"Come to Colombo. I don�t believe in boycotting the awards. Bollywood films are about building bridges, not putting up walls against people," Oberoi had told reporters in Colombo during an event to promote the 'Bollywood Oscars'.
French news agency AFP reported Oberoi's comments amidst official reports that Bollywood's leading stars may skip the 11th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards this week to avoid upsetting Tamils in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
IIFA's brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai have also decided not to participate in the event citing that they are engaged in publicity of the latest film Ravan in which they played the major roles.
Bollywood super star Shahrukh Khan and Arjun Rampal have also announced that they will not participate in the 11th IIFA this year.
Sri Lanka's Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena has said that most top stars have confirmed their attendance for the three-day showpiece event that starts on June 3.
"Amitabh Bachchan and his family have not confirmed yet. But we are hopeful and the awards will go ahead as planned, despite the Tamil Nadu protests," Yapa has been quoted by AFP.
Oberoi has however said Bollywood presence in Colombo will help to boost Sri Lanka�s post-war economy and attract funds to rebuild infrastructure and livelihoods in formerly war-torn areas in the island's north.
�I don�t know much about the Sri Lankan conflict. But I�ve read about it a bit. Its roots were planted before I was born. But we must help Tamil people now to rebuild their lives, to give them some hope for tomorrow,� Oberoi has said.
However some Bollywood stars have begun arriving in the country already, Sri Lankan officials said.
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