Chhiddan (Amritsar), October 6
Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai today went to the countryside for the shooting of Indo-British film “Bride and Prejudice” at a farmhouse, 17 km from the city.

Attired in blue jeans and a white top, Aishwarya was seen laughing and enjoying the greenery and fresh air of the fields atop a tractor. The shooting took place at the farmhouse of Baba Lahora. She took a ride in a wooden cart, portraying the child-like happy expression of fulfilment seen in natural surroundings.

At least 100 crew members were present during the shooting. “The tractor will hold pride of place in the village”, said a thrilled Tanny, Baba Lahora’s son, who drove the tractor for the film shoot.

The farmhouse had been abuzz with preparations to create a village scene, complete with “machhan” to scare birds in the field. A village pond was created and filled with water last night.

Another scene saw Aishwarya walking in a pensive mood with her father Anupam Kher as he explained to her the dreadful financial condition of the Bakshi family and the responsibility of marrying three daughters. The shooting was over by 1 p.m.

According to reports, the phone line of Baba Lahora’s farmhouse was cut two days prior to the shooting to ensure that no information leaked. However, the owner was reportedly disappointed as his relatives from far-flung areas, who came specially to see the actress, were not allowed at the shooting site. The police stood guard at the site and the only approach road was sealed as were the surrounding fields by armed security personnel since 6.30 a.m. The security was supervised by the SSP, Majitha, Ms Shashi Prabha. Secrecy was evident as even set designers were kept in the dark about the scenes to be shot today.

The shooting also took place in the Atta Mandi area, where the actress was seen admiring the beauty of the Golden Temple from afar.

According to information, Aishwarya will say goodbye to the city tomorrow. The authorities at the Rajasansi airport have made tight security arrangements as she will board a flight there.

Meanwhile, Gurinder Chadda, while talking to mediapersons here today, said she would make an Indo-Pak film crossing all man-made borders.

On a query about Salman Khan, Aishwarya said, “He is no more there”.

On the protest by the Bajrang Dal and the VHP, Gurinder Chadda joked that her effigy was as “slim and beautiful” as she was.

Aishwarya, wearing a lemon kurta with turquoise and pink embroidery, praised the Golden Temple’s beauty and said it surpassed anything she had seen in the world. She said she loved Amritsari fish, pranthas, pakoras, etc.