/> The pendulum swings a complete circle. Rumours that Aishwarya Rai won't be attending IIFA because she wanted extra money for her performance, can be safely put to rest.

Ash who had flown into Mumbai from Chennai for one day (the second Sunday of the month being a no-work day in the South) to dub for J.P Dutta's Umrao Jaan, doesn't know whether to laugh or fume at the allegation.

"Yes, my performance at IIFA was called off. But not because I had money issues. People have to make up stories, spice up the truth just to create a sensational story. But the truth, I'm afraid, is far less exciting.

The reason why I couldn't perform was because Mani Rathnam's shooting just didn't allow me to get away long enough to rehearse and then fly down to perform."

However in a flash-decision Ash has decided to go to Dubai for IIFA after all. "But not to perform. I'll be there for the premiere of my film Provoked. That was something I had to attend. Fortunately Mani could let me go for just one day.

So I'll be shooting all of 13th. Then I leave for Dubai from Chennnai on the 14 th morning, attend the screening of Provoked followed by press conferences. Then I'm back in Chennai on 15th morning to join Mani for his shooting. Of course I won't be there for the main event. But what to do?"

Sounds hectic! "By now I'm used to keeping impossible schedules," laughs Ms Rai. "I hardly get time to be home with my family."