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MUMBAI: Bollywood stands as a pillar of strength and unity in trying times. Post the unfortunate demise of Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, Bollywood has cancelled or postponed several of its events, as a mark of respect to the late political figure.

Bollywood’s foremost bharatanatyam dancer and veteran actress Hema Malini has postponed Jaya Smriti, following the demise of Bal Thackeray. The event is an annual dance extravaganza organised by her. “Due to sad demise of Shri Bal Thackeray, Jaya Smriti on 17 and 18 November is postponed. I hope you all who love me will stand by me in this situation,” Hema tweeted.

The inauguration of the event took place as scheduled on November 16th, 2012, a day before the death of Balasaheb Thackeray. The event is an annual tribute to Hema Malini’s mother Jaya Chakravarthy. The dance extravaganza also involves dance and drama, music and films, painting and photography contests and workshops.

At the inauguration, Hema Malini looked resplendent in a blue kanjeevaram sari, and was seen along with her daughter Ahana Deol. Ahana looked completely Indian traditional in a green sari and a traditional Indian headdress, to enhance her dance performance.

The shooting of reality TV show, ‘India’s Got Talent’ too was interrupted in the middle, due to news of Balasaheb’s demise. The episode was to air on a TV channel on Sunday, but has been postponed to the following week, since shooting was halted midway. The finale of the show was being shot in Mumbai, with superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. The celebrity judges of the show are Karan Johar, Farah Khan and Kiran Kher.

Another gig which was called off, following Bal Thackeray’s demise was the electro-house music band Swedish House Mafia’s maiden performance in the city. “Our sympathies to all in Mumbai on the death of Bal Thackeray. We’ve postponed the concert and new date announced ASAP (as soon as possible),” the band members posted on their official Twitter page.