Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; November 17, 2015)

Veteran actress Hema Malini had arranged a tribute, Jaya Smriti, for her late mother on Sunday. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was slated to be the guest of honour for the event, but gave it a skip at the last minute. A source says, “When Aishwarya was approached, she showed interest and agreed to attend it. Her name was included in the invitations, but at the last-minute she did a no show.”

A source close to Hema informs, “Aishwarya had a shoot and had informed Hema about it, but by then the invites had been sent.”

Aishwarya’s spokesperson maintains, “Aishwarya would have loved to witness Hema ji’s performance, but unfortunately due to the short notice and prior commitments she could not make it. She truly regrets not being able to make it because of earlier work commitments. Her best wishes and love will always be with Hemaji.”