that the matter was handled effectively and in a timely manner. Owing to some delays in paperwork from the family’s end, the repatriation of the body was delayed.”

PeeCee is deeply moved with the tragic news to the extent that she delayed her return to India to ensure that everything was in place for Patra’s remains to be brought back here. The spokesperson added, “We have been in constant touch with the family to keep them updated on the matter. All details and financial requirements related to the repatriation are being handled directly by Ms Chopra and her team in LA. We are making all efforts to ensure his family’s needs are taken care of at this unfortunate time.”

The actor is also looking at taking care of his two children, their education and upbringing. Patra was freelancing with actors like Tabu and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan too.

The proud mommy and the two megastars are all set to attend the most prestigious film festival

Looks like the Cannes Film Festival will always be incomplete without the royal presence of our beloved, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who attends the fest every year. Following the customary practice, the Bachchan bahu is looking forward to receive a special invitation from the French government to be a part of the festival this year too.

Not to forget that the honey-eyed Bollywood diva was conferred upon a civilian award by the French government for her contribution to arts on her birthday last year. This year, it’s going to be more special for Ash and other Bollywood dignitaries, as Cannes will celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema for which the organisers are contemplating to invite B-town bigwigs to celebrate the achievement. From what we hear, Ash’s dearest father-in-law – Amitabh Bachchan will also accompany her.

This year it’s going to be all the more eventful, what with the Shahenshah of Bollywood and South megastar, Rajinikanth representing their films – The Great Gatsby and Kochadaiyaan respectively. Now, need say more? We can’t wait to see Ash get back to her beautiful and graceful self on the red carpet at Cannes this year. Will dearest hubby Abhishek Bachchan accompany her?

Femina Miss India World 2009 Pooja Chopra is all set to make her Bollywood debut in Vipul Shah’s Commando co-starring Vidyut Jamwal. In a freewheeling chat with BollywoodLife the effervescent beauty talks about her journey from being an average middle class girl to a self believing diva who won the crowning glory that eventually brought her to the glamorous world of movies

Pooja Chopra is excited about the release of Commando, her first Bollywood film, co-starring Vidyut Jamwal. The 27-year-old beauty queen is just as nervous about its release tomorrow. “A lot of responsibilities, hope, sweat and hard work have gone into achieving what I have today. Working in the movies is not my domain. I am trying to prove that yes, I can do acting too, with my first break: Commando,” explains Pooja.

Ticket to Bollywood!

“Even after winning the Miss World title the thought of acting never crossed my mind. It was only after my mum suggested that I should give acting a try that I started taking acting seriously. I never thought or believed that I would act one day. With Miss India, yes, I believed that I would be a beauty queen. I was willing to do everything it took to be there. I was very clear that I had to win the pageant. Had you slit any part of my body while I was preparing for the contest, Miss India would have popped out. But acting…no way! I never thought I would make it to Bollywood. I wanted to open a restaurant. I even discussed the idea with my mum. She was happy about it, but then she said it was her dream to see me act on the big screen.”

Mom’s the world

“I come from a humble middle class back ground. My mother is my source of strength. She has raised me single handedly. I cannot compensate for the sacrifices my mum has made, no matter where I reach and what I achieve. My life will be indebted to her and I learned this when I was very young, for I could see the sacrifices she made for me. I can’t get my mother those days back, no matter what I do. The success I have achieved will always be for her.”

Ash the inspiration

“Preparing for Miss World was tough. Not many beauty queens have inspired me, but I must admit that I had Ash on my mind when I was preparing for the Miss World contest. I had flashes of Aishwarya Rai winning and making India proud with that turquoise crown glittering on her head. Those images were revolving in my mind. After all, Ash is in our collective memory as the ultimate Miss World. She’s truly inspiring!”

Commando’s success – a matter of life and death

“I know it is a huge statement to make. But I mean it, because I know that even if you are a beauty queen, it’s not easy to get the second chance in the movies if your first attempt goes unnoticed. I am a newcomer and I did not want to take any risks. I think to make a successful start you need to have an actor, a director or a producer who is rock solid, besides a good script. In Commando the producer of the film Vipul Shah won my vote. I am a big fan of his movies like Waqt and Namaste London. When I read the script of Commando, I knew right then that I had to do it. Unlike many other action films where female actors are used just as glamorous dolls, in Commando my character is very strong. In fact, the film is about the fight between me and the villain. Later, the commando (Vidyut) jumps in to win the battle for me. I have a very meaty role in the film. The spectrum of shades I have in this film will amaze you, for sure! My character Simran is a real patakha, but at the same time she is an intelligent and highly opinionated girl. She has a lot of fire and spunk and takes on the villain, head on. She’s not a trained fighter, but she is the one who will not run away from difficult situations. The character resonated with me a lot, because that’s how I am in real life.

Vidyut Jamwal is a mind-blowing action hero

“I have known Vidyut since even before I signed the film. We had done a lot of fashion shows together even before we started working in the movies. He is a level-headed guy who can easily gel with anyone. He is really hard working and that quality of his has always inspired me hugely. Working with him was like working with a friend. And I thank God that I worked with him in Commando instead of working with an established actor or a superstar, because an established male lead would have overshadowed my presence in the film.

Madhuri Dixit-Nene is all set for a flamenco performance in the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6 promo. The actor shared this pic on her Facebook and said, “wearing this RED flamenco style outfit design by Gavin Miguel in jhalak 6 promo”. Although she is looking a bit on the fatter side, we are looking forward to seeing her move on the Jhalak stage! And of course, Mads’ act is likely to be compared to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan‘s recent flamenco jig at the Miss India 2013 pageant. Reminds us of Devdas, where the two actors danced to Dola re in one frame. | ALSO SEE: Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan pose together at TOIFA!

Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the same frame? It’s rare to see that, especially after their tiff eons ago. But in a backstage pic we found at the Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) held last weekend, the romantic pair of Devdas share frame space, albeit with their respective spouses! So there’s Abhishek Bachchan and Gauri Khan, and also director Karan Johar and designers Manish Malhotra and Shabina Khan. Quite an exclusive photo op wethinks! | Photo: UTV Stars | ALSO READ: Salman Khan meets navy pilots at INS Hansa

The opening edition of TOIFA was a runaway success with some of the biggest stars of Bollywood conquering Canada

The Times of India Film Awards 2013 started with a starry bang as the country’s top movie stars flocked to British Columbia in Canada to enthrall the audiences with some super-hot performances.

The main attraction of the evening were of course the A-listers – Ranbir Kapoor, Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – who not only attended the extravaganza, but performed on some hit numbers too.

SRK danced to Challa, Chammak challo and Suraj hua maddham, while Ash, whom we were rather pleased to see in great shape, enthralled the audiences as she danced to the title track from Dhoom 2 and Khwaja mere khwaja.

Other celebs who rocked the evening included Priyanka Chopra who dedicated her act to women empowerment and Katrina Kaif who left the audiences spellbound with her Chikni Chameli act! Abhishek Bachchan too danced to a highly charged Bhangra number, while choreographer Shiamak Davar invited his starry friends including Karan Johar and Neha Dhupia as he sang songs from Student Of The Year!

Check out the pictures of what our stars were up to at TOIFA 2013!

As Abhishek Bachchan won an award for Bol Bachchan at the Times Of India Film Awards 2013, he couldn’t stop thanking wifey Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for all the support and love

“I would like to thank my family for firstly having me because things wouldn’t have worked without that. I really owe this to Aishwarya and the love and support she has given me.She makes me the person that I am,” said the actor after winning the trophy at the first edition of (TOIFA) Times of India Film awards 2013.”

- Abhishek Bachchan

The trio was seen having a gala time, getting a feel of the BC Place stadium, Canada where the event will be held

The happening parivaar of Bollywood – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were the first ones to land at the BC Place stadium for The Times Of India Film Awards 2013. The couple will perform on a dance number together and this will be Ash’s first ‘shaking the leg routine’ on stage since the birth of her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan. Shiamak Davar, who will be choreographing the moves of some of the biggest B-town stars, was seen hugging it out with Abhi-Ash, posing for the paparazzi and soaking in the Canada sun – indulging in all the fun before it gets supremely hectic.

Boman Irani and R Madhavan reached Canada as well, and they seemed all geared up to make the most of this glamorous soiree. The stadium is quite huge, and we can already imagine an enormous crowd cheering and hooting for our very own Bollywood cuties and studs.

The Miss India 2009 and the Miss World runner-up is excited about her Bollywood debut. In an exclusive chat with us, Pooja confesses why she never thought of becoming an actor and how she had only Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on her mind when she represented India on the global platform

With the coveted crown of Miss India 2009 balanced on her head, Pooja Chopra flew to Johannesburg in South Africa for the Miss World contest. And the beauty queen had only one diva on her mind – none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. “I had Ash on my mind. I had the flashes of Aishwarya winning the crown and making India proud with that turquoise crown glittering on her head. Those images were revolving in my mind. After all Ash is in our collective memory the ultimate Miss World. She’s truly inspiring,” said Pooja Chopra.

The 27-year-old beauty is making her debut with Vipul Shah’s action movie Commando, co-starring Vidyut Jamwal.

Never did Pooja think that she would become an actor one day. “Even after winning the Miss World title the thought of acting never crossed my mind. It was only after my mum said that I should give acting a try. Only after that I started taking acting seriously. I never thought or believed that I would act one day. With Miss India, yes I believed that I will be a beauty queen one day. I was willing to do everything it took me to be here. I was very clear that I had to win the pageant. Had you slit any part of my body while I was preparing for the contest, Miss India would have popped out. But acting, no way. I never thought I would make it to Bollywood one day,” maintained Pooja.

But here’s a surprising tidbit about the newbie actor. When Vipul Shah showed the rushes of Commando to his buddy Akshay Kumar, the Khiladi was blown away by Pooja’s acting skills. Akshay could not believe that this is Pooja’s debut film. And now, after Akki’s unprecedented praise for Pooja, we too are eager to see if the Chopra babe proves her acting potential!

After sharing screen space with leggy lass Deepika Padukone in Kochadaiyaan, the Superstar will now romance the evergreen Bollywood beauty Mads

Rajinikanth has romanced a bevy of beauties on screen – from Sridevi to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Deepika Padukone. But here comes a filmi pairing that’s sure to set the box office afire.

Top director Shankar, known for his larger-than-life productions, has signed up Rajinikanth for his next and, even better, got Madhuri Dixit-Nene to be his leading lady.

The yet-untitled film will, we hear, be the story of a one-man crusade to save the world. Rajini will be seen in a full-on action role with a soft romantic story running parallel. Madhuri, sources tell us, will play a jazz ballet artiste.

Fans of both these top stars are going to be one thrilled lot, when this film hits the screens early in 2014. It is going to be shot in several international locales and the music is by AR Rahman. Talk about a star-studded venture!

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The Bachchan parivaar was spotted at the Mumbai international airport. And while Beti B  was seen taking a nap, Abhi-Ash made sure no one disturbed their li’l bundle of joy

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looked quite classy as they let the paparazzi go click click at the Mumbai international airport. Ash in a blue overcoat and black moccasins sported a cool airport style. Abhishek, on the other hand, looked stylish from head to ankle; it’s only after reaching his feet we realised that those vibrant red sports shoes weren’t exactly complementing his overall look.

Looked like the couple was returning from a place of worship as Junior Bachchan was seen sporting a tikka on his forehead. Aaradhya Bachchan looked cute in her tiny white frock. We must say the kid has really long legs – suggesting that she’s got all that heightwala genes from her daddy and grandpa.

It was a rather cute moment as Abhi was seen taking quick glances from time to time at Aaradhya, making sure she’s at her comfy best. Daddies are always the best – what say readers?

Pics: Yogen Shah