The NY Daily News Is In Horrible Need of An Editor (And a Clue)

I don't have much to say on the Aishwarya Rai Bachchan/Elle "controversy," except that the entire cover looks washed out and I'm not willing to give Aish any props for having refused to endorse lightening creams when these ads are still out there for the world to see:

HOWEVER.  This morning the New York Daily News decided to tackle the topic.  Naturally the NY Daily News is a highly reputable (snicker) totally professional (chortle) error free (rollicking laughter) publication, but even so I was surprised (actually was I?  Hmm.) to see this crap floating around.

Let's talk about the three things that are wrong here.

1.  Her name is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.  Not Bachran.  This isn't just a typo, it was done consistently throughout the article and in the accompanying sidebar.  I was so frustrated by it that I had to tweet (TWEET! gah) a message to the NYDN to get them to fix it.  There's no excuse for misspelling a major celebrity's name--it's on the cover of the magazine in the picture they included for the story.  Can't spell her name?  Just look at the picture!  Lame.

2.  She did not "say she may take legal action" as the headline suggests.  The Times of India (in a typically obnoxious, vague, and poorly sourced article) said that "someone close to the actress" said that she was upset and "might do something."  The source never said she would sue and Aishwarya certainly has not given a quote to anyone about this.  So how about we try to be a bit more accurate in our headlines?

3.  "Consider" suing.  Not "conside" suing. That one was probably a legitimate typo but I'm feeling especially bitchy today.

Grumble grumble grrrr.

Gossip Roundup

Deepika Endorses Fairness Cream

Deepika Padukone has become the new brand ambassador for Neutrogena Fine Fairness Cream.  According to Deepika, "it’s not about using a product and suddenly becoming fair. The fairness creams are used to even out your skin tone and protect your skin from pigmentation due to harsh sunlight."

Fairness creams are popular in India where a light-colored complexion is often seen as the highest beauty standard, and ads for them are as ubiquitous as those for makeup or shampoo.  Some stars have taken a stand against endorsing such products, most notably Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, as they believe that fairness creams help perpetuate discrimination against those with darker complexions.  Some fairness creams are little more than bleaching agents, and have been known to cause damage to the skin.

I say shame on Deepika.  Surely her natural beauty could be better put to use endorsing less offensive products?

Sonam Kapoor Won't Star for Zoya

Has Sonam Kapoor lost her marbles?  She's just turned down a chance to work with Zoya Akhtar, the critically-acclaimed debut director of Luck By Chance.  Zoya's second film follows a to-die-for cast which includes Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol as they roadtrip through Spain.

After her debut in Saawariya and her adorable and well-played turn in Delhi 6, has Sonam decided to only do commercial films?  Let's hope she changes her mind--any semi-attractive Barbie doll can star in a few Bollywood hits, but this is Sonam's chance to claim some ground in the growing success of India's independent cinema scene.

A R Rahman Gets Two Grammy Nominations 

Tune in January 31st to find out if A R Rahman's Slumdog Millionaire momentum can carry him to two Grammy Awards!  The Jai Ho-wallah is nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media and Best Song Written for Motion picture, Television or Other Visual Media.  Best of luck maestro!