Bipasha Basu is in Kashmir shooting for Rahul Dholakia's Lamhaa but huge crowds and marriage proposals are getting in the way of her work.
A unit member from Lamhaa says, "Bipasha is one of the biggest crowd pullers we've ever seen. She's been shooting in strife-torn Srinagar for the last two weeks and wherever she goes sex appeal draws huge crowds."
Local cops and BASF personnel are providing security for the shoot, and accompany the actress and the crew everywhere. On one such occasion, one of the cops covering the shoot got so smitten by Bip's persona that he walked up to her and proposed in front of the cast and crew!"
The source adds that Bipasha was stunned. "Initially, she was flustered. Though Bipasha is used to men getting over-enthusiastic around her; normally, boyfriend John Abraham is around to handle awkward situations. This time, Bipasha had to deal with it herself. After her initial hesitation, she turned to him and politely but very firmly turned down his proposal. She told the guy that John was in her life and they both loved each other very much." The guy stood there bemused till the unit's security staff took him away.
Bipasha, who is still shooting in Srinagar, says, "The proposal is something silly. I don't really want to talk about it. I am here to work and not to get marriage proposals from cops. I wish they understood that."
Bipasha, who plays a Kashmiri girl in Lamhaa, adds, "Things are still not normal here. The Kash-miris are very sensitive and simple people and I think, because of the state of affairs for years, they take time to trust people. So we have a few problems when we go to shoot but hopefully after Wednesday's press conference, we will get their support and help during the shoot. The film is very real and my director is passionate."
Bipasha had last visited Kashmir when she was six years old but she's enjoying herself all over again. "I'm happy to be here even though it's a very sensitive area because it's such a beautiful place. But you see cops everywhere. Being an actor, it's not easy for me to go anywhere without security but that happens in all cities and Srinagar is not any different. I would like to feel it's normal."
Bipasha has a wish for the people of Kashmir. She says, "I wish them peace and prosperity that they deserve. I hope we can film here peacefully."