Aish & Rithik - sexy,sexier,Sexiest!

In spite of being revered as one of the most beautiful women in the world, Aishwarya Rai's Cannes Film Festival appearance in 2003 made heads turn for all the wrong reasons – a horrendous designer creation with oodles of excess weight.

But that was until she was signed on by Yashraj Films for Dhoom 2 and categorically instructed by Adi Chopra and director Sanjay Gadvi to loose weight. To ensure Aishwarya's transformation, noted yoga therapist, personal trainer and pilates instructor Deepika Mehta was brought in to do the needful.

Hrithik Roshan, who stars opposite Aishwarya too has shed those excesses courtesy Mehta, who she met through stylist Anaita Shroff (she is Aishwarya's stylist in Dhoom 2). Evidence of the hardwork paid off when a svelte Ash was recently spotted at Zayed Khan's wedding where she looked amazing. Talking about this transformation, Mehta says, “I am just a catalyst, it's Ash who showed dedication and interest in grooming herself the way Yashraj Films wanted her to.”

Bound by a Yashraj Films contract, Mehta refuses to divulge any details about Ash's training, like the weight of the actress before she joined the fitness regime. But Mehta admits that Aishwarya needed to shed weight, to look sexy on screen with Hrithik. “I prescribe a diet depending on the metabolism of the person. You'll have to understand that I am not a gym instructor; I don't make my clients lift weights. Ash is an amazing dancer and believes in spiritual power. She is easy to work with, once she has faith in you. I made her do a little jazz movement along with some dance steps,” she says.

Mehta who prefers privacy, used to book the gym and the adjacent area at Taj Land's End to train Aishwarya. “We required a peaceful area for the yoga session. They have a private gym, which ensures one is not disturbed,” she says. All this with soft lounge music being played in the background. “Ash loves music, and I used to play Indian fusion with spiritual chanting for her,” she informs.

Considering Aishwarya's hectic schedule, how did she find time for her fitness regime with Mehta? “It was difficult, but not impossible. I travelled with her to London for Provoked and then went to Jaipur for Umrao Jaan,” she says.

What about her presence during the Dhoom 2 shoot? “I don't think they would require me during the shooting, but if they ask me, then I shall be available,” she assures.

Mehta has trained under internationally acclaimed Guru Pattabhi Jois from Mysore and has been in this field for the last ten years. “Celebrities like Madonna have been my guruji's disciple. I have mastered the Ashtanga yoga, which helps in reducing weight,” she reveals. Mehta's other clients include Yana Gupta, Avanti and Yash Birla, and the models of Kingfisher calendar too. Mehta is undoubtedly the most highest paid personal trainer. “I won't be able to quote the exact amount, because it varies according to client requirements,” she adds.