Mumbai, July 30: Some of Sanjay Dutt’s close friends from Mumbai could not fly to South Africa to be with the actor on his 50th birthday on Wednesday. Dutt is shooting for Anees Bazmee’s No Problem in Cape Town.
It is learnt that there was a hitch that resulted in them not obtaining the visas. Says a source, “While submitting the forms, the reason for travel was described as ‘For Sanjay Dutt’s birthday’. The SA consulate folk wanted an invitation to support it. By the time it was sorted out, it was too late.”
Among the industry folk who were to travel included Bunty Walia, Apoorva Lakhia, Andre Timmins (of Wizcraft) and Aslam Khan (producer of the Dutt-starrer Chatur Singh Two Star).
In fact, Bunty had stated on a social networking site that he was flying to SA for Dutt’s birthday. But now his message reads: Visa denied.. aarrgh!
Says Bunty, “Yes, I could not make it for the birthday. I have always been with Sanju on his special day.” He lays the blame on his travel agents. “They gave a covering letter with the visa form saying that I was attending Sanjay Dutt’s birthday. They kept telling me that it was all okay. I had already done my flight booking. And then at the last minute, they tell me that my visa was rejected.”
The SA consulate folk wanted a letter for the birthday details. “I only wish I was told about it, I could have given them the needed paperwork.”
Adds Bunty, “When I wished Sanju on the phone, I told him that when he is back in Mumbai, we will have a belated party for him.”
—Agencies