Salman skips Kat's big premiere...

Khan wasn’t by his girlfriend’s side last night, as he was performing at a show in Dubai

Salman Khan was conspicuous by his absence at the Race premiere at Imax Wadala last night.

A friend of Katrina says the actress was very disappointed that Salman couldn’t make it to the premiere. “It’s her first big release this year and she wanted him to be there to give her moral support. But unfortunately, Salman had to be in Dubai for a show. It was a commitment made a month ago.”

The source says Katrina was very keen to go to the premiere with Salman, “She kept requesting him to postpone the event and come for a few minutes to the Race premiere. Salman tried his best to get out of the Dubai show and take a late-night flight but it wasn’t feasible. Katrina then requested Salman’s best friend Sajid Nadiadwala to come with her in Sallu’s place.”

The friend adds that Katrina and Salman are going strong despite rumours of Salman’s trespasses with Mahek Chahel and model Bruna Abdallah.

Missing Sallu

Katrina doesn’t deny missing Sallu at the premiere, “I have never talked about my personal life and won’t start doing that now.” She hides her disappointment over his absence well. “More than disappointed, I am very nervous. I hope the film does well. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Last year, I had four releases but no premieres.”

Bipasha Basu, who stars in the film, was also minus beau John Abraham, who is shooting in Miami for Dostana.

Katrina will join Salman in Dubai in the next few days but she takes pains to stress that it’s not for a holiday, “I am going with designer Rocky S to pick up outfits for Singh Is Kinng.”

Meanwhile nothing can take her attention away from Race. “It’s a fun, cool action thriller where I am playing a character with various shades. Race will take you by surprise,” she promises.

Mid-Day