AISHWARYA AND ABHISHEK IN A SOAP AD

Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan

What we like: The fact that they do what comes naturally — being a cosy couple say some, acting say cynics — means that they are the couple number one of Bollywood today. Their playfulness in the Lux soap advert — directed by Stephen Mead, styled by Aki Narula and make-up done by Mickey Contractor — gives a sneak peek into life at Prateeksha (or so we are made to believe). And how much have Cub B and Ash supposedly made as a team for the soap bubbles?

Rs 25 crore!

What we don’t like: They are so sweet, we gag (like that last Diwali mithai you should have said no to). Wanted: less nyakami from Ash, less pakami from Abhi.

Rating: 6/10

Bipasha Basu and John Abraham

What we like: India’s hottest supermodel male and India’s hottest supermodel female — they have always been a dream (looking) pair. So when Bips went dribbling with Ronaldo and John was apparently playing ball with Mallika, brands got scared and endorsement contracts weren’t renewed. But the two stayed as cool as ever. And that’s the best thing about the two hot bods... they don’t try too hard.

What we don’t: Somehow John and Bips have not been able to revive the Jism passion on the ramp or on screen. They look like the best of buddies but show us the sex appeal, some awarapan, some banjarapan.

Rating: 7/10

Gauri and Shah Rukh Khan

What we like: Shah Rukh joked after the Couture Week walk that he was one step behind his wife, Gauri. There is sense in that sense of humour. Gauri truly was the showstopper that night and for those few moments, it was all about Queen Khan. Gauri really deserves more than the closing credits appearance of Om Shanti Om. If SRK doesn’t do abhimaan, this could really be one helluva brand.

What we don’t: Shah Rukh’s tendency to shield Gauri. He has admitted on the Farah show, he has always been protective and possessive. And so there is a chance of Gauri staying locked up in Mannat and spoiling the great Khan pair party.

Rating: 9/10 (potential)

Kajol and Ajay Devgn

What we like: The chhota parivaar, sukhi parivaar feel. The actress who stayed away from the arclights because she wanted to start a family makes sure that her commercials too send out the right signals. Refrigerators, washing machines, here’s Kajol like we don’t see her in the movies, with real-life husband Ajay playing the doting better half.

What we don’t: True Kajol fans would agree that they do not want to see their favourite Simran as a homemaker in every advert. Just because she is a mother of one doesn’t mean that she has to repeat the hum do, hamara ek act every time.

Rating: 6/10

Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor

What we like: They act their age. And we aren’t going by just the cola commercial where they were just being GenX. Even when it’s a ramp walk or a movie promotion appearance, Ranbir and Deepika are themselves, giggling, guffawing and just having a gala time.

What we don’t: Not much really except the fact that you are never quite sure whether they are still together in real life. Too many names of too many cricketers, too many actresses pop up too often.

Rating: 8/10

How would you rate these pairs? Tell t2@abpmail.com