Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's fame and beauty might have earned her overseas projects, but it didn't keep the security personnel from denying her entry to "Jazbaa" photocall at the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival.
According to a Daily Bhaskar report, the actress was stopped at the gates for not carrying a 'blue pass'. Reportedly, 20 minutes later Satya Paul Singh, Indian Embassy protocol officer stepped in allowing Aish access to the venue.
"The security personnel didn't allow Aishwarya access to the India Pavilion because she was not in possession of the Blue Pass. Therefore, Aishwarya and the whole 'Jazbaa' team had to wait 20 minutes or more at the gate. It was the prompt initiative taken by Satya Paul Singh and the FICCI representatives that saved the day," Satish Reddy, Managing Director, World News Network further elaborated.
Singh reportedly wrote an email to World News Network stating the actress' car didn't have a blue sticker on it (mandatory for entry to events held at India Pavilion), which made the security chief stall Aishwarya and her "Jazbaa" team at the entrance. However, crisis was averted after those responsible for the venue's security were convinced she was a global icon and a celebrity.
Meanwhile Aishwarya's PR person has denied the reports clarifying that the permission was granted earlier in the day and that she wasn't made to wait for the lack of a pass.
"It was not at all a major issue. As per norms the Blue Pass is mandatory therefore we had to request the Security officials at Cannes for admission who co-operated with us. There was no waiting at all," Samir Kumar, Deputy Director of FICCI, Media and Entertainment explained.
