Saif Ali Khan attacked in New Delhi

Word that the actor was present at the venue spread so quickly that people landed up in droves to meet him.

An eyewitness says, "The mob had completely surrounded Saif from all directions. Saif had to leave to catch a flight, but they wouldn't listen to him. The number of people was growing by the minute and the situation was getting out of hand."

The source adds, "Two battalions of policemen and around 30 military personnel comprising BSF jawans were called into action immediately. Saif was whisked away by the military and the police who escorted him straight to the airport. While Saif was very sporting, he looked nervous."

Saif's secretary Arpita informed us, "We didn't know what to do and how to get out of this situation until the police and military were summoned. His life was never in danger as security was in place but with such a huge mob around us, more security was needed."

Saif played down the incident with a dose of humour. "I was happy to see a good turnout. I think the (company) guys were a bit surprised, but they handled it extremely well."