Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Actress Abruptly Cancels Media Briefing Due To Pushing & Shoving [VIDEO]
Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan reportedly cancelled a media briefing after she was mobbed by fans during her recent visit to Ludhiana, India.
Traffic was diverted for several hours from Rani Jhansi Road on Sunday as Bachchan inaugurated the new Kalyan Jewelers showroom for the jewelry chain she endorses, according to Hindustan Times. She appeared for the 52nd store opening of Kalyan Jewelers. Bachchan thanked her fans for all the love and support they've given to her and singled out her husband Abhisshek, father-in-law and daughter.
"I am deeply obliged to be here," she said. "I really thank people for their love and support."
The actress was scheduled to have a media briefing but instead left the venue after thousands of fans gathered outside the barricaded showroom, according to the Indian Express. Witnesses saw pushing and shoving in the crowd with cops threatening to resort to a lathi charge for ensuring law and order. An area resident even condemned stars visiting to the city, saying such appearances brought the city to a standstill.
"Commuters always find themselves at the receiving end," the unnamed resident said.
The Rani Jhansi road was closed for three hours despite the actress's 20-minute appearance, angering commuters.
"I kept asking some cops about the alternative route and how much time it will take for the road to open. But nobody answered my questions," Rajdeep Singh, a commuter who was caught in the traffic, told the Times. "Instead they kept their eyes glued to the showroom, hoping to see her."
Bachchan told the Ludhiana Newsline she was overwhelmed by the love she saw.
