Bollywood celebrity media wars seem to have gone international and viral.
Several reports recently claimed that Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai (Jodhaa Akbar) had been replaced by Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto as the face of cosmetics firm L’Oréal. This has been trashed by the company in an official statement.
Both Aishwarya,37 and Freida, 26, are ‘spokesmodels’ for the cosmetics brand, alongside Sonam Kapoor.
The reports were fuelled by a New Year commercial by the cosmetics brand, which showcased the dusky Pinto and other Hollywood beauties, but not Aishwarya Rai. After the commercial, many claimed that the exclusion of the former Miss World was permenant and that she had been replaced by the younger star.
The claims went viral and a few even commented that the actress, who has been seen in many Hollywood and crossover films, is no longer seen as the most prominent International star.
L’Oreal Paris finally decided to head these rumours off with an official statement. The statement said, “…Aishwarya Rai Bachchan continues to be our valued spokesperson, as she has since 2000…she remains an integral part of the L’Oreal Paris world wide Dream Team…She is one of the most iconic women of our times…”
Rai is the face many L’Oreal campaigns in India and abroad. The former beauty queen is associated with the brand’s Color Riche Star Secrets range of lipsticks and other products.
Apart from Indian beauties, the brand is also promoted by Hollywood stars like Andie Macdowell, Beyonce Knowles, Claudia Schiffer, Jane Fonda, Doutzen Kroes, Eva Longoria, Milla Jovovich, Diane Kruger, Cheryl Cole and Rachel Weisz.