[Mrluvaluva]

From Sky News

The Thames was home from home for Shilpa Shetty - India's most famous celebrity - as she posed in front of the sub-continent's most famous icon.

A replica of the Taj Mahal sailed through central London to launch a festival to celebrate India's rich and diverse culture - and the city's relationship with her country.

India cricket captain Rahul Dravid - in the UK for a Test series against England which starts at Lord's this week - also backed the festival.

Shetty, London Mayor Ken Livingstone and actress Joanna Lumley watched the barge set off as part of the official launch.

India Now is a three-month season of events dedicated to Indian art, food, theatre and fashion.

The events include a special trail through at London Zoo to see Asiatic lions, Hanuman langurs, geckos and king cobra.

In August, a series of events will be staged in Trafalgar Square to highlight the capital's creative connections with India.

The Taj Mahal model finally moored up at London Bridge ahead of an official evening function.

Click me if you dare.