Latest news with #AishwaryaRaiBachchan
Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shared her views on balancing marriage and career: ‘Don't think you need to remain single for that'; psychotherapist shares tips
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan married Abhishek Bachchan following a whirlwind romance, while she was at the peak of her career. Her larger-than-life wedding became the talk of the town, and while fans and critics questioned whether she would take a step back from work after marriage, the Jodha Akbar actor surprised everyone by proving them wrong. During an earlier episode of the talk show Koffee with Karan, Aishwarya reflected on the early days of her marriage, sharing how she and Abhishek tied the knot within a year of coming together. Dismissing the outdated belief that marriage hinders a woman's career, she passionately voiced her opinion: 'I don't agree with this when people say that 'marriage not yet', I want to focus on my career. I don't agree with that. You can handle both. Everybody can handle both. You're here as an actor to enjoy your craft, put out good work, do kick-ass work, and get that noticed. I don't think you need to remain single for that.' While this is a valid concern in a person's mind that their marriage and associated responsibilities might replace the importance they give to their career, what most people are afraid of is losing that spark, the palpable chemistry they share with their partner, while juggling responsibilities — especially if the career is demanding and children are a part of the equation. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, told that experiencing burnout in such cases is quite common, and early signs of emotional or physical burnout in high-performing professionals often show up in subtle yet persistent ways. Emotional exhaustion is one of the first red flags—feeling chronically drained, detached, or numb even when there's no obvious trigger. Khangarot explained, 'When time together is scarce due to work and travel, emotional intimacy doesn't have to suffer—it just needs to evolve. The key is intentionality. Even brief moments can be powerful when they're mindful and emotionally attuned.' A 5-minute call or voice note every day just to ask, 'How are you feeling today?'—not just 'How was your day?'—can create a thread of emotional closeness. Whether it's a good morning text, a shared playlist, or a virtual coffee on video, these little rituals become anchors in a busy life. 'When you're apart, don't just share logistics. Share what moved you that day, what you struggled with, or a thought that made you smile. Vulnerability builds intimacy. Technology can become a lifeline—schedule date nights online, play games together, or watch the same movie while apart and discuss it after,' said Khangarot, futher adding that when you do meet, resist the temptation to pack the time with errands or social obligations. 'Prioritise quality, meaningful connection over quantity,' she said.
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Viral Again: When Salman Khan And Aishwarya Rai Danced Together To Chand Chhupa
New Delhi: Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's most memorable onscreen collaboration was in the 1999 film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The duo were in love with each other, and that rubbed off on the onscreen chemistry in the film. An old video has now resurfaced of the two performing at an Awards show. Needless to say, it has gone viral online. What's Happening An old video of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who dated once, has gone viral again. It is a snippet of the two dancing to Chand Chhupa Badal Mein from their blockbuster film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The video snippet is from Zee Cine Awards 2011. While Salman Khan is seen in a jazzy blue and yellow jacket, Aishwarya looked ethereal in a blue traditional outfit. Their chemistry on stage is unmissable, as they dance to their hit songs from the film. The viral video has unleashed a wave of nostalgia among fans. Salman Khan- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Breakup The two fell in love on the sets of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. They dated for three years before parting ways in 2002. They had a very public breakup, and Aishwarya Rai had stated in several interviews that she had faced physical abuse in the relationship, too. Projects On the work front, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was last seen in Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan: II in 2023. Earlier this year, Salman Khan was last seen in Sikandar opposite Rashmika Mandanna. He will next be seen in Battle of Galwan by Apoorva Lakhia. In A Nutshell An old video of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's performance at an awards show has resurfaced. Their chemistry on stage is a trip down the memory lane, the two had fallen in love on the sets of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and dated for three years before parting ways.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why global brands are racing to sign Indian ambassadors
The year 2003 marked a definitive shift for Indian celebrities. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan joined L'Oréal Paris's 'dream team' as an international brand ambassador — a first for an Indian. Five months later, Shah Rukh Khan was signed as the first Indian global brand ambassador for Tag Heuer . Two Indian icons, two luxury signings — a quiet shift had begun. For years, Rai Bachchan and Khan represented to the world the image of the confident, global Indian. Circa 2025, and the luxury world is brimming with Indian star power. Deepika Padukone is the face of Louis Vuitton and Cartier, Alia Bhatt for Gucci and L'Oréal Paris, Sonam Kapoor for Dior, Ananya Panday for Chanel, Priyanka Chopra for Bvlgari, KL Rahul for Paul & Shark —signalling India's growing influence on luxury's global circuit. 'Ten or 20 years ago, India was a miniscule consumer of luxury goods,' says Ashish Bhasin, founder, The Bhasin Consulting Group. 'Today, that has changed. Indians are travelling abroad in a significant manner and are being wooed by many countries.' Until recently, brands looked at entering India as a market to expand into. But the luxury playbook has flipped, with brands weaving Indian culture and personalities into their narratives. From having Indian brand ambassadors to staging India-inspired shows — like Louis Vuitton's tribute at Paris Fashion Week on June 25. Italian luxury brand Paul & Shark is another example. After more than 15 years in the country, the brand recently appointed its first Indian global ambassador — cricketer KL Rahul. 'India is a market we've approached with patience and deep respect, recognising a unique cultural perspective where quality and deep values are truly appreciated,' says Andrea Dini, CEO of Paul & Shark. 'Today, we see a new generation of luxury consumers emerging: Discerning, sophisticated and open to receiving quality products that combine craftsmanship with functionality.' Moment in the sun What makes Indian ambassadors so valued? 'Our celebrities tend to be global in their nature, are talented, speak well, conduct themselves well and often are less expensive than most Hollywood stars,' Bhasin says, calling the recent surge of Indian global ambassadors a sign of the country's growing soft power. Others in the industry point to a combination of three factors — the country's growing economic power, demand for authentic representation and the magnitude of the Indian diaspora. Global brands increasingly view India not just as a market of opportunity, but as a cultural force shaping global narratives, shares N Chandramouli, CEO of brand advisory and insights firm TRA Research. 'When a brand identifies India as a market critical to its next phase of growth — one that could soon rank among its top three globally — it makes sense to embed Indian identity into its storytelling. Indian ambassadors offer a unique blend of domestic resonance and aspirational appeal. By aligning with them, brands tap into a wellspring of emotional credibility,' he explains. Anita Khatri, luxury expert, pod-fluencer and entrepreneur, believes this is India's 'golden era' when it comes to luxury. 'For a global brand, the key revenue markets are America, China, Japan, some regions of Southeast Asia, followed by the Middle East and then India. [But] Luxury segment growth has slowed down in China [18 to 20% in 2024 according to Bain estimates], and America and Japan are not growing as rapidly as India,' she shares. 'According to the Hurun India Rich List 2024, there are 334 billionaires with a combined wealth of Rs 159 trillion in India, along with a booming middle class — making India a priority for luxury and premium brands.' Indian consumers are no longer window shopping — they are significant contributors, often spending four to five times more abroad that at home, says Anurag Mathur, partner at Bain & Company. 'The growth of Indian consumers coupled with a sizeable Indian diaspora population in many western and middle eastern markets makes it increasingly attractive and relevant for global brands to look for celebrities that these consumers can relate to,' he says. Crafting a story Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, global brand president, L'Oréal Paris, says it's more than just the numbers driving global brands to India. 'The appointment of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 2003 and Alia Bhatt in 2024 reflects how the brand has always prioritised partnerships based on cultural alignment over mere reach, through powerful women with a powerful voice,' she explains. While these celebrities have millions of fans worldwide, for brands what matters more is value alignment. When Italian luxury fashion house Gucci announced Bhatt as its first Indian global ambassador, it said her 'advocation in favour of self-expression and inclusivity in contemporary society' spoke to their core values. For Qatar Airways, it was Padukone's 'global appeal and charisma' that made her 'an obvious choice' for the brand. Circle of influence Brands often have multiple global ambassadors that they deploy, in whichever market has the most affinity. Footwear brand Crocs, which recently announced actress Rashmika Mandanna as its global ambassador, said some celebrities carry greater resonance outside their home market. 'While we do have key markets where we see the most opportunity, that doesn't define how we choose our global ambassadors,' says Yann Le Bozec, head of international marketing , Crocs. 'We have some markets where the maturity level is highest — the US, South Korea, the UK — and we have markets where we are seeing growth, such as China and India. In different markets, we tap into the influencer pyramid in different ways.' 'It is rare to have only one exclusive brand ambassador throughout the world. You often need some element of localisation when you're doing global campaigns,' shares Bhasin. Paul & Shark falls into that rare category. According to the brand, although they have collaborated in the past with several high-profile figures — actor Pierce Brosnan, Italian Olympic swimmer Nicolò Martinenghi, football coach Roberto Mancini and ex-F1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi — currently, Rahul is the only face of the brand. 'He represents not only sporting excellence on a global stage, but also a set of values we deeply identify with. What connects us is a shared appreciation for Italian craftsmanship, enduring design and quality without compromise,' Dini says. Room to grow However, there is one potential roadblock. While Indians are spending more on luxury brands , it's not as much as, say, China, says Mathur. He estimates that is India is more than a decade behind China in terms of luxury consumption and that 'demand will have to be generated by creating relevant aspirations, collections, locations and experiences to woo the Indian consumer.' Crocs seems to be following that strategy with local drops such as special Diwali or Holi editions, which, according to Bozec, have been instrumental in shaping brand affinity. The brand went a step further for their monsoon campaign, tapping two of Southeast Asia's biggest fandoms — Bollywood and K-dramas. The playful ad film, featuring Indian actor Siddhant Chaturvedi and South Korea's Chae Soo-bin, is live in seven Southeast Asian markets — India, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. It blends 'the rising influence of K-dramas with the timeless appeal of Bollywood through a pairing that's unexpected yet perfectly in sync', Bozec says. The rise of Indian icons reflects a deeper recalibration, where they're rewriting the rules of global desirability.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cannes 101: Beyond the red carpet and standing ovations
When the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival rolled out this year, the chatter that caught most of the attention was who wore what on the red carpet – from Alia Bhatt's mermaid gown to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's sindoor statement and Janhvi Kapoor's corset-glam look. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But behind the flashlights of paparazzi and flowing gowns lies a world that even seasoned cinephiles don't always understand. One that often gets overshadowed by the glam and the glitz. Festival de Cannes – as the French call it – is a cinema lover's paradise. At this 10-day celebration, films from around the world are given a platform, standing ovations are tallied like Olympic scores, cinematic marvels are honoured, and entry is strictly limited to the film industry. Who gets to go to Cannes? Unlike many international film festivals, Cannes is an industry-only event. Screening tickets are not sold to the general public. Credentials are granted to directors, producers, actors, publicists, distributors, and journalists – all of whom must apply for a badge. If accepted, the badge must be carried for access to screenings. However, film lovers have one option. Some films are played on the beach next to the Palais des Festivals at 9pm during the festival. Cinephiles can queue up early to catch a beautiful piece of cinema under the stars (There are also some inventive ways, listed online, to 'crash' the festival). Cannes Film Festival 2025 concluded in May. How is Cannes pronounced? Many people pronounce it as 'cahn' or even 'cahns,' but that is incorrect. The correct pronunciation of Cannes is similar to can. Since it's a French word, the trailing 's' is silent. Don't call it con – that's French slang. How old is Cannes? It all began with a healthy rivalry. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Back in 1939, France decided it needed a cinematic showstopper to rival the glitzy Venice Film Festival. Jean Zay, then Minister for Education and Fine Arts, dreamed up an international cultural spectacle that would cement France's place at the heart of global cinema. The stage was set. Louis Lumière, one of the fathers of cinema, was roped in as honorary president. Cannes was ready to roll out the red carpet – but World War II broke out, and the grand opening was abruptly shelved. It wasn't until September 20, 1946 – more than a year after the war ended – that the French Riviera finally saw a beeline of stars. Award categories at Cannes The Official Selection at Cannes presents a diverse slate of films across several curated sections, each screened for the very first time before an audience of film professionals. Some sections culminate in awards, such as the Competition, Un Certain Regard, and La Cinef. In Competition Palme d'Or (French for 'The Golden Palm') Awarded for the first time in 1955 to the film Marty, directed by Delbert Mann, the Palme d'Or replaced the Grand Prix, which was awarded to the best film In Competition until then. Around 20 films compete each year in the In Competition section for the festival's top honour, judged by a nine-member jury that changes annually. This year, French actress Juliette Binoche headed the jury. The only Indian film to win the award remains Neecha Nagar (1946), directed by Chetan Anand. The only Indian film to win the award remains Neecha Nagar (1946). Grand Prix (Grand Prize) This is the second-most prestigious award at Cannes, also judged by the Palme jury. In 2024, India saw Payal Kapadia and the film's wonderful cast – including Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha and Chhaya Kadam – receive the Grand Prix for All We Imagine As Light. This year, Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value won the honour. All We Imagine As Light won Grand Prix award in 2024. Prix du Jury (the Jury Prize) According to American film critic Dave Kehr, the award is 'intended to recognise an original work that embodies the spirit of inquiry.' It is given to one of the films selected in the In Competition section. This year, the award was shared by Mascha Schilinski's Sound of Falling and Oliver Laxe's Sirat. In 1983, Mrinal Sen's Kharij, based on the novel by Ramapada Chowdhury, won the Jury Prize. Cannes also honours cinematic excellence with awards for Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. Over the years, it has occasionally introduced special categories – like in 1954, Bimal Roy's Do Bigha Zamin won the International Prize, and in 1956, Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali was awarded Best Human Document. Un Certain Regard (A Certain Glance) Introduced in 1978, Un Certain Regard is a part of the Official Selection, but it has its own separate jury, its own set of awards, and is meant to recognise young talent and 'encourage innovative and audacious works' by presenting one of the films with a grant to aid its distribution in France. The broader categories in the section include Jury Award, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor. However, the festival sometimes hands out awards to films in several other categories as well. India has had its share of glory here too – from Neeraj Ghaywan's Masaan winning the Prix Avenir Prometteur (Promising Future) in 2015 to Anasuya Sengupta's recent Best Actress win. Neeraj Ghaywan's Masaan won the Prix Avenir Prometteur (Promising Future) in 2015. Camera d'Or This one's for the debut filmmakers. Every year, a dedicated six-member jury at Cannes hands out a special prize to the best first film across the entire festival – whether it's screened in the Official Selection or tucked away in a parallel section. What qualifies? The filmmaker must be making their first fiction feature that runs at least 60 minutes. The idea is simple, yet powerful: to spotlight fresh voices and motivate them for their next big project. In 1988, Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay won Camera d'Or. A poster of Mira Nair's Salaam Bombay. La Cinef Spotlight on student storytellers. La Cinef is where film schools from around the world send their brightest talent, with fiction and animation shorts (under 60 minutes) vying for a Cannes stamp of approval. A four-member jury picks the best, and the top three walk away with cash grants: €15,000 for the first prize, €11,000 for second, and €7,500 for third. For many filmmakers, this is their very first brush with international recognition. In 2024, FTII student Chidananda S Naik won the Best Short Film Award for Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know. In 2024, FTII student Chidananda S Naik won the Best Short Film Award for Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know. L'Oeil d'or (The Golden Eye) This is the pinnacle for documentaries at Cannes. They're screened under Cannes Classics. Only two documentaries have ever won Palme d'Or – Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) and Jacques Cousteau's The Silent World (1956). More recently, in 2022, Indian filmmaker Shaunak Sen brought home the Golden Eye for his hauntingly poetic All That Breathes. Payal Kapadia's debut documentary, A Night of Knowing Nothing (2021), also won the honour. Other sections at Cannes Out of Competition Films not eligible for competition are screened here, under Special Screenings, Midnight Screenings, and Tributes. Cinéfondation This category showcases student films under 60 minutes to inspire the next generation of filmmakers. Cannes Classics This section screens restored heritage films and documentaries. It was launched in 2004. Cannes premieres It was introduced to accommodate films that the Festival wished to include In Competition but couldn't, due to the limited number of slots in the main lineup. Parallel sections While the Official Selection at Cannes may grab headlines, some of the festival's most exciting discoveries happen off the beaten track – in what are known as the Parallel Sections. Directors' Fortnight It is an independent, non-competitive sidebar at the Festival. It welcomes everything from short films to full-length features, across fiction, non-fiction, animation, and experimental works. The only condition: the director of the film should be present at the screening. Audience members need not be industry insiders, and post-screening Q&A sessions with the filmmakers are a norm. In 2012, Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur earned rave reactions here. In 2024, Radhika Apte's Sister Midnight made waves under the same banner. Critics' Week Organised by the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics, the Critics' Week was created in 1962. The section is credited with discovering some of the biggest names in independent and arthouse cinema, many of whom have gone on to find success at the official festival. Some iconic Indian films have passed through here. Gitanjali Rao's animated short Printed Rainbow left a mark when it premiered in 2006. In 2013, The Lunchbox, starring Irrfan, was screened at Critics' Week and walked away with the Grand Rail d'Or (Viewers' Choice Award). In 2013, The Lunchbox, starring Irrfan, was screened at Critics' Week. What is Marche du Film (Cannes Film Market) You've probably heard a filmmaker say, 'My film was at Cannes!' Technically, they're not lying – but here's the catch: not every film is screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Some are part of its buzzing, parallel event – the Marché du Film, or the Cannes Film Market. India was named the first 'Country of Honour' at Marche du Film in 2022. It is the beating commercial heart of the festival. Thousands of film professionals gather just around the corner, making deals, pitching stories, chasing distributors, and hunting for the next big thing in cinema. There are panels, conferences, workshops, and keynote addresses from cinema's most revered names. For many, it's where dreams begin.
India.com
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Abhishek Bachchan finally breaks silence on divorce rumours with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: 'I go back home to...'
Abhishek Bachchan finally breaks silence on divorce rumours with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: 'I go back home to...' Rumours regarding issues in Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's marital life have been circulating in the media for over a year now. The couple continues to attend public gatherings together and even post pictures online, which led to a discrepancy in rumours, despite the fact they haven never addressed them. What is Abhishek Bachchan's take on ongoing divorce rumours with wife Aishwarya Rai? Recently, Abhishek Bachchan finally addressed the buzz around his personal life, especially speculations claiming he and his wife, Aishwarya, are getting divorce. While speaking to Instant Bollywood, Abhishek opened up about the rumours and said, 'I go back home to a happy family.' He further mentioned that how his wife doesn't allow the outside noise affect their relationship. 'One thing is for sure, first my mother (Jaya Bachchan) and now my wife (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), they don't allow that outside world to come in there.' He said. Coming from a film family, Abhishek stated that he's aware of how to not take these rumours seriously. He said, 'I have grown up in this film industry, so I also know what to take seriously and what not to take seriously. I don't get affected by what's happening on social media.' Amitabh Bachchan reacts to Abhishek-Aishwarya's divorce speculations? Previously, Amitabh Bachchan also addressed the rumours surrounding his family's personal affairs. 'I rarely say much about family, because that is my domain and its privacy is maintained by me .. Speculations are speculations .. they are speculated untruths, without verifications .. Verifications are sought by the seekers to authenticate their business and commercials of the profession they be in .. I shall not challenge their desire to be in the profession of their choice .. and I shall appreciate their effort in serving society .. But untruths .. or selected question marked information can be a legal safeguard for them that inform .. but the seed of suspected belief is sown with this most used emblem .. the question mark ..?' the veteran actor had said. One of Bollywood's most adored couples, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai got married in 2007, and have a 13-year-old daughter named Aaradhya Bachchan. The two have collaborated in several movies such as Guru, Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke, Dhoom 2, and Kuch Naa Kaho. On the work front, Abhishek Bachchan is currently seen in OTT film Kaalidhar Laapata . Streaming on ZEE 5, the film also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and up-and-coming star Daivik Bhagela in pivotal roles.
