Āgra

“You make it sound so dramatic and romantic. It’s nothing like that. I’ve brought it in with Abhishek, Ma (mom-in-law Jaya Bachchan) and Pa (father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan),” Aishwary, who turns a year older Thursday, told IANS.

“Abhishek was shooting an ad in Agra on Wednesday. So I joined him with Ma. And then Pa also joined us. So you could say it’s a perfect birthday by The Taj Mahal, though not quite at the Taj Mahal - have you seen the crowds over there? We can’t risk going to the Taj Mahal, but a stone’s throw away. It’s a pity my parents couldn’t join us here in Agra,” Aish added.

Aishwarya Rai says that her birthday in Agra was very special.

“My birthday in Agra was just too special. Someone up there has answered all my prayers.”

It’s been a hectic time for Aishwarya. She has just come home after two months in Boston and will be heading straight to Karjat after her birthday for the last two days’ shooting of Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Jodhaa-Akbar”.

However, the actress is in a celebration mode since her arrival.

This is Aishwarya’s first birthday at the Bachchans after her much-hyped wedding with Abhishek.

Population: 1,259,979 (2000 census)

Agra is a medevial city on the banks of the Yamuna River in India. It was founded by Sultan Sikandar Lodi in the year 1506. It lies currently in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It achieved fame as the capital of the Mughal emperors from 1526 to 1658 and remains a major tourist destination because of its many splendid Mughal-era buildings, most notably The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.