Madame Tussauds Bangkok, the first world-renowned wax attraction in Southeast-Asia, is now invites everyone to celebrate Valentine’s Day with its newest collection of the biggest Bollywood superstars ever – Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan.

The atmosphere surrounding the launch event was electric, with many fans impressed by the enticing music and dance steps from Bollywood films, waiting to welcome the wax models of their favourite stars. His Excellency Mr. Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Kingdom of Thailand and India’s PR to UN-ESCAP presided over the new wax figure set unveiling ceremony.

Madame Tussauds’ new collection includes five most recognised Indian celebrities of Bollywood cinema. Mega star Amitabh Bachchan is the highest paid Bollywood actor and the first Indian actor to have a wax model of his likeness displayed at Madame Tussauds. Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan is well known as a film star, producer and presenter. He gained popularity in Bollywood cinema in the 1970s with a bunch of films such as Anand (1971), Zanjeer (1973) and Deewar (1975) and won numerous major awards in his career, including three National Film Awards and 12 Filmfare Awards. Bachchan also achieved at least one hit every year for 15 consecutive years from 1972 to 1986.

In addition to acting, Bachchan is well-known for his rich, deep voice as he has provided narrations for several films and has starred in over 100 Bollywood productions. In 2007, Bachchan’s first English language film, The Last Lear, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was hailed as one of his best ever performances.

Earning both local and international fame, Aishwarya Rai is one of Bollywood’s pre-eminent leading ladies. After winning the title of Miss World in 1994, she gave up her studies to pursue her career in showbiz. In 1999 she starred in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan. This was Rai’s first box office success, winning her first (of six) Filmfare Awards for Best Actress. Rai has gained critical acclaim for her roles in Taal (1999), Devdas (2002) and Dhoom 2 (2006).

Born into a family of actors, Kareena Kapoor rose to fame in J.P Dutta’s war drama Refugee (2000). Her flawless acting won her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Her great versatility as an actress apparently showed in many films such as Chameli (2004) with Rahul Bose, Dev (2004) alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Fardeen Khan and Omkara (2006), Vishal Bhardwaj’s Hindi adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Othello, in which Kapoor gained critical acclaim. In 2009, Kareena Kapoor starred in 3 Idiots, which became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time, taking in US$45.18 million in India alone. In addition to acting, she is the first Indian actress to have her own clothing line, ‘Globus’, and has performed in a number of charity fundraisers.

Often referred to as ‘the King of Bollywood’, Shah Rukh Khan is India’s leading film star, producer and presenter. He began his career in television before appearing in his film debut Deewana (1992). He has been nominated for 15 Filmfare Awards – of which he has won six in the Best Actor category. His international status was confirmed with hits such as Veez Zaara (2004) and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) but he is best known for his roles in acclaimed Bollywood films Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995) and Om Shanti Om (2007). Khan also produces and co-owns film production companies Dreamz Unlimited and Red Chillies Entertainment.

And, last but not least, Hrithik Roshan began making a name for himself as a child actor. He was six years old when he appeared in his first film Aasha (1980). Throughout his career as an actor, Roshan has won a host of Filmfare Awards, including the 2007 and 2009 Best Actor Award for Dhoom 2 (2006) and Jodhaa Akbar (2008). Roshan made his film debut in a leading role in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000) which was directed by his father Rakesh Roshan and was set to music by his uncle Rajesh Roshan. The movie entered the Limca Book of Records for the most number of awards won by a Bollywood film.

- Madametussauds.com/Bangkok

I have choreographed over 2000 dances till date. However, the Dola Re number in Devdas was the toughest. Choreographing two leading heroines for the same dance was a challenge. Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai are both brilliant dancers and I couldn’t let either of them feel that they did not have good steps. I was scared that the one of them may feel left out, but luckily nothing untoward happened. Both of them loved the steps and put their heart and soul into the dance.

The dance was totally based on classical forms. I had to make sure that the ‘todas’ I gave each of them were balanced. I had to keep in mind that both needed to look bright on screen. Madhuri and I had worked before. She had the habit of rehearsing before the shoot. Her faults used to get corrected during the practice sessions. On the other hand, Aishwarya used to rehearse before the shoot itself.

The form of dance that I explored with Dola Re, is called Nautwary. It included steps of Kathak and Bharatnatyam. It was a mix of Indian classical dance forms. While many dancers have danced to the Dola Re song afterwards, nobody could achieve what Madhuri and Aishwarya did. They worked really hard. There were several retakes. At a particular point, they had to fall. It had to be perfectly in sync with the beats. It was physically demanding for both actresses.

I must add that Sanjay Leela Bhansali(SLB) was extremely involved with the dance number. He is trained in Kathak and choreographing for his film was not easy. If I made a mistake, he would have realised. He used to give inputs on the dance as well. In fact, he was so excited about the sequence that at times he would just get up and hug me. He would then whistle and get emotional. After the shoot was over, he even sent flowers and chocolates to my home the next day.

I got 17 awards for the song. This included the national award. It’s called the best dance in modern Hindi cinema. Earlier it was Hothon Pe Aisi Baat from Jewel Thief on which, Vyjyanthimala had danced. That was choreographed by my Guru Mr B Sohanlal.

- Mumbaimirror

Beti B and mom Aishwarya yesterday paid a visit to Amitabh Bachchan, who’s recovering after an abdominal surgery at the Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai, reports NDTV.

The youngest member of Bachchan family earlier vacationed in Goa with mom and dad.

According to the channel, Aishwarya Rai came to the hospital holding her 3-month-old daughter on Tuesday.
Beti B also vacationed with mom and dad in Goa on Abhishek Bachchan’s birthday.

Though there is a rumour that Beti B has been named, there is no official confirmation from Bachchan family.

- Hindustantimes

However, the otherwise candid star didn’t shy away from talking about his dad’s surgery. “Paa’s going in for a medical procedure… which is a legacy of his 1982 accident,” said Abhishek confirming that the surgery will take place in Mumbai itself.. “But it’s something that I am sure he’ll come out of successfully. Just pray for him and he’ll be good,” he added.

Though Abhishek is fond of music and had previously revealed that he has recorded some songs, and has been associated with several mushy numbers too, he claims to not believe in the idea of celebrating love on Valentine’s Day. “I don’t believe in Valentine’s Day,” said Abhishek, as he continued, “I don’t think there should be just one particular day to celebrate love. You should appreciate it everyday of your life!” But having said that, the actor mentioned that he likes listening to some soulful music and the one from the Bollywood film Guru – where he was seen along with wife Aishwarya – remains his favourite love song. “The song Tere Bina from Guru is my favourite love song,” he confessed.

- Dnaindia

In fact, when he was repeatedly asked if reports that the baby’s name would start with a double “A” and that she was called “Aaliyah” were true, all he did was sigh, force a smile and say, “No, that’s not what we have named her.” When asked if he had sleepless nights now that a baby is part of the family, he said, “No. My daughter is a very good baby. Fortunately, she lets me have my sleep.”

There were reports that when chat show host Oprah Winfrey had visited the Bachchan family on her visit to India, she had also suggested a name for the baby. Rumours were also rife that the first look of the child along with her name would be revealed on the Oprah Winfrey Show, but AB Jr. was in no mood to talk about Beti B. Right Abhishek, we get the point.

But he did say that he’d like to bring up his daughter to be environmentally conscious. “It is hard to do that, because in today’s day and age, I will not deny that everything works on electricity, and with a baby, it becomes hard to reduce your carbon footprints, but I have made a commitment and I will try my best,” he said.

- Timesofindia

Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has left the Mumbai city for a holiday in Goa with their baby girl for a brief holiday.

On Sunday night, after celebrating his birthday with family and friends, Abhishek Bachchan flew to Goa for a two-day break with wife Aishwarya Rai and their two-and-a-half-month old daughter.

For the first time since she was born in November, Beti B, the daughter of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan has left the Mumbai city for a holiday to Goa.

Abhishek has been caught up with work non-stop after the birth of his daughter, while Aishwarya Rai has been busy fulfilling the motherly duties.

Sources said, “It was just the three of them, along with the baby’s nanny. This is Abhishek’s first break in months. He’s been shooting non-stop and Ash hasn’t really left the house since the delivery, except on two occasions (one was Parmeshwar Godrej’s party for Oprah Winfrey and the other was for Riteish and Genelia’s wedding last week). This is the first time Beti B has been taken out of the city.”

The duo needed a break and it came just at the right time. A day before Abhishek Bachchan’s birthday, director and friend Rohit Shetty, quite thoughtfully wound up the shoot of his film Bol Bachchan thereby giving Abhishek a few days’ rest.

The source says Abhishek was very excited about travelling with his daughter for the first time since her birth. There were some concerns about the little girl’s reaction to air travel, but she was on her best behaviour and the flight was smooth.

Aishwarya, Abhishek, Beti B and her nanny will stay in Goa for two days and will return to Mumbai because Abhishek has to resume his Bol Bachchan shoot as soon as possible.

- Truth Diva

Later in the evening, Mr and Mrs B, along with Abhishek’s Players co-stars, Sonam Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Omi Vaidya and Sikander Kher, had celebrated with a bash hosted by director duo Abbas-Mustan at the hotel. And then they had taken the party into the streets and the city centre, where 30,000 exuberant rugby fans in the team colours had also gathered to toast NZI Seven’s victory.

“I love surprises. I have surprised many of my friends on their birthdays. This time my wife sprang a surprise on me,” Abhishek had smiled happily when I had met him a week later in Auckland. “I also like presents, though I’ve never been good at asking for them or even knowing what I want. I’m happy with whatever I get.”

Aishwarya gave him the best birthday present he could have asked for last year. After weeks of endless speculations, Beti B, as she’s still called, entered the world on November 16, and was welcomed by Daddy B with an ecstatic whoop on Twitter, “It’s a girl!”

Two months and three weeks after she grabbed headlines across the country… and the world… Beti B is having her first day out. After begging a quick break from Rohit Shetty’s Bol Bachchan shoot, Abhishek has taken off with ‘biwi’ (wife) and ‘beti’ (daughter) to bring in his birthday at an unrevealed destination because he doesn’t want to be chased by popping flashbulbs and quote-hungry journos. All we know is that it’s somewhere within the country, because Beti B is not even three months old and daddy’s expected back at work soon.

Incidentally, for the last four years, Abhishek’s been having a working birthday. Even last Saturday, January 28, he had spent his birthday, as per the Hindu calendar, and the festival of Basant Panchami, on the sets of Bol Bachchan after a quick visit to the temple. But he wanted a holiday with the two most beautiful women in the world for him on his ‘actual’ birthday. And got it too! I’d wondered 12 months ago if the 30s was any different from the 20s and Abhishek had deadpanned, “No, I’m pretty much the same guy. The only difference is that I didn’t have a stubble in my 20s.”

Did 35 feel any different from 34, I had prodded, and he had chuckled, “Well, for starters, I am a year older… And wiser too, I hope.” This year, he’s not around to answer my questions but I know that if I were to ask him how it felt to be 36, he’d probably quip, “Well, for starters, I am a year older… And now a daddy too.” And that, with or without a stubble, is a big difference!

- Hindustantimes

Aishwarya Rai looked ever so beautiful in an emerald green Manish Malhotra kalidaar dress at the wedding reception of Genelia D’souza and Ritesh Deshmukh at Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai on Saturday, February 4.

The 38-year-old former Miss World (1994) took a break from Mommy duties to make a rare public appearance and catch up with industry colleagues and bless the newly weds. She arrived in the company of pa-in-law Amitabh Bachchan and mom-in-law Jaya Bachchan.

Daddy Abhishek Bachchan was a no show. He attended the sangeet ceremony on January 31 and the wedding on February 3 minus Aishwarya, so its likely he was doing the honors of baby sitting.

Aishwarya’s georgette long sleeve kalidaar top, ending at her ankles, featured a modest V necklilne and was embellished with champagne zardozi floral embroidery on neck, cuffs and hem.

She paired it with a churidaar, and a midnight blue embellished net dupatta.

The dress was specially designed and custom made for her.

She accessorized with T-strap golden heels and ethnic jewels, which included a statement emerald drop choker necklace.

Her side parted hair – colored glossy dark brown and styled in bombshell waves – framed her face and draped the shoulders.

The megawatt glow of her skin was accented with a pink lipstick, defined eyeliner and natural look blush. Bare nails and a dot of sindoor on forehead rounded her enrapturing look.

Today, February 5, is Abhishek Bachchan’s 36th birthday and according to HT Beti B is getting her first outing to ring in dad’s birthday. Abhishek, Aishwarya and the new born are going to an unrevealed destination within the country for a quick vacation before Abhishek returns to shoot for Bol Bachchan.

- Sawf News

After skipping almost all major events happening in Bollywood this is Aishwarya’s first major public appearance since the birth of her daughter on November 16.

Most of Bollywood actors turned up at the wedding reception held at the Grand Hyatt on Saturday evening.

The highlight of the reception was obviously Ash’s appearance after being house-bound while taking care of Beti B.

However, Abhishek Bachchan surprisingly chose to skip his reception party despite being one of the closest friends of the Riteish Deshmukh.

He did attend the wedding on Feb 3. The reason behind his absence maybe none other than Beti B as rest of the family members graced the occasion to fill the void.

So it looks like the father and the mother are taking turns to stay beside their daughter.

Aishwarya was dressed in a suit with green undertones with blue and gold dupatta and wore her hair down, as seen in NDTV pictures. The suit did justice to Aishwarya’s post-pregnancy figure. She has given her fit-flops a miss and wore a bronze high heel. Never mind the chubby cheeks; Ash was looking as stunning as ever.

Aishwarya’s appearance set off frenzy as photographers covering the event rushed to click the one image no one wanted to miss.

Aishwarya was of course seen escorting Oprah to a big Mumbai party a few weeks ago. But that wasn’t an appearance so much as it was a few hundred photographers shoving their cameras in her car.

Jaya Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Rekha, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan, Imran Khan, Avantika, Juhi Chawla, Arjun Rampal, Subhash Ghai, Bipasha Basu, Ekta Kapoor, Arpita, Alvira, Bappi Lahri, Anushka Sharma, Sushmita Sen, Jacqueline Fernandes, Sajid Khan, Dia Mirza were present at the grand celebration.

Reportedly Genelia looked stunning in a dark peach lehenga with a draped duppata. The heavy golden studded work in the blouse looked elegant. The neckpiece added grace to the attire.

Riteish Deshmukh also looked dashing in a black kurta.

Aishwarya looked lovely, and hopefully fans won’t have to wait another two months to see her again.

- Emirates 24/7

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who has largely been out of the public eye since the birth of her daughter on November 16, attended the reception of Bollywood actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’souza who got married on Friday.

Aishwarya, traditionally dressed in an in green anarkali suit with blue and gold dupatta, set off a frenzy as photographers covering the event rushed to click the one image no one wanted to miss.

Aishwarya was briefly spotted and clicked when the Bachchans hosted media mogul Oprah Winfrey at their home during her first India visit. Later, she drove with Oprah, father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan and husband Abhishek to a party hosted by Parameshwar Godrej to welcome Oprah.

- Filmicafe

Rumours are rife that Oprah will be the one who introduces Beti B to the whole world! And the occasion will apparently be her new talk show, Next Chapter. Ever since Beti B’s birth in November, the Bachchans have been maintaining the stance that everyone respect their privacy, with actor Amitabh Bachchan firmly refusing to entertain the idea of giving photos of his grand-daughter to any international magazines. So, it will be really interesting to see if Oprah succeeds where others have failed.

Oprah, who was here in India for filming a short television episode for her new chat show, is apparently gearing up to show the baby on Next Chapter, say sources. Oprah, who is well acquainted with actor Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, visited the Bachchan home first on landing in the city. She saw Beti B and said, “I’ll just call her Princess. She’s beautiful.” Oprah was then driven by the Bachchans to society swan Parmeshwar Godrej’s party in honour of the international star, which saw the who’s who of Bollywood starting from actors Shah Rukh Khan to Shilpa Shetty turn up. Amitabh tweeted later: “The gracious Oprah Winfrey visits our home, to meet us and bless the baby…warm hearted, endearing…drive her to the party in her honour. And Oprah in sari… looking lovely!!”

Though Oprah was careful enough not to reveal the baby’s name, it might just be that the chat show queen will do the honours of introducing the baby to the world. It’s not the first time that any Bachchan will be on Oprah’s chat show. Previously, Aishwarya had appeared twice on her show. First time it was a solo visit, the second time it was after marriage with hubby Abhishek Bachchan.

A source tells us, “Oprah’s visit to India, was not only for shooting a short TV episode here, but also shooting for an entire series on India — featuring various interviews with personalities from Bollywood and the social circuit and it may be when apparently the Bachchans will introduce the baby to the world.”

But if not, we will just have to wait for a glimpse of the baby of Bollywood’s most influential family.

- Dnaindia