Aishwarya: Through the years

Aishwarya Rai shot into the limelight when she won the title of Miss World in 1994.

 

While in college, Aishwarya wanted to be an architect but later on gave up on those plans to pursue a career in modeling.

Ash became a popular model and still continues to be one.

 

She went on to win Miss World title in 1994.

 

She made her debut with Mani Ratnam's 'Iruvar' and her Bollywood debut opposite Bobby Deol in 'Aur Pyar Hogaya'

 

Even though she did not taste success in her initial flicks, she went on to deliver hits - Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Taal, Devdas - the list is pretty long

 

She has shared the screen with almost all the famous names from the Indian movie industry.

 

She has dated Salman Khan and Vivek Oberoi before getting married to Abhishek Bachchan.

 

Earlier this year, her father in law - Amitabh Bachchan announced that she is pregnant.

 

Aishwarya started keeping away from the public eye

 

Even when Madhur Bhandarkar questioned her professionalism - Ash acted very cool.

 

She returned the fee Madhur had given her for 'Heroine'

Aishwarya has over time proved that she is just not a pretty face.

 

So what does this birthday mean for this soon to be mom?

 

Astrologers predict she will have a baby girl.

According to a report, she should ideally be staying at home and taking care of the baby.

 

Will she be a stay at home mother or a public figure?

Will Aishwarya continue acting even after the child is born.

 

The year ahead will give us the answer.

Playboy model Candice is Aishwarya fan

I am a big fan of Aishwarya Rai, says Playboy model Candice Boucher, who is set to make her Bollywood debut with 'Aazaan' and describes it as an opportunity of a lifetime.

'I did know about Bollywood before doing this film because while growing up in South Africa, we did have a few Indian movies showcased on the TV. I was aware a little bit about the industry that it's very colourful and has a lot of music and dance,' Candice told IANS in an interview.

Video: First Look: Aazaan

'I don't remember the names of the film right now, but as far as the actors are concerned, I am a big fan of Aishwarya Rai. She is gorgeous and a great actress too. The fact that she has made a mark not only in Bollywood but also Hollywood, speaks a lot about her. She is beautiful,' added the model who visited India six times earlier and loves the family bond people share here.

Photos: Aishwarya is expecting

The 27-year-old, who also modelled for magazines like FHM, GQ, Cosmopolitan, Sports Illustrated and Elle, is excited about director Prashant Chadha's 'Aazaan'.

Also read: Aazaan-one of the most expensive films of Bollywood

Entrepreneur-turned-actor Sachin Joshi plays the male lead in the film, while Candice is roped in as a sand artist and as Sachin's love interest in 'Aazaan', slated for an Oct 14 release.

The model says being a part of a Hindi film was nerve-wracking for her.

'Prashant got this project to me. He gave me a call when I was in New York last year and told me that he has a part that is perfect for me. I was little nervous because it was a Hindi movie. I don't speak the language and my dancing is also not really up to the mark.

'But Prashant kind of scripted the role around me and my personality and then he changed all my dialogues to English. It was a fun experience, but equally nerve-wracking,' said Candice.

Will she stay and make a career in Bollywood?

'Prashant just gave me an opportunity of a lifetime and I couldn't say no to it. It was a learning experience. If I think about going in the Bollywood direction, I have to see my Hindi definitely. It has to be a lot better and also the dancing. So at the moment I'm happy that I got this opportunity and I'll keep on trying to learn Hindi. But Bollywood isn't something I'll only concentrate on.

'However, if something great comes up, I'm open to the idea,' said Candice who has done an item song in the film, which was choreographed by Ashley Lobo.

Candice hit the headlines during the Cannes Film Festival this year for her bold red carpet style. Check out her photos here