Producer apologises to Kunal Kohli

  • IndiaGlitz, [Saturday,November 05 2005]

Though producer Vashu Bhagnani can't see what the fuss is all about, he called up "Hum Tum" director Kunal Kohli and apologized to him from New Delhi.

According to Kohli, he was turned away from the venue of the "Shaadi No.1" premiere repeatedly until he drove away in disgust without seeing Bhagnani's film.

"Though I'm not responsible for what happened with Kunal, I deeply regret it. It was (veejay-turned-actress) Sophie Chowdhary who told me about what Kunal told the press about being badly treated at the premiere," Bhagnani told IANS.

"Believe me, I'd never misbehave with anyone, let alone Kunal whom I know for 10 years and who happens to be my director David Dhawan's nephew."

Everyone is talking about Vashu's lavish premiere for "Shaadi No 1" at Mumbai's Cinemax multiplex.

"My wife and I felt like the bride and groom all over again. When we got married we were too poor to afford a lavish wedding. By making a wedding out of the premiere, the two of us relived an old, cherished fantasy. It was such a moving experience... Our own marriage with over 2,000 'baraatis'! It's unfortunate that such an ugly incident had to mar our happiness," sighs Bhagnani.

"It really surprises me," says Bhagnani. "Kunal has so much face value. Everyone knows him. I'm shocked that he was turned away.

"Later my wife told me even she was forbidden from entering. This was part of the security arrangement at Cinemax. I was in no way responsible.

"I was trying to play a proper host. Looking out for 2,000 guests isn't easy. And on top of that there was Fardeen Khan landed straight from Bangkok and came straight for the premiere. I was really tense. I wish it had gone well enough. But these small hitches spoilt it...

"Any way I've told Kunal I'm keen to show him 'Shaadi No 1' anywhere he'd like to see it."