17 December,2010 07:52 AM IST | | Shashank Shekhar
Chhote Nawab replaced King Khan as chief guest at a function in the Capital. Invitees say organisers didn't inform them about the change
Both are major leaguers in Bollywood. But can one step in for the other? Apparently not. On Thursday evening hundreds of Delhiites went home from Siri Fort Auditorium feeling cheated. They had gone there hoping to catch a glimpse of the Badshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan.
my name is khan: Saif Ali Khan at Dr Batra's Positive Health Awards 2010
at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi on Thursday. Pic/Subhash Barolia
Turns out, it wasn't SRK but Chhote Nawab Saif Ali Khan who was the chief guest at a ceremony organised at the venue. Reports suggest Shah Rukh couldn't attend because of health reasons.
Fans were particularly aggrieved as passes issued for the event carried SRK's name as the chief guest. No one had communicated anything about the change to them. The event - 5th Positive Health Awards 2010 - was organised by Dr Batra's and Bajaj. According to sources, Shah Rukh's name had been finalised and Saif was roped in only a few days ago.
Bajaj, co-organiser of the event, issued passes to their officials and customers. MiD DAY has a copy of one and Shah Rukh's name is prominently mentioned on it. "I got the pass from Bajaj motors as I had bought a new bike.
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I was very excited at the prospect of seeing Shah Rukh Khan from close quarters. But after reaching here, I was told that instead of him Saif is coming. It's a disappointment," said Chirag Gupta, owner of a food joint.
Not only him; even officials from Bajaj were clueless of this change.
An official at Fairdeal Auto even confirmed that Shah Rukh was coming for the event, an hour before the ceremony. He also confirmed that managerial level officials had gone to attend the event, presuming SRK was the chief guest.
Before the event kicked off, the organisers announced the 'change'. Adding to the woes was the delay in arrival of Saif Ali Khan. "Shah Rukh Khan could not attend the event due to some health reasons, and he was sad for the same and also sent a message through a video," said an official.
| Vinishing ACT |
| A function, which was going to be attended by actor Shah Rukh Khan, had to be called off at the last minute in Kalindi Kunj area of south Delhi IN September, as organisers "failed" to take prior permission. This led to a lathicharge after the crowd protested. More than 2,000 people had gathered to attend the event but when Delhi Police said they will not allow anyone to enter the venue, chaos prevailed. |
