Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai, who was to receive an honor from the French government here Wednesday, requested officials to postpone the ceremony in the wake of the Mumbai blasts. The actress also maintained a minute’s silence to mourn the deaths.
“Thank you all for being here. The current situation has really disturbed and shocked all of us. I thank the French embassy for being supportive and considering the sensitivity of the situation. They have been kind to consider me and my family’s request to postpone the celebration till another time. We as Indians can’t go ahead and celebrate in such a situation,” Aishwarya told reporters at the event.
“The terrible blasts have shook us, but we shall stand strong. They (terrorists) should get it straight that we won’t let them succeed. You cannot break us, we all believe in deep strong Indian spirit. You will not get the better of us. God bless us and Jai Hind,” added Aishwarya, who was accompanied by her actor-husband Abhishek Bachchan.
Mumbai was hit by three blasts that left at least 21 people dead and over 100 injured on Wednesday evening.
French Ambassdor Jerome Bonnafont said:
“The terrible series of blast has shocked all of us. It seems the time is not right. I pay my condolence and want the Indian people to know that the government of France is with them.”