Ash gets time off for Pa

MUMBAI: This one is strictly for Paa. Not just the film, but Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Pa, Amitabh Bachchan.

A stickler for discipline, punctuality and strict schedules during shooting Sanjay Bhansali is known to shoot through burning fevers and location setbacks, so that his actors' dates don't go awry. For the first time in his career as a filmmaker, Sanjay is voluntarily slackening his schedule for Aishwarya.

Later this week Aishwarya will be given a couple of days off at a time when she is required to shoot with Hrithik Roshan. A friend of Sanjay and Aishwarya says, "Aishwarya is not just a leading lady for Sanjay. After doing three films together they are family. Sanjay saw how stressed Aishwarya was, trying to balance Guzaarish with the time required to pitch in with her father-in-law for Paa. In fact, Mr Bachchan has been running around alone inviting the film fraternity for the premiere on December 3 since Abhishek has been shooting non-stop in Goa for Ashutosh Gowariker and Jayaji is in Delhi attending parliament."

Earlier this week Sanjay decided to give her a break. A common friend says, "When she expressed her helplessness about being unavailable to help Mr Bachchan, Sanjay made up his mind to give her an off on those crucial days on and before the premiere, although it meant considerable schedule adjustment on his part."Sanjay reveals, "It's no big deal. Adjusting my schedule is the least I can do for someone who has been a dear friend for many years. But this was not done for Aishwarya. It was for Paa and Mr Bachchan. It's a very special moment for the family."