Amitabh Bachchan plays role of father

Mirzapur, Jan 27 (UNI) After donning the greasepaint for umpteenth member of times on the silver screen playing a variety of roles, superstar Amitabh Bachchan today essayed the role of a father -- in real life.

Wife Jaya, son Abhishek and would-be daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai in tow, the millennium star offerred 'puja' at the reverred Vindhyavasini Devi shrine here praying for a happy married life for the newly betrothed couple.

Later, the former Miss World was even seen sporting 'sindoor' (vermillion), taken from the shrine, near her 'maang' (middle of forehead).

The Bachchan clan and Ash were here to attend the 51st birthday celebration of Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh. They arrived here from Varanasi.

The occasion was marked with the marriage of 51 girls from economically weaker sections of the society, which was organised by Amar Singh, who also solemnised the 'kanyadaan' of the orphan girls.

The Bachchans stayed at this important pilgrimage centre for close to 90 minutes. However, the media was kept at bay.

Ever since their engagement this month, there has been a lot of speculation about the date of Abhishek-Ash's marriage.

On November 27 last, the Bachchans had also prayed at the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi with Aishwarya to ward off any trouble from their future marriage.

UNI