Fremont, calif. – As promised, the Federation of Indo-American Associations of Nothern California served up some melodious golden oldies, a grand banquet and a fashion show at the sold-out Independence Day celebrations here at the Marriott Hotel Aug. 19. As promised, Indian American achievers were recognised. But what didn’t happen as promised was the appearance of chief guest Bollywood star Anil Kapoor. In his stead, former Miss India and model turned actress Pooja Batra nicely filled the celebrity gap. But organisers were clearly disappointed that Kapoor ditched them at the last minute. “Luckily, we were able to get Pooja Batra at short notice, but we are devastated that Kapoor’s itinerary was tampered with,” FIA chairman Anil Yadav told India-West before the program got underway. He said he found out that the day before he was to leave Mumbai, Kapoor received numerous anonymous calls telling him that it would not be worth his while to attend an event sponsored by “a bogus organization.” “I don’t want to name names,” Yadav said, “but the calls were made by those who oppose us.” If attendees were unhappy over the switch, few showed it. They were there to enjoy an event which they had paid $100 apiece to attend. Subees Jewellery offered the first piece of entertainment with a fashion show that for a half hour or so turned the stage into a riot of color, as models dressed in sequinned sarees and exquisite jewellery displayed what was touted as “the best in sarees and jewels.