Kolkata gives KKR grand felicitation

SRK's team was felicitated in the presence of about one lakh spectators and CM Mamata Banerjee at the Eden Gardens

Shah Rukh Khan was delayed by two hours but that did not take any sheen off the felicitation of IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the presence of about one lakh spectators and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Eden Gardens here today.

Taking bows repeatedly as a gesture of gratitude to fans, KKR co-owner SRK made a lap of the packed Eden, waving and blowing kisses with his entire squad in tow with loud cries of team slogan 'Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo Re... Ami Kolkata, we rule'.

Holding aloft the trophy, skipper Gautam Gambhir led the victory lap along with co-owner Juhi Chawla.

Bollywood heartthrob SRK apologised for his delay on his official Twitter handle, "Sorry Kolkata technical snag on flight. Will be a bit late but will be there. Apologies.

"Kolkata bound. Delay in flight, but will make it...Insha Allah nothing can stop us now," SRK tweeted as the reception began at noon.

Earlier, the KKR cricketers on board eight open SUVs made a victory lap of the stadium amid confetti showers soon after the Chief Minister arrived.

While about 60,000 people managed to enter the stadium, thousands jostled at the surrounding Maidan areas to gain entry, which was free, but through complimentary passes issued by police stations in the metropolis and CAB affiliated clubs in the state.

Later, after SRK arrived at 4:00 pm, Banerjee, who rescheduled her visit to north Bengal to be present at the felicitation, asked policemen to let people in.

With no reception in Bengal being complete without sweets, a specially made giant sandesh weighing 40kg in a replica of Eden Gardens was placed with the Trophy.