They are not invited for the big wedding. But they have a reason to celebrate.
The Ash-Abhishek wedding has given a major boost to the businesses of chaiwalas, Vada Pav-walas and panwalas, courtesy diehard fans who have camped around the Bachchan villa, media crowd and policemen.
Suresh Bhaskar Devare and his wife Anita are running a small tea stall and eatery just outside Prateeksha, where everyone is on marriage alert. They have been running the stall for 35 years. Being near the Bachchans has always helped.
"Since there are very few places to eat, everybody comes here for a quick bite or chai," says Suresh. "We are so happy for Aishwarya and Abhishek. May they have a wonderful and happy married life," the Devares wish in unison.
However, Anita has one complaint. "Most of the policewalas are not paying us. They just come in, eat and leave," she sighs.
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Prasad K Tholar is on his toes these days. He has a small refreshment stall near Prateeksha, which has become a hangout for star-crazed fans, journalists and policemen.
"It's a good thing that they are getting married," Tholar smiles. "I have been getting good business. No one can stand the heat and they all have to drink something or the other."
An Aishwarya fan more than an Abhishek fan, Tholar is happy his screen idol is tying the knot with the junior Bachchan. "Even the policemen were asking me to stay open till late night so that they could get something to drink." he adds.
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The Bachchan family have been providing refreshments to policemen and journalists since Wednesday afternoon.
Ashok Nishod sits with his assortment of cigarettes, and thanks to the wedding, is enjoying a good business.
"Last night people kept coming until 2 am. I am keeping extra packets of cigarettes now so that I don't run out," he
says.
His favourite Ash-Abhi movie is the recent Guru. He believes that the young couple will have a better married life than Abhishek's parents.
While the Bollywood Khans may be largely left out from the wedding, one particular Khan is quite upbeat about it. Aziz Khan is a happy Vada Pav-wala, who has a hectic schedule these days. "I hope more and more fans flock at the gate and I get more business!" he says.
However, he too has a complaint. Some fans and media people are relieving themselves near his stall. He feels "some arrangement should have been made for this also."
