Paparazzi ditch Sallu at Kick screening

Actor Salman Khan was at his cheerful best at a special screening of Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick, but he must have got a shocking surprise as photographers gathered on the occasion refused to take his pictures.

Though the superstar was all smiles, it was evident that Mumbai photographers were sticking to the ban they imposed on clicking Salman's pictures at film events following a recent spat. This ban had an effect of sorts. Salman's pictures were conspicuously missing from most promotional events and recent screening of the film.

Salman feels stardom is ephemeral and he would rather focus on taking his charitable work forward

Though the Mumbai Photographers Association has unanimously decided to boycott the actor, they have decided to cooperate with the promotion of the film that opens on Friday.

The evening was marked by the presence of prominent celebrities besides the cast and crew of the film. The event also marked the birthday celebration of director Sajid Nadiadwala's youngest son Sufyan.

Kick's lead actress Jacqueline Fernandez and Nargis Fakhri, who performs a dance number in the film, were seen bonding, dispelling all reports of a rivalry between the two.

Author Chetan Bhagat, who co-wrote the screenplay of the film, was spotted having a conversation with actor and filmmaker Atul Agnihotri.

Salman's brother Arbaaz was accompanied by wife Malaika and son Arhaan, while Malaika's sister Amrita arrived with hubby Shakeel Ladak.

Salman's sister Arpita was also present at the do.

Oscar-winning Resul Pookutty, who plays the villain in the film, also came for the screening with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. UTV honcho Siddharth Roy Kapoor came minus wife Vidya Balan.