As I write this, every news channel is flashing live images of the crowd gathered at Jalsa, the Bachchan residence. Amitabh Bachchan made the official announcement of his son Abhisheks engagement to former Miss World, Ashwariya Rai on Sunday evening. The couple was in New York on Saturday for the screening of their new film Guru, which is said to be inspired by the life of late Mr. Dhiru Bhai Ambani.
Ash and Abhi have been an onscreen pair for the last six years. They first starred together in 2000 in the film Dhai Akshar Prem Ke, followed by Kyon Ho Gaya Na in 2003. Somehow the audience did not appreciate the pairing of these two very hot stars, and both these movies bombed. Next they were seen together in an item number in Bunty Aur Babli. This is the famous song, which sent the producers of the film dancing all the way to the bank on the tunes of Kajra Re. The two actors were now known to be friends. But it was on the sets of Umrao Jaan, their next flick together, that there were rumors of an off-screen romance brewing. By now, the media was in frenzy about their alleged, and much defended romance. Ashwariya maintained her stony silence on the issue, while the Bachchan family continued to deny the story.
Dhoom-II saw Ash and Abhi work together again, though they were not paired together. The rumor mills had been working overtime since the last one-year or so. Stories of pandits studying kundlis of the couple, astronomical predictions of their future together, pujas being attended by the couple. everything fuelled the frenzy. Their latest film together, Mani Ratnam Guru, is touted to be Abhisheks best performance so far.
According to sources, Abhishek proposed in New York and the engagement took place the very next day, in Mumbai. Jaya, Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan, along with Shweta Nanda went to Ashwariyas house on Sunday evening for the roka ceremony. As the news spread, fans and well-wishers thronged Jalsa. Anupam and Kirron Kher, Anil and Tina Ambani, Karan Johar and Amar Singh were spotted congratulating the Bachchans at their residence. From Kuch Na Kaho to O Humdum, Bin Tere Kya Jeena, it has been a roller coaster ride for the famous couple, the audience and the media. CONGRATULATIONS to the happy couple, from us at memsaab.
