I was a victim, says Ash

At an international press conference in Cannes, Aishwarya Rai admits to having been subjected to domestic violence.

Temperatures soared in Cannes when Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai stunned international media as she reportedly admitted to being a victim of domestic violence.

During a press meet to promote her film Provoked, (based on Kiranjit Ahluwalia's life, where she underwent domestic violence), a journalist reportedly asked Aishwarya whether she had ever undergone any domestic violence. Ash apparently stunned the media when she paused for a dramatic moment before confessing, "Yes."

Somebody then further enquired the details of the same and Ash apparently replied, "Wait for my biography." Interestingly, a few years ago, Ash had indeed confessed to Pune Times that she had been in a violent relationship.

Other buzz from the festival

Last night saw a lavish soiree thrown by Kishore Lulla, international distributor of Omkara on his yacht, apparently docked at peek-a-boo distance from Italian designer Roberto Cavalli's yacht. This, in the Nikki beach harbour, the most glamourous venue in the La Croisette, where Madonna recently performed.

The party saw the who's who of the international celeb brigade, including Hollywood director Roland Emmerich of Independence Day fame. Bipasha Basu who was supossed to be part of the festivities couldn't make it, though â€" she was in London, nursing a high fever of 102 degrees.

This year Aishwarya Rai's look at Cannes has been created by none other than two leading international fashion gurus: Giorgio Armani and Roberto Cavalli. On the first day, she wore a black flowing gown designed by Armani, and a midnight blue figure-hugging gown created by Cavalli himself on the second day.

The earring on the first day and the serpentine neckpiece the second day were both designed by French designer De Grisogono and her makeup was done by her own artist Pradeep. The curls on the first day and the straight tresses on the second was done by international hair stylist Vince.

She's also carried two saris designed by Neeta Lulla. A black sari with crystals and a sheer crystal blouse and another ethnic, block printed, emerald green sari with a gold halter blouse.

Not to be outdone are Ash's other Bollywood counterparts. Ex-boyfriend Viveik Oberoi has taken a part of India with him a linen beige and baby pink jacket from designer Arjun Khanna, teamed with an Indian silhouette and bluish grey corduroy jeans and an off-white faux crocodile skin leather shoes.

Ajay Devgan has packed an Anna Singh design a grey linen suit with a high neck cashmere of the same colour. He's also carried a party look with a four buttoned black suit, sterling silver Gucci belt and black skin shoes.

Preity Zinta's wardrobe was assisted by designer Manish Malhotra. She has taken Malhotra's specially designed black sari. Karan Johar apparently has put together his look at Cannes himself.