Aishwarya Rai Refuses to Accept French Honour

For Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan the family always comes first. She never tires of proving this in all her actions and gestures. Whether it’s rushing home from any part of the world to see her ailing father every time her tight schedule permitted or to paying a flash-visit from Kochi’s location for Mani Ratnam’s film to check on her mother-in-law when she was down with a persistent flu, Aishwarya’s commitment to the family is unerring passionate and immovable.

It therefore comes as no big surprise to know Aishwarya refused to accept the French government second- highest civilian honor ‘Officer Dan Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres’(officer of the order of arts and letters) conferred so far on Hollywood actors like Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, until her father recovered from his serious illness.

Says Aishwarya, “It’s true. I wanted my entire family, and that now means my parents brother, sister-in-law, my husband and his parents and sister and brother-in-law, to attend the function. And as you know my father has been unwell for the past one year. So I requested the French government to defer the ceremony until he was well. I wanted my father to be there for me at this important moment.”

The French honour has so far been given only to one Indian actor.

“That’s right,” confirms Aishwarya. “Shah Rukh Khan received it last year. And now me. There’s only one higher French civilan honour the Legion d’honour which Pa(father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan), Mr Satyajit Ray and Pandit Ravi Shankar have received. So receiving it would be a glorious moment. But please, not without my father! There was no way I was going to go into it without my father’s presence.”

Now that her dad is well enough to attend the event Aishwarya has informed the authorities to go ahead with it.

The function could take place any time now. It might be held in India. Or it could happen in Paris when Aishwarya attends the world premiere of her latest international film Pink Panther 2.

“Yes that is a possibility, provided the entire family can make it together to Paris and my father can brave the long flight.It’s a long list of dos and don’ts. But worth it, don’t you think?”

Aishwarya Rai Refuses to Accept French Honour

For Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan the family always comes first. She never tires of proving this in all her actions and gestures. Whether it’s rushing home from any part of the world to see her ailing father every time her tight schedule permitted or to paying a flash-visit from Kochi’s location for Mani Ratnam’s film to check on her mother-in-law when she was down with a persistent flu, Aishwarya’s commitment to the family is unerring passionate and immovable.

It therefore comes as no big surprise to know Aishwarya refused to accept the French government second- highest civilian honor ‘Officer Dan Ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres’(officer of the order of arts and letters) conferred so far on Hollywood actors like Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, until her father recovered from his serious illness.

Says Aishwarya, “It’s true. I wanted my entire family, and that now means my parents brother, sister-in-law, my husband and his parents and sister and brother-in-law, to attend the function. And as you know my father has been unwell for the past one year. So I requested the French government to defer the ceremony until he was well. I wanted my father to be there for me at this important moment.”

The French honour has so far been given only to one Indian actor.

“That’s right,” confirms Aishwarya. “Shah Rukh Khan received it last year. And now me. There’s only one higher French civilan honour the Legion d’honour which Pa(father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan), Mr Satyajit Ray and Pandit Ravi Shankar have received. So receiving it would be a glorious moment. But please, not without my father! There was no way I was going to go into it without my father’s presence.”

Now that her dad is well enough to attend the event Aishwarya has informed the authorities to go ahead with it.

The function could take place any time now. It might be held in India. Or it could happen in Paris when Aishwarya attends the world premiere of her latest international film Pink Panther 2.

“Yes that is a possibility, provided the entire family can make it together to Paris and my father can brave the long flight.It’s a long list of dos and don’ts. But worth it, don’t you think?”

I don't regret my bit role in 'Pink Panther': Ash

Much has been written about Aishwarya Rai's so-called minuscule role in Hollywood film "Pink Panther 2". While the actress admits it is an out-and-out Steve Martin film, she maintains she signed it for an enriching experience and not for extra footage.

"It's a bit silly and exhausting to even talk about the length of my role based on what's seen in the trailers. Did anyone question my role in 'Khakee' when there was only one shot of me in the promo? Isn't that a very myopic view of contemporary acting? In my very first film 'Iruvar', I thought I transcended this footage fetish," Aishwarya told IANS.

Aishwarya, a former Miss World, doesn't regret doing the film.

"I didn't work in 'Pink Panther 2' because it was an international project. I got the script. I happily chose to be part of the film. They shot exactly what I was offered. I don't need to work with stardust in my eyes.

"Of course, 'Pink Panther' is a Steve Martin vehicle. Is that something to question? All the rest of the wonderful cast including Jean Reno and Andy Garcia play supporting roles. I treasure the experience of working in 'Pink Panther 2'."

Aishwarya says footage is not a burning issue for her.

"The choices I've made in my career aren't just about footage but an opportunity to work with actors, directors and technicians who enrich my life. Believe me working in 'Pink Panther' was a joy.

"It was a wonderful experience working with a stalwart like Steve Martin and the rest of the cast and crew. Why spoil it by questioning how much footage I have? So many Indian actors have worked in international ensemble casts."

The actress attended the film's premiere in New York Tuesday along with husband Abhishek Bachchan.

"They wanted me to be here for the film's promotion from earlier on. But I couldn't because of my prior commitments in India. We've a series of premieres lined up, which started in New York on Feb 3. From there it's a crazy whirlwind trip that will take me to several countries and continents from Paris to Berlin to Moscow to Madrid.

"The final destination for my 15-day trip will take me to a screening at the Berlin film festival. Then I'm back and I go straight to resume Mani Ratnam's film."

It is a double celebration for Aishwarya in New York this week. First is the premiere of "Pink Panther 2" that is followed by Abhishek's birthday Thursday. The couple plans to celebrate his birthday in style.

"Abhishek is in New York with me. But he won't be able to accompany me for my other premieres because he has to be in India for the promotion of 'Delhi 6'," said Aishwarya, who returns to India Feb 14.

Interestingly, Aishwarya was offered the lead opposite Will Smith in "Seven Pounds" which opens in Mumbai this week.

"Will Smith and I will work together for sure," laughed Aishwarya. "There have been a number of offers. Dates just don't work out. If he's keen to work with me, so am I," said the actress.

I don't regret my bit role in 'Pink Panther': Ash

Much has been written about Aishwarya Rai's so-called minuscule role in Hollywood film "Pink Panther 2". While the actress admits it is an out-and-out Steve Martin film, she maintains she signed it for an enriching experience and not for extra footage.

"It's a bit silly and exhausting to even talk about the length of my role based on what's seen in the trailers. Did anyone question my role in 'Khakee' when there was only one shot of me in the promo? Isn't that a very myopic view of contemporary acting? In my very first film 'Iruvar', I thought I transcended this footage fetish," Aishwarya told IANS.

Aishwarya, a former Miss World, doesn't regret doing the film.

"I didn't work in 'Pink Panther 2' because it was an international project. I got the script. I happily chose to be part of the film. They shot exactly what I was offered. I don't need to work with stardust in my eyes.

"Of course, 'Pink Panther' is a Steve Martin vehicle. Is that something to question? All the rest of the wonderful cast including Jean Reno and Andy Garcia play supporting roles. I treasure the experience of working in 'Pink Panther 2'."

Aishwarya says footage is not a burning issue for her.

"The choices I've made in my career aren't just about footage but an opportunity to work with actors, directors and technicians who enrich my life. Believe me working in 'Pink Panther' was a joy.

"It was a wonderful experience working with a stalwart like Steve Martin and the rest of the cast and crew. Why spoil it by questioning how much footage I have? So many Indian actors have worked in international ensemble casts."

The actress attended the film's premiere in New York Tuesday along with husband Abhishek Bachchan.

"They wanted me to be here for the film's promotion from earlier on. But I couldn't because of my prior commitments in India. We've a series of premieres lined up, which started in New York on Feb 3. From there it's a crazy whirlwind trip that will take me to several countries and continents from Paris to Berlin to Moscow to Madrid.

"The final destination for my 15-day trip will take me to a screening at the Berlin film festival. Then I'm back and I go straight to resume Mani Ratnam's film."

It is a double celebration for Aishwarya in New York this week. First is the premiere of "Pink Panther 2" that is followed by Abhishek's birthday Thursday. The couple plans to celebrate his birthday in style.

"Abhishek is in New York with me. But he won't be able to accompany me for my other premieres because he has to be in India for the promotion of 'Delhi 6'," said Aishwarya, who returns to India Feb 14.

Interestingly, Aishwarya was offered the lead opposite Will Smith in "Seven Pounds" which opens in Mumbai this week.

"Will Smith and I will work together for sure," laughed Aishwarya. "There have been a number of offers. Dates just don't work out. If he's keen to work with me, so am I," said the actress.

Abhishek to celebrate b'day away from home

Abhishek Bachchan might have to spend his birthday away from home this year as well. Last year, the actor was away in Jaipur for the shoot of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi 6.

And this year as well after wrapping up his Raavan schedule, the Dostana actor will be away in US for the promotion of Delhi 6, which releases on February 20.

He along with the film's entire cast kickstart the promotional campaign in New York. Film's lead actress Sonam Kapoor was single handedly involved in the promos because Abhishek was busy shooting for Raavan.

Reports suggest that Abhishek might be joined by wife Aishwarya Rai to spend the special day together.

Abhishek to celebrate b'day away from home

Abhishek Bachchan might have to spend his birthday away from home this year as well. Last year, the actor was away in Jaipur for the shoot of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi 6.

And this year as well after wrapping up his Raavan schedule, the Dostana actor will be away in US for the promotion of Delhi 6, which releases on February 20.

He along with the film's entire cast kickstart the promotional campaign in New York. Film's lead actress Sonam Kapoor was single handedly involved in the promos because Abhishek was busy shooting for Raavan.

Reports suggest that Abhishek might be joined by wife Aishwarya Rai to spend the special day together.