On Tuesday night, Agent Vinod star Saif allegedly exchanged blows with South African businessman Iqbal Meer Sharma, who was also dining at Wasabi restaurant at the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers, Colaba.
Iqbal filed a complaint with the police, alleging that the actor attacked him after the A-list group was repeatedly told to pipe down as they were disturbing the other guests. Saif was arrested on Wednesday, along with Amrita’s husband Shakeel Ladakh who was also reportedly involved in the fistfight. They were both released after paying surety of Rs 15,000 each.
“The matter is in court, and it will take its due course,” Malaika says, adding, “Saif has given his statement, and I’m happy that he got a chance to give his side of the story. We want people to know that it wasn’t a one-sided brawl.”
Angry at whispers that the incident could be a publicity stunt for the actor’s upcoming action film, Malaika insists, “It’s sad and ridiculous for people to think this could be a publicity stunt. I don’t want to elaborate on such rumours.”
As for her professional life, Malaika’s plate is full, having just released a sneak peek of her latest item number, Anarkali Disco Chali… from Housefull 2, and supporting husband Arbaaz Khan’s directorial debut, Dabangg 2.
Would she be open to playing a larger role onscreen in the action sequel? “Every time I check fan sites, they keep saying I should,” she admits, adding, “The only director I would act for is Pedro Almodovar, since I love his films. And I would drop everything to be in a Woody Allen movie.”
‘Looking forward to CCTV footage’
At a press meet yesterday, actor Saif Ali Khan denied his recent brawl with businessman Iqbal Meer Sharma was a publicity stunt for his upcoming movie Agent Vinod. “We don’t need negative publicity. The incident could have been avoided," he said. The actor had previously mentioned that he acted in self-defence. “I was hit first. I am looking forward to CCTV footage (inside the restaurant)," he said, adding that the footage would prove that he was innocent.
It’s Saif to joke
Laugh out loud at the one-liners doing the rounds on Twitter:
So it’s true what they say - Wasabi really hits you in the nose.
Saif didn't punch anybody. He walked out of the place, and his nose clocked someone. That'll happen.
After the punching incident, Saif to be demoted from "Nawab of Pataudi" to "Sir-Punch of Pataudi."
What's common between Iqbal Sharma and Kareena? At some point, Saif has told them both to go to a library.
Saif Ali Khan punched a man on his nose, which swelled up on impact. The man is now called Soha Ali Khan.
Saif beats up a guy in Wasabi restaurant after he was told he was being loud. This is what happens when you make it large. Repeatedly.
