The Hindu Business Line : A Panchgani wedding

HIS aati kya khandaala number caught the nation's fancy some time ago, but Aamir Khan seems to have favoured Panchgani, a quaint hill-side town nestled in the Western Ghats to celebrate his wedding reception next month to companion, Kiran Rao.

The reclusive actor, best known for his sterling performances in Lagaan and Sarfarosh among others, is learnt to be gearing up for a low-key wedding in Mumbai next month to film-maker Rao, after which he will host a four-day celebratory reception for friends at Panchgani.

Reliable sources told Business Line that bookings have already been confirmed for 250 rooms in Panchgani from December 29-January 1. The wedding reception itself is to be held at the Adjania bungalow, an elegant colonial bungalow overlooking the stunning vistas of the Krishna valley. Bookings have been made for the guests at the hotels Il Palazzo, Ravine, Prospect and Cliff Inn, all set away from the hustle and bustle of Mahabaleshwar, which is 16 km away from Panchgani.

"I regret to inform you that I will not be responding to any of your questions as I would not like to discuss my personal life with you," Khan told this correspondent in an e-mail response.

Residents of this hill town, with its towering silver oaks and cobbled pathways, meanwhile, are excited about the upcoming event but not surprised about the actor's choice of venue.

"Aamir has been coming here on and off for over three decades now, every time he needs a break," one Panchgani old-timer told this correspondent.

Another resident spoke about Aamir's trips to Panchgani as a 9-year-old, when his uncle Nazir Hussain shot his super-hit Caravan over three months at the hill station. "He used to hang around the sets and if I am not mistaken, even did a small part in the movie," the resident said.

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