Mehndi ceremony at Ash's residence La Mer,Bandra

Mumbai, Apr 20 (UNI) The Ash-Abhi Mehndi ceremony took place late last night at Aishwarya's residence at La Mer in Bandra northwest Mumbai.

Abhishek's sister Shweta, close family friend Amar Singh and director J P Dutta took the mehndi to the bride-to-be's residence.

This was the only ceremony that took place at Bandra since other preparations were on at Prateeksha. The mehndi, which was scheduled to start at 1630 hours, started well after 2000 hours. A special pandal was set up made for the occasion. Despite several efforts, the contractor refused to comment on its details.

After the mehndi ceremony, a party was thrown at the Bachchan bungalow 'Jalsa' with friends Ajay Devgan, Kajol, Rishi and wife Neetu Kapoor, Karan Johar, Kiron Kher's son Sikander and Uday Chopra, to name a few, among those present.

Hundreds of fans waited outside the Bachchan bungalow at Prateeksha to see their idols, but they were disappointed. A police van has been posted outside Prateeksha to avoid any eventuality.

Commenting on the security arrangements for the mega marriage, Additional Commissioner of Police Bipin Bihari told UNI, that police was engaged in providing security, but he could divulge any further information as it was not meant for ''public consumption.'' ''Amitabh Bachchan approached us and we are providing security on payment. There will to be some VVIP's for the marriage who will need Z and Z+ security. So we have deployed our men. I don't know the exact number but they are in hundreds,''a source, on condition of anonymity said.

The invitees not only include the 'A' listers but friends and family who have stood by the Bachchans in hard times.

Some of the prominent stars that are not invited for the marriage include Salman Khan, Vivek Oberoi and Shah Rukh Khan.

Currently preparations are on its full swing at Prateeksha for the big day as the Ash-Abhi marriage will be solemnized today. A beautiful doli has been prepared for the occasion for the bride-to-be.

UNI