Star struck
The thing about the star craze syndrome is that it cuts both ways. From stars who make outrageous demands, to organisers who are so star-struck, that they compromise or deliberately avoid necessary security measures to get maximum publicity out of the stars, there is much to be desired on both sides. For instance, word comes in that at a recent high-profile wedding celebration at a five-star venue in Mumbai, the organisers of the event were so star-struck by the guest of honour, a national treasure, that they are said to have not followed the due security SOPs that had been set up to ensure the eminent personality's smooth and safe entry and exit, and it ended with the guest of honour having to politely excuse himself early and leave.
"A welcoming delegation was positioned outside the venue to greet and receive the celebrity guest, who had arrived just before the scheduled time. Out of safety considerations, and to avoid hysteria, a back entrance had been earlier assigned for him and his security detail," says a source. "But though the all other high-profile guests used this channel, the welcoming committee 'forgot' to inform the star guest about this and he was made to walk a sizeable distance to reach the venue through hysterical crowds, and seemed obviously uncomfortable before making his departure," informs our source. And the best bit is that when questions were asked why the vital and agreed upon SOPs weren't followed for the star, a relative responded saying, "Main toh sab bhool gaya usko dekhke!" Shocking!
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