Aishwarya, Abhishek & Big B in same car

When Aishwarya Rai arrived at a five-star hotel for the music launch of Mani Ratnam's Guru, the air was already abuzz with talk of her impending marriage to Abhishek Bachchan. That she arrived in the same car as Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan, only emphasised the Bachchan family's acceptance of her. According to our source, since the actress is busy with dress rehearsals for Ashutosh's film Akbar Jodha, she requested Abhishek to pick her up from her residence. "Ash was surprised to find Amitabh Bachchan in the car," says our source.

A Bollywood actor and a close friend of Abhishek reveals, "The marriage is definitely on. They might behave like it's not, but this time both families are serious about the marriage. Early next year, the Bachchans are expected to make a formal announcement." Aishwarya and her family are invited for all family events at the Bachchan residence nowadays.