Soumitra not attending Saif, Kareena's wedding

Prior commitments keep the actor away from Saifeena���s reception Thousand flashbulbs fade in comparison to their 53-year-old association. And their friendship? Way deeper than the greasepaint. Soumitra Chatterjee and Sharmila Tagore ��� introduced as a pair by Satyajit Ray in Apur Sansar ��� have always been close associates, the passing years notwithstanding.Obviously then, on a special occasion like her son���s wedding, it was much speculated that the Dadasaheb Phalke winner would make it to Delhi to attend the Dawat-e-Walima, but it has now been revealed that Soumitra is not be attending the reception on October 18. Saif Ali Khan���s wedding to Kareena Kapoor is this year���s biggest event on the Bollywood calendar and speculations have been rife on who will feature on the guest list. Reportedly, the wedding will take place on October 17 at the Pataudi palace, where only a few friends and close family members will be present to bless the newly-weds. The high-profile reception will take place on the following day in Delhi. When TOI got in touch with Soumitra, the veteran actor said, ���Yes, she (Sharmila) had sent me a letter of invite way in advance. But I have a lot of prior commitments. There are films for which I���ve already given my dates. I also have plays to rehearse for. It will not be possible for me to attend the reception.���Soumitra, who just did two back-to-back shows of Raja Lear, is reportedly gearing up to stage the play again in November. However, a source close to the actor revealed, ���Despite being one of the country���s finest actors, Soumitra loves staying away from the limelight. That���s also another reason why he will not be going to Delhi for the reception, which is bound to be a glitzy affair.���But wouldn���t that be an issue with Sharmila? ���Never,��� said the source. After the Dadasaheb Phalke award was announced this year, in an interview Sharmila had mentioned, ���Soumitra and I share a unique relationship. I don���t need to articulate to him that I���m very happy for him. I���m one of his loyalists and he���ll know exactly how I feel even if I don���t call him. It���s a relationship that���s survived over decades and we���re done with proving ourselves."The feelings, it seems, are only mutual.I���ll try, says Goutam GhoseA big congratulation to Saif and Kareena. Sharmila is a dear friend and we have worked together. Tiger Pataudi too was very close. I still remember how he would enjoy our addas. I have known Saif from his childhood. Frankly speaking, I have seen Saif grow up. It���s great news that he���s getting married to Kareena ��� a versatile actress, who is also very famous. I���m trying my best to attend the reception, but at this point in time, my hands are full. I���m tied up with the post-production of Shunyo Awnko, but still I���ll try to make it.As told to Ruman Ganguly