Many people in the media voiced their unhappiness and even anger against the actress, stating that she should have been back to her normal weight by now and that they expect her to look better than she does. The backlash is based on expectations that actresses, or famous people in general, need to look perfect at all times. There is a belief that a beautiful women cannot ever gain weight, age or look disheveled. She needs to have pouty red lips, a small waist and a six-pack; even if she has just given birth within the year.

Aishwarya’s beauty might seem super-human, but she is still just a normal woman who had a baby. For the media to turn on her and make her feel bad about a few post-delivery pounds is unfair. People’s expectations of her are not the actual guidelines of what is good for her and her body. The arguments against her new weight pointed to the fact that others in her situation were able to meet public expectations and that she has a responsibility to continue looking good, no matter what happens in her life.

Other people are just that, other people. Not everyone’s body reacts the same to pregnancy, ageing or diet. And as for looking perfect again, people need to realize that beauty can take on many shapes and sizes. Saying that Aishwarya needs to get back to her pre-baby body so that she can be considered beautiful again is unjust and a little ignorant.

Yes, she was a beautiful woman in her 20s and 30s and she will continue to be a beautiful woman for the rest of her life. Beauty does not stand still, it evolves, changes and adapts to different stages.

For years the debate over the effect of the media on a girl’s self-esteem has been raging. The ‘skinny’ pictures in the magazines, actresses in movies and models on the runway have all been accused of being the cause of anorexia and bulimia. Now that a women steps out in her natural weight, she gets reprimanded for it. You would think the media would finally embrace an actress showing women around the world that it is normal to gain weight, and that it is not normal to be the ‘perfect’ size all of the time.

And finally, when Aishwarya won Miss World, she did so with a combination of outer beauty as well as inner beauty, personality and brains. Now that she weighs a few more pounds should not mean that she is no longer physically beautiful, and it definitely does not mean that she is any less beautiful on the inside, have any less personality and is any less smart than she was when she was a few pounds lighter.

- Kuwaittimes

In her first appearance, fresh from giving birth to her firstborn, if it were possible, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looks more resplendent than she ever has. With an afterglow of motherhood and her signature smile, she sits gracefully in a lime coloured Falguni & Shane Peacock anarkali, a refreshing change from the sea of dresses and gowns that swirl around her at the high-octane Dubai World Cup. “I try to dress as appropriately as I can for the occasion and not compromise the integrity of the event. So I thought what better an opportunity to wear this if not at the Dubai World Cup? It’s Dubai-if not here, then where?”

The ease with which she says this makes it evident Aishwarya is on home turf in Dubai, a place where her movies are eagerly awaited and her songs routinely heard in clubs. Representing Longines, which is associated with the Dubai World Cup, the richest horse racing event in the world held annually at the Meydan Racecourse, she smiles and acquiesces when people walk up to her to get their photographs clicked. “There are so many special days with Longines and so many experiences that have been new and unforgettable,” she says delicately twirling the new Longines’s Saint-Imier timepiece on her wrist. “There was the Roland Garros earlier, a first for me. And now another first with the Dubai World Cup.”

Aishwarya’s association with the Swiss watchmaker goes back a long way (she’s in her 13th year as its Ambassadress of Elegance), and admits she has grown with the brand-when Longines became the 4th largest watchmaker in the world, parallely their brand ambassadress achieved a superstar status. “It’s really an incredible feat, and to hold that position is a wonderful achievement. The group continued to grow even in the times of recession, and that reflects the good faith that people have in Longines, recognising its history and the investment that the company has put into watchmaking. I am so proud to be associated with that.”

With a 180 years of watchmaking prowess, there is no doubt that Longines is in a league of its own. Aishwarya found a natural fit with the brand given its history, tradition, and meticulous take on craftsmanship with which they have created stunning timepieces. “Their motto ‘Elegance is an attitude’ is so typically me. I love that the brand respects everybody, and each wearer feels special and appreciated individually. They recognise what is innate to you and what makes you who you are. I have always stood for the same.”

With so many years with the brand, she finds it very hard to pick her fondest memory. “The celebration of the 175th year of the brand was this beautiful, elegant evening. The effort they put into the finer details of the evening was so remarkable. It was truly an embodiment of the spirit of Longines-its beauty and elegance. Another proud moment was also when I had the opportunity to run with the Olympic torch, again thanks to Longines. I still own the timepiece that has the five Olympic rings engraved into it.”

When it comes to her own personal style, she says she has no doubt that Longines is the perfect match. “Everything about their watches exude elegance; they don’t scream for attention but still manage to take your breath away. I love that particular characteristic.” She adds that Longines is perfectly positioned to suit both-the glamourous and private side of one’s life. “Not just me, but other consumers the world over too have multi-faceted lives wherein watches play an essential part, where they are not just utilitarian anymore. Now it’s an important accessory. Longines creates watches that work for any occasion. When you walk into a room it doesn’t scream bling; it’s all about understated elegance.” Reminiscing, she says that it was her gut instinct that made her start out with the brand.

So, since husband Abhishek endorses brand Omega, is there any conflict of interest? With a hearty laugh she exclaims, “Well, they are both a part of the same family, just like us. When we were about to be married, Abhishek had just become a part of Omega and much love was shown to us by the mothership. There was even a congratulatory advert that was presented to us and that just went to show that even within competing brands there could still be bonhomie and mutual respect.” Spoilt for choice, she finds it difficult to choose her favourite Longines timepiece. “I tend to gravitate towards bigger dials as I love their look the best. They also tend to go with westernwear, but recently I have discovered that medium and smaller dials work better for Indianwear.

So yes, my recent favourites are definitely the DolceVita and Saint-Imier collections, but the constant favourite has been the PrimaLuna.”

-wonderwoman.intoday

Yes, Abhishek reveals how he has been shut out of the bedroom quite a few times in the last few months because of the baby’s sleep routine. “Aaradhya wakes up in the night for her feed and a nappy change. Ash, who’s completely clued in, is up in a jiffy. However, I must confess, it took time for me to get used to the new routine. When the baby cried, I woke up too, but couldn’t go back to sleep immediately. So Ash suggested that I sleep in another room till such time as Aaradhya was slightly older.”

Abhishek explains that his wife felt he should move out temporarily because he needed a good night’s sleep before he went for his shootings. “I can hardly come on set yawning,” he jokes. “Ash suggested that I should sleep separately whenever I have a shoot the next day.”

With a deadpan expression, AB Junior says that he is jealous that his wife has relegated him to the background. “Ash’s day starts and ends with the baby. Since she insists on doing everything for Aaradhya, including giving her a maalish (massage), bathing her and attending to her round-the-clock, I’m now waiting in queue for Ash’s attention.”

Abhishek also reveals that he is truly fortunate to have women surrounding him all the time. “At home I have my Nani (Indira Bhaduri), Mom, Shwetadi, Navya Naveli (my niece), Aishwarya and Aaradhya. I also have my chacha’s three daughters. I’m blessed to have so many women around me,” he says.

- Timesofindia

Thanks to the notoriety such fame and fortune has brought her, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has become one of the most admired and revered women in India, and indeed the world.

But such fame has come at a cost for the 38-year-old star.

Since the birth of her daughter in November last year, Aishwarya Rai has been open about the fact that she is in no hurry to lose the few extra pounds she gained during her pregnancy.

Letting her fans down? Former Miss World and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been lambasted by followers who suggest she should have lost her baby weight following the birth of her daughter

Letting her fans down? Former Miss World and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been lambasted by followers who suggest she should have lost her baby weight following the birth of her daughter

The model and actress, who won the Miss World title in 1994, defended her choice, saying she wanted simply to ‘enjoy motherhood.’

But with the star, who married Abhishek Bachchan, the son of India’s most loved film star Amitabh Bachnan in 2007, tipped for her 10th appearance at Cannes next week, furious speculation is mounting as to how she will look.

Commentators have been unkind, lambasting the star for letting her fans down.

Many have gone a step further, suggesting the star has a ‘duty’ to her fans to regain her pre-pregnancy figure.

One website posted a video of the star looking less than her usual svelte self, flicking between photographs of her pre-birth, and photos now.

Called ‘Aishwarya Rai’s shocking weight gain’, the clip, which came accompanied by elephant sound effects, has been seen more than 500,000 times.

Dozens more videos in a similar vein have been posted, each with viewing figures in the tens or hundreds of thousands.
Aishwarya Rai at the Oscars last February when she was in the very early stages of her pregnancy

This time last year, at the Cannes Festival, where the actress will be appearing again this year

Svelte: Aishwarya Rai at the Oscars last February when she was in the very early stages of her pregnancy, and at last year’s Cannes Festival in May, six months before she gave birth to her daughter

Comments left after the video prove that many of those watching have little sympathy for Aishwarya.

‘She is a Bollywood actress and it is her duty to look good and fit,’ one said. Another added: ‘She needs to learn from people like Victoria Beckham who are back to size zero weeks after their delivery.’

It has opened up a debate in the country, and beyond, about the attitudes held towards women in the public eye.

‘Aishwarya is like a goddess,’ said Showbusiness columnist Shobhaa Dé in the New York Daily News by way of explanation.

‘She is held up as the ideal of beauty and so there is an expectation on her to look perfect at all times.’

‘The role models being held up are Angelina Jolie and Victoria Beckham, but our body frames are different – we have wider hips and curves – so this whole business of looking desperately skinny two weeks after giving birth is a western import.’

Some unkind fans have compared Aishwarya to Victoria Beckham, saying she should lose weight as quickly as Ms Beckham did after her four pregnancies
Indian women have different figures to Western women like Angelina, Aishwarya’s supporters have said

Some unkind fans have compared Aishwarya to Victoria Beckham, saying she should lose weight as quickly as Ms Beckham did after her four pregnancies

Cinema professor Shohini Ghosh added that women in India were up against an almost impossible task.

‘There is a glorification of motherhood in India and Indian cinema,’ he told the paper. ‘But people are confused because they don’t know whether to glorify Aishwarya in her new motherhood or lament that she is not looking like a runway model.’

It’s safe to say that far too many fall into the latter category, judging by the cruel comments flooding internet sites.

Some, however, have come out in defence of the star, saying that she, like any new mother, should be focusing on her infant, not her diet.

‘She is a real women looking after a baby. We should be concern for her health and happiness especially if she is nursing the baby. Not the Western belief of expecting people in the spot light to lose all weight in month. If she dieted what will happen to the baby’s diet,’ one said.

‘That’s because Aish is not one of those selfish ones who puts the focus on their bodies instead of their babies, which makes them moody and ineffective as parents,’ another said. ‘Kudos to you Aish for keeping it real and letting your baby have all the bonding and attention she needs with you. Enjoy your life.’

- Dailymail.co.uk

“You have no right to pass comments on women like Aishwarya who have gone through a hard time during pregnancy. I stayed away from putting weight because of yoga, during my pregnancy but that’s my personal choice which may not be the case of Ash. So, please refrain from getting judgmental, “elaborates Lara when being given an upper hand over Ash as far as maintaining the figure is concerned.

A mother of lovely baby girl Saira, Lara adds when being probed whether she will give tips to Ash to lose few kilos, “Please respect the private life of Ash as a mother, who has every right to look however she wants,”

The pretty actress however, claims to have gifted the DVD of Yoga to Shilpa Shetty who is expected to deliver soon in this month. Lara will be seen training women how to maintain good body and health even after pregnancy.

- Daily.bhaskar

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will represent L’Oréal Paris at Cannes on the May 24 and 25 at the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival. On May 24, she will attend the L’Oréal Paris – amfAR (The American Foundation for AIDS Research) dinner and after-party. Aishwarya a regular at the Cannes Film Festival, will also light up the red carpet on May 25.

“Eleven glorious years….the journey so far has been remarkable and truly memorable. This year, I am especially privileged as I also get to lend my support to a very important cause at the amfAR dinner, by helping raise funds for the fight against AIDS, at the AMFAR auction,” Aishwarya, who has been attending the Cannes International Film Festival, as the face of L`Oreal Paris, said in a statement.

“It makes me proud that L`Oreal Paris sponsors and supports our fight against AIDS through this special amfAR event at Cannes,” she added.

International celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Milla Jovovich, Aimée Mullins, Liya Kebede, Doutzen Kroes, Natasha Poly, Julianna Margulies and Diane Keaton will represent L’Oréal Paris along with Aishwarya. Alec Baldwin, Kenneth Cole, Milutin Gatsby, Michel Hazanavicius and Bérénice Bejo, Ryan Kavanaugh, Karl Lagerfeld, Hugh Laurie, Carine Roitfeld, Harvey Weinstein are some of the other key people who will be at the amfAR dinner.

-Boxoffice India

The filmi world is buzzing with talk of the Festival de Cannes. Every year, the festival kicks up excitement about its red carpet appearances. On Friday, Sonam Kapoor tweeted about the ‘madness of Cannes beginning’, and other Indian actresses and celebrities are busy with last-minute fittings and trials. The festival begins on May 16 and everyone is wondering what the celebs will wear to the event.

Among others, there’s a lot of buzz about what Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will wear considering her post-pregnancy weight. This will be the 11th consecutive year that Ash will attend the film festival and she is expected to be seen there on May 24.

A source confirms her presence, saying, “Aishwarya will be travelling to Cannes with daughter.” Seems like six-month-old Aaradhya is accompanying her mother on all her trips. In April, Ash took her along to Dubai where the actress attended an event.

But the main question is Ash’s attire for the festival. In 2011, on the red carpet, she wore an Elie Saab Spring 2011 couture gown, a Jimmy Choo clutch and Chopard jewels; a white and navy Armani Prive gown; and a brown silk Lanvin trench dress for a photo op. This year, the actress has been in the news for her weight ever since her first appearance after her delivery. She doesn’t seem to mind the extra kilos and even some designers state that her beauty comes from within. It’s her confidence that wins hearts, they say.

“Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a gorgeous girl, irrespective in what shape she is in; it doesn’t matter!” says designer Pria Kataaria Puri. Puri suggests a classic, elegant yet an understated glamorous ensemble for her, that would enhance her beauty and aura and not necessarily her body. “I think she should wear an elegant off-white, black or blush pink sari with beading, or crystals or sequin border and embellished blouse – not overly sexy but more stylish,” she adds. If Ash does want to pick a Western look, then it should be a draped and not fitted silhouette. “She could opt for a strapless black gown in chiffon teamed with a shawl or scarf in black,” Pria adds.

Or, she could wear a long kaftan to hide her weight, says Leena Singh of Ashima-Leena. “She could enhance the outfit with some applique with muted thread work. The colour black would be ideal. Less embellishments will make sure she doesn’t look big,” she says.

Aishwarya is enjoying her motherhood phase. “I don’t see weight as an issue here; she still looks beautiful,” says designer Nachiket Barve. “I think the red carpet could be a great opportunity to promote healthy beauty. If you ask me, I think Aishwarya is a mix of elegance and modernity. A blend of Indian and Western styles can be a good combination for her on the red carpet,” he says. But, designer Maheka Mirpuri is more precise when it comes to her fashion advice to Ash. “It definitely has to be a sari. She has a great height and face. And on the red carpet it will be a novelty,” she says. Considering her body type, Maheka feels that Mrs Rai-Bachchan should choose minimal colour, maybe coral and emerald as they are the colours of the season. “Thin fabric like chiffon with a delicate border is what I recommend. Also, the blouse can be V-neck with a low sexy back with three quarter sleeves,” she says.

Designer Shaahid Amir admits that he’s biased because he is extremely fond of Aishwarya. “She is the most beautiful woman and has a sense of Indian aesthetics,” he quips. Like Maheka, he too hopes that Ash will wear a sari to the French film festival. “Maybe a Bengali ensemble like the one she wore in the movie Devdas. I am sure she will be able to knock out some weight to look her best,” he smiles. Designer Manoviraj Khosla agrees. “Aishwarya defines elegance, class and beauty. Given the circumstances, she should opt for an Indian look. Avoid something that’s body hugging or something that would accentuate her curves. A churidaar kurta which would hide her curves is a good option,” he advises.

Other celebs who will sport Indian designer outfits at Cannes
Mehr Jessia Rampal will wear an outfit designed by Tarun Tahiliani. She has an option of three, which will be narrowed down post the fittings session this weekend.

Actor Huma Qureshi will sport a Shantanu and Nikhil drape. It will be a strong silhouette – a gown in their signature rustic tone. Let’s see which colour she picks – grey, chocolate, beige or black.

Mallika Sherawat will be wearing diamonds by leading French jeweller Boucheron and gowns by Christian Dior and Dolce Gabbana.

- Timesofindia

It has been revealed that actor Amitabh Bachchan along with family — actors Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan — are slated to attend the17th edition of Bal de l’Ete in Monaco as the guests of honour.

The event which is considered one of the most earmarked date in the calendars of the swish gliterrati circuit across the globe, is organised under the patronage of Prince Albert II in the aid of supporting the Monegasque Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta and the World Association of Children’s Friends.

The event that signifies the beginning of the summer social season sees some of the biggest names in attendance. And this year the event will launch the summer season of the principality in Indian style as the theme of this edition is ‘Princess of Rajasthan’ with guests including Maharana Shriji Arvind Singhji Mewar of Udaipur along with several other social personalities.

- Dnaindia

Altogether 54% of the respondents voted for the former Miss World followed by Karisma Kapoor who got 27% votes as the ideal mother.

Married to Abhishek Bachchan, 38-year-old Aishwarya gave birth to a girl in November last year.

The survey was conducted by matrimonial portal Shaadi.com to find out the Bollywood diva who has the qualities of being an ideal mother and if Indians see her fit the role well.

Two other actresses, Malaika Arora Khan and Lara Dutta, were the other contenders as the ideal celebrity mom in the survey.

When it comes to be an ideal mother in Hollywood, 67% respondents voted for Angelina Jolie.

The survey further revealed that Indians feel that National Award winning actress Priyanka Chopra would make an ideal mother once she attains motherhood as she got 30% of the votes followed by Kareena Kapoor.

Yesteryears’ actress Hema Mailini and her daughter Esha Deol were voted the ‘Most popular celebrity mother?”daughter duo’ who make a great pairing and share a bond.

They led the poll with 39% respondents voting for them followed by Tanuja and Kajol who got 27% votes.

The other contenders were Kareena Kapoor and Babita, Soha Ali Khan-Sharmila Tagore and Twinkle Khanna-Dimple Kapadia.

- Dnaindia

“Yes, Aishwarya will be going to Cannes this year,” says the insider. According to the source, her six-month-old daughter, Aradhya, is likely to travel with her and in all likelihood, she will also be accompanied by husband Abhishek Bachchan, apart from other family members. “We can’t confirm about Abhishek yet, but Aishwarya won’t travel without Aradhya for sure,” the source adds.

When contacted, corporate communications manager, Snehhal Chitneni of the cosmetic brand that Aishwarya will be representing at Cannes, too confirms the actor’s presence. “Yes, Aishwarya is slated to attend the festival and she has confirmed it too. In fact, this year the actor will have a bigger role to play as the brand ambassador,” she adds. It is slated to be Aishwarya’s 11th Cannes visit this year ever since she made her first appearance there. The actor is expected to walk the red carpet for two consecutive days, along with the international faces representing the brand.

- Dnaindia

L’oreal Paris spokesperson Guerric de Beauregard tells Sawfnews.com exclusively that the 38-year-old new mama will make her first red carpet appearance at Cannes on Thursday, May 24, to participate in the amfAR Gala at hotel Eden Roc, an event that is being co-sponsored by L’Oreal.

Aishwarya’s second appearance will be next day, Friday May 25, when she walks the red carpet at the film festival.

Stay tuned for more scoops on the designers she will be wearing at Cannes.

As we reported earlier, Aishwarya will be traveling with her baby daughter Aradhya Bachchan and some other family members.

- Sawfnews.com

Aishwarya had her first baby born on November 16, 2011. She’s now taking time off to be a mommy to her little girl. We would like to honor Aishwarya on her first Mother’s Day with her daughter Aaradhya Bachchan.

What better way to do this is with a donation to one of Aishwarya’s charity. We wish Aishwarya a Happy Mothers Day by offering a chance to save a child’s life.

“God has given me plenty of reasons to smile and I feel it’s time to spread it around. There are a lot of children out there who so desperately need help, but can’t receive timely care because their families cannot afford this surgery or are ill-educated about this condition. Working with Smile Train, if I can make a difference in their lives, it will certainly make me feel honored and blessed.” Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Unfortunately, it is also a shape-transforming experience. That is how nature intended it. When a woman decides to have a baby, she accepts the entire package – additional kilos included. Some women, like Victoria Beckham pop out their beautiful babies without the slightest alteration to their sleek silhouettes – lucky them. Others, take time and allow their bodies to shrink at a slower pace… without obsessing over the extra weight. They make the baby their top priority, nurse the infant, enjoy that marvelous, tender time together, without giving a damn about a double chin, or a few tyres around the waist.

Those melt away later, once the new mother resumes her normal routine and starts a simple regimen to keep the newly acquired fat deposits at bay. It is generally a highly narcissistic new mum who chooses to make her own weight a priority above everything else – the baby’s well being included. Clearly, Aishwarya Rai is not that woman. And can we please get off her back and let her enjoy her little one without giving her grief each time she steps out of her home? Frankly, the spiteful and hostile comments to Aishwarya’s post-baby appearance have been so exaggerated one wonders why. Is it because our own idyll of perennial perfection and startling beauty has been somehow shattered? After all, Aishwarya is consistently referred to as ‘the most beautiful woman in the world’.

There have been enough green-with-envy rivals who have spent sleepless nights trying to topple her from that throne. Ash was the lucky actress who had it all… including a fairytale marriage to a really sweet guy. Then came the baby news. All this was a bit too much for some to handle. Competitors had waited long years to find that chink in her Ash’s armour… something they could swoop down on. And they found it in – of all places – her weight!

It is like a vicious , orchestrated campaign against a woman who generates a huge amount of jealousy just for looking the way she does. It gives plain looking ladies a vicarious thrill to see Ash in a less than flattering light right now. Her more enlightened sponsors are standing by her, though, insists her spokesperson. And they respect her right to enjoy motherhood minus pressure to fit into a single digit size gown. There’s more to life than that red carpet appearance… yes, even at Cannes. Ash realises as much. New mothers in urban society have it really hard these days. It is such a pity. We are being brainwashed into feverishly ‘getting into shape’, even before the baby is weaned. There are young mothers who refuse to breast feed their kids for fear of losing their curves and ‘sagging’! There are others who go so far as to say they don’t want to ‘spoil’ their figures by having a baby in the first place. The film industry imposes its own cruel diktats , making demands on mothers in the business to look like svelte and sexy ‘yummy mummies’ overnight… or else!

Women are idiotically punishing themselves instead of enjoying motherhood for what it is – a time to make the most of those magical months when an innocent, entirely dependent new life thrives on and flowers with the mother’s unconditional love, attention and care. Ash has chosen to invest in her daughter, rather than hit the gym neurotically or starve herself to fit into those old jeans. It’s time to butt out of her life and leave her alone. Ash has her priorities in place – her mommie- time with the baby could well be the best decision of her life. Besides, the glow of motherhood is the best cosmetic in the world…. Because mother and baby are both ‘worth it’.

Happy Mother’s Day!

(Views expressed by columnists are their own, and not that of the paper.)

By Shobha De (Timesofindia)

Internet reports that Aishwarya will not be attending the festival from May 16 to May 27 are not true.

As Sawfnews.com reported earlier, Aishwarya will walk the red carpet on two days.

She will be traveling with her 5-month-old baby girl, Aradhya Bachchan, and will be accompanied by other family members.

We still have no word on the designer she will be wearing during her red carpet appearances, but we are working on it!

- Sawfnews.com

Says a source close to Ash, “Only a few people from the industry were invited. This included Aishwarya, Aamir Khan, Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar. Ash interacted with the Secretary General and the entire team which included Dr Margaret Chan, director general-WHO, Geeta Rao Gupta, deputy executive director-UNICEF, and Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, executive director- United Nation’s Population Fund amongst others. The UN Secretary General showed interest in working with her. They are figuring out what to do as she’s involved in various causes.”

- Timesofindia