Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai was present along with her husband Abhishek Bachchan at the ceremony on Wednesday to receive an honor from the French government. However, midway through the ceremony came the heart breaking news of Mumbai blasts that left at least 21 people dead and over 100 injured. As a true Indian, Aishwarya requested the officials to postpone the ceremony for the moment and she also maintained a minute’s silence to mourn the deaths.

Later she spoke to the reporters present at the event and said, “Thank you all for being here. The current situation has really disturbed and shocked all of us. I thank the French embassy for being supportive and considering the sensitivity of the situation. They have been kind to consider me and my family’s request to postpone the celebration till another time. We as Indians can’t go ahead and celebrate in such a situation.”

“The terrible blasts have shook us, but we shall stand strong. They (terrorists) should get it straight that we won’t let them succeed. You cannot break us, we all believe in deep strong Indian spirit. You will not get the better of us. God bless us and Jai Hind,” she added.

French Ambassdor Jerome Bonnafont said: “The terrible series of blast has shocked all of us. It seems the time is not right. I pay my condolence and want the Indian people to know that the government of France is with them.”