By Subhash K Jha

Mumbai, May 21 (IANS) Actor Randeep Hooda, who was to leave for Bangkok to shoot an ad for an automobile brand, was apparently forced to return from the Mumbai international airport twice and see Jimmy Shergill taking his place - all because of a passport glitch.

"My luggage was off-loaded and I was twice forbidden from boarding," a frustrated Hooda said.

"I was to go to Bangkok last week. It was very special because this was my first endorsement. I had warned the corporate house behind the ad that my passport was valid in Bangkok for only two months.

"They said they'd take care of it. But when I reached the airport I was stopped at immigration, taken to the officer for quizzing and then not allowed to fly," the actor said.

After reaching home, Hooda was again told by the company to proceed to the airport and catch another flight later.

He reached the airport six hours later, but was again not allowed to travel.

Hooda said: "It was quite annoying and embarrassing. I clearly told my hosts that my passport was not valid for the period required. They nonetheless insisted twice that they'd have the influence to pull it off. Anyway, I am happy that the shooting didn't have to be called off because of my absence."

The automobile company got Jimmy Shergill to fly down in Hooda's place at the last minute.

Hooda added: "To his credit, Jimmy called me up to ask what the problem was. When I explained, he asked me if it was okay for him to do the ad. I told him it was perfectly fine. I may have lost an ad but I gained a friend."