Why Ash won't dance at IIFA

Last week, there was a rumour that Aishwarya Rai had declined to perform at IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) because she wanted 10 lakh more than what was being offered to her. The official reason, of course, was that her dates were with Mani Ratnam.

Ash who had flown into Mumbai from Chennai for a day, (the second Sunday of the month being a no-work day in the South) to dub for JP Dutta's Umrao Jaan, confirms that she is not performing in Dubai.

"Yes, my performance at IIFA was called off. But not because I had money issues. The truth , I'm afraid, is far less exciting. The reason I couldn't perform, was because Mani Ratnam's shooting just didn't allow me to get away long enough to rehearse and then fly down to perform."

However, in a flash-decision, Ash has decided to go to Dubai for IIFA after all. "I am going for IIFA, but not to perform. I'll be there for the premiere of my film Provoked. That was something I had to attend. Fortunately, Mani could let me go for just one day. So, I'll be shooting all of 13th.

Then I leave for Dubai from Chennnai on the 14th morning, attend the screening of Provoked followed by press conferences. Then I'm back in Chennai on 15th morning to join Mani for his shooting. Of course, I won't be there for the main event. But what to do?"

Sounds hectic! "By now I'm used to keeping impossible schedules," laughs Rai. "I hardly get time to be home with my family."

yaar this girl is so busy im surprised she is even able to go IIFA