Press photographer beaten up during Akshay Kumar's promotional appearance in the city; fanfare creates fracas
Press photographer beaten up during Akshay Kumar's promotional appearance in the city; fanfare creates fracas
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Manhandled: SP Rana, photographer of State Times, who was beaten up by G4S guards, at Connaught Place Police Station |
The cast and crew of Chandni Chowk to China are leaving no stone unturned to promote their film. But their date with Delhi on Thursday was marred by delays and unruly scenes near the office of a leading newspaper.
Actors Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar, along with other members of the movie's team, flew to the Capital in a private jet, only to be mauled by fans and surrounded by controversy.
Two press photographersu00a0Dilip Kumar of Amar Ujala and SP Rana of State Timesu00a0were allegedly manhandled by G4S security personnel, who were deputed outside the building of a leading newspaper at KG Marg, where they made an appearance.
The media was invited to cover the star-studded event, but many scribes were not allowed inside on arrival, even after they presented their invites and identity proofs.
Meanwhile, chaos ensued as excited fans crowded the gates and climbed trees to get a glimpse of the Bollywood hotties, even as the police stepped in after the mediapersons brought the mismanagement to notice.
"Maar peet to hoti rehti hai jab yeh log aate hain (Fights often happen whenever the celebrities come)," a policeman was overheard telling a curious onlooker. "Nikalte time mujhe hello to bolega hi (When they will leave the premises, at least they will say hello)," said hopeful fan Rammanus Chauhan, as he hung on to the gates just before the actors zipped out to escape the mayhem. Later, however, senior officials of the accused party duly apologised.u00a0
Akshay's initial itinerary was to visit the popular Paranthewali Gali in Chandni Chowk, where he was scheduled to bake paranthas like his character in the movie. But a late arrival prevented the stint.
After an interview with a radio channel, he and his gang took off to the Ambience Mall in Gurgaon.
Singer Kailash Kher was seen making a quiet exit in an Innova later; with hardly anyone recognising him.
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Flying high: Actors Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar (left) fly in a hot air balloon. Later, they apologised to fans and media for their delayed arrival. Their film Chandni Chowk to China is releasing todayu00a0Pics/MiD DAY |
