Fans tear Bobby Deol's clothes in Pune

Bobby Deol got more pyaar-dulaar than he bargained for while attending a charity cricket match as a chief guest in Pimpri-Chinchwad on the outskirts of Pune recently. Over-enthusiastic villagers from neighbouring areas rushed to Bobby screaming and yelling. They started touching his hair, pushing him and tearing at his clothes. In their efforts to touch him, they even scratched his back and tore a bit of his shirt off.

A source says, "There was hardly any security at the venue. Fortunately, most of the attention was focussed on the match." By the time it became obvious that the security couldn't handle the situation, a cool-headed Bobby realised that increasing hordes could cause a stampede and that women and children could get hurt.

Adds the source, "He spoke to the crowds calmly — all while still walking briskly towards his car. Bobby knew that he wasn't in a position to handle the situation single handedly. When he reached his car, he instructed his driver to rush to Mumbai. Only when the vehicle got moving, did he breathe a sigh of relief."

Says Bobby, "I had gone for an inaugural cricket match as it was for a charitable cause. There was a huge crowd there and any crowd gets excited on seeing actors. There was a bit of grabbing but I am fine." he actor continues, "I am sure they didn't mean any harm. It's amazing the way these people love you and are so honest about their emotions. There were security arrangements though the crowd did rush in." The event was organised by a member of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation who "helps budding cricketers from poor families develop their talents," informs Bobby.

Says a source close to Bobby, "Bobby is a huge cricket fan. He only said yes as this was a charity match. However, he did make it clear to the organisers that they'd have to arrange for security or it would be difficult for him to attend. The match was being held at a local school." The actor was sitting in a special box meant for the chief guest along with the organisers and other special guests. The crowds only rushed in "at the end, after the cup had been presented and Bobby was chatting in his box with the organisers," reveals the source.