Subhash K Jha (DNA; April 28, 2014)

Although he is nominated for Best Director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has not been invited for the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) currently on at Tampa Bay in the US.

Says a source from Bhansali’s office, “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela has been nominated for all the four main categories — Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. However, Bhansali did not receive any invitation, not even a phone call, to attend the awards function in whichever part of the world it was held.”

A strange oversight, and an unpardonable omission considering the nominees are expected to be present. However, the source from SLB’s office says the director had no intentions of attending even if he was invited. “Mr Bhansali wasn’t going to leave Mumbai on the day of elections.”