Bollywood Beauty and Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Named in Lawsuit

Monroe, Ga. 2/7/2007 6:04 PM GMT (FINDITT)

Aishwarya Rai , the former Miss World and soon to be wife of Bollwood star Abhshek Bachchan, may already be married; at least spiritually. According to a lawsuit filed by Shruti Singh, the 33-year-old took part in a banned Hindu ceremony in which she was married to a peepal tree, a banana tree, and a god’s idol.

Rai is said to have been encouraged to take part in the spiritual ceremony by Abhshek’s father, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, to overcome differences in the astrological charts of her future husband and herself.

Filing the civil suit, Singh said ““I filed a PIL to stop such practices as reportedly conducted by actor Amitabh Bachchan for his future daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. It is in violation of Article 17 of the Constitution, which prohibits untouchability. It also violates fundamental human rights."

Singh went on to say, “The rituals performed by Aishwarya, Amitabh and Abhishek would only promote superstitions and blind faith among common people.”

Petition against Aishwarya Rai’s ‘marriage with tree’

Web posted at: 2/3/2007 3:10:28 Source ::: IANS Patna • A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Patna High Court against Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai for marrying trees to overcome astrological differences with her fiancé Abhishek Bachchan. Lawyer Shruti Singh, who filed the PIL earlier this week, says the ritual promotes untouchability. "I filed a PIL to stop such practices as reportedly conducted by actor Amitabh Bachchan for his future daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. It is in violation of Article 17 of the Constitution, which prohibits untouchability. It also violates fundamental human rights," said Shruti. Aishwarya is a Manglik (astrologically Mars-bearing), which is believed to have negative consequences for her impending marriage. The actress is said to have married a peepal tree at Benaras, a banana tree at a Bangalore temple and a god’s idol in Ayodhya. According to Shruti, the fact that Aishwarya had to marry the trees and the idol before marrying Abhishek, who is a non-Manglik, amounts to untouchability. "The rituals performed by Aishwarya, Amitabh and Abhishek would only promote superstitions and blind faith among common people," Shruti, who is also a women’s rights activist said. The activist has also demanded a public apology from the Bachchan family for asking Aishwarya to enter into such false marriages.

Aishwarya Rai’s marriage in a fresh row

03rd Feb 2007 14.00 IST By Agencies

The marriage of the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai has been drawn into a fresh row.

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Patna High Court against Ash for marrying trees to overcome astrological differences with her fiancé Abhishek Bachchan .

Lawyer Shruti Singh, who filed the PIL earlier this week, says the ritual promotes untouchability.

"I filed a PIL to stop such practices as reportedly conducted by actor Amitabh Bachchan for his future daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. It is in violation of Article 17 of the Constitution, which prohibits untouchability. It also violates fundamental human rights," said Shruti.

Ash is a Manglik (astrologically Mars-bearing), which is believed to have negative consequences for her impending marriage. The actress is said to have married a peepal tree at Benaras, a banana tree at a Bangalore temple and a god’s idol in Ayodhya.

According to Shruti, the fact that Ash had to marry the trees and the idol before marrying Abhishek, who is a non-Manglik, amounts to untouchability.

"The rituals performed by Aishwarya, Amitabh and Abhishek would only promote superstitions and blind faith among common people," Shruti, who is also a women’s rights activist, said.

Her PIL requests the court to issue a directive to the state government and the Bihar State Religious Trust Board (BSRTB) to stop the practice of marrying a Manglik-born bride first with a tree, god or animal prior to her marrying a non- Manglik man.

She has sought a ban on the performance of such marriages at temples in Bihar including Shitla temple in Patna, Baikatpur temple near Fatuha and the Shiva temple at Deoghar.

The activist has also demanded a public apology from the Bachchan family for asking Ash to enter into such false marriages.

"An FIR should be filed against Bachchan, his wife Jaya and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh for encouraging such practices," Shruti said.

Aishwarya Rai Hit With Lawsuit For Marrying A Tree

Indian movie star Aishwarya Rai has been hit with a lawsuit after reportedly undergoing a banned ancient Hindu ceremony in which she was spiritually married to a tree. The former Miss World, who recently confirmed her engagement to Bollywood superstar Abhishek Bachchan, is alleged to have agreed to the ritual to overcome differences in the couple’s astrological charts - disparities which traditional Hindus believe have negative consequences on marriage. Under this ancient belief, Rai is considered a ‘manglik’ because her chart bears the planet Mars, and she must be ‘married’ to a peepal tree, a banana tree or a silver or golden idol of the Hindu god Vishnu in order to overcome the devastating effects being a ‘manglik’ could have on her impending nuptials. The 33-year-old now faces a civil lawsuit for practicing the ‘untouchability’ service, which is associated with the caste system, because such ceremonies are in violation of the Indian constitution and are deemed offensive to women. The lawsuit was filed in Patna, India by lawyer Shruti Singh, who is calling for Rai and her family to issue a public apology for the ‘false marriages’. The Bachchan family has refused to comment on the allegations.

Vidya Balan denies rift with Aishwarya Rai

02nd Feb 2007 14.01 IST By Agencies

Vidya Balan has completely dismissed rumours of a rift with the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai during the making of Mani Ratnam ’s Guru .

“By now I’m used to all kinds of rumours. But this one truly takes the cake. I can’t say we got along like a house on fire simply because we didn’t have many scenes together. But whenever we worked together, Aishwarya was a dream co-star. She is an absolute delight to work with and is someone I look up to,” a report quotes Vidya as saying.

Vidya was quick to laugh off reports that Ash was responsible for her rather short role in the film.

“To even suggest that she had my role cut is so ridiculous. I was aware of the extent of my role from the start. I did ‘Guru’ for the pleasure of working with Mani. There are moments in the film where Aishwarya needed to reach out to me emotionally. She did it so naturally and spontaneously that she won me over.”

When asked about stories that Vidya didn’t attend the premiere of ‘Guru’ in Canada because of Ash? “This is too much,” giggled Vidya.

“I wonder who’s spreading such nonsense and for what purpose! I was in Australia shooting for Sajid Khan’s ‘Hey Baby’ on January 10. The premiere of ‘Guru’ in Canada was on January 12. There was no way I could reach there and get back to my shooting without disrupting Sajid’s schedule. I wouldn’t do this to anyone, least of all to Sajid Khan who’s a first-time director and a dear friend.”

Vidya added: “I hope this puts to rest all these silly speculations about Aishwarya’s role in my life. She’s way above all this petty politics. Her dignity in the face of adversity is exemplary. If I can possess even a fraction of her poise I’d consider myself lucky.”

Vidya added that she has enjoyed playing a journalist and a radio disc jockey in recent films.

“The journey has been exciting. The character is so much more than the job it performs,” Vidya said.

“They’ve given me tremendous job satisfaction at the end of the day,” Vidya said of the roles.

Vidya portrayed a journalist in Salaam-e-Ishq opposite John Abraham .

Vidya went to a few radio stations to get the feel of what it was like to be a radio jockey before she began shooting for the superhit Lage Raho Munnabhai opposite Sanjay Dutt .

Aishwarya Rai – to work or not to work

26th Jan 2007 10.01 IST By ApunKaChoice

Now that the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai is all set to become the daughter-in-law of the Bachchans, all are wondering whether she will give up her Bollywood career after her marriage.

A source close to Bachchans says that after marriage, Ash is not giving up films. “There’s absolutely no talk of Aishwarya giving up her career,” the source said.

“After Guru she has entered a new performing peak. This is the time when she needs to build on her actress image,” continues the source.

“In fact, 2007 is one of Ash’s busiest years in years. Apart from two international projects, The Last Legion and Provoked , which are ready for release she’s shooting for Ashutosh Gowarikar ’s Jodha Akbar . Right after that she goes into Ram Gopal Varma ’s Sarkar 2 , followed by a film for Karan Johar ’s production house. Both feature Abhishek Bachchan opposite her. It would make a lot of practical sense for Ash to do her films with Abhi. That doesn’t mean she’d keep herself exclusively associated with Abhi professionally. In fact, Ash is about to ink another project for producer Gaurang Doshi to be directed by Shriram Raghavan which stars John Abraham . All these will keep her busy till at least the middle of 2008,” the source said.

There are also widespread speculations about the marriage date.

As per sources, marriage date will be worked out soon after Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek return from the shooting of Goldie Behl ’s Drona .

Ash is presently busy shooting ‘Jodha Akbar’ in Karjat and she has her kitty full with film assignments, which will keep her busiest at least till the middle of 2008.

So a soon marriage can force Ash to reschedule her dates which is a touch task for her as well as for the producers of films.

The source assures that the marriage date will be fixed keeping Ash’s career plan in mind. It will not impede her career plan. Ash will also be completely with decision of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya.

“Ash is completely one with whatever Abhishek’s parents decide. She’s leaving all her post-marriage decisions to them. In fact, she has been going by their wishes for some time now, from the time the two got serious about each other,” says the source.

Meanwhile, the Bachchans have ordered a priceless Banarasi lehenga for their gorgeous soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

Ash is likely to wear the anmol lehenga on her wedding day. The lehenga would be crafted by a mater weaver of the city, famous for signature Banarasi saris, and it would be beautiful work of Banarasi Zardozi and Kolkatan-Jaipur embroidery on a silken base.

Sources said the price of the lehenga might be over Rs. 2 lakh.

Special prayer for Aishwarya Rai at her birthplace

22nd Jan 2007 10.52 IST By ApunKaChoice

No matter how big a celebrity you are, blessings of the Almighty are always sought before a special occasion and the case of the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai is no different.

With Ash all set to tie the knot with Abhishek Bachchan , the actress’s mother Vrinda Rai has performed a special puja at Nagabana in Sonthady near Kasargod, her birthplace.

The puja was performed Thursday morning by Vrinda in keeping with the traditions of Tulunadu culture is an annual affair, a close relative of Ash said on condition of anonymity in Mangalore on Friday.

All members of the family, except for Ash, took part in the puja to ‘moola nagadevata bana’ at Sonthady, the relative said.

Ash’s father Krishnarajendra Rai arrived in Mangalore from Mumbai Thursday morning and performed puja in the temple of Dharmasthala, he said.

Ash and Abhishek got engaged at a quiet ceremony in Mumbai on January 14. The engagement came about one-and- half-months after the couple, accompanied by mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan and his wife Jaya Bachchan , offered prayers at the Varanasi temple.

All eyes turned to Bangalore when Ash’s family astrologer Chandrashekhara Swami, based in Mulky, was consulted on the alliance as Ash had ‘Kuja dosha’.

Aishwarya Rai-Hrithik Roshan kiss chopped off from ‘Dhoom 2′

21st Jan 2007 22.28 IST By Agencies

Those who still haven’t seen Dhoom 2 and those who want to see the movie again only for the Aishwarya Rai - Hrithik Roshan kiss are in for a disappointment as the scene has been chopped off from the film.

Reports say that the Bachchans asked Yashraj Films to axe the scene that shows their to-be daughter-in-law doing a “bold smooch”.

However, ‘Dhoom 2’ director Sanjay Gadhvi has refused to comment on the issue and maintains that his relations with Yashraj Films haven’t been effected due to the controversy.

The kiss had raised eyebrows and sparked off controversies soon after the movie was released on November 24 last year.

A lawyer had even filed a legal suit against Ash and Hrithik. However, no formal action has been taken against Yashraj Films.

The Bachchans never approved of the Ash-Hrithik kiss and speculation was rife that Abhishek Bachchan had stopped talking to Hrithik after seeing the kissing scene.

Now with the Ash-Abhishek wedding round the corner, it seems the Bachchans are all out to get a clean image of their would-be bahu.

PIL against Aishwarya’s marriage with tree

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Patna High Court against Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai for marrying trees to overcome astrological differences with her fiancé Abhishek Bachchan.

Lawyer Shruti Singh, who filed the PIL earlier this week, says the ritual promotes untouchability.

"I filed a PIL to stop such practices as reportedly conducted by actor Amitabh Bachchan for his future daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. It is in violation of Article 17 of the Constitution, which prohibits untouchability. It also violates fundamental human rights," said Shruti.

Aishwarya is a Manglik (astrologically Mars-bearing), which is believed to have negative consequences for her impending marriage. The actress is said to have married a peepal tree at Benaras, a banana tree at a Bangalore temple and a god’s idol in Ayodhya.

According to Shruti, the fact that Aishwarya had to marry the trees and the idol before marrying Abhishek, who is a non-Manglik, amounts to untouchability.

"The rituals performed by Aishwarya, Amitabh and Abhishek would only promote superstitions and blind faith among common people," Shruti, who is also a women’s rights activist, told IANS.

Her PIL requests the court to issue a directive to the state government and the Bihar State Religious Trust Board (BSRTB) to stop the practice of marrying a Manglik-born bride first with a tree, god or animal prior to her marrying a non- Manglik man.

She has sought a ban on the performance of such marriages at temples in Bihar including Shitla temple in Patna, Baikatpur temple near Fatuha and the Shiva temple at Deoghar.

The activist has also demanded a public apology from the Bachchan family for asking Aishwarya to enter into such false marriages.

"An FIR should be filed against Bachchan, his wife Jaya and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh for encouraging such practices," Shruti said.

Bollywood Beauty and Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Named in Lawsuit

Monroe, Ga. 2/7/2007 6:04 PM GMT (FINDITT)

Aishwarya Rai , the former Miss World and soon to be wife of Bollwood star Abhshek Bachchan, may already be married; at least spiritually. According to a lawsuit filed by Shruti Singh, the 33-year-old took part in a banned Hindu ceremony in which she was married to a peepal tree, a banana tree, and a god’s idol.

Rai is said to have been encouraged to take part in the spiritual ceremony by Abhshek’s father, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, to overcome differences in the astrological charts of her future husband and herself.

Filing the civil suit, Singh said ““I filed a PIL to stop such practices as reportedly conducted by actor Amitabh Bachchan for his future daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. It is in violation of Article 17 of the Constitution, which prohibits untouchability. It also violates fundamental human rights."

Singh went on to say, “The rituals performed by Aishwarya, Amitabh and Abhishek would only promote superstitions and blind faith among common people.”

Petition against Aishwarya Rai’s ‘marriage with tree’

Web posted at: 2/3/2007 3:10:28 Source ::: IANS Patna • A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Patna High Court against Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai for marrying trees to overcome astrological differences with her fiancé Abhishek Bachchan. Lawyer Shruti Singh, who filed the PIL earlier this week, says the ritual promotes untouchability. "I filed a PIL to stop such practices as reportedly conducted by actor Amitabh Bachchan for his future daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. It is in violation of Article 17 of the Constitution, which prohibits untouchability. It also violates fundamental human rights," said Shruti. Aishwarya is a Manglik (astrologically Mars-bearing), which is believed to have negative consequences for her impending marriage. The actress is said to have married a peepal tree at Benaras, a banana tree at a Bangalore temple and a god’s idol in Ayodhya. According to Shruti, the fact that Aishwarya had to marry the trees and the idol before marrying Abhishek, who is a non-Manglik, amounts to untouchability. "The rituals performed by Aishwarya, Amitabh and Abhishek would only promote superstitions and blind faith among common people," Shruti, who is also a women’s rights activist said. The activist has also demanded a public apology from the Bachchan family for asking Aishwarya to enter into such false marriages.

Aishwarya Rai’s marriage in a fresh row

03rd Feb 2007 14.00 IST By Agencies

The marriage of the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai has been drawn into a fresh row.

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Patna High Court against Ash for marrying trees to overcome astrological differences with her fiancé Abhishek Bachchan .

Lawyer Shruti Singh, who filed the PIL earlier this week, says the ritual promotes untouchability.

"I filed a PIL to stop such practices as reportedly conducted by actor Amitabh Bachchan for his future daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. It is in violation of Article 17 of the Constitution, which prohibits untouchability. It also violates fundamental human rights," said Shruti.

Ash is a Manglik (astrologically Mars-bearing), which is believed to have negative consequences for her impending marriage. The actress is said to have married a peepal tree at Benaras, a banana tree at a Bangalore temple and a god’s idol in Ayodhya.

According to Shruti, the fact that Ash had to marry the trees and the idol before marrying Abhishek, who is a non-Manglik, amounts to untouchability.

"The rituals performed by Aishwarya, Amitabh and Abhishek would only promote superstitions and blind faith among common people," Shruti, who is also a women’s rights activist, said.

Her PIL requests the court to issue a directive to the state government and the Bihar State Religious Trust Board (BSRTB) to stop the practice of marrying a Manglik-born bride first with a tree, god or animal prior to her marrying a non- Manglik man.

She has sought a ban on the performance of such marriages at temples in Bihar including Shitla temple in Patna, Baikatpur temple near Fatuha and the Shiva temple at Deoghar.

The activist has also demanded a public apology from the Bachchan family for asking Ash to enter into such false marriages.

"An FIR should be filed against Bachchan, his wife Jaya and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh for encouraging such practices," Shruti said.

Aishwarya Rai Hit With Lawsuit For Marrying A Tree

Indian movie star Aishwarya Rai has been hit with a lawsuit after reportedly undergoing a banned ancient Hindu ceremony in which she was spiritually married to a tree. The former Miss World, who recently confirmed her engagement to Bollywood superstar Abhishek Bachchan, is alleged to have agreed to the ritual to overcome differences in the couple’s astrological charts - disparities which traditional Hindus believe have negative consequences on marriage. Under this ancient belief, Rai is considered a ‘manglik’ because her chart bears the planet Mars, and she must be ‘married’ to a peepal tree, a banana tree or a silver or golden idol of the Hindu god Vishnu in order to overcome the devastating effects being a ‘manglik’ could have on her impending nuptials. The 33-year-old now faces a civil lawsuit for practicing the ‘untouchability’ service, which is associated with the caste system, because such ceremonies are in violation of the Indian constitution and are deemed offensive to women. The lawsuit was filed in Patna, India by lawyer Shruti Singh, who is calling for Rai and her family to issue a public apology for the ‘false marriages’. The Bachchan family has refused to comment on the allegations.

Vidya Balan denies rift with Aishwarya Rai

02nd Feb 2007 14.01 IST By Agencies

Vidya Balan has completely dismissed rumours of a rift with the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai during the making of Mani Ratnam ’s Guru .

“By now I’m used to all kinds of rumours. But this one truly takes the cake. I can’t say we got along like a house on fire simply because we didn’t have many scenes together. But whenever we worked together, Aishwarya was a dream co-star. She is an absolute delight to work with and is someone I look up to,” a report quotes Vidya as saying.

Vidya was quick to laugh off reports that Ash was responsible for her rather short role in the film.

“To even suggest that she had my role cut is so ridiculous. I was aware of the extent of my role from the start. I did ‘Guru’ for the pleasure of working with Mani. There are moments in the film where Aishwarya needed to reach out to me emotionally. She did it so naturally and spontaneously that she won me over.”

When asked about stories that Vidya didn’t attend the premiere of ‘Guru’ in Canada because of Ash? “This is too much,” giggled Vidya.

“I wonder who’s spreading such nonsense and for what purpose! I was in Australia shooting for Sajid Khan’s ‘Hey Baby’ on January 10. The premiere of ‘Guru’ in Canada was on January 12. There was no way I could reach there and get back to my shooting without disrupting Sajid’s schedule. I wouldn’t do this to anyone, least of all to Sajid Khan who’s a first-time director and a dear friend.”

Vidya added: “I hope this puts to rest all these silly speculations about Aishwarya’s role in my life. She’s way above all this petty politics. Her dignity in the face of adversity is exemplary. If I can possess even a fraction of her poise I’d consider myself lucky.”

Vidya added that she has enjoyed playing a journalist and a radio disc jockey in recent films.

“The journey has been exciting. The character is so much more than the job it performs,” Vidya said.

“They’ve given me tremendous job satisfaction at the end of the day,” Vidya said of the roles.

Vidya portrayed a journalist in Salaam-e-Ishq opposite John Abraham .

Vidya went to a few radio stations to get the feel of what it was like to be a radio jockey before she began shooting for the superhit Lage Raho Munnabhai opposite Sanjay Dutt .

Aishwarya Rai – to work or not to work

26th Jan 2007 10.01 IST By ApunKaChoice

Now that the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai is all set to become the daughter-in-law of the Bachchans, all are wondering whether she will give up her Bollywood career after her marriage.

A source close to Bachchans says that after marriage, Ash is not giving up films. “There’s absolutely no talk of Aishwarya giving up her career,” the source said.

“After Guru she has entered a new performing peak. This is the time when she needs to build on her actress image,” continues the source.

“In fact, 2007 is one of Ash’s busiest years in years. Apart from two international projects, The Last Legion and Provoked , which are ready for release she’s shooting for Ashutosh Gowarikar ’s Jodha Akbar . Right after that she goes into Ram Gopal Varma ’s Sarkar 2 , followed by a film for Karan Johar ’s production house. Both feature Abhishek Bachchan opposite her. It would make a lot of practical sense for Ash to do her films with Abhi. That doesn’t mean she’d keep herself exclusively associated with Abhi professionally. In fact, Ash is about to ink another project for producer Gaurang Doshi to be directed by Shriram Raghavan which stars John Abraham . All these will keep her busy till at least the middle of 2008,” the source said.

There are also widespread speculations about the marriage date.

As per sources, marriage date will be worked out soon after Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek return from the shooting of Goldie Behl ’s Drona .

Ash is presently busy shooting ‘Jodha Akbar’ in Karjat and she has her kitty full with film assignments, which will keep her busiest at least till the middle of 2008.

So a soon marriage can force Ash to reschedule her dates which is a touch task for her as well as for the producers of films.

The source assures that the marriage date will be fixed keeping Ash’s career plan in mind. It will not impede her career plan. Ash will also be completely with decision of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya.

“Ash is completely one with whatever Abhishek’s parents decide. She’s leaving all her post-marriage decisions to them. In fact, she has been going by their wishes for some time now, from the time the two got serious about each other,” says the source.

Meanwhile, the Bachchans have ordered a priceless Banarasi lehenga for their gorgeous soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

Ash is likely to wear the anmol lehenga on her wedding day. The lehenga would be crafted by a mater weaver of the city, famous for signature Banarasi saris, and it would be beautiful work of Banarasi Zardozi and Kolkatan-Jaipur embroidery on a silken base.

Sources said the price of the lehenga might be over Rs. 2 lakh.

Special prayer for Aishwarya Rai at her birthplace

22nd Jan 2007 10.52 IST By ApunKaChoice

No matter how big a celebrity you are, blessings of the Almighty are always sought before a special occasion and the case of the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai is no different.

With Ash all set to tie the knot with Abhishek Bachchan , the actress’s mother Vrinda Rai has performed a special puja at Nagabana in Sonthady near Kasargod, her birthplace.

The puja was performed Thursday morning by Vrinda in keeping with the traditions of Tulunadu culture is an annual affair, a close relative of Ash said on condition of anonymity in Mangalore on Friday.

All members of the family, except for Ash, took part in the puja to ‘moola nagadevata bana’ at Sonthady, the relative said.

Ash’s father Krishnarajendra Rai arrived in Mangalore from Mumbai Thursday morning and performed puja in the temple of Dharmasthala, he said.

Ash and Abhishek got engaged at a quiet ceremony in Mumbai on January 14. The engagement came about one-and- half-months after the couple, accompanied by mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan and his wife Jaya Bachchan , offered prayers at the Varanasi temple.

All eyes turned to Bangalore when Ash’s family astrologer Chandrashekhara Swami, based in Mulky, was consulted on the alliance as Ash had ‘Kuja dosha’.

Aishwarya Rai-Hrithik Roshan kiss chopped off from ‘Dhoom 2′

21st Jan 2007 22.28 IST By Agencies

Those who still haven’t seen Dhoom 2 and those who want to see the movie again only for the Aishwarya Rai - Hrithik Roshan kiss are in for a disappointment as the scene has been chopped off from the film.

Reports say that the Bachchans asked Yashraj Films to axe the scene that shows their to-be daughter-in-law doing a “bold smooch”.

However, ‘Dhoom 2’ director Sanjay Gadhvi has refused to comment on the issue and maintains that his relations with Yashraj Films haven’t been effected due to the controversy.

The kiss had raised eyebrows and sparked off controversies soon after the movie was released on November 24 last year.

A lawyer had even filed a legal suit against Ash and Hrithik. However, no formal action has been taken against Yashraj Films.

The Bachchans never approved of the Ash-Hrithik kiss and speculation was rife that Abhishek Bachchan had stopped talking to Hrithik after seeing the kissing scene.

Now with the Ash-Abhishek wedding round the corner, it seems the Bachchans are all out to get a clean image of their would-be bahu.

PIL against Aishwarya’s marriage with tree

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Patna High Court against Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai for marrying trees to overcome astrological differences with her fiancé Abhishek Bachchan.

Lawyer Shruti Singh, who filed the PIL earlier this week, says the ritual promotes untouchability.

"I filed a PIL to stop such practices as reportedly conducted by actor Amitabh Bachchan for his future daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai. It is in violation of Article 17 of the Constitution, which prohibits untouchability. It also violates fundamental human rights," said Shruti.

Aishwarya is a Manglik (astrologically Mars-bearing), which is believed to have negative consequences for her impending marriage. The actress is said to have married a peepal tree at Benaras, a banana tree at a Bangalore temple and a god’s idol in Ayodhya.

According to Shruti, the fact that Aishwarya had to marry the trees and the idol before marrying Abhishek, who is a non-Manglik, amounts to untouchability.

"The rituals performed by Aishwarya, Amitabh and Abhishek would only promote superstitions and blind faith among common people," Shruti, who is also a women’s rights activist, told IANS.

Her PIL requests the court to issue a directive to the state government and the Bihar State Religious Trust Board (BSRTB) to stop the practice of marrying a Manglik-born bride first with a tree, god or animal prior to her marrying a non- Manglik man.

She has sought a ban on the performance of such marriages at temples in Bihar including Shitla temple in Patna, Baikatpur temple near Fatuha and the Shiva temple at Deoghar.

The activist has also demanded a public apology from the Bachchan family for asking Aishwarya to enter into such false marriages.

"An FIR should be filed against Bachchan, his wife Jaya and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh for encouraging such practices," Shruti said.