Shocking! Abhishek snaps at scribe

Meanwhile we are here waiting for the stars at the press conference of The Unforgettable Tour in a plush Mumbai hotel. The Bachchans arrive late. But this time we are not complaining. Apparently they are already in the hotel. In all probability it's the event managers who have goofed up by losing track of the legitimate invitees and the hordes of gatecrashers who are synonymous with all Amitabh Bachchan events.

We are told that the first leg of the Unforgettable Tour will cover Canada and USA.

Apart from Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, Preity Zinta and Ritesh Deshmukh are also supposed to perform. Akshay Kumar will also join them for one show.

Of course the list of people who have dropped out is much greater. Guess it isn't easy when even the likes of Lara Dutta turn you down. Nonetheless after many cancellations and letdowns, the tour is actually happening.

Vishal Shekhar, the music directors are not present but the official choreographer Shiamak Davar is very much around along with the rest of entourage.

Then the usual volley of questions begins. Most questions are directed at Amitabh Bachchan, who answers them mechanically, his sense of humour clearly missing

But one question takes Amitabh by surprise. A journalist informs him that Shah Rukh Khan is to perform in London on the same day. To which he responds, "Well if that is true, good. The more the merrier."

Preity Zinta is her cheerful smiling self and the media doesn't have too many questions for her. Aishwarya Raiis her usual simpering self and gazes adoringly at her father-in-law.

Then a journalist asks Abhishek Bachchan whether he has any plans to chill out during the tour. Abhishek says it's unlikely since between the shows they will rehearse and try to improve their performance. The same journalist fires the next question too. "How do you chill out otherwise?" he asks. Abhishek snaps back, his tone sarcastic, "I come to press conferences, like this one!"

Unlike Abhishek Bachchan, Ritesh Deshmukh comes across as warm, friendly and easy-going. He responds well and politely. [MUST READ: CM's son is out of work!]

Sooner than later, the press conference is over and we are informed that this mother of all tours will hit the small screens exclusively on NDTV Imagine around Diwali.

The first leg of The Unforgettable Tour will flag off on July 18.