Red Carpet war between Ash and Sonam!

It’s official – L’Oreal, the brand which was to have both Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, its long-time brand ambassador, and Sonam Kapoor, its latest one, walk the Red Carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, has said that it has asked Sonam not to go.

Sonam had giggled excitedly about rubbing shoulders with Ash at the French film fest, but after her no-show, reports appeared that she was asked not to go because Ash didn’t want her to steal her thunder.

After Monika Bhattacharya, Sonam’s manager, issued a statement saying Sonam had been asked not to travel to the fest, L’Oreal issued one too, confirming that the brand has indeed advised Sonam not to go.

DT did some digging, and this is what we found. L’Oreal first invited Sonam to be a part of the L’Oreal Paris dream team and issued a press release that said, “Raising the toast to celebrate the association, Sonam Kapoor was welcomed as the youngest member to join the L’Oreal Paris dream team that includes awe-inspiring beauties such as Aishwarya Rai (Bachchan), Penelope Cruz, Naomi Lenoir, Andie MacDowell, Beyonce Knowles, Laetitia Casta, Kerry Washington, Milla Jovovich, Michelle Yeoh, Eva Longoria and Scarlett Johansson. 2009 will be a highlight year for the L’Oreal Paris brand in India as both its spokespersons – the iconic Aishwarya Rai and Sonam will represent Indian beauty and talent oversees at the Cannes Film Festival alongside other members of the dream team.”

But then came the real surprise. It was announced that Sonam’s not going at all. “Sonam’s not travelling to Cannes,” said Monika. But why? “The brand should know best. She’s been asked not to go,” she added.