Sunny says safety first, calls off Bengaluru bash

Citing lack of security, Bollywood actor Sunny Leone on Tuesday backed out of her controversial New Year's Eve show in the city.

She placed the blame on the police, saying they had openly announced they could not ensure her safety.

She tweeted twice within five minutes, the first tweet going out at 5.57 pm.

Her tweets went viral, and between them, and had garnered 6,200 likes by 10 pm.

The former porn star's decision comes after the Karnataka government refused to allow the New Year bash at White Orchid Convention Centre, Manyata Tech Park, on December 31.

Senior officers told DH they were determined to keep the city incident-free, and were playing safe. They said they were under extra pressure this year, with the High Court monitoring their preparedness to manage the crowds on December 31.

Minister's decision

After a small group protested against the upcoming show, home minister Ramalinga Reddy on December 16 said he had instructed the police not to allow Sunny Leone to perform.

The hosts, Times Creations, have knocked on the doors of the High Court, challenging the government's decision.

Sunny was to dance and cut a cake to welcome the New Year. The event also included performances by DJ Progressive Brother, DJ Villas Monnappa and All OK Kannada Rappers.

The case is coming up for hearing on December 21.  

Hosts reeling

Sunny Leone's back-to-back tweets left the organisers in despair.

"We are in constant touch with her and members of her team, and we are confident she will not let us down. We also hope the court will rule in our favour," said Harish, managing director of Time Creations.

He said he could not cancel the show on his own, and would have to talk to friends who had invested in the event.

Tickets available

Three days after the government refused permission for Sunny Night, online ticketing site Book My Show continued to sell tickets priced at Rs 2,999 and Rs 7,999.

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Performance anxiety

Dec 14: A public-interest petition in the High Court seeks a ban on sale of liquor on New Year's Eve.

Dec 16: Court suggests a ban on revelry if the govt can't maintain law and order. City police commissioner T Suneel Kumar files a detailed report promising safety. Home minister Ramalinga Reddy, meanwhile, says he won't allow the Sunny Leone show. Dec 17: No one has sought licence for Sunny Leone show, says police chief.

Dec 19: Hosts approach High Court. Hearing coming up on Thursday. Sunny Leone tweets she is not coming.

 

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What she tweeted

Here are @SunnyLeone's tweets on Tuesday (unedited):

* 5.57 pm: Since the police of Bangalore have publicly said that they will not be able to ensure mine & all who attend safety for my New Year's event, my team & I feel, safety of the people should always come first therefore I cannot attend. God bless & I wish everyone a safe & happy New Year!

* 6.03 pm: To all those who protested and to all those who supported, always remember, never allow others to speak and choose for you. Have your own voice and make your own choices. You are the youth and you are the NEW INDIA! Stand Proud and Stand together. I love you all dearly!