Showing posts with label Aaradhya Bachchan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aaradhya Bachchan. Show all posts
Severe ego key to our relationship, says Abhishek Bachchan on bond with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
9:09 AM
Actor Abhishek Bachchan sets the record straight on his marriage, says relationship with Aishwarya ‘flows naturally’
HINDUSTAN TIMES (April 5, 2026)
After years of divorce rumours and relentless online chatter around his marriage, actor Abhishek Bachchan has finally addressed his relationship with wife, actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
In a recent interview with YouTuber-actor Lilly Singh, he emphasized that their bond has always been rooted in a “partnership”, even calling “severe ego” a defining aspect of how they function as a couple.
“Through our courtship, our engagement, and our marriage, it was always about partnership. There was no discussion like, ‘I will bring the food, and you take care of the house’. It flows very naturally. For me, I think it comes from severe ego,” he shared.
Explaining what “ego” means to him, he said, “I say ego because I am not the kind of person who believes somebody else has to give up or stop running for me to win that race. And that is my mental structure. I don’t want to be in a partnership or marriage where my wife has to stop doing something because I have to feel manly about myself. And thankfully, my wife is not someone who thinks like that either.”
Reflecting on the dynamic of success in their relationship, he noted that it was never unfamiliar territory. “When my parents got married, my mother was a bigger star than my father was. So, it wasn’t an unnatural thing,” he said.
Speaking about their early days, when Abhishek was paired opposite Aishwarya in his second film, Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke (2000), he shared, “We weren’t in a relationship together (then). We were just buddies. We were always friends.”
He reiterated the importance of partnership in their relationship, adding, “It was always about a partnership. I have known Aishwarya from the start of my career… So, there is no competition at home (about) who has to be the man, who has to be the woman.”
On parenting Aaradhya
Speaking about raising their daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan, Abhishek shared that both he and Aishwarya lead by example when it comes to parenting.
“We try to be the best example for Aaradhya. Instead of telling her this is right, or this is wrong, we show her what to do by being that,” he explained, adding, “In that sense, it has never been like I have to teach her self-defence. If you have seen my wife, she can take care of herself.”
He also admitted, “I think fathers are lousy teachers because our emotions get in the way and we don’t have that sensitivity chip that women do.”
Aaradhya not aware about rumours between Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and me-Abhishek Bachchan
9:52 AM
Abhishek Bachchan calls divorce rumours ‘rubbish’ and reveals how he keeps his daughter away from online chatter
HINDUSTAN TIMES (December 12, 2025)
Actor-couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continue to face constant speculation about their relationship after 18 years of marriage. Now, Abhishek has addressed the chatter and explained how they have kept their daughter, Aaradhya, insulated from it.
“I don’t know what the story is so I don’t feel the need to address this. If you’re a celebrity, people are going to want to conjecture about everything,” he told Peeping Moon, adding, “Any rubbish that is written is completely false, not based on any fact whatsoever, malicious, and incorrect. First, (the media) were deciding when we were getting married; after we got married, they decided when we were getting divorced. It’s all rubbish. She (Aishwarya) knows my truth, I know her truth. We go back to a happy and healthy family, which is most important. And that’s all that matters.”
On whether Aaradhya (14) ever comes across rumours about her parents, he added, “I don’t think that interests her, and she won’t believe anything that she reads. Her mother has taught her not to believe everything that she reads. Like my parents were with me, we are completely honest with the family. So, we are never in a position where anyone needs to question anybody.”
Abhishek (49) and Aishwarya (52), who married in 2007, have stayed away from commenting on conjecture around their marriage and continue to make public appearances together.
‘Lucky to have Aishwarya at home with Aaradhya,’ says Abhishek Bachchan amid divorce rumours
8:20 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (November 26, 2024)
Amid swirling rumours of a divorce, Abhishek Bachchan has seemingly broken his silence about his wife, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and their daughter, Aaradhya. In an interview with The Hindu, the actor expressed gratitude towards Aishwarya: “I’m very lucky I get to go out and make the movies. But I know that Aishwarya is at home with Aaradhya, and I thank her immensely for that. But I don’t think the children think of it that way. They don’t look upon you in third person. They look upon you in the first — you’re the parent, the father, or the mother.”
Aaradhya recently celebrated her 13th birthday with Aishwarya, but Abhishek’s absence from the pictures shared online did not go unnoticed by fans. Many were quick to point out that he had not even posted a birthday wish for his daughter.
Meanwhile, Abhishek, who is currently earning acclaim for his performance in Shoojit Sircar’s latest, also reflected on his own childhood and shared how he never felt his parents’ absence, despite their demanding careers.
While his father, Amitabh Bachchan, was at the height of his acting career in the 1970s, his mother, Jaya Bachchan, had stepped away from films after his birth to focus on her family: “My mother had stopped acting in films when I was born because she wanted to spend time with the children. But we never felt the void of dad not being around.”
Shoojit Sircar and I are all dads to girls, and truly understand that emotion-Abhishek Bachchan
8:15 AM
Appearing on KBC 16, Abhishek Bachchan says his profound relationship with his daughter Aaradhya made him connect deeply with I Want to Talk’s narrative
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 21, 2024)
Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan’s joint appearances are often marked by their witty banter. Things, however, took an emotional turn as the duo shot for an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, which will be aired tonight. As part of the promotions for I Want to Talk, Abhishek appeared on the quiz show along with director Shoojit Sircar and author Arjun Sen, on whose experiences the film is based. In the episode, Abhishek recounted how Sircar pitched the film to him.
“Shoojit-da didn’t tell me the entire story. He only spoke about Arjun-da’s journey, and that alone left a lasting impression on me,” said the actor.
I Want to Talk tells the story of a man whose medical diagnosis alters his life journey, following which he reaches out to his estranged daughter. With the movie offering a retelling of Sen’s personal experiences, the author recalled his battle with cancer and how his daughter Raka became his motivation to emerge triumphant.
“My three-year-old daughter, Raka, asked me three questions, ‘What is dying? Are you dying? Will you dance at my wedding?’ I reflexively told her that I’d dance at her wedding. Seeing her eyes light up, it became my life’s mission to be there for her,” recounted Sen on the show.
Abhishek then revealed that the movie’s profound exploration of the father-daughter relationship was the primary reason he agreed to front it. He reflected, “Aaradhya is my daughter, and Shoojit-da has two daughters. We are all dads to girls, and truly understand that emotion. What resonated with me the most was Arjun’s promise to his daughter. That unwavering commitment as a father is beyond words.”
I won’t do a film I can’t show my daughter-Abhishek Bachchan
9:11 AM
Trying to balance commercial success and his hunger for diverse roles, Ghoomer actor Abhishek on how fatherhood influences his choices
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; August 21, 2023)
In a scene in Ghoomer, Abhishek Bachchan’s character says, ‘This life is not a game of logic, but magic.’ In his 23-year career, it’s the magic of movies that has kept the actor going despite failures.
“You have to remind yourself every day that there is magic. It’s the hope that ruins you. You hear these stories that so-and-so actor came off a spate of unsuccessful films and that one film turned things around for him. Or that films were declared flops in the opening weekend, but took off Monday onwards. So, if your film doesn’t open well, you think, ‘Let’s wait for Monday.’ That hope is a dangerous thing,” says the actor.
Where exactly does the magic lie then? In the freedom to tell powerful stories, in the ability to become different characters. In his second innings, Bachchan has chosen wisely—from Manmarziyaan (2018) to Bob Biswas (2021) and now, Ghoomer, in which he plays an acerbic cricket coach. R Balki’s sports drama aligns with the kind of projects he wants to be part of. The actor is equally certain about the kind of films he doesn’t see himself doing.
“Now, more so as a parent, I won’t be comfortable doing a film I can’t show my daughter [Aaradhya]. I understand everybody’s artistic integrity and freedom. I am all for it, but this is a personal [stand]. I never want to do anything that I can’t sit with my family and watch.”
But even as he chases stories that resonate with him, Bachchan is clear that at the end of the day, commercial success is crucial. It’s important to keep the audience’s desires in mind.
“In India, heroes mean a lot [more] to us than just actors. So, there is a Bachchan-ism, or [the audience] wants Shah Rukh Khan to open his arms and do his signature pose. But then, the artiste within wants to break the mould and try something new. I firmly believe that in our industry, you can’t [say], ‘I am an actor, I want the freedom to do what I want to do.’ You are selling tickets. So, you’ve got to do what they want you to do. You will never find that balance. Also, if you find it, you get stagnated creatively because then you aren’t pushing the boundaries.”
I am almost 47, but I will always be Amitabh Bachchan's boy-Abhishek Bachchan
3:23 PM
Initially uncomfortable with Big B’s praise, Ghoomer actor Abhishek says parenthood has made him realise his megastar-father’s desire to celebrate him
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; August 10, 2023)
Amitabh Bachchan is an acting legend. But beneath the glitz of superstardom, he is also like any other parent, proud of his children’s achievements. Who understands this better than his actor-son Abhishek Bachchan? Since the trailer of Ghoomer dropped online last week, senior Bachchan’s Twitter timeline is filled with posts praising Abhishek’s work in the R Balki-directed sports drama.
“I see him become comfortable with talking about me publicly. He says, ‘What the hell! I’m your father!’ I tell him [to go easy on the praise], saying, ‘Don’t do this, people will jump on!’ But then, I feel that even though he is a great icon, he is also a father. I’m almost 47, but I will always be his boy. I understand that today because I have a daughter [Aaradhya]. If she does something, I want to show off to the world,” smiles Abhishek.
In his second innings, he has been cherry-picking projects—from a romantic drama in Manmarziyaan (2018) to a thriller in Bob Biswas (2021). And senior Bachchan, like a doting dad, has cheered his eclectic choices, showering him with praise in an otherwise cut-throat line of work. Abhishek asserts that people should be mindful that artistes also have vulnerabilities.
“Early on in my career, when things weren’t going [my way], I used to say to myself, ‘Can you imagine what your parents are going through?’ They see their child publicly getting lambasted, and are powerless to do anything. At times, I find it insensitive when people criticise [him for praising me] because they forget that he is also a parent. Can you imagine after so many years, he finally mustered the courage to say what he feels as a father!”
Even before his father’s applause came his way, Abhishek knew that the sports drama—which sees him as an eccentric coach helping Saiyami Kher’s differently-abled cricketer realise her dream—had potential. The actor says Balki comes up with ideas that are hard to ignore.
“What piqued my interest in Ghoomer is that my character, Paddy, is the opposite of what a coach should be. He is ill-mannered, insensitive, and drunk, but by the end of the film, you realize he is a good coach. That conflict is so much fun to work with.”
"A landmark suit," say Aaradhya Bachchan’s lawyers on the fake videos case
8:23 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 22, 2023)
Actors Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s 11-year-old daughter Aaradhya took the internet by storm on Wednesday when she filed a suit against several YouTube channels. Reportedly, the channels had posted defamatory, fake videos about her health and life. Her father on her behalf filed the lawsuit.
On Thursday, the Delhi High Court restricted nine YouTube channels from creating, publishing, uploading, or sharing any content on public platforms relating to the minor’s state of health or physical condition. Ameet Naik, who represented Aaradhya, called it ‘a landmark suit’.
“The court said to the intermediary (channels) that they have a zero tolerance policy for pornography, and the same must apply to a child. On that basis, the court passed an injunction,” he says.
The next hearing of the case will be in July. “The Court has asked YouTube to share IP addresses from where these videos were uploaded,” he adds.
Speaking on the issue, Safir Anand, the co-managing partner of the firm that represented Aaradhya, adds, “Any content that propagates rumours or false information of any kind or unfounded content that may impair the reputation or dignity of a party is liable to be challenged. If the post is found to be false or misleading, it constitutes an offence.”
Delhi High Court restrains YouTube channels from sharing videos on Aaradhya Bachchan’s health
9:38 AM
Abhinav Garg (THE TIMES OF INDIA; April 21, 2023)
New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Thursday directed removal of several YouTube videos carrying fake news about the health of Aaradhya Bachchan, granddaughter of Amitabh Bachchan.
“Every child is entitled to be treated with honour and respect be it the child of a celebrity or of a commoner. Dissemination of misleading information about a child, especially physical and mental health, is completely intolerable in law. No technicality can come in the way of courts in such cases,” Justice C Hari Shankar said, adding that any such act spreading misinformation about a child reflects “morbid perversity”.
While dealing with a lawsuit by the child and her father Abhishek Bachchan that complained about fake news videos about her health, Justice Shankar ordered Google to “set out in detail its policy” so as to ensure it remains in compliance with amended rules in the new Information Technology Act.
When the counsel for Google claimed it had a zero tolerance policy in cases of child pornography, the court wondered why it was shying away from taking steps in this case. The judge stated that YouTube was not “doing charity” but making money from the online activities and besides ensuring compliance with the law, it also had a social responsibility to ensure such content was not shared.
In its interim order, the high court sought details of the uploaders. It said that similar videos, whenever brought to Google’s notice, shall also be taken down. The court issued summons on the lawsuit to the YouTube channels concerned, saying a prima facie case was made out for grant of interim relief to prevent further prejudice. It also directed the Centre to block access to the content in question.
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Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; April 21, 2023)
On Thursday, the Delhi High Court restrained several YouTube channels from disseminating or further sharing videos with false claims about Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s 11-year-old daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan.
The court observed that though it’s not the first time such misleading information has been circulated for celebrities, the videos of the child reflects a morbid perversity on the part of those who are circulating them, with complete apathy to the interests of the child in question.
The court said, “Every child is entitled to be treated with honour and respect whether he/she is the child of a celebrity or a commoner. Circulating information with respect to mental and physical health of a child is completely impermissible in law.”
The court also directed Google to reveal the identity of the defendants to the Bachchans and immediately take steps to deactivate the URLs. YouTube’s counsel Mamta Rani told HC, “We will provide the information of the actual uploaders. They (Bachchans) have provided URLs that will be delisted.”
Aaradhya Bachchan’s plea in the Delhi High Court stated that these fake videos with Bachchan family images claimed Aaradhya’s critical illness.
Ameet Naik, who represented Aaradhya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, says, “We were compelled to file this suit because last week my client came across these defamatory videos. We got to know about these videos on April 14 and notices were sent to take down these videos (to the grievance cell of Google). There were a total 24 videos and over six are still there, and hence we sought an injunction to remove those videos. This case is important on three grounds – breach of privacy, defamation and infringement of personality rights. The court’s order restores the faith in privacy and that you cannot publicise defamatory materials and profit from them and that children must be treated with dignity and respect. The court also said that the private life of any celebrity is as sacred as any other person’s.”
Justice C Hari Shankar asked YouTube counsel why they don’t have a policy in place for such matters, and noted, “When you’re told these types of YouTube videos are circulating, should there not be some way of handling these things? You’re an online platform. Don’t you have some responsibility in such kind of things? You mean to say you’re only providing a facility for people to misinform the public. You are providing a platform on which misleading information is circulating to the public. How can such a thing be tolerated? If you are making money out of what you are doing, you have a social responsibility. You can’t allow such things to be posted on your platform. You acknowledge that there are certain things for which you have zero tolerance. Why should this not fall in that category? That means your policy is faulty.”
The court also directed Google to spell out in detail its policy showing compliance with Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules. The matter will be heard on July 13.
AN EXTRACT FROM AARADHYA’S PLEA
“Around the second week of April 2023, Abhishek Bachchan and other members of his family learned about videos circulating online containing false information about Aaradhya Bachchan’s health, and the consequent (albeit false) distraught mental state of the family.
While some videos showcased Aaradhya being in poor health, some reported her on the deathbed and others claimed she was no more. The images used in the videos have been taken unlawfully and without any authorization from the plaintiffs, either from events and public appearances made by them or have been extracted from films and other works.”
Last year taught me that you have to value your relationships-Abhishek Bachchan
7:53 AM
The actor talks about battling COVID, and how being around his father, Amitabh Bachchan, helped
BOMBAY TIMES (June 3, 2021)
Abhishek Bachchan recently opened up about battling Coronavirus and being hospitalised for the same. “Everybody has their own unique experience with COVID. I think people react to it differently. It was not a nice experience for me because my family was infected as well. If you are in a situation where you are under medical supervision, you are very powerless,” said Abhishek during a podcast.
“Your life is being run by the medical teams, so you are not really in control of your faculties in that sense and you don’t really have any power over what you do. It was tough to sleep in the initial nights I was at the hospital as I didn’t know what awaited me on the other side,” he added.
Abhishek said his father got him through his sleepless nights in the hospital. “Initially, my father and I were in the hospital together. A week later my wife (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and daughter (Aaradhya) were hospitalized. Thankfully, they only had to be there for about a week, but my dad and I stayed longer as we hadn’t tested negative,” he said, adding, “It was wonderful to wake up and go see my father, who was 78 last year, and someone with severe co-morbidities. But he was positive and had the fighting spirit to get through this. At that point my energies were obviously directed towards him and him becoming better because you fear for your parents, it’s actually of a sensitive age group.”
Seeing Big B’s fighting spirit was inspirational for Abhishek. “He is a great friend of mine, so it was good to shoot the breeze with him. When you are a COVID patient, although you can interact with other patients, there is nothing else to do, you just have to wait around. I mean he is a good roomie in that sense,” he said.
Reflecting on what COVID and the last year taught him, Abhishek said, “It taught me that you got to value your relationship and the fact that you have a happy and healthy family around you. There was a point I was frustrated during the lockdown, but then my wife put things into perspective for me and told me how for the first time in many years I could sit back, not be working round the clock and just enjoy the company of my family in the safety of my home. That by itself, is a blessing.”
— IANS
Breathe 2 and Ludo were a sort of a silver lining to this year-Abhishek Bachchan
8:04 AM
The actor talks about the many highs this year — making his web debut, getting praise for his first direct-to-OTT release, and also completing 20 years in Bollywood
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 26, 2020)
Completing 20 years in the Hindi film industry, making his web debut, and topping it off with good reviews for his direct to OTT film Ludo, Abhishek Bachchan was on a roll in 2020. A low point was him getting diagnosed with Covid-19 but he emerged victorious in that battle as well. We get talking to the man himself, who was also among the first crop of actors to step out and resume work amid the pandemic.
Breathe and then Ludo, both fetched you good reviews and became talking points. How would you sum up the year?
I am very grateful that I got to do some work and it released. I am grateful to the makers, the cast, and obviously above all, the audience. You feel blessed and lucky. At the end of the day, we work for the audiences’ acknowledgement and appreciation. What more can you ask for, than you being able to do your job and them liking it?
Did the fact that all this happened in the 20th year of your Bollywood innings make it even more special?
I never thought of it like that. I started working on Breathe in 2018. At that time, there wasn’t any timeline as to when we would release it. Incidentally, I also started working on Ludo that year. Once you make a film, there are so many other aspects that you’ve got before releasing it. You leave it to the producers and studio. But, is it special? I would say, it was sort of a silver lining to this year.
How was the phase when you were fighting Coronavirus?
I was more filled with concern for my family than anything else. My father (Amitabh Bachchan), wife (Aishwarya) and daughter (Aaradhya) got it too, thankfully my mother (Jaya) did not. Obviously, you are concerned about your loved ones and want them to be alright. There is little that you can do. I have to thank all the doctors and nurses who cared and worked so hard. I never actually had the time to sit and contemplate.
You completed work on two films, Bob Biswas and The Big Bull. Were there apprehensions, considering you had just recovered?
There is a concern at the back of your mind. That wasn’t for me, but who I am getting back home to. I live with my entire family, my parents are of a certain age. If you are going to be all out day, and come home, you get concerned. Somewhere, I have the confidence that if I am going to take care, chances of anything untoward happening are reduced.
No lavish bash for Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai's daughter Aaradhya?
8:06 AM
Accustomed to marking her birthday with make-believe Disney characters, Aaradhya Bachchan to bring in ninth with low-key celebration
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 13, 2020)
November 16 has usually been a day of merrymaking at the Bachchan household as the family marks granddaughter Aaradhya's birthday. However, Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan's daughter will have to bring in her ninth birthday with an intimate celebration in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, this year. "All Bollywood celebrations have been low-key. Aaradhya's birthday will also be muted. It will not be possible to host a grand event under the current circumstances," a source tells mid-day of the celebration that usually sees actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Farah Khan, Sanjay Dutt and their respective children, among others, in attendance.
"While the parents would usually spend four days planning her birthday to host Disney-themed parties, celebrations will be restricted to cutting cake. However, given that the day is special for the family, the parents will aim to make it as special as is possible," says the source, adding that the grand Diwali parties hosted by Bachchan and Ekta Kapoor, will also be cancelled this year. "The decision was taken to pay respect to Rishi Kapoor, who passed away this year."
Covid-19 strikes: Was it too early to 'unlock' showbiz?
8:40 AM
While some feel it’s time to reassess things, other say shoots must resume as livelihoods have been hit hard
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 14, 2020)
Spotted — this one word rules showbiz. An artiste being spotted in public means he or she has shoots or meetings and hence, the industry is functioning as usual. And it was after three months one heard the word again, as actors cautiously stepped out. But recent incidents — the Bachchans, actor Anupam Kher’s family, and actor Parth Samthaan all tested positive for Coronavirus — have forced a rethink. Was it too early to resume work?While many actors such as Vidya Balan and Akshay Kumar stepped out to shoot for ads, Amitabh Bachchan (who shot for a few promos at home), his son Abhishek (who stepped out to dub for his web show), his daughter-in-law Aishwarya and granddaughter Aaradhya have all tested positive. Actor Amit Sadh, who was dubbing for the same show as Abhishek, feels it was perhaps too soon. “It is a double-edged sword as we want to get back to work. But maybe it was too soon, we need to stop and re-evaluate,” says the 37-year-old.
Trade expert Atul Mohan concurs, “We are in a phase where cases are at an all-time high, and, even if you take precautions, all it will take is a fraction of a second to contract the virus. These cases have put us on the backfoot. We’ll have to be very careful about another step.”
But others argue that such cases don’t mean work should stop. Filmmaker R Balki, who had stepped out to shoot for a Covid-19 awareness ad with Kumar, says, “We have to get back to work. The cases are going to rise as you open up and you interact. We have to take precautions and move on. The recovery rate is also high, we can’t live in fear every time there is something. We can’t do that, life has to move on. Actors going out for post-production is the correct step.”Benaifer Kohli, producer of a TV show whose hairdresser recently tested positive, too feels it is imperative to resume work as technicians are the worst-affected. “Only 33% of the crew is allowed on set, what about the others at home, starving? It’s the right time to work, we should have stepped out earlier with precautions. It’s a flu, everybody is going to get it, it is like cold,” she says.
As for the hairdresser of the show’s actor, Saumya Tandon, Kohli says the person tested negative the day before she came on set for one day. “She tested positive on the 10th day, in those days she must have gone to the hospital or wherever. She was not on my set,” Kohli adds, saying that creating a bank of episodes will be tough as one has to shut the sets for three days after anyone tests positive.
Ashoke Pandit, chief advisor, Federation of Western India Cine Employees says it’s not that if there are no shoots people won’t be infected. “How long will technicians sit at home? Broadcasters have made huge investments, how long will they survive?” he says. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh agrees work should resume, but adds a word of caution: “All rules should be followed very strictly.”
As Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek are hospitalised all their shoots have been delayed
8:48 AM
As Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan are hospitalised after testing COVID-19 positive, filming of latter's The Big Bull deferred; Kolkata schedule of Bob Biswas pushed to post-monsoon
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 13, 2020)
Since Saturday night, Twitter has been flooded with wishes of speedy recovery after Amitabh Bachchan informed his legion of fans that he had tested positive for Coronavirus. The veteran — along with actor-son Abhishek Bachchan, who is also infected — was admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle. While the two are stable and showing mild symptoms, the next 20 days will be crucial as they undergo treatment.The recent development puts the brakes on their professional commitments. Bachchan has no shoot lined up until September when Kaun Banega Crorepati 12 is expected to roll. It may be recalled that adhering to the lockdown rules, the megastar, in May, had shot the game show's promo in the confines of his home as Nitesh Tiwari directed him virtually.
On his part, Abhishek followed the safety guidelines as he began dubbing for Breathe - Into The Shadows at an Andheri recording studio, after the restrictions were partially lifted in June. With the Amazon Prime Video series dropping online over the weekend, the actor was to train his focus on the five-day schedule of The Big Bull.
"We had maintained that we will begin shooting by July-end or early August. We can easily push the shoot to a later date now. After all, their health comes first," says producer Anand Pandit, who promptly reached out to Abhishek after hearing of their ill-health. "My prayers are with Bachchan saab and him. I am sure they will be fine." Despite the delay, Pandit is assured that the financial crime drama will be able to meet its deadline. "The October release of The Big Bull stands unchanged. We may have to expedite the post-production work to meet the release date."
The actor, 44, was to resume work on Sujoy Ghosh's Bob Biswas in Kolkata, in August. A source close to the project reveals, "Even though shoots have begun, stricter lockdown rules have been imposed in the city now. Several areas of south Kolkata are identified as containment zones. In light of the situation and Abhishek's health, the producers have deferred the week-long shoot; they will probably head to work only post-monsoon."
Home Quarantine For Aishwarya, Aaradhya
Abhishek Bachchan confirmed on Twitter on Sunday afternoon that wife Aishwarya and daughter Aaradhya had also tested positive. He added that the duo will be self-quarantining at home. Though Jaya Bachchan, who recently returned from Delhi, has tested negative, sources close to the family say she is being closely monitored for symptoms. Meanwhile, Amit Sadh, who met Abhishek during the dubbing of Breathe 2, informed his fans that he has taken "a precautionary COVID test" and is awaiting the results.
Aishwarya, Aaradhya also test positive for Coronavirus; Bachchans’ bungalows declared containment zones
8:45 AM
Jaya Bachchan Not Infected
Sumitra Deb Roy & Vijay V Singh | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; July 13, 2020)
Mumbai: Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (46) and her daughter Aaradhya (8) tested positive for the Coronavirus on Sunday, a day after her superstar father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan and actor husband Abhishek were hospitalised with the infection.The mother and daughter, both asymptomatic, decided to self-isolate at home by giving BMC a declaration.
Amitabh’s actress wife, Jaya, tested negative, as did their daughter Sweta Bachchan Nanda and her family.
Municipal officials said that in the family, only Abhishek had been stepping out for dubbing work.
The condition of Amitabh (77) and Abhishek (44) was said to be stable at Nanavati Hospital, where they were admitted on Saturday.
Dr Abdul Samad Ansari, head of critical care at Nanavati, said that their line of treatment was supportive therapy for now.
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BOMBAY TIMES (July 13, 2020)
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, while Jaya Bachchan tested negative. On Saturday night, Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek, who are being treated at a suburban hospital in Mumbai, took to social media to inform people that they have tested positive for COVID-19. In an official statement, the doctors at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital said that Amitabh Bachchan is stable with mild symptoms and is currently in the isolation unit of the hospital.Meanwhile, on Sunday morning, teams from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) arrived at the Bachchans’ bungalows to sanitize the premises. A source from the BMC said, “Four teams from the K-West ward sanitised their four bungalows — Jalsa, Pratiksha, Janak and Varsha — thoroughly. Later, the healthcare team from the ward conducted thermal screening of around 45 staff members present there. They have been asked to quarantine at home.”
Reportedly, the properties have been declared as containment zones. Messages wishing the Bachchans a speedy recovery poured in on social media from members of the film fraternity, politicians and fans.
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After Amitabh and Abhishek, Aishwarya and daughter test positive, Jaya Bachchan to be tested again
Chaitanya Marpakwar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 13, 2020)
The BMC on Sunday sealed all four bungalows belonging to the Bachchans in Juhu after it was confirmed that four members of the family—Amitabh, son Abhishek, daughter-inlaw Aishwarya and granddaughter Aaradhya—have tested positive for Covid-19. While Amitabh and Abhishek, who have mild symptoms, are undergoing treatment at an isolation ward in Nanavati hospital, Aishwarya and Aaradhya tested positive on Sunday, but are asymptomatic.
According to BMC officials, the civic body has sought a written declaration from the actress, if she and her daughter want to quarantine at home or else, they too would be shifted to the hospital. Jaya Bachchan’s results, meanwhile, have come back negative but she will be tested again. Samples of 16 staffers have also been taken for Covid-19 testing, including the family’s security guards and house help. The results are expected today.
“There is enough space in Jalsa (the bungalow where the Bachchans reside) for the staff to be put in isolation. We are providing them with all the help,” a senior civic official told Mirror, adding that all four bungalows have been sealed and marked as containment zones. “Four sanitisation and health teams were formed to inspect and sanitise the bungalows and screen their staff. In all, 30 people, who came in contact with the Bachchans, have been identified as high-risk. Those with symptoms will be tested,” the official added.
Confirming the news, Vishwas Mote, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, K-West Ward, said, “All four bungalows of the Bachchan family — Jalsa, Janak, Prateeksha and Vatsa — have been sealed and declared as containment zone as per protocol. We are conducting contact tracing among all staff members, and till now, 30 have been identified as high-risk.”
I would have performed Breathe 2 role based on conjecture-Abhishek Bachchan
9:02 AM
Parent to eight-year-old Aaradhya, Abhishek Bachchan on playing a father in Breathe 2, and the importance of character-building for the web
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; July 7, 2020)
"One of the most significant aspects of long-form narration — as in the case of a web show — is the amount of time that must be devoted to character-building," says Abhishek Bachchan. For his role of a psychiatrist dealing with the kidnapping of his daughter in Breathe - Into The Shadows, Bachchan had ample discussion, debates too, with director Mayank Sharma.
"Since we were not confined to a time window, we focused [on building] characteristics for Avinash, and [deciphering] how he would react in a situation. There are character traits that could be used later [in the show]. For instance, in one scene, Nitya [name of his wife's character] and Avinash see their daughter after a long time on an iPad that they receive. While Nitya's reaction is maternal, Avinash doesn't react. There was thought put into why he wouldn't be dramatic. He is a weighted person. As a psychiatrist, he is accustomed to dealing with bad news, and it takes a lot to faze him," Bachchan tells mid-day of the show that releases on Amazon Prime Video on July 10.
The second part of the series, that also features Amit Sadh, has him father a young daughter who meets an ill fate. Bachchan agrees that being a parent to Aaradhya, eight, had him draw from experiences while enacting the role. "Ten years ago, I would have performed this part based on conjecture. Now, as a dad, [I] could understand the bond and the depth of a child's emotions," he signs off.
Roman holiday for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after Diwali bash?
8:02 AM
After hosting Diwali bash, Abhishek Bachchan to whisk wife Aishwarya Rai to Italy for her 46th birthday celebration
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 28, 2019)
A week-long celebration lies ahead for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who turns a year older on November 1. After playing host last night as the Bachchans threw open the doors of Jalsa for their Diwali bash, the actor is expected to head out of the country for a quick birthday holiday. mid-day has it that husband Abhishek Bachchan is whisking Aishwarya to Rome for a few days of rest-and-recreation.A source says, "On Sunday, the Bachchans hosted a grand Diwali bash at home that went on till the wee hours of the morning. After a round of merry-making last night, Aishwarya, Abhishek and daughter Aaradhya will leave for Rome tonight. The doting husband has planned a week-long holiday, which will be a mix of business and pleasure. Aishwarya has an event lined up in the Italian capital on October 30 to mark her 20-year association with a Swiss watch brand. It will be a dual celebration as the brand officials have arranged a special birthday gala for her, with Abhishek and Aaradhya in attendance. After that, the trio will explore Rome and possibly the Vatican City over the next three days. He has already zeroed in on an exotic venue where they will ring in Ash's birthday on the night of October 31. Last year too, he had hosted a surprise birthday bash in Mumbai after which the trio headed to Goa for a getaway."
After the holiday, it will be all work and no play for the actor couple. Bachchan is expected to kick off the second schedule of Ajay Devgn-produced The Big Bull in the second week of November while Rai will begin prep for Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan. The source adds, "Before they dive headlong into work, the couple will organise an intimate party for their friends on their return to the bay."
After uproar, Vivek Oberoi deletes tweet about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan; apologizes
9:53 PM
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; May 22, 2019)
After making headlines over the delay of his upcoming film on PM Modi, Vivek Anand Oberoi has again landed in a controversy. On Monday, the actor retweeted a meme which promptly blew up in his face. The meme had a picture of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan titled ‘opinion poll’, followed by a Vivek and Aishwarya’s picture titled ‘exit poll’ and finally, a picture of Aishwarya with Abhishek and daughter Aaradhya titled ‘result.’ “Haha! Creative! No politics here…just life,” the actor wrote with the tweet. But it was deemed ‘offensive’, ‘disgusting’ and ‘misogynistic’ by many, including Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Madhur Bhandarkar and Hansal Mehta. He even got a notice from the National Commission for Women (NCW).
Following this backlash, Vivek deleted the meme on Tuesday morning and tweeted, “Sometimes what appears to be funny and harmless at first glance to one, may not be so to others. I have spent the last 10 years empowering more than 2,000 underprivileged girls, I can’t even think of being disrespectful to any woman ever. Even if one woman is offended by my reply to the meme, it calls for remedial action. Apologies tweet deleted.”Before deleting the tweet, on Monday evening, Vivek attended the screening of PM Modi’s biopic in Delhi. When he was asked if he would apologise for the tweet, he said, “I am still trying to understand what is it that people are objecting to. Someone created a meme on me and sent it to me. There are various memes created and I often laugh at them and I also laughed at this one and said that this is life. I don’t know why we are getting back to the regressive era of the 1920s. Everyone has a past, but all those who are public figures, their lives are in the public domain. Everyone keeps talking about actors’ affairs, break-ups, etc. All I am saying is that someone sent me a meme, I laughed at it and replied. I didn’t use any offensive word, didn’t abuse anyone, didn’t use any obscene picture. The meme has a beautiful family picture with Abhishek, Aishwarya and Aaradhya and I have only blessings and good wishes for them.”
On Monday, the NCW issued a notice to the actor seeking an explanation for his tweet. “We would like him to apologise on social media and personally also to the person concerned. If he doesn’t, we will see what legal action we can take against him,” Rekha Sharma, NCW chairperson, was quoted as saying. At the screening, when the actor was asked if he is going to apologise to the NCW, he said, “I would like to meet women’s commission. I have been working for women’s empowerment for the last 10 years. I am not someone who promotes women empowerment just on Twitter. In the last 10 years, I have helped with the rescue, education and well-being of around 2,200 girls, who were from abusive backgrounds. All these are facts and are well documented. So as far as respecting women is concerned, I am very careful. I personally feel there is nothing disrespectful about the tweet and I will meet the women’s commission. If they can explain to me what is wrong with the tweet, I will apologise to them.”About facing backlash from the film industry, Vivek said, “To all other people I would say why make this so big?” Reacting to Sonam’s tweet, he said, “Sometimes people write such things on Twitter to appear cool. I would like to ask Sonam what work has she done for women’s empowerment? I have been working on women empowerment since Sonam was working on her makeover. I would just tell Sonam, ‘I have a lot of respect and love for your father. But what you have written, to that I would like to give you a small advice. God bless you and wish you all the best in your career but please overact less on screen and overreact less on social media.’”
I wanted to do Mowgli for Aaradhya-Abhishek Bachchan
8:08 AM
Abhishek Bachchan reveals he lent his voice to Bagheera in Mowgli since daughter is a fan of The Jungle Book
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 26, 2018)
The dubbed Hindi version of Mowgli: Legend Of The Jungle boasts a stellar voice cast, including Abhishek Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit Nene. Bachchan, who brings Bagheera to life in the motion capture film, reveals that it was a purely emotional decision.
"I wanted to do the film for Aaradhya. When I told her that I'm playing Bagheera, she was thrilled. She has not seen all our films; she loves to read and is busy with her books. But I am keen to show her this movie," he says. Joyous that his seven-year-old child has inherited his love for the Rudyard Kipling classic, he adds, "I have grown up on The Jungle Book, and now my daughter is also a part of it."
The actor describes his first attempt at dubbing for an animation film as a "creatively satisfying" process. On the Hindi film front, he has wrapped up the shoot of Anurag Basu's next. Interestingly, the actor can be seen sporting a clean-shaven look these days. "I feel naked," quips Bachchan, who sported facial fuzz for the past six years. "I am facing withdrawal symptoms. Guys with beards tend to fidget with it. I, too, keep touching my face out of habit, only to realise that there is nothing. It is barren," he laughs.
Grand birthday bash with special theme on the cards for Aaradhya Bachchan’s birthday?
8:10 AM
MID-DAY (November 17, 2018)
Like every year, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan are pulling out all stops for daughter Aaradhya’s birthday. Since the tiny tot turned seven yesterday, we hear the couple is hosting a grand bash — with the theme of ‘Lucky number seven’ — at their Juhu bungalow this evening.
Says a guest invited for the do, “Aishwarya has been planning the party for days, looking into every detail, including the invites, the cake and decor. The theme of the bash is seven, so the decor is along the lines of the seven wonders of the world and the hues of the rainbow. The cake too is in the shape of the numeral.” The do will serve as the perfect occasion for the star kids to catch up.
On the guest list are Aamir Khan’s son Azad, Shah Rukh Khan’s son AbRam, Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna’s daughter Nitara, Farah Khan’s triplets — Czar, Anya and Diva — and Sanjay Dutt’s twins Shahraan and Iqra, among others.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan rings in her 45th birthday in Goa with Abhishek and Aaradhya Bachchan?
7:48 AM
As Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turns 45 today, Abhishek Bachchan takes a break from film shoot, whisks her away for an impromptu vacation in Goa
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 1, 2018)
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan may prefer a low-key birthday, but you can count on Abhishek Bachchan to plan a surprise for wifey dearest. The doting hubby, who has been shooting for Anurag Basu's next in Hooghly (see pic below), took a break to spend some quality time with his better half. We hear, he whisked Rai and daughter Aaradhya off to Goa to celebrate the actor's 45th birthday today.
Says a source, "Abhishek wanted to be by Aishwarya's side when she rang in her birthday. So, he flew down on Monday night from Anurag Basu's shoot of the Life In A Metro sequel. Abhishek hosted a surprise party at the Bachchans' Juhu address last night. It was a private do with only family and close friends in attendance. Aishwarya even visited the Siddhivinayak Temple last night, after which the trio headed out to Goa early this morning. It is essentially a quick family getaway before Abhishek dives headlong into the shoot of Anurag's film again on November 4."
The source adds that on the occasion, Rai will make her annual contribution to the Cancer Patients Aid Association for the treatment of children suffering from cancer — a practice she has been following over the past eight years. While she has a tradition of visiting the children on her birthday, she will have to give it a miss this time around.
Anita Peter, executive director, Cancer Patients Aid Association, says, "Whenever Aishwarya is in Mumbai, she takes time out to meet our patients. We have been told that she is travelling and hence, won't be visiting us on her birthday. However, she has conveyed to us that she would love to meet the kids once she's back."
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