Saturday, 25 June 2011

Why Jacqueline's not promoting Murder 2?

Jacqueline Fernandez has been the apple of Vishesh Films' eye. The media has been abuzz about how tight they have been. However, today the same Jacqueline Fernandez has landed the production house in a fix. 

The actress has flown to London to shoot for Housefull 2, when she should be in Mumbai promoting her next release Murder 2, which is just a fortnight away. The film has already been in the news. 

Naturally, the Bhatts are not too pleased about these turn of events. Defending Jacqueline, a source said, "She had no choice. She was required for Housefull 2 in the last week of June and the first week of July and she just couldn't say 'No'. Needless to say that Jacqueline did not want to ruffle feathers with the Nadiadwala camp. 

At such a crucial time, the Bhatts, obviously, are not too pleased about Jacqueline's disappearance. "Now she's gone, what can be done? At the most, she might fly down for just a few days before Murder 2 hits the theatres, woh bhi pakka nahin hai." When contacted, Mahesh told Mumbai Mirror, "I was angry with Mukesh and the production team. We have a premium product in Murder 2, which is now a franchise. 

The marketing should reach its peak in the last few days, but now Jacqueline has gone away. The film has a very high erotic content and hence it is important that the female lead of your film is there on every platform with you towards the end, during the promotional phase right before the audience sees it." 

Mahesh further added, "Mukesh and the production team should have made arrangements to rope her into the publicity campaigns." 

Mukesh Bhatt however, had a different take on this. When contacted, he said, "I called Sajid Nadiadwala but got no response. If I was in Sajid's place I would have let her go. They have capitalised on her casting in Murder 2 since she has only now become hot property." 

"Hereafter, I will ensure that I have a legal bound contract with every actor that they have to be actively involved in the promotion of the film," he added. 

Though the production house could not be angry with Jacqueline, they are at their wits' end regarding the film's promotion. With everyone demanding Jackie's time, there is no doubt that she indeed has become hot property.

Arjun Rampal's idle, courtesy Aishwarya Rai

With Aishwarya Rai Bachchan being pregnant, guess who got a windfall vacation. 

Arjun Rampal.The model-turned-actor is acting with Ash in Heroine but since the film is still a question mark for the time being, the National Award winning-actor has been sitting at home.

Says a source, ``Like most of the industry the news of Ash impending motherhood caught Arjun unawares.
He had allotted certain dates for Heroine and now those dates may not be utilised.''

Arjun who is very close to both Abhishek Bachchan and Ash(having even worked with Ash in a film written by her mother Brinda Rai) is very happy that the younger Bachchan couple will soon have an addition to their family.
But of course he himself is also due for a short vacation till such time as he knows what the status of Heroine is.

Friday, 24 June 2011

Aamir's 'double' trouble

While other Khans are busy perfecting their superhero acts onscreen, Aamir will be tagged 'superhero' for his good deeds, instead. 

And the man was doing it only for himself, his body double, we mean. Apparently, Aamir's body double was supposed to do a dangerous cliff dive and in the process he suffered a near death accident. Chaos ensued and everyone including Aamir rushed to take stock of the situation.

As soon as he realised that his body double was badly injured, Aamir dropped everything and cancelled the day's shoot to ensure he got the best medical treatment. We love big-hearted actors. For more Bollywood news and gossip, watch Planet Bollywood every night at 7, only on zoOm —India's No 1 Bollywood channel!

Shah Rukh Khan to tour with Akon

SRK's planning a mega-budget, multi-country 'Ra.One' tour in September which might also see US entertainer Akon sing 'Chammak Challo', whileKareena Kapoor performs to it. 

Shah Rukh Khan is going all out to ensure that his sci-fi thriller " Ra.One" gets the right kind of opening at the box office this October. News is that SRK's planning a multi-country "Ra.One" tour in September, which will culminate in the US towards the end of the month. R&B star Akon, who has sung the "Chammak Challo" song in "Ra.One" is expected to be part of the tour.

Says a source, "The world tour is almost confirmed and the final dates are being worked out. It's going to be massive and the entire cast including SRK and Kareena Kapoor is expected to perform. The team will perform in the UK and US, and Akon might accompany them there. He's already been approached for the tour. It depends on SRK's knee surgery. If he gets operated on by July, then he'll recover in time for the tour in September. The tour will last two to three weeks, and it's his biggest plan now."

Salman Khan to turn babysitter!

Salman Khan will turn babysitter sometime soon. His pet dog MyLove will deliver a litter this week. All the other dogs have been sent to the farmhouse, and will be kept there till the babies grow up. 

A source reveals, He's given the family vet strict instructions to be around when the time comes. Salman loves his pets and is quite excited about the new addition to his large brood.

His pets are like his babies and he even has room temperature control panels installed in his home to regulate the temperatures for his precious four-legged babies.

Did Katrina Kaif kiss Hrithik Roshan?

To the best of our knowledge, Katrina Kaif has refused to lock lips with her heroes onscreen. And she has also resisted wearing a bikini so far. 

However, the grapevine is buzzing with news that she has actually made an exception for Zoya Akhtar's " Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", and gone ahead and locked lips with Hrithik Roshan for the first time ever.

Even as the speculation continues, we've managed to get some intimate shots of the two good looking people in Bollywood – Kat and Duggu. The photos imply that there is an elaborate kiss sequence, but of course the producers, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, director Zoya and the stars are all tight-lipped about it.

There's news that while Zoya was editing the song "Ek Junoon", there was a lot of pressure on her from the actors to tone down the chemistry. Apparently Duggu and Kat wanted the sizzle element to be brought down, and they even suggested that Zoya make "Ek Junoon" a group song instead of a romantic number.

There was also the additional dilemma of this very passionate sequence between the lead actors. There is a moment in the film when Kat, who is seen riding a motorcycle, chases Hrithik and then draws him into a tight clinch that leads to a kiss. Says a source, "It is an extremely important and sensual scene in the film. It is one of those hot sequences. But the makers are not sure what to do. The actors want it toned down, but Zoya is still debating what to cut and what to keep. So whether the kiss makes it to the screen or gets lost at the editing table is still a suspense." The source adds, "That one passionate moment is crucial as it triggers the romance between the Kat and Duggu. However, the makers are still in two minds about it."

Those who have seen the rushes of the movie say that the chemistry between Katrina and Hrithik in the "Ek Junoon" number is enough to scorch the screen. Let's wait and watch! 

Kareena uncomfortable with Saif's kids

Recently, the Chotae Nawab, Saif Ali Khan essayed the role of a very responsible dad. He indeed is a devoted boyfriend and would 'follow" his beau, Kareena almost anywhere, but he recently surprised the world when he achieved a greater degree of responsibility to be with his kids and his ex-office Amrita.

It"s rumored that Kareena Kapoor is quite uncomfortable with Saif"s kids. She avoids them as much as she can. Every time they are around, she disappears and when the children come to stay with their dad, Kareena moves to her own apartment. Kareena-Saif are one of the hottest couples of present Bollywood and are seen almost everywhere together. Be it a red carpet function, a movie premier or a social page 3 party, the two are always seen with each other.

However, every time Saif"s children come to visit him; he has to leave her company in order to give some quality company to them. It seems that fatherhood is still alive inside him and from what it seems, it"s not just alive but also quite active in Khan"s persona!

So the Chotae Nawab flew off to London after his Agent Vinod"s schedule in Morocco ended. He did this only to spend some nice time with his children. The children are with Amrita, Saif"s former wife and all of them are having a gala time there. Saif simply wishes to join them so it seems.

Kareena plans for Saif's birthday

Kareena Kapoor and boyfriend Saif Ali Khan will be bringing in his birthday (August 16) in Latvia, where he is shooting for his home production Agent Vinod.Bebo has even requested her RA. One producer Shahrukh Khan for a few days off from her London shoot.

Says a source, "While the actress has requested leave of absence from SRK to promote We Are Family in Mumbai, she will take two more days off to go to Latvia. They could spend time at their Swiss chalet where they spend their Christmas holidays or even in Italy. Kareena definitely has some special plans lined up for her guy. Every detail has been planned to the last detail but Bebo, who's a private person, doesn't want to divulge anything about the birthday plans."

Says Kareena, "I'm in London and will come to Mumbai this week and then, in September, when the film releases. As far as Saif's birthday is concerned, I am not sure whether I will spend it with him or not. He's shooting in Latvia and I am shooting in London. I haven't asked Shahrukh for two more days of leave. Saif and I have already spent some time in London."

What is she gifting him for his birthday? "I haven't bought anything as yet. I will have to think about it as he has everything. Maybe I will buy him something in London." Last year, Kareena had taken off with Saif on his birthday to an undisclosed location near Chicago for a secret vacation after completing their shoot for Kurbaan. In 2008, Kareena had thrown a birthday party for Saif at a nightspot in Mumbai.

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Raveena Tandon recalls Aishwarya Rai's family dreams


Just like any woman, Aishwarya Rai, who is expecting her first child, too had dreamt of a happy family life with kids, recalls Raveena Tandon of how the two of them had discussed their wish to have a well-settled family life. 
I remember, she and me together on flights, going for concerts, chatting, long hrs away, then too she dreamed of a happy settled family life, Raveena posted on her Twitter page after learning that Aishwarya and Abhishek are soon going to be parents. Shes another scorpion whose moulded her life into exactly what she wanted!! A loving husband! a good family, successful career and now babies! added the 36-year-old. After a successful stint in Bollywood, Raveena got married to film distributor Anil Thadani in 2004 and they have two children - six-year-old daughter Rasha, and three-year-old son Ranbir.

Bhushan Kumar, Divya expecting their first child

After Abhishek Bachchan, we've learnt that it's producerBhushan Kumar who will get a taste of fatherhood. This will be Bhushan and wife Divya's first child, due October. 

The couple wed in 2005. Says the to-be papa, "I am thrilled. It's a double celebration as my last release Ready has become a big hit. Till now we haven't spoken about it to anybody except family. I am breaking the news to BT. Our families wanted us to have children immediately after our marriage, but we weren't ready at the time. Divyawanted to become a director, I wanted to establish myself as a producer and we wanted to travel around the world a bit. We decided to wait three years... a wait that grew longer as we got caught up with pending work commitments." 

Bhushan adds, "We decided it's time to plan a family now. My dad (the late Gulshan Kumar) used to tell me, 'I am giving you so many things and pampering you... I want to come back as your child and I want you to take care of me the way I have taken care of you.' We don't mind if it's a boy or a girl, whatever we get will be God's gift. We will think dad has come back to us." Has he told buddy Salman? "Not yet. We have kept it just in the family this far. Even the film industry people or close friends don't know." 

Prachi Desai brought traffic to halt

Prachi Desai's publicists should really work on getting her a life – career and otherwise – than dole out un-original, yawn-worthy yarns. 

Here's one: Prachi brought a lane full of traffic to halt when returning from her shoot with John Abraham. Her driver decided to take a different route to save time. Unluckily, the road was only for one-way traffic. A traffic cop spotted the car.

The cop spotted Desai and was delighted. Infact, he even forgot why he had stopped the car in the first place. He began chatting with the actress and took 10 autographs and some pictures for his daughter. Soon, the traffic began in full flow. Realising this, Prachi hurriedly apologised to the cop and paid the fine on her driver's behalf.

Will pregnancy affect Aishwarya Rai's career?


On October 31, 2009, two days before she turned 36, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said, "Being pregnant is not something one can conceal. When I am pregnant, the world will know. This is not the news that one can hide." She laughed and added, "When I was on the Oprah Winfrey show, I even told her that every time there is even a bump, it is assumed that I'm with child." 

Around 10.15 pm on June 21, 2011, an ecstatic Amitabh Bachchan confirmed the news of his daughter-in-law's pregnancy when he tweeted, "News News News!!! I am going to become grandfather. Aishwarya is expecting. So happy and thrilled!!!"

Since the Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai marriage on April 20, 2007, there has been constant speculation about the former Miss World's pregnancy. Now that it is confirmed that Ash will soon be a mum, the grapevine can rest easy. A test was reportedly done to determine that she was with child at the Seven Hills Hospital in aMumbai suburb. And soon after the pregnancy was confirmed, the Bachchans were flooded with congratulatory messages from friends, well-wishers and fans on social networking sites.

Now the next big question is: 'what happens to Ash's films; Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine and Raj Kumar Santoshi's Ladies and Gentleman?'

A source says, "Ash will definitely complete Madhur's film."TOI learnt that Madhur has barely finished six days shooting with Ash. And his film is not about to completed in a hurry. We also hear from unit hands that Ash has put on weight (as is natural in pregnancy). It is now to be seen whether Heroine gets completed on schedule or whether it will be deferred, till Ash returns to the movies after motherhood.

As for Ladies and Gentleman, a romantic comedy with Abhishek and Aishwarya that was closed at a reported 28 crores and meant to go on the floors in October 2011, the heroine of the film will obviously change.

Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan released a statement saying, "Jaya and I are delighted at the news. We wish to thank all our friends and well wishers for their affection and seek your blessings and love in the coming days."

Fight for your freedom: Imran Khan

Actor Imran Khan says raising the drinking age to 25 years is like 'opening a job opportunity' to make criminals of innocent people 

What's the thought behind you filing a PIL against the legal drinking age raised to 25 in Maharashtra? 
I understand their intention – and it's absolutely correct. Alcohol addiction is injurious to health. It can lead to serious problems. However, this is not the solution. 1) It's not restricted to people under 25 years. I think there might be more people over the age of 25 with alcohol addiction – call me crazy, but I think there's a chance I'm right; 2) if we allow this to pass, if we say 'Theek hai, alcohol addiction's a problem for people under 25, therefore, even though they're adults, they shouldn't be allowed to drink,' it paves the way for any number of addendums to the law. For instance, they could say our population is growing out of control, therefore, if you've married after the age of 23, you can't have kids. To keep population in control in India, it's for a good cause; but what's to stop that legislation, then?

Of course, TOI has been arguing just that for years – and now through the It's My Life campaign – and it renders the advocate of the argument open to the charge of being pro-drinking or pro-a certain kind of lifestyle, doesn't it? 
Yes, and I've already come under fire for that – a couple of things came out somewhere that since I wore dark glasses to an event, I've been drinking like a fish.

Because you wore shades? 
Because I wore shades, yes. A lot of people say, you just want to party, you're just promoting drinking. But had they said, you can't have kids now that you're 28, I would have fought against that as well. It's important, from time to time, to raise the level of debate. Sometimes, inadvertently, our personal freedoms are curtailed. It's not only our right, but also our duty, to stand up and save it sometimes, in a democracy.

Another criticism commonly levelled against those who argue this line is that there are 'other causes out there' that they could take up... 
There are, as you say, any number of issues, and there'll always be someone to say, arre, but what about that one? You protest against corruption, they'll say what about those starving people? Achha, isko chhod diya, usko pakad liya, then what about molestation of women in the North, uska kya? Then uske peechhe bhaagein.

People tire of crusaders very soon. When you fight for something, they label you a preacher, and eventually stop paying attention. It's the sad truth, but it's the truth. Therefore, you pick and choose your battles. There are other people, in positions of influence, who take up other causes. I took up this one because I live in Maharashtra, so I deal with it on a day-to-day basis. Not personally, but it is in the area that directly affects me. It is an audience who are my audience, people whom I, in some way, feel I can represent, people I feel for.

And that's also the idea behind the Facebook page you're launching at the Women's Press Club in Delhi today, called Power To The Youth? 
What pushed me towards this thing was seeing how much discussion was happening around this on Facebook and Twitter. These are platforms where young people talk – these are youth forums. Conventional media is where slightly older people, people in a slightly higher position of influence, talk. So I saw a lot of chatter on there, online, and I said, this is the area where everyone is talking about this issue, so this is the area where I'll be able to gather some support.

What's the agenda of the page? 
The first thing is to use it as a kind of barometer, to see how many people are in agreement with me. I personally am of a particular opinion, and I feel like there are a lot of people who share this opinion, but I want to get a sense of how many people are with me. Once you have a sense of that, you have some kind of data that you can take forward.

Also, I'm sure, when the government took this decision, they consulted some experts. I think that this is a forum where, perhaps, other experts will come forward, put forth their opinion, and perhaps we'll have a counter-argument. Then we can talk about this in a more balanced way.

There are many ways to raise issues, many forms of agitation – protests, strikes, etc. It is my opinion that a PIL is a very reasonable and moderate approach. I'm approaching the concerned body, I'm approaching people who are mediators, who are in a position to judge whether my opinion has merit or not. I'm not just standing on top of a roof and shouting. I'm actually approaching the problem and saying, sir, you are in a position to fix this problem. If you feel that my opinion is correct, the problem will get fixed. If you feel my opinion is incorrect, then the situation will not change, but I'll have approached someone who's in a position to actually do something.

The Times View, in fact, has been that outdated laws like these actually cause harassment, and turn innocent people into 'criminals'. 
It turns people into criminals, and gives rise to 'new criminals'. The concept of bootleggers did not exist in Mumbai earlier. Now, anyone can be a bootlegger. Anyone can buy a crate of whiskey and sell it, and there, you're a criminal. You've opened up a job opportunity, taken out a classified ad saying aa jao naye criminals.

You can join the campaign by 
logging on to www.timesofindia.com, or lby giving a missed call to the toll-free number 08030088401, or
lby sending 'agree' as an SMS to 58888. It's your life, your choice. 

Salman Khan to skip IIFA

All those who were expecting a face-off between the two Khans of Bollywood - Salman and Shah Rukh - at the forthcoming International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend will be disappointed as Salman has decided to skip the award ceremony. 

Here to promote his debut movie production " Chillar Party", Salman confirmed that he won't be present at the three-day event which will kick off Thursday inToronto. 

"I am shooting for my next 'Bodyguard' and it is an action movie, so yes, you people won't see me there.IIFA will miss me this time," Salman told reporters. 

This year, Shah Rukh is performing on the IIFA stage after seven years. The actor has attended two editions of the IIFA Weekend in the past - in Singapore in 2004, and Amsterdam in 2005. 

As "Chillar Party" will open the 12th IIFA awards ceremony and this being Salman's first production, his presence was more than expected. But it seems the rift between the two Khans has pushed Salman to stay away from the ceremony. 

Shilpa Shetty's food firm loses steam

Shilpa Shetty's international food company is in the doldrums. The group managing the business has filed for bankruptcy. 

In August 2009, the actress and husband Raj Kundra announced a 33 per cent stake in the company. The couple invested close to 6 million pounds and had plans of opening casual dining and shopping mall dining formats in Dubai and Jordannext year. The actress-entrepreneur had expressed her intent of packaging and serving authentic gourmet meals, chutneys and pickles.

A source from London notes, "The group that runs her take away and restaurant business was already rescued once after going through a financial crisis. When she invested a huge sum in the group, the prospects seemed brighter. For the past two years however, things haven't looked so rosy. Apart from not-so-positive reviews from the press (Giles Coren is horrified at the changed menu at curry chain Bombay Bicycle Club after it was taken over by Bollywood celebrity Shilpa Shetty – www.thetimes.co.uk), the establishment has also had to deal with monetary issues like debts and loan approvals." The local press reports that the organisation has 264 employees working across 17 stores and takeaway sites, serving modern Indian cuisine. Their future is now uncertain.

Shilpa, who is in London, says, I exited the company in December 2010, so it does not affect me. I am working on something bigger and better.

Aamir Khan 'likes' Hrithik Roshan!

Aamir Khan's fondness for Salman Khan is known, what isn't is the former's growing dosti with Hrithik Roshan. Mr. Perfectionist recently let it slip that he wanted to take pointers from Duggu on playing baddie in Dhoom 3. 

When the dance show HR judges went on air, AK even sent him a note of appreciation. Aamir's spokesperson confirmed the message included a compliment on the show and Hrithik's dancing. So when does Hrithik start patting Aamir's back? We're biting our nails in anticipation.

Sonam, Ash & Freida at Cannes!

She debuts at the film festival; but won't sashay down the red carpet on the same day as the Bachchan Bahu 

The last time Sonam Kapoor was slated to walk on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, it mysteriously didn't materialise. It was reported that the regular-at-the-fest Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had demanded that the younger actress be left out, or she wouldn't attend. This year the Aisha girl is finally fulfilling her catwalk dream. This is the first time that Sonam will be at the French Riviera. However, she will not be walking alongside Ash. Both actress endorse the global face of a cosmetic brand, that gives them the opportunity to hobnob with top actors and filmmakers of the world at the film festival, that is less about cinema and more about glamour.

Aishwarya will be at the opening ceremony of Cannes on May 11, as well as the opening gala cocktail and dinner while attending various events on May 12. This the tenth consecutive time that she is walking the red carpet at the French Riviera. The ex-Ms World sent out a press statement through her publicist saying, "I'm glad India is finally getting the same recognition (as the West). I am happy that with Sonam and Freida (Pinto), both beautiful women, are invited to the festival this year, India will have a stronger presence, which is a clear sign of the growing importance of the country."

Sonam will walk the red carpet on May 15. She said, "It has always been my dream to walk the red carpet at Cannes and it is soon going to be a reality. I look forward to meeting actors and film makers from the world over and attending screenings of some interesting films." Chances are that Sonam's dad Anil Kapoor who is one of the best known Indian faces in Hollywood after Slumdog Millionaire and the television series 24, may also one of the big Indian draws at the red carpet in Cannes.

Freida will be present at the amFAR (The American Foundation for AIDS Research) dinner and after-party on May 19.

Aishwarya Rai's 12-hour shoot


Aishwarya Rai Bachchan recently shot for 12-hours at a stretch — from 9 am to 10.30 pm — for her next. 

The reason: she had to complete three days of shoot in advance. Ash first flew out of town to attend the high profile Reddy wedding and then from there she travelled straight to Paris for two days to attend an event of a watch brand she endorses.

Of course, her commitment has got people on the sets raving about her. She will shoot non-stop till July-end for the film, once she is back on the sets on tomorrow.

Aishwarya's pregnancy won't affect Heroine

Madhur Bhandarkar started shooting for Heroine on June 8, 2011 with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan playing the female lead. 

The actress was asked to gain weight for the film and that she did. However, her public appearances gave rise to speculations that the Bachchan bahu might be pregnant. Though Ash had rubbished the reports, her much exited father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday night announced to the world that Abhi and Ash are soon expecting a visit from the stork.

But the actress has no time to celebrate the joy as she is on an action packed start-to-finish schedule for Madhur's Heroine. However, the ace filmmaker plans to wrap up the film's shoot in 45 days, thereby giving Ash the time to be with her family, enjoy getting pampered as takes a step forward each day to becoming a mother.

Amidst all this, will the film's promotions or its success at the box office be affected is a crucial question. But Madhur Bhandarkar and his team see no need to push the panic button. A source revealed, "Madhur is not worried about Heroine's promotions or how Ash's pregnancy will affect the film's success. We shouldn't forget that Ash is a popular and successful actress and her getting married didn't affect her fan following. She enjoys a loyal fan following and it will not be affected by her becoming a mom."

The source also revealed that Madhur is looking to release the film around November this year and the promotional activities will be planned to suit Ash. For sure, the soon-to-be mom will be pampered by not just her family but her directors and co-stars too on the sets. 

Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan are super happy

Abhishek and Aishwarya are finally going to be parents, after four years of marriage. Unable to contain his joy, the Big B had proudly announced the joyful tidings on a micro-blogging site. 

Soon after, everyone who knew the Bachchans was on phone talking with one or the other member of the family. Close friends just dropped in at Jalsa inMumbai.

"It's been crazy," Abhishek admitted late in the night. "We've all been trying to inform all our close friends about it. How do I feel? It's not sunk in yet. There's been no time. We're still busy sharing the news with our friends. The realization will come later. Right now I'm, kind of, numb. It's a big moment, yes."

As usual, the most restrained and controlled member of the Bachchan household was Jaya. Rather than get into the bustle of celebrations, she has already started thinking of practical matters.

Given the chance, the Bachchans would've liked to keep it quiet as long as possible."I guess it couldn't be kept quiet. So now you know why I've been trying to stay out of the public eye lately. It's still to sink in, really. Of course, Abhishek and I are super happy. But it is a matter of happiness for our entire family. And that makes all the difference," said Aishwarya.

Abhishek tells a great anecdote on his and his wife's unfazed attitude towards all the 'worried' queries about their parenthood. While waiting at an international airport for a connecting flight, the two were confronted by a boisterous middle-aged Punjabi woman. "So when do we hear the happy announcement?" said the woman conversationally.

Before Aishwarya could answer, Abhishek held the lady by the shoulder, "The happy announcement just happened. Your flight is ready for boarding." The anecdote typifies that complete lack of anxiety that the couple and its family felt about Aishwarya's imminent motherhood.

And now when it has happened, Aishwarya intends to quickly finish her only film on the floors, Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine and then take a long sabbatical.