News

Fans flock to Bollywood wedding marathon

April 20, 2007 Edition 2

MUMBAI: Bollywood's hottest stars, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, were set to enjoy the second day of their wedding marathon yesterday, as fans clustered for a glimpse of the tightly guarded festivities.

On the second of the three-day celebrations, a traditional henna ceremony - in which the bride's hands are painted - was due to be held at Rai's house in Mumbai.

The marriage itself is set to take place today with a traditional Hindu ceremony.

Crowds of fans strained for a glimpse of the stars outside the two seaside residences of the Bachchans, as well as outside Rai's home.

"I've been waiting for two days (to see the pair)," said 26-year-old fan Ramakant Shukla, who travelled from the eastern Indian city of Patna for the celebrations.

Rai, 33, is a former Miss World. Bachchan is the 32-year-old son of screen legend Amitabh Bachchan.

The Hindu ceremony will be restricted to close friends and family out of deference to Bachchan's grandmother, who is ill in hospital.

The ceremonies began on Wednesday with elaborately choreographed song-and-dance routines at the Bachchan residence.

Only 100 guests have been invited to the wedding, and more than 500 policemen are to be on hand to keep out gatecrashers.

The local post office reported that fan letters and gifts were flooding in for the couple from across the country, and even from as far away as London and New York. - Sapa-AFP

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