Aishwarya refuses to flaunt her baby bump

Aishwarya Rai doesn’t follow the herd. Though she is a global face, she is quite unlike the other beauties who flaunted their baby bump when they were pregnant. Aishwarya has apparently said no to show her baby bump for the coverpage of a magazine.

Aishwarya Rai recently returned to Mumbai after shooting for a soap commercial and spending some time with husband Abhishek Bachchan in London. As sources say, the actress is also trying to stay away from the country to avoid the spotlight. Too much attention is not good.

“She doesn’t want to be in the limelight when she’s pregnant. In any case, too much attention at this time is considered inauspicious. She has decided to stay away (from spotlight) as much as she can, so she stayed away from Mumbai for so long,” tells a source to a daily.

And even lucrative offers from international magazines to reveal her baby bump have failed to lure Aishwarya. She is a private person.

But why did she shoot for a commercial that too when she is any months into her pregnancy? Well, it was a prior work commitment and the actress just fulfilled it. Moreover, the company didn’t have any problem with a pregnant Ash; rather, they wanted her to do the advertisement.

Lara Dutta is pregnant..

Ater Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, it's Lara Dutta who is expecting her first child and dad-to-be Abhishek Bachchan was the first to wish her on Twitter, saying "welcome aboard".

"Thank you so much for all ur wishes and prayers. It's an awesome time in life right now and Mahesh and I are both very excited about the baby!," tweeted Lara, who tied the knot with ace tennis player Mahesh Bhupati in February this year.

In return, Abhishek congratulated her and posted: "Paaji! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! welcome aboard."

The 33-year-old actress tweeted back saying, "Thank you so much ab! You'll be sorted by the time our turn comes, will call for tips!!"

Earlier in June, Aishwarya and Abhishek confirmed they are expecting their first baby.

Lara is fondly known as "Lara paaji" in Bollywood and Abhishek and Lara have worked together in two movies - "Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost" and "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom".

Aishwarya due in November, Bachchan Jr. goes on paternity leave

However, it seems that the soon-to-be dad, Abhishek is not very keen to start shooting for the 'Dhoom' series in November as his wife Aishwarya’s due date for their first child is on the same month, and the actor wants paternity leave to spend time with his wife and baby B.

Speaking about Abhishek postponing the shooting of 'Dhoom 3', a source stated, “Yash Raj had Abhishek's dates from November onwards. But Aishwarya is due in November and Abhishek wants to spend some quality time with his baby and wife before getting back to work.

Hence, he requested YRF to postpone the shoot for a month or two."

Meanwhile, it’s heard that the 'Dhoom' series is now ready to roll only in December or January on Abhishek's request to postpone the film’s shooting.

Confirming the news, a source said, “Bachchans are family to YashChopra. He immediately agreed to give Abhishek some time off. He asked the makers of Dhoom 3 to begin shooting the film only after Abhishek is ready.”

Abhishek, who has a list of peppy item numbers to his credit like ‘One Love’ and ‘Right Here Right Now’, said in a recent interview that item songs are a lot of fun.

"I definitely think that item songs are a lot of fun to do. I enjoy the beat and pace. And sometimes the singing too. I have enjoyed doing all of them but strangely I have never looked at them as item numbers," stated Junior B.

It’s common knowledge in the industry that Abhishek never gets nervous when exuding his dancing skills on screen and most of the time his song numbers have been a hit with the audience.

When the actor was asked whether he’s getting ready to do an item number in his forthcoming films, Abhishek stated, “My directors would be the best to answer. But yes, if they ask me to shake a leg I won't shy off for sure."

Genelia out of the equation..

Genelia D'Souza will no longer be a part of Bol Bachchan.

Though Genelia was supposed to star opposite Abhishek Bachchan in this Rohit Shetty film, there were differences that cropped up between the makers and the actress to which this decision was taken.

A hunt is now on for the second lead in the film that has Ajay Devgn and Asin topping the cast with Abhishek joining in as well.

“For Genelia this could have been a ticket into a big Bollywood commercial film. In fact, she was banking on the film since Rohit has an impeccable record when it comes to delivering hits. Moreover the film is said to be a remake of a cult classic like Golmaal (the old one starring Amol Palekar), which means a successful outing was guaranteed,” said a source.

However, there were issues that cropped up before the film had gone on the floors.

“All was certainly not well between Genelia and the makers of Bol Bachchan. Genelia was not quite happy with her role as she felt she deserved better due to her reasonably successful stint down south.

“On the other hand, the makers were not too happy with her either. The differences did not seem to end and it was in the interest of both parties to call it a day.”

No one knows whether Genelia was asked to leave or it was the petite actress who chose to walk out. However, the fact remains that as of now there is a spot vacant for another girl to step in.

Since the film is looking at going on the floors pretty soon, it is currently a critical situation for Bol Bachchan to find an instant replacement.

“A decision has to be taken in a jiffy as Ajay, Asin and Abhishek have already allocated their dates and have to move on to their other respective projects soon.”

Junior Bachchan thinks item numbers are fun

Abhishek Bachchan, who has done item numbers like One love and Nobody like you in the past, says he loves dancing to the peppy beats, and is game for more such numbers in future.

"I definitely think that item songs are a lot of fun to do, I enjoy the beat and the pace and sometimes the singing too. I have enjoyed doing all of them," Abhishek said in a statement.

The actor has also displayed his dancing skills in songs like Dus bahaane, Kajra re and Desi girl. But will one get to see him dance to any fast number in any of his forthcoming films - Players, Bol Bachchan, Dhoom 3 or Dostana 2?

"My directors would be the best to answer. But yes if they ask me to shake a leg, I won't shy off for sure," he said.

Ahana Deol debut postponed..

The launch vehicle of Deol clan's youngest star-kid and Hema Malini's daughter Ahana Deol has been canned for now. She was to debut with Aparna Sen's modern day version of Romeo & Juliet.

This is not the first time that her debut Hindi venture did not seen light. Five years ago, Sen was to direct Hindi film Gulel with Abhishek Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan. The project got aborted for several reasons, one being Bipasha Basu's reluctance to play a mother.

Says a source, "Both Hemaji and Aparna wanted Prateik opposite Ahana. He possesses the sensitivity and vulnerability to portray a modern-day Romeo. And he matched Ahana's personality, too. They met him and things seemed to be working out. But finally, he begged off with the no-dates reason."

"It is true, for now Ahana's film with Aparna is not happening. We wanted Prateik for the male lead. But he says he has no dates," said Hema Malini.

It's a beautiful script and I want Aparna to make it with my daughter. Maybe now we'll do it with a completely new face. As soon as I finish releasing Esha's film Tell Me Oh Kkhuda I'll decide what to do."

For now Ahana will just have to wait for the right Romeo to fit into her dream of playing Juliet.

Bollywood Ticket?

Samantha Ruth Prabu who debuted with Gowtham Menon's Ye Maya Chesave has been signed up for a Hindi flick. The actress is excited to bag the offer to star in Rohit Shetty's Bol Bachchan, an upcoming comedy starring Abhishek Bachchan and Ajay Devgn.

Samantha says that director Rohit Shetty approached Samantha with the role because he needed a south Indian face to play that particular character.

Samantha, who is currently busy with the shooting of Dookudu and has Eega in her kitty right now. She expressed her happiness over the way her career had shaped up and is looking to make it big in Bollywood too.

"I hate beautiful women becoming pregnant" says RGV

Congratulatory messages have been pouring in ever since Amitabh Bachchan revealed that his 'bahu' Aishwarya Rai is pregnant, but filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma had more than just good wishes for the would-be parents.

In a tweet to soon-to-be father Abhishek Bachchan, Varma, who is known for his caustic sense of humour tweeted "@juniorbachchan I hate beautiful women becoming pregnant but since she's ur wife I will make an exception.. congraaaaaaaats (sic)," Varma posted on the micro-blogging site.

"I worship beautiful women and I hate to see them ever become mothers and in case of aishwarya since she's the most beautiful I hate it even more (sic)," he added. But Varma said he is happy for the couple who are expecting their first child.

"Thait's me as a fan of the most beautiful woman on earth but being close to the so loving couple if that makes them happy it makes me double happy (sic)," he further tweeted.

Amitabh has worked in a number of films with Varma, who cast the Big B alongwith Abhishek and Aishwarya in Sarkar Raj in 2008.

Bachchans impressed with Puri

Hits and flops are a part of an one's career. Putting the debacle of Nenu Naa Rakshasi quickly behind him, Director Puri Jagannath plunged into making his debut film in Hindi 'Bbuddah..Hoga Terra Baap' with Amitabh Bachchan and a group of Telugu actors.

Amitabh Bachchan, who was heard to be very impressed with Puri's working strategy has expressed his desire to work with him again for a home production with Abhishek in the lead.

"The director who was always inclined to work with Abhishek for a very long time readily accepted the offer, reports the source.

In all probability, this combination could go on floors some time next year and the director who is scheduled to direct Mahesh Babu for 'The Businessman' has already zeroed in on the project's Hindi version with Abhishek Bachchan.

Aishwarya's Pregnancy..

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan are expecting their first child. Amitabh Bachchan has confirmed the news and has said that he is thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandfather.

Though there is no news from Aishwarya till now, Amitabh had spilled the beans and is said to be excited.

It may be recalled that Ash and Junior Bachchan tied the knot in April 20, 2007 and since then rumors erupted in regular intervals about Ash’s pregnancy and the actress has been denying it.

But this time, it is the grandfather-to-be who has come out with the good news!

Ash gives IIFA a miss this year

They are no longer part of the IIFA event. Though the Bollywood’s smashing jodi Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai has given some outstanding and memorable dance performances on IIFA stage, they are not going to perform at the award function in Toronto this year. So, that entire buzz that Aishwarya will be at IIFA is nothing but hogwash.

Recently a Toronto magazine allegedly used Aishwarya Rai’s name in an IIFA related story. The magazine Toronto Life had Aishwarya’s photograph on the cover which said “Toronto is hosting the Bollywood’s Oscar with celebs like Aishwarya Rai.”

Abhishek Bachchan, much aware of the all the IIFA hype and hoopla, decided to clear the air. Bachchan Junior tweets, “Just to clarify….Neither Aishwarya nor I will be performing or attending IIFA Toronto, classic case of jumping the gun!”

However, it was recently said that though Amitabh Bachchan, the former IIFA ambassador, has dissociated himself from the awards, beta Abhishek and bahu Aishwarya will perform at the award function to be held at Toronto.

But now it seems that IIFA and the Bachchans, once almost synonymous, won’t go along for at least a few years.

"I'm ready to quit!" says Aishwarya

Name, fame and success always go with some problems. Naturally, they become the center of attraction for the gossip columnists and celebrities always fall prey for such gossip mongers.

The victim on this news is the renowned Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who goes through unceasing problems being a part of some rumor or the other almost all the time.

Recently, one of the Hindi entertainment channels had aired the news "Aishwarya is all set to go bare for a film project."

Blown out in extreme shock, Aishwarya slammed down the channel saying "I hail from a well reputed family and shall not spoil the value of my in-laws. If this is the situation, I am ready to quit films. I am really shocked to hear such stories and I beg them to stop dishonoring me and my family.”

Unprofessional Attitude

One of the most successful associations in the history of Bollywood Box Office - Ram Gopal Varma and the Bacchan’s are no more.

The Duo has worked together in films that turned to be Blockbusters like Sarkar, Sarkar raj, Rann, RGV Ki Aag and Nishabdh.

As reported Abhishek Bacchan was dropped out from RGV’s ongoing project titled 'Department' and the reason behind it was said to be the poor performance of Abhishek in Dum Maro Dum.

Though in the initial stage, Abhishek by himself politely said ‘NO’ to RGV’s project that started rolling last month, by acting promptly the angered first family of Bollywood to the ‘unprofessional attitude’ towards Dum Maro Dum, Amitabh decided not to be a part of RGV's project.

According to the sources “RGV started making uncharitable remarks on Dum Maro Dum and Amitabh Bachchan is no longer interested in working with a filmmaker who has meted out such worst treatment to his son”

Abhishek is my hero: Mimoh

"I had no work for 3 years after my first release... I was jobless," says Mahakshay Chakraborty aka Mimoh, with a candour that's endearing.

Tell him this is a far cry from those newcomers who often say they're busy going through scripts or have projects in the pipeline and he says, "My dad ( Mithun Chakraborty) has always told me that you gotta be honest with yourself and by admitting that I had no work, I am just being honest. It was a frustrating period. Other newcomers were bagging projects, doing commercials, even dating all the hot chics in town and here I was being refused work left right and centre!

But in these tough times I always looked up to Abhishek Bachchan for inspiration. He's the son of the 'God' of the industry and has to constantly live with comparisons. He told me that people are always gonna put you down, but you gotta get up and fight! So, Abhishek's my hero!"

Telling us why he chose a horror film - Haunted - as his second film , the actor says, "Look when a struggling actor has no work and then a reputed director like Vikram Bhatt agrees to audition him and he messages him saying 'you're on in my next film', for God's sake, I am not going ask what film it is! I just leapt at the chance and I'm just so happy to have done such a different project."

Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan joins Twitter

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has so far doggedly kept away from social networking. But on her fourth wedding anniversary on Wednesday, hubby Abhishek Bachchan persuaded her to come on Twitter.

However, Aishwarya did not open her own page on Twitter but rather chatted with the fans through Abhishek’s handle.

“Thank you all for the wonderful anniversary wishes. Will get Aishwarya to chat with you'll this evening. Much love again... Ok guys, here she is..... Shoot away” Abhishek wrote on Twitter.

“Hello everyone, :) :) and thank you all so much for all ur love and wishes "4" us on our special day. Truly overwhelmed. Love Aishwarya,” Ash wrote in her first Tweet.

Instantly, Ash was showered with congratulatory messages from friends and fans. From then on, Ash was busy ‘thanking’ the fans.

We wish for the day when Ash would have her own Twitter handle.

"Rani is the best co-star" says Abhishek..

Abhishek Bachchan is eagerly looking forward for his film Dum Maaro Dum to hit screens.

Talking about the film in a recent interview, Abhishek said that he wants to change audiences' perception about him being a non-actor with the film. Abhishek's last release Raavan, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se and Game have been box office disasters and he wishes to set cash registers ringing with Dum Maaro Dum.

The actor also candidly talked about how favourite co-stars. He said, "Rani is the best co-star I have ever worked with. She's beautiful and is a brilliant actor." When asked if he would like to work with her again, Abhi promptly replied, "Of course, I would love to work with her."

It can be recalled that Abhishek and Rani, who have worked in films like Yuva, Bunty Aur Babli, Laga Chunri Mein Daag and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, had been linked up with each other before Abhi-Ash's marriage. There were also rumours that the two are planning to tie the knot. Though audience felt that Jr. Bachchan and the bong beauty made an awesome couple, the two refrained from working together.

However, now with Abhishek's confession, we look forward to seeing Bunty and Babli light up the screen again with their amazing chemistry.

Priyanka out, Katrina in - Dostana 2

There have been hushed whispers about Priyanka Chopra being roped in for a special role in Dostana 2, but the actress has denied being part of the film.

“I am not part of `Dostana 2'. I was never doing Dostana two...reason being my love story ends in the first film...so where is the question. This was cleared some 2 years ago,” she said on micro-blogging site twitter.

However, she did not deny that she might make a cameo appearance in the film.

"And when it comes to a special appearance or something, that's a much later call,” Priyanka said.

Dostana sequel is still in the works and a final script is yet to be locked in by producer Karan Johar and director Tarun Mansukhani. It’s being said that Katrina Kaif is under consideration for the leading role opposite Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham in the film.

But the latest buzz trickling from tinsel town has it that creative differences between Johar and Mansukhani have thrown a spanner in the works.

Abhishek as "ACP Kamath" in DMD

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who steps into the shoes of a police officer in his upcoming movie 'Dum Maro Dum', says that the layered character of ACP Kamath was a challenge for him.

Though the actor has played cops on screen before, the character was unique in it's attitude, said Abhishek. "Playing a police officer is nothing new for me but in 'Dum Maro Dum', I am playing a different type of police officer, ACP Kamath. A unique and layered character and the attitude of the character appealed to me," Abhishek who was in town to promote the film, told reporters.

"ACP Kamath is a person with so many emotions, turmoil, rage, aggressiveness, but always has a smile on face. What I liked most is the outlook of the officer towards his life. He has a unique attitude and style so it was exciting doing this particular role," said the actor about the film directed by Rohan Sippy.

'Dum Maro Dum' also stars Bipasha Basu, Rana Daggubati and Prateik Babbar.

Abhishek Bachchan plays a cop in DMD

Abhishek Bachchan's eagerly looking forward to the release of his film Dum Maaro Dum.

The actor, who plays a cop in the film, says that he has worked really hard for the film and now can't wait for it to hit screens and see audience's reaction. However, shooting for the film wasn't an easy task for Junior Bachchan.

Talking about the film in a recent interview, Abhi revealed, "Shooting for Dum Maaro Dum was a torture." Further explaining about what he went through while shooting with Rohan Sippy in Goa, Abhishek said, "We were in Goa “ a hub for all the fun things. We were in this Susegad land and we were working from morning 6 am to 10 pm. Damn! There was no time to enjoy Goa," he regretted.

Incidentally, this is not the first time that the actor was working while in Goa, instead of enjoying the beaches. A portion of Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se was also filmed in the beach city.

DMD shows "Goa in bad light"

Rohan Sippy's film 'Dum Maaro Dum' is being hit by controversies. This time Goa State Women's Commission (GSWC) has protested taking cognizance of the alleged derogatory references to Goan women in the forthcoming movie. GSWC Chairman Ezilda Sapeco filed a complaint with the local police urging them to inquire into the complaint. She has said that the movie might result in breach of peace in the state. Sippy's flick, which depicts the drug underbelly of the tourist state, has raised a stink in Goa with lawmakers, social activists, women welfare groups and now GSWC expressing their reservation on the movie. However, director Rohan Sippy is unperturbed and says he has not done anything wrong and has made the film responsibly. After watching it, the people's misunderstanding will be removed, he adds.

The Panaji bench of the Bombay High Court has issued notices to the director and producers of the film over a petition seeking a ban on the film scheduled to be released April 22. Rodrigues alleged that the film featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone portrayed Goa and its women in bad light. He said the film would have an adverse impact on the state`s tourism industry. Meanwhile, Goa Tourism Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar has said that he would be taking up the issue with its director.