Vivek’s special birthday gift to Ash

By IndiaFM News Bureau -

November 3, 2003 - 12:00 AM IST

Bachpan ke dost actor Vivek Oberoi and director Samir Karnik are embroiled in a major controversy. According to sources, during the recently-concluded Goa schedule of KYUN HO GAYA NA [starring Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi in stellar roles], the director and actor had a major showdown in front of the entire unit.

It seems that Samir wanted Vivek to report for the shoot at an early hour, but the actor sauntered in 4/5 hours late. That angered the director no end, who ordered pack-up soon after Vivek arrived on the sets. Seeing his ego bruised, Vivek, it seems, abused Samir and the two came to blows subsequently.

Back in Mumbai, the director promptly called this writer to clarify his stand. Here's quoting him verbatim: There's been no showdown as such. I guess, people love to talk and in this case, they are indulging in loose talk, without realising the repercussions it could have on our careers.

It all started when it took time to light up a particular shot. We couldn't complete the required sequences on that day itself, but we did shoot for 18 hours the next day. How come no one talks about that?

There was no question of Vivek walking on the sets late. He's a disciplined guy and most importantly, we share a very close bond. We've grown up together. We know each other inside out. All this talk of Vivek abusing me, and both of us getting into a brawl is pure nonsense.

Not many people are aware that Vivek and I celebrated the first anniversary of this project in Goa this time. We'd planned this project in Goa exactly a year ago and coincidentally, were shooting in Goa itself on this date.

The shooting schedule went off pretty well and we've completed approx. 45% of the shooting. That wouldn't have been possible had there been fights and brawls. Point noted!