The upset at the IPL finale on Sunday at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg was not just restricted to the playing area where Adam Gilchrist’s team beat Anil Kumble’s.It also spilled over onto the “spectacular” closing ceremony (as was broadcast from South Africa) which viewers in India felt was terribly mismanaged and lacked punch.
The story goes that Shilpa Shetty, who sportingly stayed on for the final even after her own team was knocked out, was slated to dance with American R&B artiste and hearthrob Akon. The Bollywood beauty even said as much on her blog. But, after the winning run had been scored and the celebrations began, what did we see but Katrina Kaif in an awkward shuffle with the singer.
According to Shilpa, she didn’t get time to rehearse for the performance. But then, neither did Katrina. The feisty and in-demand Katz was supposed to make a quick exit after going on stage with Akon and blowing kisses to the crowds. Instead, she stayed on for a forgettable ten minutes struggling to hip-hop with the singer.
“It wasn’t supposed to happen!” said the actress the morning after the event. “I was to dance to Jai Ho with Shiamak Davar. That’s it.” But minutes before she could go on stage, Katz was informed she had to dance with Akon. “I was like... zapped! Not only because I was not prepared for it, but also because I’m Akon’s biggest fan. Just sharing the stage with him would have been a dream come true. And there I was dancing with him. It was an exhilarating experience.”
‘Dancing’ is a word people who watched the two on stage, would not care to use to describe their crazy gesticulations. But, really, Katz and Akon met seconds before the curtain went up on them. “As we ran out he asked me what we’ll do for the audience. I was numb and clueless. So we just improvised and did what we wanted to,” Katz admitted.