Mumbai Blasts

The Mumbai blasts of November 26 have shaken Bollywood but not destroyed its spirit. Parties have been cancelled out of a sense of loss, and most people stayed away from the sets, glued to their television screens. But there was no doubt that the city – and Bollywood – would rise again. Masala! brings you some reactions...

Rahul Mahajan

Nervous but reassured

Rahul Mahajan had already reached Zulfi’s party (see below left). An eyewitness said, “Rahul Mahajan was scared to bits, he was shivering like a kid. Luckily, the hotel’s staff and security were extremely sharp and alert to the situation, and handled it with care and reassurances to all the guests, avoiding any panic situation.”

Rakhi Sawant

“Main to bal bal bacch gayee”

Rakhi was supposed to have her birthday celebrations on a yacht near the Gateway of India on November 26, but decided to have it on the 25th night at a restaurant instead, because she was shooting the next day. “This is really a miracle. Main to bal bal bacch gayee (I have had a hair’s breadth escape). I heard the terrorists came in boats by that route,” said Rakhi. The actress was supposed to fly out to Chennai on the 27th morning to shoot for Vikram Bhatt’s film, but the flight was cancelled.

Arjun Rampal

“Arjun is in no mood to celebrate”

The actor marked his 36th birthday on November 26th. Although he was not planning a big party, he did plan a small celebration with close friends and family. A source told us that Arjun was naturally in no mood to celebrate after what happened in Mumbai. He was considering calling off the big bash he had planned for his wife Mehr Jessia’s birthday on November 30.

Kunal Kohli

“This kind of terrorism has only been seen in the movies”

Director Kunal Kohli was at home with his family. “By God’s grace all my relatives and friends are okay,” he said. “This is a new form of terrorism that is going to affect the entire world.

“We had earlier seen these kind of things only in the movies. Now we are seeing it on the streets of Mumbai.” Kunal said there was an unwritten curfew in the city and his friends from the industry had not gone to work the next day. “But we know B’wood will be back in action very soon, totally undaunted.”

Zulfi Syed

“I called off my party immediately”

The model-actor had organised a party in a lounge at the Sahara Star Hotel for his fellow contestants from Bigg Boss2. “I was close to the hotel when I heard a rattling sound. Initially, I thought there must be a wedding nearby, but when I reached the hotel I came to know that it was indeed a bomb blast,” he said. Zulfi’s guests included Rahul Mahajan, Rakhi Vijan, Raja Chaudhary. Bollywood actors Shilpa Shetty and Aditya Pancholi were also supposed to be present. ”I called those who were on their way and asked them not to come,” Zulfi said.