Who says Rani & I've differences?

Putting aside all the pssst-pssst about Rani Mukherjee being ostracized from the Bachchan empire because of the supposed hostilities between Aishwarya and Rani, Abhishek in an exclusive tete-a-tete from Namibia where he's shooting for Goldie Behl's Drona, gives Rani a clean and amiable chit.

"Wo says Rani and I are at loggerheads? Such talk hasn't affected our friendship at all. Strangely we've played husband and wife in most of our films together including Hum Tum where I came in, got married to her and exeunted from the script.

Rani is a superb actor and we've done some truly challenging work together. You've too see her in Laga Chunri Mein Daag together.I hope to do many more films with her."

It's not just the pleasure of working with his favourite co-star—alright, second-favourite co-star after wife Aishwarya—that made the latest Abhishek-Rani film special.

"I got to work with mom (Jaya). I had done a cameo in a Bengali as her son. Mom and Pa are two different actors and humanbeings, They're both unique actors. It's a sheer pleasure to share screen space with mom. I hope to do as many films with her as I've done with Pa."

Ask him what's the main difference between working with his two parents, and Abhishek ponders, "In-between shots Pa and I chill out, have fun.

Ma is constantly mothering and fussing over me when the camera is switched off. Though I pretend not to like it I secretly love it."

There was big-time bonding on the sets with co-star Kunal Kapoor. "Kunal and I grew up together. He belongs to the same Juhu circle that I do. He's a terrific guy and an even better actor.

His performance in our new film will surprise a lot of people. I also admire Konkona and got to work with her for the first time.She's great fun."

As for director Pradeep Sarkar, "I did a number of ads with him before I finally got to be in a feature film with him. His zest for his work in unparalleled. I saw no difference in his enthusiasm level on sets of our feature film. I want to work with him again," Abhishek ends from Namibia.

Regretfully he couldn't be in Mumbai for his father's birthday on Thursday.

Who says Rani and I are at loggerheads, asks Abhishek

Mumbai (IANS) Putting aside rumours about Rani Mukerji being ostracised by the Bachchan camp, Abhishek Bachchan says they are still good friends and that he would love to work with her again.

"Who says Rani and I are at loggerheads? Such talk hasn't affected our friendship at all," Abhishek told IANS on phone from Namibia where he's shooting for Goldie Behl's "Drona".

"Strangely we've played husband and wife in most of our films together, including 'Hum Tum', where I came in, got married to her and was ousted from the script. Rani is a superb actor and we've done some truly challenging work together. You have to see her in 'Laaga Chunari Mein Daag'. I hope to do many more films with her."

The presence of his mother in the film has made the movie extra special for him, says Abhishek.

"I got to work with mom (Jaya). I had done a cameo in a Bengali film as her son. Mom and Pa are two different actors and human beings; they're both unique actors. It's a sheer pleasure to share screen space with mom. I hope to do as many films with her as I've done with Pa."

Ask him what the main difference is in working with his two parents, and Abhishek ponders, "In-between shots Pa and I chill out, have fun. Ma is constantly mothering and fussing over me when the camera is switched off. Though I pretend not to like it, I secretly love it."

There was big-time bonding on the sets with co-star Kunal Kapoor.

"Kunal and I grew up together. He belongs to the same Juhu circle that I do. He's a terrific guy and an even better actor. His performance in our new film will surprise a lot of people. I also admire Konkona Sen Sharma with whom I worked for the first time in the film. She's great fun."

As for director Pradeep Sarkar, "I did a number of ads with him before I finally got to be in a feature film with him. His zest for his work is unparalleled. I saw no difference in his enthusiasm level on the sets of our feature film. I want to work with him again," Abhishek says.

Abhishek exclusive from Namibia

It's not just the pleasure of working with his favourite co-star—alright, second-favourite co-star after wife Aishwarya—that made the latest Abhishek-Rani film Laaga Chunari Mein Daag special.

Enthuses Abhishek from Namibia where he's shooting for Goldie Behl's Drona, “I got to work with mom (Jaya). I had done a cameo in a Bengali film as her son. Mom and Pa are two different actors and human beings, they’re both unique actors. It's a sheer pleasure to share screen space with mom. I hope to do as many films with her as I've done with Pa."

Ask him what's the main difference between working with his two parents, and Abhishek ponders, "In-between shots Pa and I chill out and have fun. Ma is constantly mothering and fussing over me when the camera is switched off. Though I pretend not to like it I secretly love it."

There was big-time bonding on the sets with co-star Kunal Kapoor. "Kunal and I grew up together. He belongs to the same Juhu circle that I do. He's a terrific guy and an even better actor. His performance in our new film will surprise a lot of people. I also admire Konkona and got to work with her for the first time. She’s great fun."

As for director Pradeep Sarkar, "I did a number of ads with him before I finally got to be in a feature film with him. His zest for his work in unparalleled. I saw no difference in his enthusiasm level on sets of our feature film. I want to work with him again," Abhishek ends from Namibia.

Abhishek isn't building Body

The one person besides Abhishek who was really baffled to be informed about Abhishek's body-building plans was his producer Shrishti Behl.

After reading that Abhishek intended to go bare-chested for Drona, Shrishti called up Abhishek to complain. "You've decided to develop your musles, shave you chest and go bare-bodied for Drona. And you haven't ven told us, the producers. Not fair!"

Actually, Abhishek himself was unaware of his sinewy plans. But then as his much wittier and far more wry dad says, "Nowadays we've to read in the papers and watch on television every morning to know what we're doing in our lives."

For the record Abhishek has no bare-chested scenes in Drona or any other film. He's intrinsically shy about undressing or making love on camera. In fact one of the reasons why he turned down Mira Nair's The Namesake was a stripping and kissing sequence.

Abhishek's loss was Kal Penn's gain.

Abhishek isn't building his body for Drona

The one person besides Abhishek who was really baffled to be informed about Abhishek's body-building plans was his producer Shrishti Behl. After reading that Abhishek intended to go bare-chested for Drona, Shrishti called up Abhishek to complain. "You've decided to develop your musles, shave you chest and go bare-bodied for Drona. And you haven't even told us, the producers. Not fair!"

Actually, Abhishek himself was unaware of his sinewy plans. But then as his much wittier and far more wry dad says, "Nowadays we've to read in the papers and watch on television every morning to know what we're doing in our lives."

For the record Abhishek has no bare-chested scenes in Drona or any other film. He's intrinsically shy about undressing or making love on camera. In fact one of the reasons why he turned down Mira Nair's The Namesakewas a stripping and kissing sequence. Abhishek's loss was Kal Penn's gain.

Abhishek Bachchan acts funny in Om Shanti Om

While all are aware about a galaxy of stars making an appearance in Om Shanti Om, the latest buzz in the town is around Abhishek acting funny on the film's sets. Well, strictly for the camera!

Describing the situation in the film where Abhishek is said to have got the house on fire, Farah Khan says, "Abhishek is really funny in the scene. He plays himself while attending an award functions. As a nominee, he is shown to be competing with Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar."

From where does the comic element come in? "Well for that you have to watch the film", comes an obvious answer, "Though what I can reveal is that everyone from Shah Rukh to Akshay to Abhishek are making fun of themselves in the scene."

Farah further informs that it would be for around one to one and a half minutes of screen time that Abhishek enjoys in Om Shanti Om.

Talking about Abhishek's professionalism, Farah says, "Abhishek was quite sportive while enacting the scene. Also, he made an exception for us as he shot till 2 AM in the night. It was quite sweet of him since he just returned from the shoot of another film where he was busy till 10 PM."

Abhishek's guest appearances:

In the past there have been number of films where Abhishek has made a guest appearances. These are Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, Shootout At Lokhandwala, Lage Raho Munnabhai, Neal N Nikki, Ek Ajnabee, Home Delivery, Salaam Namaste and Hum Tum. He is also rumoured to be making a special appearance in friend Apoorva Lakhia's Mission Istanbul.

Abhishek Bachchan is not doing Satish Kaushik's Lal Bihari Mritak

The pursuits of scoops and newsbreaks have turned a section of the entertainment media into a nervous and anxious wreck. The ‘sab-chalta-hai’ brand of manufactured (mis) information touches new heights with a story in a Mumbai daily where the over-enthusiastic reporter claims ‘Abhishek Bachchan is playing the true-life character of Lal Bihari Mritak.’

Both the proposed film's director and producer Anupam Kher and Satish Kaushik are baffled with this story. "I never said Abhishek is playing the role. All I told the correspondent is that the script is ready and an actor to play the protagonist will be finalized shortly. I even offered to let her know the cast as soon as it is finalized. Still she wrote that Abhishek is doing the film. Amazing!"

Producer Anupam Kher, who is just back from England, is even more dazed. "I've no clue where such talk comes from. All I know is Satish and I am determined to co-produce films that make a difference. We have just completed Tere Sang, which deals with the contemporary subject of pre-marital pregnancy. We are now going to film the story of ‘Lal Bihari’. And only the correct actor will be cast."

Abhishek is doing Rakeysh Mehra's Delhi 6

Though both the parties are maintaining a tight-lipped silence on –record, it is safe and correct to state that Abhishek Bachchan who was the original choice for the role is finally doing Rakeysh Mehra’s autobiographical Delhi 6.

The film chronicles the director's growing-up years in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, and the title refers to the postal pincode for the area where Rakeysh Mehra's film unfolds.

Abhishek, it would be remembered was always the first choice for the role. Mehra and the younger Bachchan, fast friends and creative collaborators since Rakeysh was supposed to direct Abhishek's debut in Samjhauta Express, fell apart over date problems.

The project then went to Hrithik Roshan (who said yes, then no since he didn't want any ill will with the Bachchans), Rang De Basanti's Siddharth (who also declined for reasons best known to him) and finally the bright superstar-in-the-making Ranbir Kapoor (who had a problem connecting with the script).

"Like they say, Daane-daane par likha hai khane wale ka naam. The world is indeed round. The fact that the project has returned to Abhishek proves it," says a source close to the project, while Abhishek in his habitually diplomatic way is cautious. "Right now, it's too early to talk about it."

He now leaves for Nambia for the shooting of Goldie Behl's Drona. The dates for Delhi 6 will be worked out when Abhishek returns. The film is expected to be shot in the summer of 2008 in Delhi.

Abhishek Bachchan endorses Flying Machine Click here to add this article to My Clips

Machine or no machine, Abhishek Bachchan's career is really flying high. A series of topnotch endorsements and Abhishek is now endorsing Flying Machine jeans.

Why Flying Machine, I ask him as he heads for the shooting of Goldie Behl's Drona. "I really believe Flying Machine jeans are world class. I find them truly international in quality. And that's where they plan to take the brand. I feel Flying Machine has the potential to go global in a big way. And if I can help in taking just that bit of our country's potential abroad then I feel happy and privileged about it."

So does the denim brand intend to make Abhishek the global face of Flying Machine? "They do. And I feel good about it. Because I'm furthering the cause of a product I truly believe in," says Abhishek, and adds that he won’t endorse products he doesn't believe in.

Brainstorming is now on for the first Flying Machine ad. "I'm of course in the loop. I'm taken into confidence as to who would shoot the ad and other details. It's so gratifying to work with these young ad makers, many of whom finally come into making movies, Pradeep Sarkar (with whom I've done ads and now a film) and Balki being the latest examples of ad makers turned feature-film makers. These guys are really talented."

How different is the experience of doing an ad from a feature film? Abhishek mulls over that one. "I think it's far tougher doing an ad. With two minutes one has to say what one gets to say in nearly three hours in movies. So yes, I enjoy doing ads. Flying Machine is a special challenge. Because here I'm going to be instrumental in taking the product ahead of where it is. Hopefully, far ahead."

Abhishek in Salman Khan’s footsteps

Looks like AB baby is following in Salman Khan’s footsteps. Sources close to Abhishek reveal that the actor has a new hobby — painting.

Even though he has no immediate plans to take it up seriously, Abhishek apparently visits websites that offer painting classes and even reads books on the topic.

The actor, we are told, will soon paint a canvas for a charity event and show off his newly acquired skills. Such fun!

Abhiash on Koffee With Karan

The current season of 'Koffee With Karan’ is coming to an end with a grand finale episode which will feature Bollywood’s currently most sought after couple Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan.

Karan Johar, who has been getting honest confessions out of his guests on his shows this season, is expected to have a frank, heart-to-heart conversation with the newly weds in which he will touch upon numerous subjects from their love affair to their marriage and Bollywood career.

It would be interesting to see who will win the rapidfire round, Ash or Abhi.

Although there is no confirmation, it is being speculated that Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan may also make an appearance in the second segment of the episode featuring Ash and Abhi.

Whatever the case, one thing that is sure is that Karan wants a grand finale. He plans to give away special Koffee awards to the Best guests of this season in various sections like best rapidfire contestant and best supporting guest.

Reports have it that he is roping in celebrities like Malaika Arora, Rahul Bose, Rohit Bal and Cyrus Broacha to be the jury for these awards.

The episode will be shot in the coming days and will be aired in August.

After wrapping Koffee with Karan, Karan will start working on his next movie, which, needless to say, will star his best buddy SRK again.

Bachchans anger Aam Janta!

Big B’s visit to the famous Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srishailam town on Sunday has stirred a controversy because a large number of devotees were made to wait for a long duration.

Amitabh along with his family members offered prayers at the temple located in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool District.

As the Bachchan family made to the inner sanctorum, a disgruntled lot of devotees were left behind to face the heat literally.

Taking note of the complaints, the Minister for Temples and Endowment Department has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Earlier in February this year, devotees at Tirupati temple faced a similar situation, after which stringent regulations were made for VIP visits to the temple.

Bachchan accompanied by his wife Jaya Bachchan, actor-son Abhishek Bachchan, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and SP leader and family friend Amar Singh, performed the ‘abhishekam’ at the temple.

The Bachchans are presently at Hyderabad, shooting for the sequel of Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sarkar', and are expected to head to Tirupati later.

Yes, Abhishek did hurt Rani

By Subhash K Jha

For those spoilsports who were waiting to see deathly tension erupt on the sets of Pradeep Sarkar's Laga Chunri Mein Daag after what's widely been labeled the wedding snub, there was disappointing news.

There was absolutely no coldness between Rani and Abhishek when he returned two work after a two-month break.

"How can there be?" says a close friend of both the stars. "Rani and Abhishek have done four films as a lead pair, all hits. They're seen as the Amitabh-Jaya of the new miellennium. And forget that. They're so comforatable with each other. Yes, not being invited to the wedding did hurt Rani.

She always thought of the Bachchans as a part of her extended family and hoped they considered her the same. Intially she was upset about not being invited. But the minute the she met Abhishek last week after a longish gap, all grievances dissolved instantaneously."

Rani and Abhishek are back whooping it up on the sets as though nothing has happened.

"Nothing about Abhishek has changed after marriage. He's still a major prankster filled with masti. When Rani realized this, she immediately dropped her defences. The party spirit that prevails every time Abhishek is around is back. The set for Laga Chunri Mein Daag resembles a picnic spot," says the source.

Joining the revellery are Kunal Kapoor and Konkona Sen-Sharma.

"In fact Abhishek has known both the director Pradeep Sarkar amd Kunal for years. Abhishek oftens jokes that he wants to be as thin as Kunal," says the source.

The buzz on the sets of Laga Chunri… is that Abhishek hasn't changed one bit. "Marriage hasn't made him less bratty. It would take a lot more than marriage to the most beautiful woman in India to change Abhishek," jokes Abhishek's buddy.

How Abhishek fell in love with Ash!!!

Abhishek Bachchan said his wife is uncomplicated and "always smiling," in a newspaper interview published Wednesday, describing how he met and fell in love with Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai.

Bachchan and Rai were married in April in what Indian media dubbed "The Wedding of the Century" — an extravagant affair that had photographers and cameramen camped for days outside their homes in suburban Mumbai.

The two became friends when they worked together on the 2000 movie "Dhai Akshar Prem Ke," but cupid didn't strike until they filmed "Dhoom 2" five years later, he told.

They were paired together again in Kuch Naa Kaho (2003) but it wasn't till Aishwarya and he jived together to the beats of Kajra Re in Bunty Aur Babli, right under the eyes of dad Amitabh Bachchan, that the sparks began to fly.

The romantic drama, Umrao Jaan, was supposed to be their big film together.

When it hit the floors Abhishek and Aishwarya had not started dating, but well before its release they were known, though not acknowledged, to be an item.

The film, though made with a lot of passion, failed to stir audiences and onscreen chemistry between the couple remained lackluster.

Dhoom 2 shortly followed Umrao Jaan. Though Abhishek was not paired opposite Aishwarya the two spent a lot of time together on the sets and that seems to have done it.

"We started dating in the latter half of the film as 'Dhoom 2' was shot for over a year-and-a-half," he said.

"There are so many things I love about Aishwarya. She's very human and unaffected and down-to-earth," Bachchan told The Times. "A simple little girl who is always smiling and that's very endearing."

But he said it was difficult to pinpoint when he fell in love.

"There was no defining moment as such," said Bachchan. "I cannot explain it in words."

Has life changed after marriage? Bachchan says Rai was pressuring him to change his diet.

"She tries to make me eat healthy food as she knows I have unhealthy habits," said Bachchan.