Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Vogue Photoshoot Feb 2011 - Photos

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Sexy Vogue photoshoot Feb 2011 (Behind the scenes Photoshoot Pics)

Movie Review: Guzaarish

Bollywood appears to be inclined towards exploring rare illnesses/disorders/disabilities, with directors casting megastars in characters to raise awareness about the lesser-known ailments. In GHAJINI, Aamir Khan had short-term memory loss [Anterograde Amnesia]. In PAA, Amitabh Bachchan played a child afflicted with Progeria. In MY NAME IS KHAN, SRK was shown suffering from Asperger Syndrome. In TAARE ZAMEEN PAR, Aamir Khan portrayed problems of Dyslexic children. In BLACK, Amitabh Bachchan was shown succumbing to Alzheimer's. In KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK, Farhan Akhtar portrayed a Schizophrenic.

This is not the first time that master film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has attempted a movie that has the protagonist suffering from a serious disability. In GUZAARISH, Hrithik Roshan suffers from Paraplegia, a complete paralysis of the lower half of the body, including both legs, usually caused by damage/injury to the spinal cord.

Bhansali has always been known for two things. The first thing is, of course, the visual splendour in his films [which was quite evident in HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM, DEVDAS and SAAWARIYA] and the second thing that he takes inspiration from various stories. The critically acclaimed BLACK was inspired from THE MIRACLE WORKER [a 1962 film] and SAAWARIYA from 'White Nights', a Russian short story.

There's talk that GUZAARISH is a remake of Christopher Nolan's Hollywood movie THE PRESTIGE, which, let me clarify, it is not. GUZAARISH brings back memories of two films, which may be coincidental: The Spanish Oscar and Golden Globe winning film MAR ADENTRO aka THE SEA INSIDE [2004], which, in turn, was based on a real-life story of Ramon Sampedro and WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY?, a television play which was later adapted into a play [theatre] and much later into a film [1981].

Bhansali has worked himself to the grind and his presence is felt in every frame of GUZAARISH. There is an inimitable intellect that Bhansali brings to his movies. Bhansali is also known to extract the best performances from his actors. In a light-hearted vein, I would go to the extent of saying that Bhansali has the ability to make a dumb man speak and a sightless man see. His devotion and dedication towards his craft is truly inspirational and motivating. In GUZAARISH, Bhansali puts behind all the glitter and glamour and comes up with yet another unique and sensitive story told through a series of flashbacks.



Final word? GUZAARISH is special in more ways than one. In my individualistic opinion, it easily ranks amongst Bhansali's best works so far. Just don't miss this one!

Set in Goa, it tells the story of an accomplished magician Ethan Mascarenhas [Hrithik Roshan]. Ethan suffers serious injuries when one of his magical trick goes horribly wrong, turning him to a Paraplegic. Confined to a wheel chair, Ethan becomes a Radio Jockey at an FM Station called Radio Zindagi. His show talks of hope, laughter and sunshine and it's difficult to imagine that the man behind it has been immobilized with a spinal injury for the last fourteen years of his life. Sofia [Aishwarya Rai Bachchan], a nurse, takes good care of him; they share a silent love.

Ethan files a petition in court for mercy killing. This decision of Ethan leaves Sofia stunned. Ethan takes the help of friend-lawyer Devyani [Shernaz Patel] to support his appeal. Even Ethan's mother Isabel [Nafisa Ali] supports him in his petition, although Ethan is persuaded by his physician Dr. Nayak [Suhel Seth] to retract his case. Alongside all this, Omar [Aditya Roy Kapur] enters Ethan's life with the aim of learning magic from him. Impressed by Omar's love for magic, Ethan agrees to pass on his legacy to him.

Only a sensitive raconteur can do absolute justice to a challenging subject like the one in GUZAARISH and Bhansali seems the right candidate for an extremely tricky theme like mercy killing/Euthanasia. The story is complex and can only be narrated by a storyteller who has the art of telling stories most convincingly. Sure, the protagonist in GUZAARISH wants to end his existence, but that doesn't mean the film is disheartening or unsettling. Clearly, the writing [screenplay: Bhavani Iyer and Bhansali] is smart, taut and absorbing.



GUZAARISH has a number of sequences that bear the unmistakable stamp of a genius. Sample these…

* The courtroom sequence and Aishwarya's outburst towards the end of it.

* The hearing of the petition at Hrithik's house.

* Hrithik's act going wrong and the near-fatal accident.

* The finale.

Any negatives? The generous usage of English in the narrative. The language is sure to act as a barrier in the hinterland specially. Agreed, the film is set in Goa, they are bound to speak that language, but despite everything, Hindi is a must for a pan-India appeal.

Irrespective of how his films fare at the box-office, Bhansali's films have always been embellished with rich and cherished music. The songs continue to linger in the hearts of the listeners with their dulcet and soothing tunes. After legendary Satyajit Ray and Vishal Bhardwaj, Bhansali is the next accomplished film-maker who has himself created the music of his film. The songs in GUZAARISH are more inclined towards poetry that's earthy and contemporary. However, it does take some time for the listeners to sense the pulse of the music. 'Tera Zikr Hai Ya Itra Hai' is a limerick to exquisiteness, 'Sau Gram Zindagi', with its philosophical tone, leaves a lasting impression, the title track 'Guzaarish' casts a spell on you and 'Udi' is, of course, memorable.

GUZAARISH has been magnificently shot. The indoors as well as outdoors [the gorgeous panorama] add so much to the film. There's no refuting that cinematographer Sudeep K. Chatterjee has created some really alluring and enthralling visuals. The very effective and subtle background score [Tubby and Parik] of GUZAARISH is its very backbone. The feelings of intrigue, anxiety, anguish and romance come across so well. In fact, for the very first time, I felt that I was not hearing the background score, I was feeling it. Dialogue [Bhavani Iyer and Vibhu Puri] belong to high standards that touch your soul. Costumes [Sabyasachi] are absolutely wonderful; they gel well with the setting and mood of the film.



Hrithik and Aishwarya are seen in a lackluster facade and that's what makes the characters so plausible. While Hrithik is seen sporting a beard and has even put on weight, Aishwarya is seen in sober outfits. In fact, the two actors have gone through a drastic appearance change and both pressurize you to believe that they are indeed Ethan and Sofia. It must be said that Hrithik and Aishwarya exude a certain dignity and elegance, much needed for a sensitive film of this magnitude and caliber.

It must have been an arduous task for Hrithik to carry off the Paraplegic character of Ethan Mascarenhas, but he depicts the part with flourish. It's a great risk in filmy norms to have the hero of the film almost entirely on a wheel chair, but Hrithik has never hesitated or been irresolute in putting himself to adverse conditions, in order to achieve excellence, in whatever character he chooses to depict. Kudos to Hrithik for accepting a role that's truly opposite to his larger-than-life image and portraying it with elan.

Aishwarya, as Ethan's nurse who is the epicenter of his world, has approached this role with rare understanding, not going overboard even once. So effective is she that she not only influences you but also compels you to believe that their love is solid in its quiet strength and also spirited in their verbal sparring. The sensational chemistry, which sizzled the silver screen in DHOOM 2 and JODHAA AKBAR and won hearts all over, sizzles yet again, but this time in a distinctive aspect.



Aditya Roy Kapur is truly outstanding in a pivotal character. Shernaz Patel is exceptional. Nafisa Ali makes her presence felt in a small but significant role. Suhel Seth is in terrific form. Moni Kangana Dutta is okay. Vijay Crishna [judge] is effective. Rajit Kapoor does complete justice to his role. Makarand Deshpande leaves an impression. Ash Chandler and Achint Kaur lend good support.

On the whole, GUZAARISH is an invigorating tale. Bhansali, as a film-maker, has scaled several notches above his past accomplishments to create a near-perfect cinematic experience. The highpoint of the motion picture is the magnificently penned story of an incapacitated and debilitated man who desires to end his being with dignity. The film seduces the viewer with a strong emotional quotient, soulful music and of course, the crackling and wonderful onscreen chemistry between Hrithik and Aishwarya. Without doubt, GUZAARISH is one of the most profound, insightful and enriching dramas of the year.

Aishwarya & Abhishek Bachchan on the sets of Koffee with Karan - Photos

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Abhishek Bachchan on the sets of Koffee with Karan

Robot is comparable to Sholay: Rajnikant

Southern superstar Rajnikant, who leaves audiences in awe with his implausible stunts and unique styles, says his forthcoming sci-fi movie "Robot" is the first Indian film of its type and that every aspect of it is comparable to cult Hindi movie "Sholay". "Around Rs.160 crore has been invested to make the film. It's fantastic; technical excellence is there. 'Sholay' made history not because of the money or budget involved, not because it was a multi-starrer, not because of the technicalities, but because of its subject. The way Salim-Javed had written it, the way Ramesh Sippy directed the film, the way human emotions were created, the character Veeru, Jay, Basanti... "Like 'Sholay', in 'Robot' too there is an excellent storyline, excellent character sketches. This is the first Indian story of its type. It's science fiction and excellently made, " Rajnikanth told reporters at the music release of "Robot" at JW Marriot Saturday. Director Shankar has made the movie bilingual as "Robot" in Hindi and "Endhiran" in Tamil. Aishwarya Rai plays the female lead opposite Rajnikant in both the versions. The actor says he accepted such a tough and challenging role only because of his trust in director Shankar, with whom he gave the blockbuster "Sivaji". "Shankar is an excellent technician and one of the best directors of India who can mix the class and commercial elements very well. I did 'Sivaji' with him and I trust him completely, so I agreed to do the film - else I would have not done the film as it is a very tough and challenging role, " said Rajnikant. First Kamal Haasan was supposed to do the role and even Shah Rukh Khan was approached. When asked about that, Rajni enthralled the press with his witty reply: "'Daane daane pe likha hai khane wale ka Naam'." The music was launched by Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his entire family was present on the occasion. "Thank you so much for inviting me and giving me the honour and privilege of releasing the audio of this much talked about film. I am very privileged because I have a long association with Rajni. There is no doubt in my mind that he is indeed son of the soil and he is the person who is greatly, greatly loved and admired by every Indians, " said Big B at the launch. Rajnikant, too, remembered his long association with Big B and said: "Amitji is my inspiration and I can't forget the films I did with him - 'Andhaa Kaanoon', 'Giraftar' and 'Hum'. I can't forget the love, affection, care he showed towards me at that time. Thank you very much the evergreen Amitji."

AISHWARYA RAI WALKS THE RAMP at HDIL COUTURE WEEK - Photos, Video

AISHWARYA RAI WALKS THE RAMP FOR MANISH MALHOTRA’S BRIDAL COUTURE COLLECTION

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan spotted at Athirapally - Photos

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan spotted at Athirapally

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan on the BBC Breakfast Show - Photos

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan on the BBC Breakfast Show

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan at Raavan London Premiere - Photos

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan at Raavan London Premiere

Aish & Bebo to play prostitutes in same movie!

If the latest buzz is to be believed, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is planning something really extraordinary these days. Believe it or not, but Bhansali is gearing up to cast top-notch actresses – Aishwarya, Preity and Kareena – together in one of his upcoming projects.

Reports reveal that Bhansali is keen to rope in Ash, Preity and Kareena together in lead roles for his most special venture till date, titled ‘Heera Mandi’, apparently based on the famous red light area in the walled city of Lahore.

It may be recalled that the filmmaker had announced ‘Heera Mandi’ sometime back, but later dumped the idea of making the film. However, now Bhansali is reportedly decided to start working on the project as soon as his much-anticipated film ‘Guzaarish’, starring Hrithik and Aishwarya, is complete.

Grapevine has it that Sanjay initially wanted Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukherjee and Sonam Kapoor for lead roles. Nevertheless, watching Ash, Preity and Kareena sharing screen space would also be a one of a kind experience. What say!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at a Hair Oil Shoot - Photos

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at a hair oil shoot at Mehboob Studio, Bandra, Mumbai, India

Raavan - Movie Preview

Beera Munda - Undisputed, Unlawful, Untamed (Abhishek Bachchan) Dev Pratap Sharma - The Punisher, The Law, The Righteous (Vikram) Ragini - Conscience, Beauty, Music (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) Synopsis: TEN HEADS TEN MINDS A HUNDRED VOICES ONE MAN Did, such a man ever exist Was' he Just a myth... or does he live even today...? What is the line that divides Good from Evil..? Do our understanding change when we look from the opponent's perspective...? The bond between the hunter and the Hunted between the Captor and the Captive seems to be a bond of do or die... The tension between opposites often seems so electric, that it isolates them from the rest of the world, leaving just the two - All alone... Are Ten Heads better then one...? Is there a Ram inside Raavan? And a Raavan Inside each of us?? RAAVAN is not a story. It is a world. Dev falls in love with Ragini, a spunky classical dancer who is as unconventional as him. They get married and he takes up his new post in Lal Maati, a small town in northern India. A town where the word of law is not the police but Beera, a tribal who has, over the years, shifted the power equation of the place from the ruling to the have- nots of the area. Dev knows, that the key to bringing order to any place is to vanquish the big fish; in this case- Beera. In one stroke Dev manages to rip open Beera's world, and set in motion a chain of events which will claim lives, change fortunes. Beera, injured but enraged hits back starting a battle that draws Dev, Beera and Ragini into the jungle. The jungle which is dense, confusing, scary. And in this journey they must comfort their own truth. A journey which will test their beliefs, convictions and emotions. Emotions, which are as scary and confusing as the forest. The forest becomes the battleground. The battle between good and evil, between Dev, and Beera, between Ram and Raavan. But when the lines dividing good and evil are blurring fast whose side will you take. When hate turns to love and the good start' looking evil, which side will you battle for? Love is a battle that nobody wins but everyone must fight. Even this Raavan. Written and directed by Mani Ratnam, it stars Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Vikram in the lead roles while Govinda, Ravi Kishan, Nikhil Dwivedi, Tejaswini Kolhapure and Priyamani play key supporting roles. It has been simultaneously made in Tamil as RAAVANAN with a slightly different cast. Vikram, who plays Dev in Hindi version, plays Veera, a Naxalite leader (Ravana) in Tamil version, whereas Prithviraj plays a Police officer. Abhishek Bachchan is there only in Hindi version; however Aishwarya Rai is there in both the versions. The film is also dubbed into Telugu and other regional languages. Mani Ratnam has approached the story from the perspective of Veera (RAAVAN). The music and lyrics of the movie are done by Oscar winners A. R. Rahman & Gulzar. The audio rights are with T- Series. RAAVAN, which hits the screens in June 2010, is jointly distributed by Madras Talkies and Big Pictures.

Aishwarya Rai at the Premiere of On Tour at Cannes 2010 Day 2 - Photos

Aishwarya Rai at the Premiere of On Tour at Cannes 2010 Day 2
Aishwarya was spotted in an Armani Prive gown on Day 2 of Cannes.