Helper at Aamir's wedding in wages brawl

A helper on contract at the wedding reception of Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, was hurt in a brawl with his contractor over his wages, last night.

Ramesh Surti (35), the helper, works regularly with Harish Chand (40), the contractor, and they are neighbours in the tenements opposite Babulnath Temple, Girgaum.

Much of the work they get is from Worli's Mayfair Hotel.

Yesterday, Surti approached Chand for his dues amounting to about Rs 3,500. He gets Rs 70 of the Rs 125 paid for an eight-hour shift. The difference is pocketed by the contractor.

''Of the total amount, about Rs 1,000 (for more than 16 shifts) was due for work at the reception in Panchgani,'' Surti said.

He explained that he washed utensils, did the beds and clothing work for Aamir and his guests.

''I was there from December 24 for five days, and enjoyed my work,'' Surti said. ''I met Aamir sahab. He looked wonderful and spoke to all of us. He even shook my hand and wished me Merry Christmas.''

Surti alleged that he was attacked with a chopper by a member of the contractor's family last night.

The contractor, however, told police that Surti was drunk and misbehaved with him, so he slapped him. Gamdevi police said a hospital test showed Surti was under the influence of alcohol.

''Surti was drunk when he had gone to demand his money,'' said Sub-Inspector Anant Salunkhe. ''There was a scuffle and when they pushed him about he may have hit his head on a stone, hence the minor head injury.''