*Latest Abhishek News* Options

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http://www.starboxoffice.com/newsDetails.a...ews_20100811_45

Preity's favourites


Preity Zinta has worked with the hit brigade of Bollywood when she was part of the hit brigade of Bollywood. She reminisces about (some of) her favourite co-stars.

Abhishek Bachchan: We both talk a lot and can go on jabbering away ceaselessly. It would be competition between us. We are very comfortable with each other and I am so happy he is married to my best pal, Ash.

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http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/n...how/6330842.cms

Swatch Group to introduce 'Omega' jewellery range in India

NEW DELHI: Luxury watch maker Swatch Group today said it will introduce the 'Omega' brand jewellery and accessories in India by early next year.

The company is also working on strengthening its presence in the country by expanding retail reach for its watch brands.

"Currently we are working on settling the legal issues related to import of perfumes and jewellery, but are hopeful to introduce the range either by this year end or early next year in India," Omega Vice President and International Sales Director Raynald Aeschliman told PTI.

The new range will include jewellery, bracelets, cuff- links and perfumes. The jewellery pieces would be priced upwards of Rs one lakh, while the accessories will be sold from Rs 15,000 onwards. Currently, Omega sells watches in India that bear an average price tag of Rs 1 lakh.

The company has plans to open additional 'Omega' flagship stores in the big cities and introduce new range to expand its watch business.

"Currently Omega has 50 points of sale in India, including five flagship stores. By next year we plan to open additional five more Omega flagship stores," Aeschliman said.

He, however did not share details on the investment planned. "India offers huge potential for Swatch Group brands and the company is determined to exploit it," he added.

Omega, today introduced a new collection--'New Constellation' here with brand ambassadors Abhishek Bachchan and Sonali Bendre.

The Swatch Group has 19 watch brands including Tiffany, Omega, Longines, Rado, Tissot and Hamilton.

The company had set up a subsidiary in India about 10 years back with an intention to have a strong presence here.

"All the brands in the Group's portfolio are working on plans to expand in India as the company is already seeing double digit growth in the country," Aeschliman said.

Currently the company imports all its watched to be sold in India.

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http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/lifest..._100414520.html

Designer wants Abhishek Bachchan’s picture on jewellery piece

August 18th, 2010 - 11:37 pm ICT by IANS ( Leave a comment )

Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS) Designer Laksha Pahuja, who showcased a two segment collection at the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW), drew inspiration for one of his jewellery pieces from the film “Raavan” and wishes to have actor Abhishek Bachchan’s picture on it.
“The piece that is designed as having 10 heads is inspired by the film ‘Raavan’. The film didn’t do well but I really liked it so I decided to make this piece,” Pahuja told IANS.

“The jewellery item has 10 faces on it and there is one at the back, which is empty, I really wish to have Abhishek Bachchan’s picture on it since the item is inspired by a film in which he plays Raavan,” he said.

The piece, that is made of silver, gold and diamonds, was the only one that was showcased by a male model in the show.

The collection also had other impressive and innovative designs including the one with a dragon and the other with pink dolphins.

Talking about his jewellery that majorly was composed of gold, cubic zirconia diamonds and other precious stones, Pahuja said: “Jewellery is my passion and I am god gifted when it comes to the creativity of designs.”

“Also I am a goldsmith, so I exactly know how to make experimental and innovative jewellery. It is very important to know goldsmithing because only then you get to know how far you can go in experimentation.

“It is easy to put designs on paper but converting them to reality is something different,” he added.

The collection was divided into two parts. One had designs of cocktail jewellery that was primarily made of diamonds and coloured stones. The second segment boasted of more creative and futuristic designs.

IIJW is the first ever jewellery week taking place in India and will conclude Thursday. The event has been organised by the Gem and Jewellery Promotion Council.

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http://www.indiablooms.com/BollywoodDetail...ails180810f.php

Sonali, Abhishek unveil Omega collection

India Blooms News Service

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IBNS) Actors Abhishek Bachchan and Sonali Bendre Behl dazzled the ramp on Wednesday to unveil the latest collection of Swiss watch brand Omega here.

Bachchan Jr and Sonali walked the ramp with twelve other beauties to launch the new collection- Constellation.

Announcing the launch of the new line, Mr Raynald Aeschlimann, Vice President and International Sales Director, Omega said: “With the new range and a strong brand ambassador association, we are confident of achieving another quantum breakthrough in the luxury watch segment this year. The alluring new designs would definitely captivate every watch connoisseur’s heart.”

The launch evening witnessed models Joey Matthew, Laxmi Rana, Indrani Das Gupta, Krishna, and Rebecca walking through with pieces of spectacular aesthetic effects and subtle beauty.

Gauri and Nainika’s collection - dazzling patterns, sleek cuts and furs - fascinated everyone present.

The show was choreographed by renowned choreographers Aparna and Tanya.

As for the Omega brand ambassadors, tinsel town diva Sonali Bendre Behl looked stunning in her Gauri Nainika’s dress and Abhishek Bachchan, one of Bollywood’s most popular contemporary stars was dashing in his ensemble.

Speaking at the ocassion, Abhishek said- “It has been a wonderful experience working with this brand which is dynamic as well as innovative. It is my pleasure to launch The Omega New Constellation today. Each and every design reflects an attitude of perfection and prosperity.”

Sonali Bendre Behl added, “As a woman, I identify with Omega’s unique positioning of self-expression. The new line with its thicker straps are very contemporary in its styling and I have been highly impressed by the attention to detail. These styles are truly unique and will appeal to those with a discerning eye and seeking world-class products."

Priced at Rs 96000 onwards for ladies and Rs 1,05,000 onwards for men, the New Constellation range will be available at Omega boutiques and key multi-brand outlets in select cities.

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/enterta...how/6381048.cms

Don’t take time for granted: Abhi

Abhishek and Sonali Bendre Behl have more in common than the same best friend.

Abhishek Bachchan says his father taught him about punctuality, and Sonali Bendre Behl credits her husband and AB Jr’s best friend, Goldie Behl, for hers. And both Abhishek and Sonali, brand ambassadors for Omega, don’t take time for granted. Says Abhishek, “Being punctual to me is as important as it is to my father. He taught me that if you don’t respect time, time will not respect you. And I haven’t forgotten that.”

And AB uses his favourite timekeeper, an Omega watch, to keep him on track. Talking to DT during the launch of the Swiss brand’s latest collection - New Constellation - he said, “Sonali gave me my first Omega. It has a silver casing, white face and blue hands; I still have it. I was so excited when I got my first one. Growing up, you thought that after working hard, one day, you’ll be able to buy an Omega.” In addition to traditional designs, the New Constellation collection that was launched by the two has a range of contemporary watches, with a mix of sleek and strong looks.

Sonali echoes the same feelings about her first. “I have a husband who is paranoid about being punctual about certain things, and he’s taught me to live with punctuality. And that’s where my watch is so important to me. In my childhood, we could never dream of getting a watch like this in the country, but now you can.

People can go look at it, and understand what the brand stands for and why is it so special. For me personally, if I wasn’t in the movies, and I wasn’t an actress, considering where I came from, an Omega watch was a very big thing that you only aspired to have. And I want to leave mine for my children. In my childhood, an Omega in the family was an heirloom,” she says.

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Abhi-Ajay: Love your neighbour

TNN, Aug 19, 2010, 12.00am IST

Abhishek Bachchan and Ajay Devgn are thick as thieves.

They've been friends since Major Saab, when Ajay acted with the Big B and Abhi supervised the publicity photoshoot with common friend Sonali Bendre. The two buddies also did a dud called Zameen for Rohit Shetty.

Abhi recently visited Ajay on the sets of Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji and they were seen cracking jokes. Incidentally Kajol is very fond of Jaya Bachchan who lives four blocks away. And she visits the Bachchan home to meet Jaya. Even Big B is fond of Ajay and Kajol. It's definitely a case of loving the neighbour.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/enterta...s#ixzz0xB1aGtop

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http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/repo...achchan_1426985

Rakhsha Bandhan a stressful time for brothers, says Abhishek Bachchan

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan feels that the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, which will be celebrated this Tuesday, is the most stressful time for all brothers.

With elder sister Shweta, who is based in Delhi, busy giving finishing touches to the handmade Rakhi for her "baby brother", Abhishek is wondering what he should give his doting didi in return.

"Rakhi is just round the corner. Most stressful time for all brothers! What do we get our sisters? Is there anything in the material world... that represents our love for them?," he wonders.

In his tweets, the 34 year old actor said, "Only if we could get away with.... I love you very much didi. The world would be such a wonderful place, stress free.... but then comes the guilt trip.. 'I hand made this Rakhi just for you' and that's it! you are finished!!! Am pretty sure my sister is going to do just that very soon."

Shweta, in her tweets, had recently said that she makes hand made Rakhi every year and her brother wears it for an entire year.

"He deserves a special one no?," she had tweeted.

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http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/repo...ay-gehi_1429372

Abhishek Bachchan is a fun guy to be with: Ajay Gehi

Ajay Gehi, whom we last saw in Raavan, is a very happy man these days. After a hiatus of almost four years, the actor was back with director Mani Ratnam’s film.

Speaking to DNA, Ajay says, “I had done Vishal Bharadwaj’s Maqbool after which I dabbled on television with a show called Milee but soon quit TV as my calling was always films. And then got a call from Mani Ratnam and Raavan happened.”

Ajay, who played Abhishek Bachchan’s brother in the movie, says, “Raavan gave me the opportunity to work with Mr Mani Ratnam. But the film has not got me any so-called plum offers as yet. So I guess it will take some other film to further my career.”

Telling us about his co-star Abhishek, he adds, “He is a fun guy to be with. Even when he is serious, in no time he is light-hearted and funny again and he can cook great chicken masala.”

Currently Ajay is busy with his first film as a co-producer. “It is a story of a common man who is struck by an unfortunate event but finds his inner strength to move on in life.”

Talking about his future plans, “I'm working on a film which will go on the floors by December. I will be playing the role of a police officer who is the protagonist of the story. As an actor I want to act in more films and as a film-maker, I want to make more meaningful cinema,” he ends.

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http://www.telecomtiger.com/Wireless_fulls...mp;section=S216

Idea Cellular comes up with new campaign to overcome language barrier using mobile


Idea Cellular is set to launch a new marketing campaign starting weekend to showcase how mobile phone can be used to overcome the language barrier.

The ad will feature the company’s brand ambassador, Abhishek Bachchan who will be shown giving a new idea to overcome the language barrier without speaking any language.[/b]

Speaking about the upcoming campaign, Anupama Ahluwalia, Vice President – Marketing, IDEA Cellular, said “Almost every Indian has gone through a situation where one has struggled to communicate with another fellow Indian just because of language. India’s diversity lies in its languages, and rather than being intimidated by this barrier, we need to just find a simple solution to overcome it and easily adapt to different environments and people. The new Idea campaign offers a Champion idea to address this concern of our society, through the power of mobile telephony. We are confident that the new brand campaign will build a strong connect with the audience and further grow Idea’s over 70 million subscriber base.”

The campaign is targeted towards the youth and is designed by Idea’s creative agency, Lowe.

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http://www.indianexpress.com/news/--I-bare...o-act---/674337

'I barely know how to act!'

Abhishek Bachchan floored Pune on Saturday with his wit, humour and humility

It's not every day that Pune gets treated to the Royal Bollywood couple. So when Abhishek Bachchan drove into the city with wife Aishwarya in tow, he made everyone's day, or night rather. The actor was the chief guest at the Citadel Extravaganza 2010 held at Le Meridien on Saturday evening. His wit and humour led to thunderous applause and echoing shouts of 'We love You' to which he took a Dostana stance and lamented, “I can hear just the men shouting!”

When asked to give a message to the contestants, he smiled, “Though I'm the wrong half of my marriage for pageant advice, I'd just say that do what you love and be yourself. I'm a veteran at messing up and I know how it feels. But remember, everyone's a winner.” That said, the crowning ceremony took place, and then began a chase down the back stairway, up to the fifth floor lounge area where the actor settled down for a charming tête-à-tête with us.


His histrionics in Raavan didn't please one and all. What were his expectations from the film? He says, “In the industry, personal expectations don't matter. We get the answer from the audience in the first show of the film. The entire team slogged to make a film that would entertain the audience. If the response is negative, we just have to move on with humility.” So, when he decides on a film, is it the script, the character or the entertainment factor that appeals to him? “A blend of all actually. I love the song-and-dance in our films. People call it melodramatic and illogical, but I love it!” he says. The actor always lends himself to the character. “But, Beera (Raavan) was so uneducated, crude and violent. He was a complete departure from me. But it's good to do work where you can't contribute individually to the character,” he quips. Abhishek found himself in the midst of a controversy over who really performed the ‘diving off the cliff’ stunt in Raavan. “I did the stunt, so did the professional diver who taught me and so did a five-year-old,” he remarks. “The diver's shot was used as mine looked very amateurish!” he clears.

The Bachchans have lashed out at the media for invading their privacy. But, on the other hand, they have been connecting with fans on social networking sites like Twitter and narrowing the gap between them. “I think it's very important to connect with our viewers. The direct access is great, but these sites shouldn't be used to promote films. I don't like the word 'followers' but I can't help that it's there. I reply to as many tweets as I can from my fans,” he says.

Though viewers would love to see the entire Bachchan clan in a film, Abhishek thinks it will be tough. “The film will have to satisfy the creative needs of each actor at home!” he reasons. In his next film, which is slated for a December release, he stars opposite Deepika Padukone. “It's Ashutosh Gowariker's period film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se that is based on the Chittagong uprising of 1930. I'm playing Surjyo Sen who headed the uprising,” he reveals.

Does the 'Bachchan' tag overshadow the characters he plays, we ask curiously. “See, it happens with every actor all over the world. It's not possible for an actor to completely disconnect with the person he is. How well you allow the audience to suspend that belief is the real catch. But, we break the myth ourselves right in the beginning as movies start with our names in the credits!” he says. The actor admits that he still has a lot to learn, especially from his father Amitabh Bachchan. “I am what I am because of my parents. Dad's hunger to learn and his dedication to his work is unparalleled. On the sets, he's like a child who is doing his first film!” he smiles.

Paa was a first for Abhishek in many ways. One, he played his father's father, and two, he turned producer. Is direction too on his agenda? “No, no!” he exclaims, “It's too hard. I barely know how to act!” Obviously, his fans will disagree with that remark. He smiles, acknowledging that he has quite a following in Pune too. “I used to come to Pune as a child. I love the Shrewsbury biscuits here. It's fantastic to see Pune's growth from a quaint town to a bustling metro. Aishwarya and I will come more often as she has family here,” he promises.

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http://www.indianexpress.com/news/small-talk/674338/


A spectacular evening

The Citadel Extravaganza 2010, held at Le Meridien on Saturday evening, was a mix of glitter and glitz and the bold and the beautiful. 14 contestants vied for the Mr & Ms Citadel 2010 titles through four rounds of Indian wear, Casual Wear, Q-n-A and Common Question rounds. In the first round, the girls looked gorgeous in sheer sarees and stringy blouses embellished with sequins while the boys looked hunky in low-neck waist-coats. The casual round was fun and chirpy as the contestants showed off some Latin-American dance moves on Shakira's Waka Waka. The judges – actors Chunky Pandey, Tanisha, Arjan Bajwa, Mrunal Kulkarni, Ajinkya Deo along with Paroneeta Hira, Sandip Soparkarr, Ajinkya Firodia, Hrishikeish Shirodkar and Nitin Desai – had a tough time shortlisting the contestants for the semi-final and final rounds. And to give them time in between the sequences, there were performances by Australian dance troupe Zingara, a Tandav-cum-martial arts dance and a contemporary dance performance by Hrishikesh Pawar and his troupe. Also, Pune's Pradeep Bhargava and Sheila Christian were felicitated for their exemplary work. Back to the contestants, the winners – Abhishek Malik and Vibhuti Sharma were crowned by Chief Guest Abhishek Bachchan. Sameer Singh and Shaurya Sanadhya were the first runners-up, while Halley Laithangbam and Aarzoo Alamin were the second runners-up. Those present at the event were Mayor Mohan Singh Rajpal, Ramesh Wanjale, Subhash Sanas, Swati and Manish Dholepatil among other

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/enterta...how/6475024.cms

Paa greatest actor in B'wood: Abhi

Sometime after the 'Clock-hands joined palms in respectful greeting,' as Salman Rushdie might have said, Abhishek Bachchan creates time for an exclusive interview. Yes, it is midnight.

The Tall Small B has had a hectic evening till then but, after he sits on a straight-backed restaurant chair, he flashes that bright smile of his. Please ask, one can see the question in his eyes, the emphasis being on the word 'please'. His wonderfully mild-mannered approach sets the tone for the interview.

A fairly long journey in a fairly short time. So many films, some hits, others flops, but each of which has been a teacher in its own right. Where does Abhishek Bachchan see himself in terms of acting progression? Staring at the round table in front of him as he plays with his fingers, he says, "Acting is an unending road. "Refugee" was released 10 years ago. I would like to think that there has been a huge improvement since then. My knowledge of the craft has increased. You could say I have become more comfortable with my craft."

Abhishek has three films in the pipeline, among which are Abhinay Deo's " Game" and Rohan Sippy's "Dum Maro Dum". But the film that is making news is Ashutosh Gowariker's "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey", a period drama, in which Abhishek plays the role of the Bengali revolutionary Surya Sen, or Masterda as he was popularly known. "You might like this very much," he says with the hint of a mischievous smile that disappears almost before it appears, referring to this writer's Bengali roots.

For the historically inclined, Masterda, who was famous for his guerrilla warfare tactics, carried out a famous anti-British exercise known as the Chattagram Astraghar Luntthan (or, the Chittagong armoury raid). Such was the man's charisma that his fame has leapt out of history books and found a place in Bengali folklore. How did he prepare for the character? He replies, "Since he died 80 years ago, one couldn't have seen him. So one had to rely on what is documented." He compliments his director immediately thereafter, "Ashutosh's research is fantastic as usual."

"Dum Maro Dum" is a forthcoming Rohan Sippy film. Why do so many Bollywood films have titles from Hindi songs? He laughs heartily, "Come to think of it. Rohan's first film was " Kuch Naa Kaho"." Pausing awhile, he adds, "But, jokes apart, the fact is that the title of the film suited the subject."

The son of a legend that he is, he must be learning something new everyday. " Understandably," he replies, "We stay in the same house. Mr Amitabh Bachchan is the greatest actor we have ever had. What amazes me is his thirst for learning even at this stage of his career. His dedication is a quality one learns so much from."

Poised at the threshold of an even better career, Abhishek Bachchan continues to retain his modesty, a quality that makes him really endearing. But then, we all know what makes him the way he is.

[Annihilator]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/I-ll-be-happ...le1-595075.aspx

I’ll be happy with two kids

GQ India, for this month’s cover story, asks Abhishek Bachchan about kids and how many he wants, he says, “I’ll be happy with two kids. I mean I have a sister, so maybe that’s where it comes from. I feel they are blessings of God, and it should just happen as and when. You know, whenever it’s meant to be. I am against the whole thing of ‘Let’s plan it’, you know, ‘We’re trying for a baby’.

“I find that a bit weird. I don’t want to have that vision in my head of somebody else. And now I’ve finally decided that I’m that sort of a guy. It’s really none of your business. I find it very intrusive. I really don’t want to know when other people are having babies; why would you want to know when I’m having babies?”

Bachchan claims to be very shy in reality, “I grew up in a boarding school where there were 300 students in total. So everybody was very closely knit. I spent nine years there, so, you know, even if you had a girlfriend, she was in your class. You interacted on an everyday basis, so there wasn’t really an opportunity to go out and do the whole dating thing. I never ever did that, and I was way too shy to go speak to a girl.”

As for advice on dealing with women Bachchan says, “Don’t ever give women an opportunity to ask you how they’re looking. Be it your sister, your mother, your girlfriend or your wife. Don’t let it come to the point where they’re asking, “How am I looking in this?” That’s a trick question. Because if you’re honest, then it’s “Oh! So you don’t like me in this? Am I looking too fat? Is my make-up…?”

“There is no right answer… The idea is to tell them how they’re looking before they can ask you their question. That’s the trick, guys! And I will only say this to a men’s magazine!

[Annihilator]

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloids/ab...ecade-films-031

Rumor

Abhishek to celebrate a decade in films

Abhishek Bachchan has completed his first decade in Bollywood. The actor who made his debut with J.P. Duta’s Refugee in 2000 worked in about 14-15 films before he got his first hit with Dhoom. And the Bachchans are now contemplating throwing a big private bash at their residence to celebrate the same.

Our source said, “The Bachchans have not had a celebration party after Abhishek’s wedding with Aishwarya three years back. Now they want to celebrate this occasion and Big B is also keen. He thinks it is time to thank everyone who has been instrumental in building Abhishek’s career. Amitabh himself is known to be a gracious man and this was evident when he publicly apologised to Salim Khan a few days ago after he learnt that Khan was upset with him. As part of the celebrations, they plan to invite each and every filmmaker that Abhishek has worked with in the last 10 years. However, the bash is still in the planning stage and things will be finalised in a month or so.

[Spencer]

Video - GQ India's cover shoot with Abhishek Bachchan

Behind the scenes at Abhishek Bachchan's cover shoot for our September issue

http://www.gqindia.com/content/gq-indias-c...hishek-bachchan

[Spencer]

New Idea commercial says anyone can be a linguist

By Arati Rao on Sep 3, 2010

The new commercial from Idea, featuring brand ambasador Abhishek Bachchan, endeavours to bridge the regional language divide in the country.

The ad starts with a group of four friends, all sitting glumly at a tea stall where Abhishek Bachchan is the vendor; he plays a mute in this ad. Through sign language he asks the little boy helper what the trouble is. The boy replies that all four have got jobs, but the Maharashtrian is going to Kolkata, the Bengali is going to Kerala, the Malayalee to Haryana and the Haryanvi to Mumbai. "If they don't know the language, then what will they do," he asks. Bachchan has an idea; when each of the four reaches their destination, they just call the friend who speaks the language via their bluetooth device for quick assistance. At the end, the friends come to thank Bachchan and one of the them says, "Now anybody can speak in any language. What an idea, Sirji." To which he replies in sign language, "You don't need a language to be able to speak."

Chairman of Lowe Lintas R Balakrishnan (Balki) said of the brief for the film, "With Idea, it's always about what’s the next idea. This film is very relevant because it's a problem most people are facing in the country." He added, "The commercial was shot in every state of the country. There's so much more footage, so there will be lots more edits with many more situations."

Anupama Ahluwalia, senior vice president - marketing at Idea Cellular Limited, said, "Idea communication always champions progressive thoughts in a simple and relatable manner. The communication strategy demonstrates the 'power of an idea' in a fresh, imaginative way." The brand management is delighted with the initial feedback from the campaign. "Idea has grown to become the third largest private GSM operator with over 70 million subscribers currently and growing at approximately 1.5-2.0 million every month. We endeavor to build a long lasting relationship with all our current and prospective customers."

http://www.campaignindia.in/Article/230886...a-linguist.aspx

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more coverage of Abhi on GQ


"I am paranoid, I have major issues" - Abhishek Bachchan



http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2...6631/index.html