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Date of Birth
1 November 1973, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Birth Name
Aishwarya Krishnaraj Rai
Nickname
Ash
Gullu
The Queen of Bollywood
Height
5' 7" (1.70 m)
Mini Biography
Born into a traditional south Indian family, Aishwarya rai
started modeling at a young age. This green-blue-eyed beauty
appeared in advertisements for many prestigious firms; the ones
that brought her into the limelight were the garden sari and the
Pepsi ad. Crowned Miss India 1994 runner-up, she was a hot
favorite in the run for miss world title, which she won, her
beauty and charm made her India's darling. Ash stormed into the
Indian movie industry, where she has proven herself a brilliant
& genuine actress. Her performance in Iruvar (1997) was
critically acclaimed, and she won the Screen best female
debutant award for her role in ...Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya (1997). She
was adored in movies like Taal, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas,
her item number in 'Bunty & Bubbly' had sent waves of rhythm
across the nation. With her successful Bollywood movies &
prestigious Hollywood projects lined up for release it is
impossible to ignore this Indian diva in international scenes.
Aishwarya rai was an architecture student before she entered
modeling as her part-time job. She was best known for her Pepsi
commercial with Mahima Chaudhry. With her green-grey eyes, she
was already approached by big names in India's film industry,
where they offered her starring roles. She rejected the film
offers since she aimed to be an architect. However, fate had
other things in store for her after she was crowned Miss World
1994. Soon after her winning, again she received offers to star
in movies. In Southern India, she was best known for her role as
Madhumita/Veishnavi in Jeans (1998) and as Meenakshi in
Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000). She won the Filmfare Award for
best actress for her performance in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
(1999) as Ajay Devgan's wife who is in love with another man.
She also won rave reviews for her performance as a rape victim
in Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000).
Aishwarya Rai (Ash) is one of Bollywood's pre-eminent leading
ladies. This Indian darling burst upon the world stage when her
striking beauty, poise and commanding intelligence won her the
Miss World crown in 1994. This former architecture major soon
became one of India's most famous models landing a prestigious
Pepsi campaign and appearing in Vogue Magazine. India's top
Bollywood directors were soon lining up to work with Ash. Her
film debut in Mani Rathnam's 'Iruvar' (1997) received critical
acclaim and her performance in Aur Paar Ho Gaya' (1997) directed
by Rahul Rawail garnered her the Best Female Debutante Award. In
2000 she was awarded Best Actress by FilmFare and Zee Cine for
her work in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", in
that same year, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her
special appearance in Aditya Chopra's Mohabbatein (2000). In
2001 Ash was nominated for FilmFare's Best Actress Award for
Satish Kaushik's "Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai".
Ash's star continued to rise in 2002 working again with Sajay
Leela Bhansali in 'Devdas'. 'Devdas' is the most ambitious and
most successful film in Bollywood history. It became the first
Bollywood picture to ever receive a special screening at this
year's Cannes Film Festival and broke box-office records in
India and the United States.
2003 brought even more exciting opportunities. Ash became the
first Indian actor to be a member of the jury at the Cannes Film
Festival. She is also the latest member of the elite L'Oreal
Dream Team, joining beauties Catherine Deneuve & Andie MacDowell
as their international ambassador. She graced the covers of
India Today and the prestigious TIME Magazine. Time Magazine has
also listed her on their list of the "100 Most Influential
People in the World Today". She has graced numerous covers
worldwide including USA, UK, China, Russia, Israel, United
Emerites, Italy, Spain and France. Ash was also listed on
Rolling Stone Magazine's annual "Hot List", Hello Magazine's
Most Attractive Women in the World", Stuff Magazine, FHM
magazine, V-Life from Variety Magazine, GQ Magazine, New York
Times Magazine, Harper's & Queen and countless others.
2004 saw Aishwarya take on the leading role in her first English
language film for Gurinder Chadha in "Bride & Prejudice". She
also became the first Indian female to be immortalized in wax at
the world famous Madame Tussaud's wax museum in London.
With over 17,000 websites dedicated to her, Ash finally launched
her "Official Website" www.AishwaryaWorld.com
2005 started with appearances on "60 Minutes", "David Letterman
Show" and the most watched television program in the world the
"Oprah Winfrey Show". Aishwarya's career continues to grow even
stronger - she will soon be seen in Mistress of Spices for
director Paul Berges, Jag Mundhra's Provoked, Sanjay Gadhvi's
Dhoom 2 and legendary film producer Dino De Laurentiis's The
Last Legion opposite Colin Firth and Sir Ben Kingsley. The Queen
of Bollywood is already becoming the talk of tinseltown and is
currently in negotiations on two major motion pictures.
Spouse
Abhishek Bachchan (20 April 2007 - present)
Trade Mark
Her blue-green eyes
Trivia
Wanted to study medicine, but circumstances prevented her.
Miss World 1994.
Dated Salman Khan.
Was offered Rani Mukherjee's role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).
Runner up, Miss India 1994
Ambassador (spokesperson) for Longines watches since 1999.
Daughter of Vrinda Rai
Sister of Aditya Rai
In April 2003, she suffered an accident on the sets of Khakee
(2004) when a car driven by a stuntman got out of control, hit
her, took her down a crevice, and slammed her into a cactus
plant. She broke a bone in one foot and suffered severe cuts,
and she was rushed to a hospital. The incident rekindled the
discussion about poor safety standards on Bollywood film sets.
The first Indian actress to be on the jury of the Cannes
International Film Festival.
Has made over 50 music videos in only seven years.
Despite the fact that she is adorned with jewelry in her music
videos and movies, she is apparently not too fond of it.
Is the highest paid actress in Bollywood.
Created a frenzy at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival when she
arrived at the premiere of her film Devdas (2002) in a coach and
wearing a beautiful yellow-orange-embroidered sari.
Was originally cast in the role of Jwala in the film The Rising:
Ballad of Mangal Pandey (2005), but dropped out before filming
started due to contract problems. The role was later given to
Amisha Patel.
Loves collecting watches.
Made her first commercial for Camlin pencils when she was in the
9th grade.
Was the Coca Cola Girl for the Middle East and south Asia.
Favorite subject in college was Zoology.
Has achieved iconic status all over South Asia.
Is featured in the 2004 edition of the Guinness Book of World
Records.
In a poll conducted by Hello magazine, she was voted the
number-one attractive woman of 2003, beating actresses such as
Nicole Kidman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
In April 2003, L'Oréal signed her as its new international brand
ambassador (spokesperson).
The first Bollywood star to appear in Rolling Stone magazine
(Issue 932, October 2, 2003)
Gained 20 pounds for Bride & Prejudice (2004) because she didn't
want her character to look like a supermodel and also felt that
it would add a sense of realism to the character.
Is a Bunt, like fellow actors Shilpa Shetty and Sunil Shetty.
The Bunts are a South Indian community who mainly speak Tulu,
which is Aishwarya's mother tongue.
Turned down the lead in Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003). The role was
given to Gracy Singh.
Turned down the role of Mastani in the film Bajirao Mastani
(2005).
The first movie star she ever met was Rekha. Aishwarya was still
in high school at the time and was a model. While at a grocery
store with her mother, Aishwarya was tapped on the shoulder by
none other than Rekha herself. Rekha recognized Aishwarya from
her modeling ads. She complimented the young Aishwarya on her
good looks and wished her all the best.
Is fluent in the languages English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and
Urdu.
Receives at least two movie offers every day.
Was originally intended for the role of Priya in the film Chalte
Chalte (2003).
Aamir Khan and Aishwarya Rai are the only stars to advertise for
both Coca Cola and Pepsi.
Before she was famous, she auditioned to do voice-dubbing for a
television serial and was rejected.
Shahrukh Khan recommended her to play Kaurwaki in the film Asoka
(2001). But the director wanted to cast someone who hadn't
already been paired with Shahrukh as a leading lady.
After winning the title of Miss World in 1994, the host of the
event, Richard Steinmetz, actually asked Aishwarya out. But
being a professional, she refused right away.
Sued the magazine Star and Style for a sum of Rs 20 million (2
crore) for printing an article claiming that actress Raveena
Tandon had caught her and Akshay Kumar in a compromising
position at the poolside of a five- star hotel.
During the filming of the song 'Dola Re Dola' from the movie
Devdas (2002), Aishwarya's ears were bleeding because to the
heavy earrings she had to wear, but she continued to perform
anyway.
Is a trained classical dancer. She learnt classical dance and
music for five years while in her teens.
Has a puppy named Sunshine, which was given to her as a gift by
friend Vivek Oberoi.
Won the title of Miss Photogenic in the 1994 Miss World Pageant.
Has won over 100 awards since 1994 when she was 20.
Is good friends with actress Preity Zinta.
Has gained a cult following in Pakistan.
Was listed in Time magazine as one of 100 most influential
people in the world (The 2004 TIME 100).
Ran the Olympic-torch relay in June 2004.
Turned down a role in San wa (2005) due to her touring schedule.
The role was eventually given to Mallika Sherawat.
Has refused to work with Salman Khan after their break-up, in
spite of several offers.
Has over 17,000 Web sites dedicated to her.
In 2004, Aishwarya became the first Bollywood and Indian actress
to have her own statue at London's Madame Tussauds museum.
On January 2nd, 2005, she became the first Indian actress to be
interviewed on "60 Minutes" (1968).
Voted #9 in Harpers and Queen magazine's list of the 100 most
beautiful women of today. (Harpers and Queen, June 6, 2005)
A tulip produced in 2005 was named for her.
Member of the jury at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.
When Oprah Winfrey saw Aishwarya's interview on "60 Minutes"
(1968), she was so fascinated by her that she got a hold of Ash
and invited her to be a guest on her show. On April 25, 2005,
Aishwarya became the first Indian and South Asian actress to be
featured on "Oprah Winfrey Show, The" (1986).
Turned down the role of Helen in the film Troy (2004).
Director Andy Tennant offered her a part in Hitch (2005), but
she turned it down because she was so busy with other films.
Turned down the role of Anna in Barsaat (2005).
In the summer of 2005, Mattel released limited-edition Barbie
dolls inspired by Aishwarya and her costumes. They were released
only in Britain and sold out within minutes. These dolls are now
considered rare collectibles among fans.
Her favourite film is Casablanca.
Was voted number 12 on VH1's 50 Sexiest Actresses of the Last 20
Years. (December 2005)
Roger Ebert has said he considers her the most beautiful actress
in the world.
Was voted as E's 7th sexiest celebrity in the world
The first actress from India to get signed on with the American
Library Association and also have a poster made of her for
schools and library's all across America.
Was originally signed on to play the part of Simmi in
Bluffmaster! (2005), but was replaced without any notice by
Priyanka Chopra. Director Rohan Sippy then gave Aishwarya a
"special thanks" in the end credits as an apology.
Turned down the part of Sandhya in Saamna (2006).
When President George W. Bush visited India in March 2006, he
invited Aishwarya, along with Aamir Khan, to a luncheon.
Aishwarya could not attend because she was in Brazil at the time
filming for Dhoom:2 (2006).
Was considered for the role of Priya in Krrish (2006).
Turned down the lead in Corporate (2006) because she didn't have
any dates available for filming. The role was given to Bipasha
Basu.
In mid 2001, Aishwarya started work on two films titled
Radheshyam Seetaram and Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke. For reasons
unknown, filming stopped on these films in February 2002.
Filming was never completed and the films have now been shelved.
The only glimpse of the movies that exist for the public to see
are photographs from the sets and publicity shots.
Performed to an audience of 85,000 in Melbourne, Australia at
the closing ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games with 800
backup dancers. (March 2006)
Was cast with a small role in Lajja (2001), but was dropped
because there were already too many major stars in the film.
When Karan Johar asked Aishwarya on his talk show which film she
wishes she could have been a part of, she responded Khamoshi:
The Musical (1996).
Is the second Indian actress to appear on the cover of TIME
magazine in 2003. The first was Parveen Babi in 1976.
Is very popular in many Arab countries.
Featured in People Magazine as one of the 100 Most Beautiful
People in the World. (Issue May,8,2006)
Was considered for the role of Kalyani in Water (2005).
Got her education at Arya Vidya Mandir and DG Ruparel College,
both in Bombay, India. She was also accepted into Raheja College
of Architecture in Bombay, but never went.
Good friends with fellow Indian superstar and icon, Madhuri
Dixit. The two worked together in the super-hit and widely
acclaimed Devdas.
Listed as number 3 of 'Top Bollywood Actresses' of 2006. (rediff.com,
8-25- 2006)
Caused a day long traffic jam in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
while filming a soap commercial. People would stop for hours
just to catch a glimpse of their favorite actress. (September 5,
2006)
Listed #3 by UK magazine Eastern Eye one of "Asia's Sexiest
Women" (Sept/ 2006).
Is the most photographed woman in India.
She was the first choice for the role of Jane Smith in Mr. &
Mrs. Smith (2005), but she turned it down due to filming
conflicts.
She secured 90% marks in HSC at Ruparel college in Mumbai.
her Pepsi ad with Aamir Khan was shot in one night during the
infamous Bombay riots.
Has been in six movies with Abhishek Bachchan, more than with
any other actor.
Came in #1 in BollySpice.com Magazine's list of "Top 10
Actresses of 2006".
Turned down the part of Malvika Talwar in Baabul (2006).
In January 2007, she announced that she has accepted a marriage
proposal from current boyfriend, actor Abhishek Bachchan.
Is often referred to as "the most beautiful woman in the world".
In 2005, Hugh M. Hefner attempted to create and Indian version
of Playboy for India, which would feature South Asian women and
Indian pop culture articles, but no nudity. He wanted to have
Aishwarya on the cover of the first issue. The magazine was
rejected.
Twice turned down the lead in the Hindi version of Chandramukhi
(2005).
Was invited in 2005 to be a presenter at The 77th Annual Academy
Awards (2005) (TV), but was unable to attend because she was
busy filming for The Mistress of Spices (2005).
Is active in various charities and often visits orphanages.
Her favorite Western designer is Giorgio Armani. Whenever she is
in London, clothes are taken to her hotel for her to choose
from.
Is the second of five Indian women to win the Miss World title.
The first was Reita Faria, who won in 1966. Others include Diana
Hayden who won in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999, and Priyanka
Chopra in 2000.
Ranked #30 in TIME magazines issue of '100 Most Influential
People of the Year'. This is her second time making the list,
her first being in 2004. (The Time 100, 2007).
Has appeared on more magazine covers worldwide than any other
Bollywood or Indian star.
Director Brett Ratner is a fan of Aishwarya's and he wanted her
to be cast in Rush Hour 3 (2007), but she turned down the offer.
Was considered for the part of Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale
(2006).
Her wax statue at Madame Tussauds Museum in London was borrowed
by the museum in New York for six weeks. The statue was flown to
New York and made its debut on August 15, 2007, making her the
first Indian actress in the American version of the museum.
About 15 kilos of henna was special ordered from Sojat in
Rajasthan for the henna ceremony before her wedding.
Her wedding invitations were embossed with two entwined As and
delivered along with a box of chocolate meringues. Within the
invitation was also a poem about new beginnings written by
Amitabh Bachchan's father and renowned poet Harivash Rai
Bachchan.
Her wedding ceremony lasted a total of three days. It was the
most awaited and talked about wedding in years and the press
followed it like Princess Diana's wedding.
For her 34th birthday, she went to go see Beyonce Knowles in
concert in Mumbai.
Personal Quotes
"I'm just average woman with average concerns."
"Life will take its toll on all of us. We get injured, we get
old. It's really sad to try to run away from these harsh
realities of life. Looks are not everything. I am not going to
look beautiful all the time."
"You give to the world your greatest gift when you're being
yourself."
"I believe that as an actress all my fears and phobias exist
till I sign on the dotted line for a film."
"I don't believe in proving a point to anybody. Nobody is that
important."
"It's strange that Rakesh Roshan thinks I look older than
Hrithik. In fact, he's approached me for all his home
productions."
"I always knew I would be successful. So there was no element of
surprise."
"I know for a fact that if there's a role which I am suited for,
I'll be signed on. I'll never go begging."
"I only entered Miss India after pressure from friends and
because I thought it would be a laugh".
"Comedy is difficult for an actor. But I think I have a good
sense of humor and manage to make people laugh and make them
happy."
On donating her eyes after death - "People know me more because
of my eyes. So, I decided to donate my eyes. But before that, I
acquired all the information about the campaign. Within what
time after death one has to donate eyes, and all other
information. Only then I decided to donate my eyes. It's not
that just for doing something, I donated my eyes. I found that
useful so I did it. I like to do social service from my heart.
Whatever is possible I do, but I don't speak of that. But I
would like to give more time to it in the near future."
"Women in the industry have been exploited very often, but there
are some actors who belive that the short cut to stardom is
through nudity or exposure. Such success is, in fact, very
short-lived."
"I have never done a kissing scene nor do I have intentions to."
About her film Chaos (2006): When this came to be early this
year, I was ecstatic. I couldn't believe that I was actually
going to work with Meryl Streep, someone I've always admired. In
all my interviews 10 years ago people used to ask who is your
favourite actor and actress and I would mention Robert de Niro
and Meryl Streep. On my first trip there I met up with de Niro
and my first film is with Meryl Streep, and I said, 'Oh God
that's really, really cool. Really wonderful.
Ever since I went to the Cannes festival, the media overseas
really encouraged me to consider the possibilities of working in
the West. Then I got a call from some people who worked in the
business in America, who asked me to first obviously get an
agent so that they could have direct access because that's the
way they work.
About turning down the role opposite Jackie Chan in the movie
Time Breaker (2004), "I did not have the required dates as I was
busy with the shows abroad. I had to turn down the film. I have
no regrets because there is always a next time."
"Indian cinema has begun to be recognized globally. And it's
very important for us to make our presence felt at important
events such as Cannes. I feel there should be more Indian
representation at festivals. India is producing such a large
cross section of films. We need to be part of world cinema, and
we need to do that now."
"Someone asked me why I'm politically correct, even when people
hit out so openly at me. But the truth is, I've never been
brought up to behave any other way. I can't say anything hurtful
about anyone. I just don't believe in saying mean things. I
won't feel good doing that. It's strange why being well behaved
is perceived as being too 'propah' and staid. This is the way I
am. I'm amazed how many people feel good hitting out at me.
They're welcome to do it. Earlier, they had more leeway to deny
their indiscretions in print. But now on television they look
pretty ridiculous denying what they say."
About the sari on the Oprah show: "I thought I'd wear one on the
show, and packed two of them, in case Oprah wanted to wear one
too. As luck would have it, my flight was delayed and I reached
minutes before the show went on air! So I had no time to change,
which is a pity. Americans love the garment but have no clue how
it's tied. Oprah is very respectful and appreciative of all
cultures. She was very curious about the sari and I helped her
put it on, on air! She has sent me an autographed picture
saying, 'Next time we change the blouse.' She was very sweet." (Rediff,
May 18, 2005)
About being on the Oprah show: "Yes, I was extremely happy to be
on her show. I absolutely admire her. I never thought I'd
actually be meeting her -- and that too, on her show! It's so
strange. But prior to our meeting, during my visit to the US for
the premiere of Bride & Prejudice, I had some afternoons off and
I watched Oprah. I thought how wonderful it would be to be on
her show. And within a month, I was!" (Rediff, May 18, 2005)
"I am not comfortable about kissing or nudity. I am clear about
what I want. I'll work only with good directors who'll offer me
two-dimensional roles. The director and the role are most
important." (Movie Mag International, September 2004)
About her long career in entertainment: "This is my tenth year
now, so things have changed within this span of time - so
drastically that when I look at the work done when I just
joined, it's like, "Oh my God!" So much has changed in these ten
years. You get to see how you're part of the process of change
within the Indian film industry. That's all positive, that's all
a good sign." (Forbes Magazine, August 25th 2005)
Her advice to aspiring professionals: "My biggest concern is
always the students who are working toward a certain career -
when they limit themselves to just that one option. They need to
know that the world is huge - it's an ocean, and there are so
many options. It's not the end of the world if they don't get to
pursue an apparent childhood dream. That's really important,
because you find a lot of kids who believe that they want to
become a doctor or an aeronautical engineer or something, and if
they don't manage to make their degree, that's the end. They
feel so defeated, which is very disheartening. It's sad to know
that people let themselves be limited by these aspirations."
(Forbes Magazine, August 25th 2005)
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
Life is a stage, and we are all characters. So play your part
and play it well!
On why she participated in the Miss World Pageant in 1994: "For
me, it went beyond being a beauty queen. For me, it was about
being the 20-year-old girl from India on international platform
and a lot of people actually would assume that I wasn't even
educated in India because of the way I'd speak. And they'd be
like, 'Have you studied in India? Do you actually speak English
out there?' and, I was like, 'This is so interesting that so
many people know so little about my country.' and this is
exactly what I wanted to do when I set out on this little
mission in my head." (Jan 2005, 60 Minutes Interview)
"Good films are good films regardless of being made in India or
abroad. I believe a great story transcends cultural lines and
language barriers." (American Way Magazine, 3-15-06)
I choose films with characters that I feel are relative to a
woman's growth for me. In The Last Legion, I play a warrior.
This was a first for me and it was a fantastic experience. I
would like very much to do more action films. As for the right
direction, I make my choices and always move forward one step at
a time. (4-26- 06)
On her character in Mistress of Spices (2005): "I have related
to each character I have performed thus far, including Tilo. I
am very sensitive to moods and one's inward feelings and
emotions. I am a true people person and people watcher. I look
forward to meeting interesting people and understanding their
experiences in life." (4-26-06)
On her character in Dhoom:2 (2006): "It's the kind of character
I have never essayed before. Sunehiri, my character in the film,
is distinctly different from any other character you have seen
me play. That's what makes her exciting to me. For the first
time in my life I went through a bit of a fitness regime.
Contrary to popular belief, right since modeling, to the (Miss
World) title, to films, I have never been a fitness freak or
exercised." (October 2006)
About director J.P. Dutta: "J P Dutta is a committed taskmaster.
I have danced to songs before. But he always added to
choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant's steps, and that was quite
challenging. He would shoot an entire mukhda in one shot. To do
all the songs at that level required remaining focused at all
times. In that moment, I felt I became Umrao Jaan. It was
interesting to deliver a performance that shows her passionate
but tragic story. The film is also reflective of the art that
was at its zenith in that era. The sex trade was called the
performing arts then and not prostitution." (October 2006)
On Umrao Jaan (2006) being her first Urdu language film: "Since
our generation speaks English, we are not very fluent in Hindi,
leave alone Urdu. I loved those dialogs and the experience to
work and know about that era. For me, it was a study of Urdu on
the sets under the guidance of JP and Javed saab."
About Rekha: "Rekha is very inspiring. It is not necessarily
relative to just one performance, but her entire career, the
span of characters that she has essayed, the performances that
she has delivered itself is extremely inspiring. I am inspired
by her performance. But I cannot ape her." (October 2006)
On her role in Umrao Jaan (2006) :"Playing Umrao Jaan was a
demanding emotional journey. When a story takes that course, it
is following an entire arc; it goes through all the possible
emotions. The process was satisfying, inspiring and challenging.
It forced me to deliver the best in every moment." (October
2006)
On being compared to Rekha in the original version of Umrao Jaan
(1981): "For me, as an actor, it's a special experience to get
the opportunity to play Umrao Jaan who has been already iconised
on our celluloid. When I played Paro in Devdas, I went through
the same area of questioning about how my role will be compared
with the ones played earlier." (rediff.com,October 2006)
"My reason for choosing a film is not to impress people. I don't
choose films for the box office." (November 2006)
"The audiences feel I am part of their life so they worry about
me. I think that is very sweet of them and I tell them that when
I will marry I will announce it. When I get married, you'll
know. I believe in marriage and it is a beautiful institution."
(November 2006)
"It is a very tricky situation when you get the chance to work
in English films. I do films based on characters, not to get an
entry into Hollywood or whatever. In English, my Bride &
Prejudice did well world over. I don't know how it did in Hindi,
but I know Jurassic Park too didn't do well in Hindi. I was glad
audiences worldwide liked an English film that was Indian. When
I did Mistress of Spices, I did it for Paul [Mayeda Berges, the
director and husband of Gurinder Chadha] as a team. The film
found its audiences. When the Provoked script came to me, I felt
it was a very important story of an Indian woman based in London
who killed her husband because of marital abuse. Kiranjit
Ahluwalia made a big impression in England, and so I did this
film because I felt it was an important story to be told.
Provoked is an important film for many other Kirans in the
world." (November 2006)
"As far as The Last Legion (2007) is concerned, it is a film
based on a book [A novel by Valerio Manfredi]. I don't think the
character of Meera [her role] is there in the book. I did the
film for the new experience and it is for the first time that I
was with a complete foreign crew. Working with Ben Kingsley was
a great experience. Meera is an Indian in the film and she has
great roots and you will identify with her strength. I feel for
Indian audiences, and want them to feel pride in what I am
doing: I am not doing films just to be there as guest
appearances."
On celebrating her 33rd birthday: "I am just not the birthday
bash kind. My day will start with a visit to the Siddhivinayak
temple with my family, something I do every year. There will be
no loud parties... my birthday is a very private affair.
Concidering I have to leave for Dubai tomorrow, it will be over
early too. Only family and friends will be there." (November 1,
2006)
On the rumors that her black eye was the result of abuse by
Salman Khan: "For some perverse reason, no one wants to believe
me, that I fell down the stairs. First the media calls me the
woman of the millennium, a woman of substance. Then how can the
same media make me out to be such a doormat? I'm a
self-respecting woman, I don't take nonsense from anyone. No one
tries caveman tactics on me. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger can fall
and get hurt, so why should I be any different?"
"I have never deliberately driven attention to the fact that I
am working in Hollywood films. I have categorically stated that
I am working in different kinds of films, be it British, Hindi,
Tamil or Bengali. It's all about doing films, which are my
passion."
On meeting producer Harvey Weinstein for the first time at the
2005 Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People: "He is a big
fan of Indian films. He has seen Devdas (2002/I), and said he
respected my work. It's a big compliment coming from somebody
who has such an immense body of work and yet is so humble from
him? He discussed a few ideas and scripts with me. He is
starting his own company. We are discussing projects. Time will
tell all."
On attending the dinner for Time Magazines 100 Most Influential
People of the Year in 2005: "I am surprised at my life's turn of
events. Six of us were asked to raise the toast for the evening.
And I raised it for my parents and for my fans, without whom I
wouldn't have reached where I am today. Nicole Kidman had to
rush out for some premiere, but she said that she and her son
loved Bride and Prejudice and I told her how I loved all her
performances. Sean Penn told me that I spoke well and I told him
that I've always been his fan!"
Upon hearing that Julia Roberts had said that Aishwarya was the
most beautiful woman she had ever seen: "That was embarrassing;
at first I didn't believe she said that. I thought it was a
rumor started by a journalist. But it's sweet. She's an
incredible actor and she seems like a wonderful person, so all
you can do is say, Thank you." (April 2007)
"I am not comfortable about kissing or nudity. I've never said
I'd never kiss, or whatever on screen. I've always maintained
I'd cross that bridge when I come to it. Again, I'm accused of
playing it safe. The truth is, I don't know what tomorrow holds.
So I can't make a close ended principle about it." (2007)
Where Are They Now
(May 2003) Released "Aishwarya's Greatest Hits" on DVD
containing 50 of her music videos to date.
(April 2004) Will start her world-wide tour to perform alongside
stars Lara Dutta, Celina Jaitley, Hrithik Roshan, and Fardeen
Khan.
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