Find John at johnabraham.com
Just like their counterparts in Hollywood (who have had personal websites up for years), most Bollywood stars are now hosting official websites in their names, facilitating direct communication (read hero worship) with their fans. Here's a look at some of the better ones…
John Abraham's got a website too called www.johnabraham.com
When did you set it up?
About two months ago as I felt having my own website is the best way to interact with my audience directly. Through my website they can connect to me. I don't like to use the term "fans" for me, they are my audience. In two months we have had two million hits. The website is also a way of establishing my brand — the John Abraham brand should outlive the person over a period of time.
How often do you log on?
At least once in two weeks. I carry my laptop everywhere I go and join my audience on forums and chats. I do it
occasionally because unfortunately, I don't have enough time.
Do you read messages posted there?
I make it a point to read each and every message. Due to time constraints and logistics, I can't reply to every mail but I send out an auto-reply to all of them.
Thought of maintaining a diary online?
I keep my audience updated on my movie releases and what's the latest happening to me. It's a one-on-one website where you will get all the information on me, current and otherwise. When I came out of hospital, I told my fans all that had been happening to me till then.
Do you promote your films on your website?
Yes. When I went to UK to promote Taxi No. 9211 we had put up johnabraham.com as a media partner.
| Aishwarya Rai too has a portal, called www.aishwaryaworld.com
Ash's international agent Simone Sheffield replies to our queries. When did Ash set up the website?
Aishwaryaworld.com was started from 9/10/2003 and has had over 23 million hits till now. There were thousands of fan sites and thousands of unauthorised sites that posted such incorrect details and morphed photos — Ash felt it was time to create a home of her own where her fans can find the truth. How often does Ash log on?
She logs on whenever she has free time and access to a computer. Does Ash read all the messages posted?
She receives approximately 4,000 to 5,000 emails on any given day and up to 10,000 or more per day for birthdays, holidays, special events and appearances. It is not physically possible for her to reply to them all — but she does try to read most in large groups.
She enjoys hearing from her fans. During her birthday last year she received thousands of greetings from 73 different countries! Is Ash involved with the design and features?
Aishwarya knew what she wanted and personally approves all items that appear on the site along with her web-master Kryss. Does Ash promote her films on her website?
She may post a release date or a photo from the film — but no, she does not discuss nor overtly promote her films. | |
| Shah Rukh and Juhi Chawla: Defunct web address
Juhi Chawla had announced the arrival of her daughter in the year 2001 through srkworld.com — a window to the whereabouts of Shah Rukh Khan and a bunch of friends.
The actress also ran a contest where she appealed to all the netizens visiting the portal to suggest an appropriate name for her bundle of joy. Unfortunately, the website ceases to exist and was shut down by Khan himself.
Find Salman on this address
A website called salmankhan.net claims to be the actor's official website. The actor is not personally involved with the website but has given his blessings for the same. It is run from Dubai by a friend of the Khan.
And the lack of personal touch shows. What can you expect from this website? Some information about the star in his own words… but mostly they gather whatever information appears about Salman in print and upload it on the website. It's like an information kiosk on Khan.
Aamir Khan: Work in progress
The actor's website aamirkhan.com has been under construction for a few years now. We believe a few turning points in his personal life have been distracting him in his life that saw him walking out of his marriage. Finally, settled with the newly-wed Kiran Rao, the actor will draw completion to the pending work soon.
Jackie Shroff: Closed shop
Jackie Shroff was one of the few celebs to have his own website, but it is currently defunct.
He'd chat with his fans and reply to emails and keep them posted about his clinchers. Jaggu dada used to be a Net addict. Now, his website is up for sale.
Poonam counsels online
Poonam Dhillon has taken up counselling as her second profession. poonamdhillon.com has an agony aunt link where she addresses personal problems and suggests survival strategies to many.
The website also boasts links where children can download games, homemakers can experiment with that rare recipe and the ailing can seek medical advice.
Shammi: I was the first
Shammi Kapoor was the first Bollywood actor to run his own web portal. He has designed his site single-handedly.
Says Kapoor, "Even when the dotcom bug didn't hit the country I was given a small e-world by Apple. I learnt it myself and gradually came up with the idea. However, I have not updated the site for sometime now. But I make it a point to reply my fans."
Sanjay Suri: Up to running
It's almost two years since the inception of sanjaysuri.com. It was preceded by a three-year struggle to acquire the rights of the site. Says Suri, "I have this penchant of documenting my life and that lead me to construct the site. But some guy had blocked the same name for a site and it was a tough battle, that I eventually won."
Suri says, "Setting up the website is almost a wild goose chase. Developing the content, deciding on the features and updating it every month and making it more user friendly. | |
Web Series
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
Tum Se Tum Tak
Financial markets and global economy
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
0