'Chhatt'' revellers catch early morning glimpse of Big B

Varanasi, Oct 29 (UNI) Countless people gathered at the Ganga ghats to offer ''arghya'' to rising Sun on the concluding morning of four-day 'Chhatt' festival here today, ended up catching an unexpected but prized glimpse of Mega star Amitabh Bachchan, shooting for a documentary film on the sandy bed across the sacred river.

Mr Bachchan arrived late last night in the holy city by a chartered flight and after a short nap went straight to the sandy banks of Ganga river across the imposing ghats to shoot for a documentary film, sources associated with the film shooting told UNI here.

On the banks of the Ganga river, Amitabh read a slew of eye-catching slogans before the camera with the backdrop of the 80-odd imposing ghats of Varanasi giving a perfect setting to shooting, from across the river.

Uttar Pradesh Development Corporation (UPDC) chairman and leader of ruling Samajwadi Party Amar Singh kept a close watch on the entire shooting, especially to keep the media away from the Big B and his tent.

Speculations, however, were rife that the ''bollywood icon,'' also the brand ambassador of UP, was shooting for a publicity film for the state government.

The high-profile SP leader further urged the mediapersons not to query Mega superstar about the prospective marital bond between star son Abhishek and hazel-eyed former Miss World Aishwarya Rai.

After, the short shooting stint, Big B and his diminutive political friend travelled to the world famous Kashi Vishwanath temple to offer prayers.

At the temple Mr Bachchan told mediapersons that he was in the city to give what he owes to the land (UP) and refused further comment citing tiredness.

Mr Singh, however, refused to say anything about the visit and when prodded about Abhishek and Aishwarya, he simply signed out saying it was a personal affair of the Bachchan family.

UNI ARS YA BD1842