Aishwarya Rai has expressed outrage over a British media report that she angered Sikhs while shooting at a London gurdwara, saying she "never plays with religious sentiments".

A story in the British paper Eastern Eye, which largely caters to Asians, suggested that there was trouble at the gurdwara when Aishwarya and co-star Naveen Andrews had gone to shoot for Jagmohan Mundhra's "Provoked".

Aishwarya told IANS from London: "There have been so many completely false reports on my life and career. But this one takes the cake. There was absolutely no fracas, no tension and certainly no member of the Sikh community was provoked and angered. 

"And you know what? This time the canard cannot be allowed to go by because it has to do with religious sentiments and I'm very, very careful that I never play around with those."

To the film crew's good fortune, the entire shooting of "Provoked" in the gurdwara was filmed by the BBC.

Says Aishwarya: "There's therefore documented evidence that there was   absolutely no sign of trouble anywhere. Are we stupid to walk into a gurdwara with our heads uncovered and shoes on? I think some sections of the media really need to exercise self-control. 

"Coming in the wake of trouble over that other film, "Jo Bole So Nihaal", this is sheer mischief and very damaging mischief. And we can't allow it to go scot-free."

Adds Murli Manohar, the producer of "Provoked": "To impute such irresponsible behaviour to us is to really belittle our sense of dedication and honesty to making films.

"We aren't here to instigate any individual or community. The crew for Provoked is almost completely British and therefore very, very particular about not hurting other culture and people's sentiments.

"Besides, we had all the required permission in writing before we went to the gurdwara. Once there, we came across the most amazing crowds waiting for a glimpse of Aishwarya. There was absolutely no trouble. And the BBC has filmed the whole incident for a documentary on Bollywood called 'Better Than Hollywood'."

Adds Aishwarya, "I'm truly tired of these stark lies. We are trying to make a film on the life of a very traumatised, very brave Sikh woman. Such false stories cannot help our cause. The fact is, when we went to the gurdwara, people came forward to support us in every way possible. They told me how to hold my dupatta right. They showed my co-star Naveen Andrews how to hold his sword in the correct position. The atmosphere in the gurdwara was supportive and affectionate, not at all confrontational."

So where did the story of irate Sikhs come from?

Explains the producer: "There were journalists from Eastern Eye at the gurdwara who wanted to meet Aishwarya. Because of the tight schedule she couldn't give them time. I think they went away angry and vengeful."

--Indo-Asian News Service