Says a source close to John and Bipasha, “Bipasha proceeded to Colombo at the last minute without John. This was the first time she attended this annual jamboree without John and no, she wasn’t sulking over the matter. Bipasha had no choice but to attend because she had to represent her film Lamhaa in Colombo.”

Initially Bipasha did try to convince John to accompany her. But keeping in mind the Tamilian sentiments he opted out.

Says a mutual friend of the couple, “John is very clear about being politically correct. He is a Malyalee and feels very strongly about South Indian issues. So even if it meant not spending quality time with Bipasha, John decided to forego the pleasure trip.”

When contacted, John tried to brush off his absence at Colombo. “I had work in Mumbai so I didn’t go. I’m completely immersed in pre-production work for Nishikant Kamat’s film.I can’t think of anything else at the moment.”