Source: Gulf News
Date: February 14, 2007
By Sonali Raha
We ran a poll on gulfnews.com and asked you to vote for your ideal celeb dinner date on Valentine's Day (see poll on this page). Unsurprisingly, Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan proved to be the most popular - never mind if both are in committed relationships!
So what exactly makes us want to be with them? That too on a day marked out in red roses on the calendar?
An informal survey threw up one word: HOT. Men drooled over Ash, her eyes, her smile, her hair - and of course, her body. Women swooned over Hrithik - his eyes, his smile, his hair - and yes, his body!
The fact that both speak well, in a lingo every young, urban Indian understands, doesn't hurt either.
Time then for a quick comparison between the two superstars of current Indian cinema, purely in the interest of serious journalism.
Alike
Both Ash and Hrithik are in serious relationships. Hrithik is married to Suzanne, Ash has just got engaged to Abhishek Bachchan, as the whole world knows. Both sets of in-laws are big in the film industry. Suzanne is the daughter of Sanjay Khan and the niece of the irrepressible Feroz Khan.
Abhishek, of course, is the son of acting legends Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan.
Both Ash and Hrithik have light eyes that light up the screen.
Good bodies
Both have gorgeous bodies and manage to look good at all times. In hideous gown (think Cannes), wife-next-door sari (Guru) or sexy drape (Kajra Re in Bunty Aur Babli), Ash always looks attractive. Very.
Hrithik does exactly the same, whether he's dressed as superhero in mask and cape (Krrish), wearing casual jeans and a sweater knotted around his shoulders (Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai) or walking stiffly around in full-sleeve buttoned-down shirts and high-waisted trousers (Koi Mil Gaya).
Both have matured into good actors in the hand of the right director. Hrithik's fans have forgotten his Yaadein and Mujhse Dosti Karoge days. Aishwarya's fans are trying to forget Kuch Na Kaho and Umrao Jaan.
Fans of both, however, are never going to forget Dhoom2 - and the searing kiss they shared on screen. That was later censored, reportedly because the Bachchans got upset.
And yes, both are fabulous dancers - think Dhoom2 again, just for starters.
Different
The way they handle relationships. Ash has had at least two very publicised ones - remember Salman Khan and Viveik Oberoi? Her detractors even say she used each boyfriend to climb in her career and social status.
Hrithik is very much a one-woman man - Suzanne is a girlfriend from pre-stardom days. There has been speculation about him and actress Kareena Kapoor, but nothing has ever been proved. He's not starred in any major lover's row either, unlike Ash, caught between Salman and Viveik.
Another difference: Hrithik is from a film family himself, Ash is not. Roshan senior, Rakesh, was a B-grade actor who's turned into an A-grade director.
Bottomline
Whatever their differences, Ash and Hrithik are young and good-looking, well-spoken and media-savvy, equally skilful in shedding a tear or swivelling a hip.
Clearly, their fan base extends beyond India - as our very own online poll shows.
Gulf News asked: Pick your favourite Valentine's Day dinner companion
Men 's Choice
Aishwarya Rai-38%
Shakira-28%
Scarlett Johansson-15%
Beyonce Knowles-19%
Women's Choice
Hrithik Roshan-43%
Leonardo DiCaprio-20%
Daniel Craig-13%
Will Smith-24%