First look: Abhishek before Hrithik

Abhishek Bachchan had a rocking 2005 with a bunch of hits. Hrithik Roshan, on the other hand, was absent, without a single release.

It's a far cry from a few years ago when Hrithik dominated proceedings. As seen in this interesting picture from ace photographer Dabboo Ratnani's (centre) 2006 calendar launch in Mumbai on Thursday, the tables have turned.

Now, Abhishek stands in the foreground, basking in the spotlight and flashbulbs, while Hrithik looks on eagerly. Let's see if 2006 changes things yet again, with both stars boasting big releases over the next few months.

Ratnani's calendar is the toast of Bollywood, and features 24 superstars, including Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Aamir Khan, Mallika Sherawat, Priyanka Chopra and Salman Khan, among others.

Photograph: Pradeep Bandekar