Why Salman Khan backed out of the IIFA awards

What made actor Salman Khan, who had played a rather active role during the IIFA event promotions, back out of it at the last minute? Sources say that Salman’s cancellation had largely to do with the fact that actor Shah Rukh Khan had suggested that actor Vivek Oberoi be the co-host of the party that he’s hosting for the IIFA delegates. The party is part of the grand celebrations to celebrate the success of the event.

Khan and Oberoi have been at loggerheads ever since he accused Khan of threatening his (then) girlfriend Aishwarya Rai (now Bachchan). Even though Oberoi has repeatedly apologised to Khan after that, he has maintained a clear distance from him. It’s been reported that Oberoi had started warming up to Shah Rukh recently and he, too, has reportedly decided to patronise him.

Giving details of the finale party that SRK will be hosting for the delegates and guests, Sabbas Joseph, the head of the event organisation, said, “We are having a grand party that will be jointly hosted by Shah Rukh and Oberoi. The party will be attended by all the VIPs, members from the Canadian government (also supposed to include the prime minister) and the delegates.”

When asked if it was Shah Rukh’s decision to include Oberoi as co-host for the party,  Sabbas said, “Nothing can happen without Shah Rukh’s approval. It’s not a surprise party. The party was organised with the consent of everybody as it is an official event.”

According to the organisers, the official reason that Salman has given for not attending the event is that he is shooting for Bodyguard in Punjab. “We are missing Salman. All his fans are missing him. He has told us that since he is shooting for the film, he won’t be able to make it this time,” Sabbas adds.