It looks as though Aishwarya Rai's international career has taken off in a big way. Currently, the actress is shooting for her latest film Mistress Of Spices in the UK.

And it gets better! The distributors of Bride and Prejudice in the USA — Miramax, have opted for a larger number of prints of the film in the second week of its release.

Confirming that the film is picking up with the American audience, Chadha says, "Yes, Miramax has added 100 more prints in the second week. So much for skeptics back home who wanted to write off Ash and Bride."

The latest and the best on the Ash-front is yet to come.

The Academy Of Motion Pictures & Sciences has invited Aishwarya Rai to present a trophy to one of the winners on February 27 at the Oscar ceremony.

Exults Chadha, "It's a unique honour for an Indian entertainer, and one that Ash shouldn't miss for the world."

But Ash may not be able to make it to the event. Around the same time as the Oscar ceremony, she is expected to be shooting for Gurinder's husband Paul Berge's film Mistress Of Spices in the UK.

So will Ash miss this unique moment of glory? Says Gurinder, "Miramax is very keen to get her to the Oscars.

Frankly, so am I. But the problem is, my husband thinks our film is more important. And I agree. Ash's schedule with Paul on the Isle of Mann ends on Saturday night.

We'll try to get her out into the US the same night. I'm attending the Oscars with Sid Ganis, who is the deputy chairperson of the Academy Awards and the producer of my next film I Dream Of Jeannie. I hope and pray Ash can make it too. It's a big honour."