The Bachchans will be away from Bollywood for an extended period of time. And it's the NRI audiences all over the globe who will get a chance to witness their stars up close and personal… of course at a very hefty price.

Meanwhile we are here waiting for the stars at the press conference of The Unforgettable Tour in a plush Mumbai hotel. The Bachchans arrive late. But this time we are not complaining. Apparently they are already in the hotel. In all probability it's the event managers who have goofed up by losing track of the legitimate invitees and the hordes of gatecrashers who are synonymous with all Amitabh Bachchan events.

We are told that the first leg of the Unforgettable Tour will cover Canada and USA.

Apart from Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, Preity Zinta and Ritesh Deshmukh are also supposed to perform. Akshay Kumar will also join them for one show.

Of course the list of people who have dropped out is much greater. Guess it isn't easy when even the likes of Lara Dutta turn you down. Nonetheless after many cancellations and letdowns, the tour is actually happening.

[MUST READ: Lara turns down the Bachchans!]

Vishal Shekhar, the music directors are not present but the official choreographer Shiamak Davar is very much around along with the rest of entourage.

Then the usual volley of questions begins. Most questions are directed at Amitabh Bachchan, who answers them mechanically, his sense of humour clearly missing.