Aishwarya in Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Heroine’
thanks to Tyler..
LINK
It’s official: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, 37, will play the leading lady in Madhur Bhandarkar’s ambitious venture, Heroine. The much-anticipated film, that was waiting for a leading lady, has ultimately fallen into Aishwarya’s kitty. “Yes, it’s on. But we will talk about it at Cannes,” says Bachchan, who will be walking the red carpet at the French film festival on May 13.
Bhandarkar, too, confirms Ash’s claims. “I am really happy that finally everything is set. I have structured the script keeping Ash in mind. It is one film that every actor would want to do, and I am glad Ash agreed to do it. And we will start shooting next month,” says the 42-year-old filmmaker.
He clears the air about not casting Kareena Kapoor in the film, even though it was reported so initially . “I feel it is jinxed for me to think of Kareena doing any of my films, as due to some or the other reason, it never materialises. She was my first choice for Page 3 and Fashion but even that never happened.”
Heroine will go on floors next month and is expected to hit theatres next year.
SATYAMSHOT 
May 9, 2011 at 5:40 PM
I thought she was not accepting any new movies so she could plan for a family…ahh…well….
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May 9, 2011 at 6:18 PM
she never said she was done. She actually said the opposite. She just took a break after 4 movies last year. I’d guess next year she’ll begin a family. We’ll see.
I’m not a fan of Bhandarkar movies. At least not any of his recent stuff but am glad to see Aish back to doing a female centric project.
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May 9, 2011 at 6:29 PM
She has also signed on to do the Santoshi movie with Abhishek which starts after Heroine is completed.
There are rumors of a Benegal or Ghosh or Sriram Raghavan movie too.
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May 9, 2011 at 6:37 PM
I havent heard any such thing, tho I do believe it is already getting a little late to start a family. (Not that it is any of my business but I do have a wasted interest in keeping this particular tribe alive).
But, kya karein she has to work to fund Abhi’s projects with the likes of Mehra,Rathnam, Gowariker,Santoshi,Sippy,Abbas Mastan,Santoshi, Rohit Shetty etc.
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May 9, 2011 at 6:49 PM
Not sure of the latest success rate figures of IVF–susupect thingz have improved!!
Funding abhi films is obviously a joke—but it is uncanny that abhi is (probably coincidentally!!) working/worked with some Ash directors…
There is still no dearth of good feasible offers for Ash —People somehow miss this “fact” even when the likes of more “talented” Rani struggle for decent roles.
Would be interesting to get a poll on the most beautiful Ash song —difficult choice…
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May 9, 2011 at 8:57 PM
I see that when cat (Satyam) is away, the mouse/mice play…LOL. Take it easy 🙂
IVF: would be assuming only ash’s age factor causes delay (so sexist). The sperm mobility could be slow or absent too and/or many other factors (such as stress or minor infection) other than advanced maternal age. Actually advanced maternal age doesn’t hamper anyone in Hollywood with Travolta’s wife recently delivered in her late 40s (with borrowed eggs ofcourse). We all have such interest because people in public life have to write off the public curiosity and/or accept it as part and parcel of their fame. I personally would HATE it if a crowd of people were standing outside of my home every wkend or I couldn’t walk down or drive down the street without people following me around like piped piper….
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May 11, 2011 at 3:46 PM
Hahaha –just read that–enjoyed that “education” on IVF when the “cat” is away…
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May 9, 2011 at 6:07 PM
Ditto dimps…Also apparently, this role involved “compromising/ explicit” scenes —MAybe that element has been tweaked for Ash
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May 9, 2011 at 6:23 PM
Actually hope to see more of her.
Saw bits of Raavan again and a few links here…
Must say, Ash was really good in most of Raavan.
She did as much as could be done with the role offered to her—In some scenes, she was brilliant..
HAve always maintained that to most people— her looks distract for her obvious abilities and skill..
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May 9, 2011 at 6:26 PM
Agree,Alex but I must confess that I submit to distraction quite willingly!
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May 9, 2011 at 6:51 PM
For the easily distracted
http://cosmo.intoday.in/cosmopolitan/story.jsp?sid=8315
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May 9, 2011 at 7:03 PM
Tyler—u seem to share my (good) taste in life. lol
btw what do u feel bout Megan Fox
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May 9, 2011 at 9:01 PM
Seems like you have preference for high pitched screaming as part of acting for heroines. Personally for me, I love the way she dances and is second only to MD. I love the way she acted in Choker Bali (very fine, controlled performance)…not bad in Devdas either. Ravaan was outright bad as far as Ash’s acting was concerned.
Rani and Vidhya are in league of their own and cannot be compared to other bollywood statlets!!!
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May 9, 2011 at 10:13 PM
I have to disagree. Rani is screechy in most of her movies even her latest NOKJ she was panned by a lot of critics. Rani is good but seriously overrated. BTW Raavan/Raavanan was a good performance – the initial screaming for Dev was understandable given the circumstances.
Raincoat, Khakee, JA, GZ, Guru, Iruvar, UJ, SR, KK, etc. are all restained performances. Aish gets no credit for her acting only her looks and dancing.
I like Vidya too but she is no Meryl Streep.
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May 9, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Tyler – Ash did very well in “provoked”. Pls do see that movie if you get a chance.
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May 9, 2011 at 6:35 PM
Maybe im in a minority but havent seen a more graceful beautiful presence on the indian screens esp over the last 10-15 years—
Many “rivals” dont even come close (even now)…
I admit to being biased here but on the basis of sheer looks— prefer her even to the likes of MAdhuri (forget the ranis…)..KNow this is blasphemous to some, but here u are ….
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May 9, 2011 at 6:46 PM
>havent seen a more graceful beautiful presence on the indian screens esp over the last 10-15 years—
I agree. In her later films she not only looks beautiful but ‘acts’ which is something most heroines don’t do anymore. Aishwaraya has shades (only shades) of the graceful actresses of earlier times.
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May 9, 2011 at 6:53 PM
agree Oldgold (the great)
Wel cum back….
I would even go further —-Now even Ash is past her “peak”—BUt at her prime, she trumped the most graceful actresses of the golden era….
Infact, as pointed out earlier —IMO—Madhubala, Ash, Hema malini at their respective primes were the most beautiful.
Others may differ but thats how I see it…lol
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May 9, 2011 at 9:03 PM
One has to admit that she is the only one who “crossed” over on international scene. She graced the Oprah/letterman/leno/Cannes/hollywood-movies/endorsements like NO one else.
And yes, she makes far more than AB jr. So sponsoring his movies won’t be any problem for her at all. Comes with territory.
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May 9, 2011 at 6:49 PM
Alex,
You are in a huge, overwhelming minority! What planet are you leaving on?
Ofcourse, nine out of ten males will agree with you. And all females who dont feel threatened by her looks.
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May 9, 2011 at 11:22 PM
Rajen – I don’t feel threatened by Ash’s looks and do think she has done well in many of her movies. See my response to Tyler about Ash’s performance in “Provoked”. We women are quite realistic about only some women in the world being truly blessed with extraordinary good looks by nature – eg – Ash, Maharani Gayatri Devi, Hema Malini etc.
Regarding starting a family, surely she need not be sitting at home waiting to fall pregnant? For all one knows she must be eager to become a mom. I agree with Dimps about several factors influencing motherhood. I am one of her well wishers and would like her to have a family soon.
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May 10, 2011 at 6:22 AM
@Filmbuff: As far as balancing work-life is concerned, I love the way MD did it. Fame, movies, money can suck you down and one may never live “normal” life. Jaya Bacchan did it. Sudha Murthy did it. One has to have the priorities straight and later on not have regrets on not having children. At some point women have to make time to have children and be a mother.
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May 10, 2011 at 11:13 PM
agree on women having to make a call to find balance. In Ash’s case I recollect reading (hint from the American lady who was managing her official website) that Ash was ready to drop out of filmdom during her Vivek Oberoi days ie she was ready to settle down into family life out of the film industry. It is a pity that things did not work out for them coz she was at the right age to have kids. Things become a bit difficult for women as they age ie for conception. Lets hope for the best for Ash
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May 9, 2011 at 6:56 PM
I was talking about her so-called “non existent acting skills” and “lack of range”—BS
Cmon she is not exactly smita patil with respect to acting, but the ones who can currently act better than her can be counted on the fingers of ONE hand…..
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May 9, 2011 at 7:03 PM
Tu ab se pehle sitaron mein bas rahi thi kahin,
tuje jamin pe bulya gaya he mere( hum sub ke) liye.
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May 9, 2011 at 7:06 PM
“she trumped the most graceful actresses of the golden era….”—Oldgold suddenyl went silent..
Perhaps she is thinking—“even I can trump her”.
U never know man what oldgold is all bout.
He actually NOT old, u know lol hahahaha
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May 10, 2011 at 8:01 AM
>Oldgold suddenyl went silent..
I’ve decided to *disagree* in silence. LOL!!
I disagree because the grace in heroines then was also due to the times, when heroines were not expected to expose, or act ‘hot’ for the sake of drooling men, which unfortunately even Aishwarya couldn’t avoid. So for me she has only the ‘shades’ of the grace the heroines possessed then.
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May 9, 2011 at 7:15 PM
*she* not *he*…
Cmon oldgold—just joking as alwayz
lolllll
Oldgold getting ready for a classic song……
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May 9, 2011 at 8:00 PM
Alex, even I take some time off the blog, miraculously enough!
On Ash she has obviously been the most iconic actress in the post-Madhuri generation but also one of the most defining Indian celebrities in this period. I’m not if I’d want to take it further than this in terms of historical sweepstakes. For example, Sharmila Tagore, one of my favorites, had remarkable grace and poise and class. But also these standards change over time and it is sometimes hard to place oneself in the world of those earlier films. Even if one watches a lot of them one is still a stranger to the contours of the age represented in those films. And it is therefore hard to judge qualities like grace and elegance completely fairly. But again as an icon I have no doubt about Ash’s significance. And not that I do not think she’s graceful and so forth. Just that I cannot automatically place her on top of an all time list. I do however like an older Aishwarya much more than the younger self. My personal favorite though in the post-Madhuri generation is Rani.
By the way on Madhuri I was reflecting on this after revisiting Khalnayak and there might not be another female star I can think of in Bombay film history who could use her face more expressively than Madhuri. Specially beyond a point.
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May 9, 2011 at 9:09 PM
It should have read
“might not be another female star I can think of in Bombay film history who could use her face more expressively than Madhuri. Specially beyond a point.”
What about Vidhya Balan.
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May 9, 2011 at 9:16 PM
Balan is definitely informed by Madhuri. In Parineeta she was in fact a bit too close for comfort! I do like her otherwise. She is the rare actress who suggests substance. However she is not star enough to be mentioned with some of the others.
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May 9, 2011 at 9:28 PM
…parineeta was her first film (right?)…so we should cut her some slack. I was just referring to ” her face more expressively than Madhuri.” I think Vidhya uses her eyes so well. Very expressive. She may not be all rounder like Madhuri (in hindi film dancing is so very important) but then Jaya Bacchan too was not much of a dancer but what a classy/gr8 actress. She never striped (like say Sharmila Tagore) or do anything below dignity (I know I am on dangerous attack territory by writing this).
If one were to think of a “comman” man’s daughter from middle class making it in Bollywood, without compromising her values, one would think of Jaya B. Also Vidhya. Others….not so sure. MD had Anil K. (rumored to be having affair and was her protector of sorts) and Ghai too had reputation with women….ash was/is very co-dependant and had string of BFs…never a solo act…..etc…I digress of course…as usual.
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May 9, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Satyam, have you seen Vidya in Ishqiya? She was very good and so was the movie. I think Vidya is a truly talented actress. As for star material, she has it in her. It is not her fault if the johars and chopras don’t have the guts to cast her in their movies. Rani is a talented actress no doubt but I think Vidya has proved herself no less. Vidya also needs to be commended for the variety of roles she is choosing ie not getting steroetyped.
Konkona Sen Sharma is another truly talented actress like Vidya.
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May 9, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Please God no Johars and Chopras for Vidya. Rani allowed them to ruin her career.
Vidya would be smart to stay far away from such type of movies. She tried the truly commercial like Heyy Baby and Kismet Konnection and they were awful and she looked uncomfortable.
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May 9, 2011 at 11:50 PM
yes she was indeed very good here.. but she might not be star enough for the bread and butter stuff.. the problem is that actresses don’t get enough of those author-backed roles at any level. So they have to provide a certain obvious glamor quotient and here Balan suffers. Otherwise I’d take her over many actresses in proper parts. Most of the others are mediocre to poor actresses. She definitely has screen presence and she suggests something ‘real’ in this plastic age. She would have done well in the 70s. And while she’s done different stuff as you suggest there aren’t that many chances for an actress in her mould in today’s system. And I don’t believe she can just be the song and dance star in the right kind of project. Again if you’re male you be an alternative to the system at different levels. Harder for a woman.
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May 10, 2011 at 6:18 AM
@Filmbuff…chalo….I am very happy that there is another here who loves Ishkiya AND Balan. Though her SRK fixation is very-very annoying. I think she is one of the very few (or the only one) method actress around. I agree on Konkona though not a heroine in traditional song-dance sense.
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May 10, 2011 at 9:20 AM
Interesting concept someone told me bout—–
Ideas worth spreading —-
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May 10, 2011 at 9:29 AM
The problem with Vidya balan is that she has obvious limitations as a “star”, forget bout being an iconic beauty…
But yes, Vidya and rani are the best “actors” currently.
Even if rani did nothing but “black”, would still include her among the all-time actresses— sometimes quantity doesn’t matter.
Like preity zinta not for acting or looks but the way she cries herself and the spunk …
As for pure acting skills, nothing in the event history comes close to smita patil who could beat the combined might of shabana azmi and tabooooo……
But as for beauty and grace, nothing comes close to ash– the ONLY human being ever reaching my screensaver or posterboard at one time ( don’t mind still scenery or mood photography otherwise)
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May 10, 2011 at 11:16 PM
Alex, Smita Patil was par excellence in terms of acting and looks ie tall and dusky! One can’t compare any of the current actresses with her.
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May 10, 2011 at 6:02 PM
when is the 1st promo of bbuddah going to come?
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May 10, 2011 at 11:08 PM
@dimps- Konkona is actually quite good at the song and dance routine too – have you seen her in Laga Chunri Mein Daag and Aaja Naachle? She was also good in Wake up Sid. I have seen all of Konkona’s movies except Page 3 and Traffic Signal. I have liked her performance in all the movies I have seen.
Whether natural or methodic, I have found Vidya Balan performing consistently well. I think the only movies of hers that flopped were Kismet Konnection and Salam E Ishq. She was quite good in SEI actually – the movie flopped for other reasons. Govinda did a good job in SEI too
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May 13, 2011 at 1:09 PM
not sure if this has been posted. First look of Heroine
http://twitpic.com/4wz3k6
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May 13, 2011 at 1:14 PM
is this genuine? If it is I’ll make a post for it.
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May 13, 2011 at 1:42 PM
it is genuine. They released it at Cannes.
Not sure why they didn’t use a new pic of Aish since I’ve seen this pic before. I suspect they rushed it for Cannes.
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May 23, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Great comments, thankfully a bunch of people who are not “prejudiced” against Aishwarya Rai..
I admire Ash for three reasons – A] tough life [always under the microscope, victim of prejudice even by the very Indian audience – they just don’t want to accept that she CAN act and BIG directors would not line up for her if they did not find her a FIT for their characters!] B] “Attempting” to be truly versatile – who can do an umrao jaan, dhoom 2, guru and provoked in succession [irrespective of their box office fates] and C] She is a self-confessed and a quintessential “director’s actress” – give her a Bhansali, Ratnam or Gowariker, and see the difference!…
as for comparisons – i don’t want to delve into that, but rani falls short on versatility – she has done a Black and a NOKJ, but most of her best movies have been romantic candy flosses; priyanka is brilliant; kareena is versatile; vidya as someone said before is so talented that unfortunately she lacks the “starry screen presence” which sadly is needed in Bollywood – which Ash, Kareena & Priyanka have in plenty.., katrina is just being a “prop” in her movies or a “doll” and riding way past others on that success!!..and..Madhuri is timeless!
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May 29, 2011 at 9:03 PM
Who will romance Aishwarya?
Tushar JoshiTushar Joshi, TNN | May 30, 2011, 12.00am IST
Madhur Bhandarkar is having a tough time deciding on an actor to play Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s young lover in Heroine.
While Arjun Rampal has been signed to play a male lead, there’s another role for a younger actor who Ash romances and gets into a serious relationship with, in the film. The three actors in running for this role are Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan and Prateik.
A source says, “Ash has a very interesting track with a young actor who falls in love with her. He basically uses her to climb the social ladder and make it big in the industry. There are also a few romantic scenes between the actor and Ash. It’s a role that’s being battled for between the three actors.”
While Imran and Ranbir were the two obvious first choices, Prateik’s name has given the development an interesting twist. None of the mentioned actors have worked with Ash and the pairing would be a first time. The source adds, “The decision is yet to be made but it will be one of these three guys. Madhur is still in the process of casting and will be making his decision in the coming weeks.”
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Who-will-romance-Aishwarya/articleshow/8637166.cms
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May 29, 2011 at 10:54 PM
This part of the story similar to Zoya’s LBC. Farhan Akhtar’s role.
Is this like Meena Kumari and Dharmendra’s relationship?
Both men and women use each other to gain fame in this industry.
Sometimes genuine feelings are come into existence.
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June 14, 2011 at 1:41 AM
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the Prix de Diane horse race on Sunday in Chantilly. The actress is in France for a series of events for a watch brand that she endorses. Clad in a pale pink dress and an elaborate hat, she was accompanied by her mother Vrinda for the event.
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June 25, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Everything seems up in the air now. Hard to believe Aish wouldn’t inform them of her pregnancy
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2011/06/25/15938/index.html
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June 25, 2011 at 2:31 PM
I don’t believe the makers were not aware of pregnancy. It is clearly evident from her pictures.
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June 27, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Aishwarya today. Looks gorgeous
http://pinkvilla.com/entertainment/event/aishwarya-and-abhishek-spotted-pvr?ts=frontpageitem
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June 27, 2011 at 6:24 PM
looking damn happy. Who cares for Heroine? From the beginning, i was not happy with Heroine.Those kind of films need some bold scenes like in Fashion. I don’t think it works with her.
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June 27, 2011 at 6:15 PM
Many rumors around this but looks like they’ve stopped shooting. Abhi confirmed on twitter and when asked he replied asked the producers
Aishwarya dropped for being preggers
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Aishwarya-Rai-Sacked-for-being-preggers/articleshow/9012492.cms
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June 27, 2011 at 6:22 PM
I’ve posted the same at different thread. Unncessarily that writer is making big fuss in twitter. That is none of her business, Producer and director are there .
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June 27, 2011 at 6:26 PM
yes I saw what the Heroine writer was tweeting. I think its unprofessional the way she is behaving. Putting the blame on your lead actress because she’s pregnant. She’s saying that no one was told. Well maybe Aishwarya recently found out herself!
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June 27, 2011 at 6:41 PM
Madhur’s films are on a darker side. It seems that there are highly disturbing and emotional scenes which may not be good for the baby, if the mother is too involved . Let her enjooy motherhood fully. There will always be films.
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June 27, 2011 at 6:54 PM
Ashtonished!
The actress is miffed with Madhur Bhandarkar who have altered the fine print of her agreement by demanding her to do two item songs for Heroine
Subhash K Jha
Posted On Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 03:54:39 AM
After Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s ‘good news’, everything was going right for the Bachchans, till Madhur Bhandarkar and UTV’s Siddharth Roy Kapoor chose to play villains by allegedly making some bizarre demands from leading lady Ash.
Much to the horror of the Bachchans, Bhandarkar has suddenly decided that his film needs two item songs. Naturally, given that Ash is pregnant, this is a difficult feat.
Only weeks after going on floors, Aishwarya announced her pregnancy. The filmmakers, though happy for Ash, couldn’t help but get troubled over their film. Amidst media speculations about the much talked about film being shelved, the filmmakers held hurried meetings to decide the fate of the film. The outcome of the meetings did not go down too well with the Bachchans.
A source close to Ash revealed, “Aishwarya had made it clear that she would complete Heroine by the end of July. Now Madhur is saying it isn’t possible to complete the film within the stipulated time. Is it her fault if they’re suddenly unsure of finishing their film?” In fact, the two new conditions were apparently put forward at two separate meetings that Siddharth Roy Kapoor of UTV and Bhandarkar had with Aishwarya at the Bachchans’ office in Jalsa last week. On both occasions, Aishwarya was surprised, if not shocked, by the demands made.
The source adds, “Suddenly there was talk of two item songs. Madhur wanted to know how she would perform these songs. Aishwarya had no knowledge of these item songs at all. There was no mention of them anywhere in the script.”
Stories of Aishwarya refusing to smoke on the sets of Heroine and shoot a waterfall sequence, have managed to anger the Bachchans too. “She has never done a bathing-under-the-waterfall sequence in her entire career. Why would she do it now? No, there was never any waterfall sequence to begin with.
As for the smoking sequence, yes, there were scenes where her character was supposed to smoke. But after the controversies that had cropped up during her smoking sequence in Guzaarish, Aishwarya clearly told UTV and Madhur Bhandarkar that she would not do any smoking scenes. So where did these stories suddenly crop up from?”
Clearly, the Bachchans, especially Aishwarya, are miffed with these sudden last-minute changes that have been made to the script. Earlier this week, the shooting for Heroine was cancelled because an actor required to play a film director didn’t turn up for the shoot. Aishwarya’s date went to waste. The source said, “If Aishwarya wanted, she could’ve just shot for the film quietly without announcing the pregnancy. But after hearing of the pregnancy, Madhur Bhandarkar came up with these strange new demands – like two item songs. Understandably, she is not going to give in at this stage when motherhood is far more important to her than any role.”
Though Madhur Bhandarkar was unavailable for comment, a source close to him defended the filmmaker, saying, “Aishwarya plays a Bollywood star in the film. How could there be no singing and dancing? In fact, now because of her pregnancy, all these sequences have to be toned down. The filmmakers will never take a risk with her in such a delicate condition.”
According to the source, the filmmaker is miffed with the actress since she didn’t confide in him earlier. “Madhur had noticed that Ash was gaining weight. He obviously didn’t associate with motherhood. If she had only told him earlier, Madhur would’ve worked his way around the problem. Now UTV and Madhur stand to lose around Rs 6 crore if the film is shelved.”
Meanwhile.. .
Ram Gopal Varma hinted that having a no-pregnancy clause for heroines in Bollywood would help avoid these kinds of eventualities. Said Ramu nonchalantly, “I can’t comment on what other filmmakers should do to tackle such an eventuality. But it’s the done-thing in Hollywood to have a no-pregnancy contract.”
Looks like after Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s pregnancy affecting Bhandarkar Entertainment and UTV, the film industry is abuzz with discussions of including such a clause in film contracts. A filmmaker on condition of anonymity said, “I was about to sign an actress but then I heard she was planning to marry. I quickly signed someone else. Films should be insured against any eventuality surrounding an actress’ personal life.”
Years ago, Manmohan Desai on learning that his female lead in Ganga Jamuna Saraswati, Jaya Prada had married Srikant Nahata, had exclaimed, “Why did she have to get married? Now she’ll get pregnant. I should have a no-pregnancy clause for my heroines.” Perhaps Manmohan Desai’s wish is now going to come true.
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June 27, 2011 at 8:37 PM
PC is campaigning for the role:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Priyanka-Chopra-wants-to-do-Heroine/articleshow/9012569.cms
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June 27, 2011 at 8:47 PM
Pregnanacy clause should have helped.
So controversy has started.
Madhur can wait till December.
Or can go for Madhuri or Rani.
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June 27, 2011 at 9:03 PM
Well..as an actress…if you have pregnancy clause and you don’t declare it (and you can always say “I didn’t know myself) to producer/director till the very last minute…then what use is pregnancy clause…the movie was announced in big way at Cannes and all. The money gets tied up. You have interest going on the loan borrowed..lot of such things. As far as I know, Ash had cut her fees or wasnot taking fees due to budget and was going to get paid during distribution (if movie goes hit, then you make money). I think they are tying to modify the script and still trying to capitalize on her pregnancy news to sell the movie by putting at least 2 of her songs (what her camp is calling *item numbers*)…..people might come to see pregnant Ash…good for ticket sales.
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June 28, 2011 at 7:40 AM
This should put rest to all gossips and rumors..
New Delhi: UTV has announced that shooting of Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine has been put off indefinitely because of Aishwarya Rai’s pregnancy. She was set to play the lead role in the film.
“We would like to put an end to the speculative and factually incorrect stories that are doing the rounds on Heroine and to clarify the position once and for all,” said a statement from the production house.
“At this point, nothing is more important than Aishwarya’s well being and good health,” UTV said.
“We have all agreed that the best step would be to avoid shooting further, rather than proceeding with an incredibly demanding schedule over the coming months,” it said.
“Even as we will truly miss this opportunity to work with Aishwarya, the entire unit wishes her the very best for the exciting time ahead as she and Abhishek move into this special new phase in their lives,” UTV said.
The project, also starring Arjun Rampal, was announced during the Cannes Film Festival this year. After news of Aishwarya’s pregnancy broke out, rumours of Priyanka Chopra being approached did the rounds.
The film ‘Heroine apparently is loosely based on the once successful film actress Mahi Khanna, whose career declines with time. The role demands Aishwarya to smoke and drink which is not advisable for a pregnant woman. According to rumours, the director has already lost about Rs 3.5-4 crores after six days of shoot.
However, the production house has still not given any statement on who would take Aishwarya’s place in the film. Clearly until more news, we can say that Madhur Bhandarkar will be seeking a new Heroine soon.
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July 12, 2011 at 7:58 AM
Aishwarya to be honoured by the French Government
Aishwarya seems to be in news once again. The actress has been the talk of the town after her pregnancy became public. This was of course followed by her controversy related to Madhur Bhandarkar’s film Heroine. Now, Aishwarya seems to be taking the center stage again, as she is all set to be honoured with the prestigious Officer Dan Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres by the French Government in New Delhi tomorrow, thus becoming the first Asian actress and the youngest Indian to win the honour. This distinction is conferred on people who have achieved immense recognition, because of their contribution in the fields of arts, culture or literature. The previous winners of this awards (which happens to be the second highest civilian award in France and an equivalent Padma Vibhushan), include the likes of Robert Redford, George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Shah Rukh Khan.
The news of Ash being the recipient of this award was publicly declared by the French daily ‘Le Figaro’, which stated that, “She (Ash) is one of the most famous Indian actors in this country and outside the borders of India. Aishwarya will be made Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, Wednesday, July 13, by the Ambassador of France in New Delhi, Jerome Bonnafont. According to a statement from the embassy, the ceremony will be attended by the family of the young woman in full.”
Not many know the fact that Ash, who had earlier too been offered this award, had refused it then due to her father’s health issues.
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July 20, 2011 at 6:20 PM
Kareena, the new Heroine
The actress agrees to step into Ash’s shoes, but with conditions; asks director to tone down love scenes with Arjun Rampal and Arunoday Singh
Vickey Lalwani
Posted On Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 02:42:57 AM
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s ‘good news’ had poured cold water on Madhur Bhandarkar and UTV’s dreams of making Heroine. However, like every dark cloud, this too has a silver lining. Kareena Kapoor has finally agreed to step into the shoes left empty by Mrs Jr Bachchan.
On Monday, UTV’s CEO Siddharth Roy Kapur and the writer of Heroine Niranjan Iyengar flew down to Hyderabad to meet Kareena who had been spending some time with her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan, who in turn has been shooting for Cocktail with Deepika Padukone at the Ramoji Rao Film City there.
The meeting between the producer, the writer and the actress proved to be quite fruitful. So much so that the actress has now agreed to be a part of the project, with a few conditions of her own.
“Kareena has consented to the snorting, drinking and smoking scenes. Earlier, she had strong reservations against them. Now, she just doesn’t want to do the explicit lovemaking scenes with Arjun Rampal and Sudhir Mishra’s discovery Arunoday Singh. Those scenes are extremely sexy and Kareena is just not comfortable doing them,” informed a source.
And while UTV doesn’t want to let go of this opportunity to revive their dream project with Kareena Kapoor, convincing the director Madhur to make changes in his script yet again, proves to be a challenge.
While Madhur Bhandarkar remained unavailable for comments, a source close to the film informed Mumbai Mirror, “Iyengar is very close to Kareena. He knew that this time he would be able to convince her. Both Kapur and Iyengar were very happy after the meeting. They were beaming. Madhur too was happy to learn that Kareena has agreed to do the film.”
Kareena, interestingly, happened to be Madhur’s choice for the film previously. However, the actress had refused to do it since she felt that the content of the film was too heavy and bold for her. “What can be better than getting your first choice back in the project?” quipped the source when asked about the same.
Siddarth Roy Kapur
Having found his silver lining in Hyderabad, UTV’s head honcho Siddharth Roy Kapur stayed on in the city to multiply his happiness. This time with a different leading lady who also happens to be the lady leading his heart.
He extended his visit to be with his ladylove Vidya Balan who is shooting for Ekta Kapoor’s Dirty Picture with co-star Emraan Hashmi and director Milan Luthria at the Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad. So after a successful meeting, Kapur dropped by to meet Vidya on the sets of the film based on the life of Silk Smitha.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan had left the project after a week’s shoot following her father in law’s tweet about her pregnancy on June 21. According to industry insiders, it isn’t commercially viable for the makers of the film to wait for more than a year for Ash to come back to the project.
Kapur and Bhandarkar remained unavailable for comment. Ditto for Kareena.
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July 21, 2011 at 8:42 AM
Apparently Kareena is replacing Ashwarya now:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kareena-agrees-to-be-Madhur-s-Heroine/Article1-723659.aspx
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July 21, 2011 at 9:12 AM
put the story up yesterday in this very thread..
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July 21, 2011 at 9:19 AM
Kareena jumps on it now that Ash isn’t doing it.
She’s annoys me as usual.
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July 21, 2011 at 9:29 AM
movie got free publicity, sure hit.
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July 21, 2011 at 9:40 AM
Kareena was original choice and had refused do to love making scene, snorting, smoking among other things…wonder how Ashwarya had agreed to do those scenes!
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July 21, 2011 at 9:42 AM
because the story is PR’s spin.
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