Sukanya Verma

"He always makes us wait for hours."

"It is unbelievable. I am flying with Hrithik!"

"Why can't these stars be more punctual? Don't they have any value for other people's time?"

"I'm really looking forward to this. People have been offering me money to take my place on this flight."

"What's the point in calling us so early when it's common practice to delay things?"

And it was two-hour-long delay.

For the 30 lucky winners of the Close-Up's Sky Party with Hrithik contest, as well as the organisers, it was an agonising wait for Hrithik Roshan.

Bombay's Orchid Hotel was venue to a press conference to introduce the fortunate 30. Hrithik and the winners would be flown some 30,000 feet above sea level, followed by dinner and dancing.

The star, for his part, was delayed by a good two hours.

When he did finally make an appearance, it was, as Close-Up's Pradeep Banerjee, head of oral care, said, "All good things are worth waiting for."

Clad in a white tee shirt, jeans and pale yellow glasses, Hrithik looked just like the stylish Raj of his debut smash hit Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai.

His arrival triggered sheer chaos. Photographers, journalists, people all clamouring for a glimpse, a word with him.

"Right now I am really excited to board the plane," gushed Hrithik, before setting off for the airport. "As long as I get to do what I want to do, and my fans like what I am doing, I'll continue. I think this is a great opportunity for me to be with them."

Which toothpaste does Hrithik use? "I knew this was coming. I have used lots of them. Yes, Close-Up as well!"