Ash mehendi ceremony held

Mumbai, Apr 19 (UNI) In the run-up to Bollywood's biggest marriage, the last of the ceremonies-'Mehendi' of actress Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan was held at the former's 'La Mer'residence in suburban Bandra tonight.

Ash, as the actress is popularly called, will wed actor Abhishek Bachchan, son of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan tomorrow evening.

From the groom's side, his parents Amitabh and Jaya, uncle Ajitabh and his wife Ramola, his sister Shweta Nanda and Samajwadi party leader Amar Singh were present for the ceremony. Aishwarya's parents, her brother and his wife welcomed the guests.

Huge pandals have been put up in the premises of the 12-storey building 'La Mer', where Ash resides with her parents and brother on the eight floor. The building boasts of residents like cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and ad guru Prahlad Kakkar.

Outside the building, curious onlookers took up vantage position to have a glimpse of the film personalities. Mediapersons, including teams from Television channels, were all there to get some quotes but the setting looked difficult with police and security personnel maintaining a tight vigil.

Family sources of the actress described the function as a 'private ceremony', attended by close family members from both the sides. After the ceremony, they will proceed to 'Jalsa' bungalow of Amitabh for a party late tonight.

Meanwhile, hectic preparations were underway at 'Prateeksha' in downtown Juhu, venue of the big wedding tomorrow. Huge boxes of flowers were being taken inside the bungalow, which has been tastefully decorated.

A media enclosure has been put up on the footpath across the 10th road in JVPD where 'Prateeksha' is situated. The adjoining lane has been closed for traffic. Security guards and local police have been maintaining a strict vigil at the bungalow, where the couple will eventually reside.

UNI