ASH WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE IN GOWARIKER'S NEXT

Actress and filmmaker deny reports

Aishwarya Rai has refuted rumours that she was to play the female lead opposite her husband Abhishek Bachchan in Ashutosh Gowariker's next "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se". The actress says that the director knew about her packed agenda and the discussion never took place.

Recent media reports suggested that Aishwarya was to play the lead role before Asin was finalised for the film opposite actor Abhishek. But both - the actress and filmmaker - deny it.

"I don't have the dates right now as my schedule diary is super packed. This film ('Khelein Hum...') starts next month. So there never was that possibility," Aishwarya, who played Rajput princess Jodhabai in Gowariker's historical epic "Jodhaa Akbar", told IANS.

"And since Ashu (Ashutosh Gowariker) is a close friend and his main lead is my husband, they obviously knew it. So the discussion didn't even arise," she added.

Gowariker confirmed it saying: "I had not approached her (Aishwarya) for 'Khelein Hum...'. Aishwarya, for me, belongs to a fairytale. She is a typical princess and by far one of the finest actresses we have.

"But we need to plan things in advance. She is very professional and hence I would never like to upset her schedules in any way. I'm very happy with the coming together of Abhishek and Asin."

"Khelein Hum..." will feature Abhishek as freedom fighter Surya Sen, who was the chief architect of anti-British freedom movement in Chittagong, now in Bangladesh.

This will be Gowariker's second period film after "Lagaan".

KARAN JOHAR ASKED ME TO TWITTER: RITEISH DESHMUKH

Who is the latest Bollywood celeb to tweet?

The Twitter bug has bit many celebrities in glitter town and the latest entrant is Riteish Deshmukh. The actor says it was filmmaker Karan Johar who asked him to join the popular social networking site.

"Karan Johar asked me to get on to Twitter. I didn't know a thing about it. I asked him how to go about it. He just told me that it's a wonderful thing and once I open my account, I'll understand how to operate it," Riteish told IANS.

Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Celina Jaitley, Karan Johar, Dino Morea, Imran Khan and Gul Panag are among those who have been twittering and connecting with their fans.

JOHN AND JACQUELINE WILL SIGN A THRILLER TOGETHER

Not even one film old actress, Jacqueline Fernandes, seems to have impressed John Abraham. He has signed her for his home production to be directed by Sabal Shekhawat.

This project was earlier with Studio 18, who backed out. But John was keen to work on the project and took it up as producer.

A source reveals, "John saw some rushes and promos of Jacqueline's debut film Aladdin and really liked her. Also, they both workout in the same gym and know each other."

The source continues, "The movie is a spy thriller and required a fascinating chick. Jacqueline will also be seen in a sporty avtaar. The film goes on the floor early next year." The director yet has to finalise the location, Turkey being one of them. Director Sabal confirms, "We have signed Jacqueline for the movie."

If sources are to be believed, John has also suggested Jacqueline for Phillum City directed by Deven Khote.

REVEALED: ALADIN'S SRI LANKAN BEAUTY

Jacqueline Fernandez and Ritesh Deshmukh revealed the first look of their film Aladin on Wednesday night at a Mumbai hotel. Jacqueline looked hot in a green shirt and a grey skirt, in what she described as her "first press conference". Ritesh also looked cute in a white tee and a jacket, oozing the Aladin boyish charm. The pair also discovered the Godrej contest for the film, and met mortally ill kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Check them out.