A Mumbai tabloid yesterday published a hush hush news report that the elusive couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai will be tying the knot (finally) on February 19^th, 2007. And the big reception will be held at Hotel Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. Obviously the media as expected will be kept out of it. Now, don’t you think this Ash-Abhi shaadi business has become a bit too boring for comfort?

In the past few months everything that the couple has been doing is being talked about. Ashi-Hrithik kiss controversy spread like a dhoom fire, Abhishek’s lackluster bloated look in ‘Dhoom 2’ came in for strict criticism, Ashwarya’s Enforcement Directorate troubles surrounding the ‘Cash’ problems (gifts and hawala), the miserable failure of the ‘Umrao Jaan’ chemistry, Abhishek winning a high honour in Uttar Pradesh reserved for senior poets and writers, a fluff magazine solemnizing the Ash-Abhi marriage in a Madurai temple, the not-so-secret-post-midnight pooja performed by Ashwarya along with Bachchan in Varanasi….Life’s been one controversial ride for the couple. And the best part is that the duo has been fuelling speculations through their actions and then go around saying that there’s nothing in their relationship.

One never knows, but even this February 19^th marriage date is another publicity stunt to boost their next film ‘Guru’ which has been receiving thanda vibes so far. Right before the release of ‘Umrao Jaan’ (another film starring the couple) there were reports from the so called ‘reliable’ sources that Ash will be making the announcement on her birthday November 1^st. As expected no announcements were made and ‘Umrao Jaan’ ended up as a colossal flop of the year. Hopefully ‘Guru’ will receive a better response for it is the creation of a genius and must be a better watch.

As for the Ashi-Abhi marriage rumours, Bachchans should come out clean. For somehow, their reputation is suffering because of this never ending drama…And then they blame the media…How ironical!