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 BSF 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 Bipasha'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 in shock, 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."

Tricky situation
The actress clears the air about her abrupt departure, "We had agreed to shoot in Srinagar as we all wanted to capture the beauty and authenticity of the region but the situation got a little tricky. The government and the Srinagar officials have been supportive and have helped us with permissions, security and hospitality but as is common in most places, even they couldn't help with the impact of fan following and crowd frenzy." The next schedule will take place in Kulu-Manali.

Bipasha, who plays a Kashmiri girl in Lamhaa, adds, "Things are still not normal in Kashmir. 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 had problems when we went to shoot.”

Bipasha had last visited Kashmir when she was six years old she said she was enjoying herself all over again. "I was happy to be there 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 didn't flee say’s Bips
However she doesn't like the implication that she fled Kashmir, "My departure wasn't abrupt. I tried for seven days and realised the risk taken wasn't helping as we hardly shot. It's got nothing to do with me being strong. I am very strong but I understood it was impossible to continue there. At the same time, my family and friends were extremely worried about me. The only big scene we shot was on a day of curfew. Hence, post talking to my producer (Bunty Walia) and Sanju (Sanjay Dutt), I decided to leave for Mumbai."

The actress continues, "Shooting in Srinagar had to be cancelled a couple of times due to the large numbers of over-enthusiastic locals gathering to watch the shoot. Ample security provided couldn't help keep them at bay at times. I tried my best."

There's another buzz that Bipasha left because of Sanjay Dutt. Apparently Dutt said or did something that upset her. However Bipasha clarifies, "Please! Sanju is one of the finest co-stars and human beings I have ever worked with. This is not my first film (Rakht) with him. So please do not look for any baseless complications."

Bunty Walia on Bipasha
"Bipasha had been cooperative throughout the shoot in Srinagar. She braved the crowds at all times until Saturday when the situation got a little tricky while shooting at Anantnag. She spoke to Sanju and me and left for Mumbai. We shall resume the shoot in Kulu Manali this week itself, the crew is already shifting base."