Dubai: The rose-patterned green and gold carpet had lost its fluff with the 100-odd journalists trampling on its crimson face for nearly three hours — that's how long it took for Salman Khan and group to arrive at Grand Midwest Hotel's ballroom and encourage people to do their bit for Being Human — a charity set up by the actor in India and the Dubai Autism centre.
And except for a few mistaken identities, where Ritesh Deskhmukh was referred to as Ritesh Joshi — another Bollywood actor with the Joshi surname — and Salman's brother as Salman, the organisers and stars were united in their efforts to encourage attendees to book their place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium last night and watch celebrities from India and Paskitan belt it out in the Celebrity Cricket Cup 2010.
This was the first time that the event was being held in the UAE. However, it may not be without its share of troubles.
"We might be hammered back home when we return to Mumbai, especially since we are Indian players pitched against celebrities from Pakistan," Salman said.
"But that's okay since most people want to see these two nations together. It's only a few elements who have a mudda [problem]."
But that clearly didn't deter the organisers who promised to make the initiative an annual event — if proven successful.
"Our mission is to spread the element of being human," explained Haider Ali Mirza, managing director of Cynosure.
"The Salman Khan Celebrity Cricket Match highlights our motivation which is to produce and present enjoyment, community support and success. We are eager to make this a much anticipated annual event."
While the list includes top celebrities like Shoaib Akhtar, Ritesh Deshmukh, Sharman Joshi, Javed Shaikh, and Sohail Khan, among others, all of the stars were clear on the friendly element of the match with Shoaib promising that he would not give the ‘non cricketers" a tough time.
"I'm here for Salman Khan. I can do anything for his family and whenever his organisation requires me, I will be there. So bowling a fast one is out of the question," said Akhtar, who was expected to captain the Pakistan team.
Deshmukh echoed those sentiments and said that the Khan clan was the sole reason for him to be part of the event.
"I completely thank Sohail and Salman for making me a part of this. They have always stood for good things, but with them I get a chance to do something good too. Someone needs to take a stand and lead and I'm happy being a follower."
Sohail encouraged the media to reach out to as many people as possible to help towards the noble cause by attending the cricket event held last night and the fashion show today.
But he wasn't very confident of his cricketing skills.
"The Pakistan team probably has better players and Shoaib but we are actors and can act to play better."
