'Lucky Kabootar', a premiere that never happened

On Thursday night, the cast and crew of Karan Raj Kanwar's Lucky Kabootar were all set for their film's big night at a suburban multiplex. Guests began arriving at 9 pm and within a few minutes, they were told that the event was not happening and the film's release put off. What followed was high drama as frantic calls were made to guests about the premiere's cancellation.

From left: Anita Raj Kanwar, Priyanka Chopra, Sajid Nadiadwala and Karan Raj Kanwar at the music release of Lucky Kabootar on November 9.

Says a source, "It happened due to the tussle between the distributors and the presenters over monetary issues. At the last minute there was no other option, but to cancel the premiere."

Lucky Kabootar, directed by Shammi Chhabra, stars Eijaz Khan, Kulraj Randhawa and Shraddha Das is the late filmmaker Raj Kanwar's son Karan's production. After his father passed away in February 2012, he was keen on reviving his dad's banner with this production.

Says Anita Raj Kanwar, "It came as a shock to us when just before the event we were told by the distributors Vinay Choksi and Anil Agarwal that the presenters Dhananjay Private Limited had no money to release the film. There was no other option for us at the last minute. We really did not know what to do. We are still hopefull of releasing the film and keeping alive Rajji's banner."

Salman Khan, who had gracefully agreed to be a part of the event, was on his way when he was informed of the cancellation and turned back. Salman has worked in Raj Kanwar's films like Jeet (1996) and Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega (2000).

At the film's music release last month, Priyanka Chopra and producer Sajid Nadiadwala were present due to their past association with Raj Kanwar. Priyanka had featured in Raj Kanwar's film Andaaz (2003) while Raj Kanwar had directed films for Nadiadwala's banner including the Shah Rukh Khan-Divya Bharati starrer Deewana (1992).u00a0