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Posted by: Dimple Aug 7 2007, 10:32 AM
The Shah Rukh Khan Phenomenon
Shah Rukh Khan is Shah Rukh Khan. Theres no one like Shah Rukh Khan. Nobody can match Shah Rukh Khans Popularity. These and similar statements are commonly heard. And not just in the film trade but also among the general public. What is it that makes Shah Rukh Khan so different from the others of his ilk? Why in the last 15 years have we never had any actor who has had the same fan following and who could clearly step into his shoes?
What is it that really has made Shah Rukh Khan stand above all the other stars whove come after the superstar first made an appearance on the screen in 1992 in Deewana?
Quite simply, Shah Rukh Khans string of box-office hits! One after the other, the actors films hit the jackpot with such alarming regularity that in the nineties and 2000s, Shah Rukh Khan became the safest bet for producers, distributors and exhibitors alike. I use the world alike to differentiate the scene that existed when Shah Rukh Khan is the numero uno and the one that exists now.
For instance, a Salman Khan today may guarantee mega-bucks for the producers of his films but theres no like guarantee that distributors and exhibitors of his starrers will also make money. As in the case of most of his releases before his latest, Tere Naam. While producers of Salman-starrers made table profits, distributors of his films burnt their fingers rather badly when those films flopped. It was after almost two-three years that everybody associated with a Salman-starrer made money in Tere Naam.
Ditto in the case of films of other topline stars like Aamir Khan or others like Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar, Sunny Deol or, for that matter, anybody else. Why, even current heartthrob Hrithik Roshans films such as Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage and Na Tum Jaano Na Hum entailed heavy losses to its distributors. That is not the case with Shah Rukh Khan Flicks.
Secondly, merely the superstars name is enough to draw in the crowds into cinemas in any given day. Today, no hero can boast of such charisma as to lure the audiences to theatres on the sheer strength of their names. Salman Khans home production, Auzaar and Hello Brother, could not even manage decent houses on the opening day, leave alone full houses. Aamir Khan has never really drawn initial crowds; his starrers usually pick up by word of mouth publicity if they are good. Even action heroes like Ajay Devgan and Akshay Kumar had had to remain content with dismal opening of their flicks on more occasions then one. But the Shah Rukh Khan magic is one of a kind. Whether it was Aziz Mirzas Raju Ban Gaya Gentlemen in 1992 or Yash Chopras evergreen Darr in 1993, Rakesh Roshans multi-star cast Karan Arjun in 1995 or Aditya Chopras All Time Blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in 1995, Shah Rukh Khans first film with Aishwarya Rai - Josh - in 2000 or Farah Khans biggest entertainer, Main Hoon Naa in 2004, the two common features in all these hits were Shah Rukh Khans towering presence in them and a bumper box-office initial draw. Yes Boss, Pardes and Dil To Pagal Hai made 1997 a memorable year for the King Khan. The following year may not have been as good but Shah Rukh Khan, nevertheless, did deliver massive hit Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998. The next decade was equally exciting for the superstar. Josh, Mohabbatein, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, Devdas, Chalte Chalte, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Main Hoon Naa, Veer Zaara, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Don - The Chase Begins Again is some of the actors great hits of the first and second half of the 2000s.
Of course, when Shah Rukh Khan has reigned supreme, films did have to face the opposition of video and cable piracy. Cinema going was the expensive form of entertainment for the masses that identified with the Lover Boy image of Shah Rukh Khan. Still Shah Rukh Khan delivered Hit after Hit.
Yet another factor that went in Shah Rukh Khans favour in making him the darling of all sections of society was his unbelievable versatility. It is not for nothing that the King Khan became a superstar. Although he was adored in Lover Boy roles, Shah Rukh Khan never let down his fans in Action films like Karan Arjun, Ram Jaane, Josh and Main Hoon Naa. Yes Boss and Baadshah come to mind instantly when one thinks of Shah Rukh Khans flair for comedy. With equal ease, Shah Rukh Khan also played the intense lover as in Darr and Anjaam. For Art Lovers there was Asoka, Swades and Paheli.
The range which Shah Rukh Khan portrayed in his performances remains unmatched. Today, films do businesses of Rs 10 and 15 crores it is considered good, but Shah Rukh Khan Movies continuously do business of 30 Corers+.
Shah Rukh Khan is also the last star to have had a universal appeal that cut across geographical boundaries. Whether it was the man on the street in Ludhiana in the North or Latur down South, whether it was a company executive in Porbandar in Western India or a college student studying in Patna in East India, the fondness for Shah Rukh Khan is the same. Today, a Sunny Deol runs more in Northern Indian because of his action image; a Akshay Kumar is a hot favourite of U.P. and Bihar whereas an Aamir Khan flick generally records dull collections in Bihar. That is to say, Shah Rukh Khans charm affected the audiences in the North, South, East and West with equal intensity. Not just in India, but across the seven seas too, Shah Rukh Khan reigned supreme. His super-hit stage shows bore testimony to his immense popularity the world over.
Today when jubilees are difficult to get, Shah Rukh Khans films celebrated genuine silver, golden, diamond and platinum jubilees. Mohabbatein in 2000 celebrated silver jubilee in as many as 9 cinemas of Mumbai, a record unparalleled! From 2000 onwards Shah Rukh Khan has 19 releases out of which 5 of his Movies completed Silver Jubilees, 2 Golden Jubilees, 1 Diamond Jubilee, 1 Platinum Jubilee and 3 100 Days. Whereas Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge turned out to be the highest running movie of Indian cinema 600 weeks+ (12 Years).
It is not that only Shah Rukh Khan good movies were successful. Even the actor managed to make successes out of ordinary films like Anjaam, Ram Jaane, Army and Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam. Shah Rukh Khan star power can be seen from Super Hit Don The Chase Begins Again. It was the most worst reviewed movie of 2006, still it collected 51 corers in India and 110 corers Worldwide. Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Swades and Paheli which are termed failures by media for producers, distributors and exhibitors it was successful ventures.
Did you know?
1. Shah Rukh Khan is the only actor who gave at least one successful every year since his debut in 1992 Deewana till 2006 Don - The Chase Begins Again.
2. Shah Rukh Khan has acted in 4 films directed by Aziz Mirza (Raju Ban Gaya Gentlemen, Yes Boss, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani & Chalte Chalte). Rakesh Roshan (King Uncle, Karan Arjun & Koyla), Yash Chopra (Darr, Dil To Pagal Hai and Veer Zaara) and Karan Johar (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham & Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna) directed Shah Rukh Khan in 3 films each respectively. Abbas Mustan (Baazigar & Baadshah), Aditya Chopra (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge & Mohabbatein), Ketan Mehta (Maya Memsaab & Oh Darling Yeh Hai India) and Rajiv Mehra (Chamtkar & Ram Jaane) directed Super Star Shah Rukh Khan in 2 films each respectively.
3. Shah Rukh Khan has won 13 Filmfare Awards, Out of which 6 has been Best Actor Baazigar, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Devdas and Swades, 2 Critics Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (Performance) and Mohabbatein (Best Actor), 2 Power Awards, 1 Villain Anjaam, 1 Debut Deewana and 1 Special Award Swiss Consulate Trophy.
4. Shah Rukh Khan was the 1st actor to win all popular awards for Devdas (Filmfare, Screen, Zee, Sansui, Bollywood Awards & IFFA), which was next year matched by Hrithik Roshan for Koi Mil Gayaa.
5. Shah Rukh Khan is the only actor who has given maximum hits with debut directors. Raj Kanwar (Deewana), Aziz Mirza (Raju Ban Gaya Gentlemen), Aditya Chopra (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge), Karan Johar (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai), K.S.Adhiyaman (Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam), Nikhil Advani (Kal Ho Naa Ho) & Farah Khan (Main Hoon Naa).
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Shah Rukh Khan is shooting a dreamy number for his home production Om Shanti Om at Yashraj Studios and you wonder whether he can switch into Chak De India mode. He does, telling you all about how he played hockey with his father and how his son can beat him at soccer.
Does your role in Chak De India mirror your real feelings on hockey?
This film is my take on sports in general, hockey, cricket or football, plus the role that women should play in society. See, every year I do a film like that. I love women and make no bones about it. I have an immense amount of respect for them. I think I'm brought up like that because being with my mom early, then my sister, then my wife. Even my best friends are girls, whether it's Farah or Juhi. I like girls more than guys.
Did your father teach you hockey?
Yeah, we used to play together. Like I play hockey with my son. Whatever sport I'm at, my rule is that I teach him for a year and then he should overtake me. In soccer, he's much better than what I was at his age. Of course, he's smaller so I can push him around. Even my daughter I want her to be a runner and swimmer. Because she's good at that, not because I'm pushing her. I think she runs like a gazelle (laughs). I run with her every evening or whenever we get time. I would like to encourage them and hope they start beating me. My dad did the same. Even in chess.
In your school magazine, you were the star sportsman in hockey, cricket and soccer.
Yeah, I was (grins) but now I don't play as well.
Which was your favourite?
I think I played hockey the best. Then I was a very good wicketkeeper and soccer came next. I wasn't very good at soccer, but I had stamina. You know midfield, running around, giving my life for the game.
Apparently you hated the beard in Chak De...
Yeah yeah, I don't like it. I've never grown a beard. You take a bath, but it doesn't make you look clean in the morning. My daughter wouldn't kiss me.
Yes, during Paheli they hated the moustache
Yeah, I think my kids hate me with moustaches and beards. Next movie, I'm just going to wear an underwear over tights and be a superhero. They don't like me with all this stuff. I think they have an image of a father in the house who's easygoing and soft, clean-shaven. My daughter gets very disturbed. My son is very conscious of how I dress up. He doesn't like me wearing churidars and achkans. My daughter is very opinionated with my hair, beard, moustache. She'd say, 'I don't like it papa, I won't kiss you.' Even I don't like it. I like my cotton clothes and hair all ruffled.
What do they think of your long hair now?
My daughter is ok with it because she looks a lot more like me now. They don't mind my long hair. See once I bathe, it just flops in front. They like it.
How do youngsters treat sport today as opposed to when you were playing?
I would like my children to be sportspeople above actors, actresses or producers if they chose to. I would be really proud. I feel proud when I see kids wearing studs on a soccer field. I go every Sunday now to play soccer. I take my son. I have this group that's very good Dino and all they allow me to play. I think I must be the oldest there so they are kind to me. I play with my kids I'm now clearing up a place in my house and asking my wife if we can make a soccer field there. I play any game. I play pittoo with my children, breaking those stones.
You have to sweat in a day. I remember when I initially started doing movies, when I did Dilwale, I didn't think that I had done a good film because I hadn't sweated. It was a love story and I had never done one before that. You have to sweat everyday.
I make it a point to play an hour every day, even if it's Playstation in the night. In my house, we play dog and the bone, langdi, chor sipahi, soccer, badminton, everything. Except swimming, I'm not good at that. My kids are always sweating, always dirty I love it. I believe kids till the age of 15 should be disheveled, dirty, sweaty, rolling in the mud and have marks all over them. And their shoes should always stink.
Posted by: Dimple Aug 8 2007, 10:20 AM
Brand SRK in his new lean mean avataar talks about life with his favourite sports
Its not often that Shah Rukh Khan chats about ordinary, everyday issues, but when he does, people strain their ears to listen. Thats the power of the Badshah.
After a long break, SRK is back in the thick of action, promoting his film Yash Rajs Chak De and shooting for Om Shanti Om . Whats striking to the world at this point is SRKs new lean look and long, unkempt hair.
He is looking visibly fitter and younger by the day. Some say I look good and others feel otherwise. When I look in the mirror, I see myself, good or bad.
My daughter Suhana says that when I dont gel my hair, I look like her! And now my hairstylist is thinking of changing my look, King Khan said in mock exasperation over coffee with BT.
He explained his new avatar, so to say. I was on a vacation for a few months and so I just decided to grow my hair. And my lean look, well, I am working out more than ever now. I have taken up sports big time too, because it keeps me fit.
I have got Aryan and Suhana also into it. I am 42 and have to look after my body now, he said blushing.
Fitter yes, younger and hotter, certainly. Is that how he is planning to change the fate of Indian hockey through Chak D e?
Spare me! I dont claim to change the world, the actor smiled, adding, Lets put it this way, I started playing hockey for a few months because I love it. So if people see the film and take to playing hockey like me, well, itll be good.
Otherwise, no problem. He admits to be an ardent hockey player. I love hockey more than soccer. I have played it but not in big way.
Does he believe that hockey is one of the most neglected games in India? All games in India like kabbaddi, basketball, football, badminton, tennis, squash, and golf are neglected. And we grudge cricket because it is getting more importance than all other games put together.
On the contrary, we must applaud the fact that at least in one game India is doing relatively well, said SRK with conviction. Would he object if his son Aryan takes up hockey? Why Aryan, if my daughter Suhana wants to play hockey, I will be fine with it, he added.
He talked about Sanjay Dutt, the topic of hot discussion in Bollywood. Well, we all feel the same about him. Honestly, I am not exaggerating, but Sanju is one of the nicest guys I have known since I came to the industry.
He helped me immensely in every possible way when I was a newcomer. I owe him, said SRK of his friend, who he says is family to him. Whenever I asked him to come over, he would make a point to drop by for sometime, even if it was late in the night.
I cannot relate to anything bad about Sanjay. I have never seen his aggressive side or his famous temper. He has always been so mild mannered and sweet, its difficult to assume Sanju in any other form.
Destiny has its own plans for him, but we can only keep the faith. God looks after good people. I hope and pray that he gets out of this at the earliest.
Posted by: IDOL Aug 9 2007, 11:13 PM
ur his fan......................i see...........u can send him e-mail/add him.... at indyapeople.indya.com....i send him emails frequently 
Posted by: NATURE Aug 10 2007, 11:50 AM
hey bhagwaan, ladkiyon ko khubsoorti ke saath thodi akal bhi dedo ... 
Posted by: Dimple Aug 10 2007, 01:34 PM
Chak de India scores with UK fans
Published on Friday , August 10, 2007 at 11:07
London: It wasn't the usual star-studded red carpet affair, but the premiere of Shah Rukh Khan's Chak de India was one of the highlights of the on-going India Now festival in London.
For the crowd at Somerset House, many of them from Germany, it turned out to be a memorable meeting with the star.
He has charm. His movies are great, the best from Bollywood, said a German woman. Agreed another, I like the visuals, the music and the emotions in his films.
Chak de India sees Shah Rukh play a muslim coach of a women's hockey team. Its about patriotism in the new age, and according to the star - about doing your best, and living your dream.
Its wonderfully ironic that we are talking about Indian patriotism this in England. But patriotism doesnt mean we dont like other countries. We just say that our county is nice, the actor said.
He also shared his experience of making the film.
"You ask any guy in the world how it is to shoot with 16 girls - he won't say anything he'll just keep smiling, he quipped.
Posted by: Dimple Aug 10 2007, 01:36 PM
He made India swoon.
Women couldn't resist SRK, the undisputed King of Bollywood romance.
Right from DDLY onwards, the superstar wooed his leading ladies with evervescent charm-and noone could quite handle a chessily worded ballad with as much panache as King Khan.
As for the chemistry, it was obvious: his actresses simply fell in love with him.
In recent times, we haven't been seeing much of that.
Love seems to be bugging SRK as he makes a bid for versatility, playing NASA engineers, ghosts and limping football coaches with no fidelty qualms.
And now,with CDI, the star plays a hockey coach to a group of women- but there isn't a heroine to be found.
Tell us, dear reader, are you dying to see SRK embrace romance again?
Wouldn't you just love to see him do the whole swiss Alps serenade again?
Or are you only too glad he's trying to reinvent himself?
Posted by: Dimple Aug 10 2007, 02:22 PM
Chak De London premier video
http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/46575/chak-de-india-scores-with-uk-fans.html
Posted by: Dimple Aug 13 2007, 11:27 AM
From conventional patriotism
By: Shradha Sukumaran
August 12, 2007 Stories of our freedom struggle will always be there and every new generation will hear them... But those days are over when we were ruled by someone. Now the only thing ruling us is the economy. Its good, but there are problems to be overcome. Like how we view women in society, goodness to mankind, peace not war
Shah Rukh Khan mulls over contemporary interpretations of patriotism
You can be a nationalist in different ways. If you look at Chak De India, I think that sports itself inculcates a feeling of team spirit. It could be eleven players or two cyclists cycling together, but its the whole country that theyre representing.
The word may be patriotism, but its actually the team spirit of the country. Why do we get so excited when England lost to us recently? Why are we so excited that Zaheer Khan has overcome the jellybean problem?
Its like all of us are going, Those b******s! Actually, we dont know, it could be that the jellybeans just fell down there. But were like, Good, he screwed them! See, were a team now. One billion people are a team because of a jellybean.
So its sometimes more than patriotism, its team spirit. It gets inculcated when you play sports. For example, Iraq is playing the Asia Cup there has been no insurgency and fighting within Iraq in the last ten days.
Since it reached the quarterfinals, semifinals and won the finals. Because a country infested with fights, suddenly stops and says, God, Iraq is winning the Asia Cup final! Team spirit can be looked at as patriotic and its not like Chak De Indias giving patriotism another face for youngsters. Were giving team spirit thats existed for years. And of course, our team is India and we have the colours of the tiranga.
I would like the film to tell youngsters to play like a team, play for India. That means youre patriotic. Dont fight for the country. Play and win for India. That should be brought to youngsters notice.
A nice line of the movie is Sometimes, winning is everything. Thats the mantra for youngsters. You cant tell them, Go to the Himalayas and get moksh. Let the world go by, its a material world. No! You have to exist in this world. Theres nothing wrong in winning.
Stories of our freedom struggle will always be there and every new generation will hear them. Like you would tell your kids the Ramayana. I tell my kids the story of Prophet Mohammed.
Those stories will be there. But I guess movies like Lagaan, Swades, Lage Raho Munnabhai, Rang De Basanti, Chak De India tell us to be nationalistic in this way. Those days are over when we were ruled by someone. Now the only thing ruling us is the economy.
Its good, but there are problems to be overcome. Like how we view women in society, goodness to mankind, peace not war and if you want to fight, fight on the play field. For all our problems with Pakistan, just have a cricket match!
Chak De India is a younger, subtler take at patriotism. It may seem documentary-like the youth may say, Hey this is a nice way to make a film. Its offbeat. It may be saying the same thing as other films, but Chak De India isnt shoving it down my throat.
They are not trying to just say Mera Bharat mahaan! Chak De India is like what youngsters are wearing white t-shirts and jeans. Its modern.
It also has a take on the educated Indian Muslim. Im playing a Muslim guy who isnt a terrorist. Ive never played a Muslim guy. The whole beauty issee, these are the nuances 16 women from different parts of the country.
Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Gujarati, Jharkandi, Uttar Pradeshi, Bihari, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu and one Muslim man. Muslim men and women arent considered in such stories because purdah hota hai. But here is a Muslim man between 16 women wearing shorts and skirts and playing for only one goal and that is the country.
Im in the dressing room and theyre changing; I treat them like equals. I read a report recently that said, 16 women and Shah Rukh Khan. My reason for doing Chak De India is if you could just forget that notion, that theyre women and Im a guy.
And see, Im usually a romantic hero! But theres no sexuality here. I wanted that to come across. The idea is that hes more obsessed with the honour of his country.
Im an actor. Im very, very secular and noncommittal. I dont know finally the religion of the character Ive played. My characters dont have religion. I believe that. Ive played a Vir, Rahul, Raj, Kabir Khan.
The fact that its not important to me, I think, makes the point that I want to make. Its Shah Rukh Khan and hes playing a Muslim it shouldnt matter. Even the beard isnt because hes Muslim, but because hes older and its 8-9 years later.
Secularity is important. You dont turn around and see what religion when youre playing. When Im going to win, I say my favourite Muslim prayer.
Everyone else says it and it feels good you may not understand it, but you know its like the Gayatri mantra. Bhagwan ka naam aur Allah ko yaad kiya. What binds us together is godliness, not the religion. I want people to understand that.
I dont know if I can make that point through my work every time. Personally, I may believe whatever I do. Like Ive always said, films are for entertainment, not for messages. I hope Chak De India is an entertainer and some of this message comes across.
Shah Rukh Khan is the reigning box office star and his home production Om Shanti Om is a movie about the movies
Posted by: Dimple Aug 14 2007, 11:19 AM
http://www.zshare.net/download/311905889a2a7a/
Chakde India London premier download
Posted by: Dimple Aug 14 2007, 01:30 PM
Indian Hockey fraternity praises 'Chak De India'
14th Aug 2007 09.00 IST
By Agencies
At a time when hockey has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons and the popularity has been slipping into a comatose state, Chak De India seems to have given a fresh lease of life to the national game.
Former players to octogenarian fans, who used to relish India's dominance in the game decades ago, are once again breathing pride about their passion and thronging the theatres with great enthusiasm.
And the born-optimists are hoping that the Shah Rukh Khan starrer would mark the revival of hockey's fortunes.
Loosely based on the life of former Indian goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi, who fell from grace after conceding seven goals against Pakistan in the 1982 Asian Games final but made a resounding comeback by coaching the 2002 Commonwealth Games gold winning women's team, the movie has won appreciation from former players and hockey lovers in one accord.
"It's a fantastic film. I think for the first time, a film on hockey has been made and it is an amazing piece of work," said Zafar Iqbal, captain of the 1982 Asiad silver winning Indian team.
"Although Kabir Khan (SRK's character) is a bit different from Negi, the film realistically portrays the pain the goalkeeper went through. I hope it has some positive effect on the game and the administrators alike, especially the Indian Hockey Federation President KPS Gill," he quipped.
Showering praise on SRK for his spellbinding performance, Iqbal said the film had no technical flaws.
"Shah Rukh has done a brilliant job considering that he was playing a very tough character of a hockey coach. His effort is applaudable, Iqbal said.
"Apart from him, several other characters also stand out. The girl who plays Komal Chautala from Haryana and that angry Punjabi girl were outstanding. The humour is well spread and the film as a whole is inspiring," he added.
The illustrious Harbinder Singh, who was a gold medallist in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and played alongside the great Dhyan Chand, felt the filmmakers have made a brave attempt by choosing such an unconventional theme.
"'Chak De India' will have a very good effect on hockey. It would at least motivate the youth to take up the game. As for Negi, he must be a peaceful man now after all that he went through in 1982," he said.
Noted hockey writer K Arumugum was also impressed with the "brilliant" presentation of the game, which stopped looking glamorous ages ago.
"The cinematography is awe-inspiring. The matches are very beautifully shot and the performances of the actors make it a perfect entertainer.
"It is fictional, but it does show you what Negi may have gone through at that time. What I found most interesting was how the makers brought up issues like regional divide, ego clashes and the coach-player relationship in a team," he said.
The ardent hockey fan felt the game can benefit immensely from the film provided the administrators seize the opportunity.
"Everything about this film is brilliant. No technical flaws. A lot of research seems to have gone into it and it is sort of an opportunity for hockey to get back on its feet," he said.
Posted by: Dimple Aug 17 2007, 10:14 AM
Hes the son of a freedom fighter, a self-made man, highly secular and hugely
successfulShah Rukh Khan is arguably the perfect icon for the children of Free India
My dad, the freedom fighter
My father passed away when I was 15. Before that, dad used to take me to meet a lot of freedom fighters who used to gather every weekend. These meetings had the likes of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and they used to discuss that era in such detail that it is all embedded in my memory. They would meet at places like Karol Bagh, Jama Masjid, drink kawa and chat. Dad used to talk to me like a friend and tell me about their freedom struggle - the time they spent in the jail, about partition and a whole lot of things.
I keep those memories close to my heart like a treasure. The children post my generation, like my own children, would be unfortunately completely out of touch. The best thing my dad taught me is never to dislike anyone. He not even once demeaned the status of the British, but at the same time he had absolute high regard for people like Subhash Chandra Bose and others. Dad would read out poems and explain it to me since I didnt know Urdu. He just wanted me to be a part of that history, and thanks to him, I am.
Secularism is in your upbringing
Secularism is something you learn at home. I was made to read the Koran at home. I learnt about Christianity in school. I was brought up in a Punjabi locality, literally brought up by the Aroras, Diwans and Chabras. I have all the practical knowledge about Hindu festivals. I married Gauri, a Hindu girl. I have had an absolutely normal childhood since children dont believe in any religion. My parents were naturally secular. Today, I like to read to my kids about Prophet Mohammad, Ramayana and stories of Christianity.
I cannot afford to crib about India
I like everything about India. I like the bad roads, pot holes, uncontrollable rains, corruption in places, the bad trafficI like all that India offers. I am glad that India, unlike some foreign countries, is not mechanised. I am glad there is sadness and poverty in this country, which makes me understand how humane we are and how plastic some other countries are. I love coming to India from wherever I am. Dad used to say that lets be proud of what you have, because we make our own cars, ambassadors at that time, while lot many developed countries export cars.
I love being rooted to reality. At the end of the day, neither you nor I have had a rich lifestyle and most of us come from a lower middle class. I love the fact that that India is still so pure that we still get excited by smallest of things. Big cars and big homes dont turn me on; I still get turned on by small pleasures like meeting friends and having a cosy dinner with them. Just the other day, some friends got together impromptu to celebrate the success of Chak De. It was so much better than a big impersonal party.
All we need is education
We need educated youngsters who believe in the winning mantra. When I was much younger, I trained for parachute jumping for my television serial Fauji. I had to jump across ten feet, but my trainer would say learn to jump 80 feet, only then you will be able to manage 15 feet. So, we all need to aim higher and for that, education is a must. Not all of us will get ready made opportunities, but we need to aim for the best. There is no harm in being materialistic. For one to lead a comfortable life, one has to be materialistic and aim for success. I truly believe in winning at all costs except dishonesty.
Posted by: Dimple Aug 17 2007, 04:00 PM
Shah Rukh Khan on Lead India
What makes a leader? Id say, really good acting skills. The most effective way to lead is not to show that you are doing it. People hate being told what to do, and what not to do. No one likes to be led by the nose. You must not make them feel you are the boss, guide, whatever. You just have to carry people along with compassion, love, and not least of all, a sense of humour. In fact, not only should others not feel the burden of your leadership, the leader himself should lead without realising it, without donning the grand mantle of setting some maha example. Achievement is the destination, leadership is showing the way to it.
Secondly, Ive seen that every true leader treats people well. Thats crucial. You can get away by treating some people badly some of the time, but you cannot make a practice of it. Id say the best leadership is like parenting. You dont have to instil awe; you should create loving respect.
Thirdly, you have to have focus. But it is important that the leaders focus does not become heavy, aggressive, pressuring, troubling, aggravating for others. You should do the planning and what you have to do, and then leave everyone to get on with his or her part of it. Its most important to believe in everyone else as much as you do in yourself. Its your team. Youve chosen it. The people on it should be good, right?
I know that the film industry gets a great deal of flak for not putting itself in a leadership role. On the contrary, it is accused of sending the wrong signals, as happened in recent cases. We are constantly told you guys should be doing so much more considering the extraordinary, even
absurd, influence you wield. But, when people say industry, it should encompass all media: not just films, but newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, the works.
Everyone in this multifaceted industry must work together on providing the right leadership. But everyone functions as an independent segment, does whatever it wants to. Besides, at the end of the day, we are just doing a job. We are an industry like any other. We are all in a commercial state of mind. We dont take all this importance upon ourselves.
I understand that, yes, I should be taking up real-time roles, but Im an actor. I know what to do when Im acting. However, I need to be told how to play the roles which set an example, or use my position for the larger good. I am truly glad and proud that the Times group asked me to do this film to kick off their Leadership campaign. If you think I am a youth icon, use me by all means.
In the Times campaign, my role is to lead people into action. Its about getting up and doing whatever it takes. I did not think of this as lines in a script. It is 100% my personal belief. I am not a thinker. Ill read about something, and do it.
Even if I know the outcome will not be what it should, I have to physically work it out myself. Its fantastic if you get it right. But its equally all right if you get it wrong. Just do it. Thats what I tell my son and my daughter. Theres always a second time to get it right. I simply dont believe in not doing anything because you are afraid it wont work out as planned. For leaders as for followers, there should be no donts; just do it
Posted by: Dimple Aug 22 2007, 10:39 AM
Tracking the trajectory of a superstar is always a fascinating sport. In Shah Rukh Khans case, timing, it would seem, is everything. Or nearly. The man gets it right most of the time, beating the law of averages and leading people to believe he is indeed Allahs chosen one. A man with an important agenda (to save Islam and restore its tarnished glory). SRK is not just an actor but an influential agent for change.
Over the past few years, his determination to extend the boundaries, explore new territories and work towards a plan, has become apparent in nearly every undertaking of his. Though he strenuously denies having political ambitions, his recent pronouncements and actions suggest to the contrary. It is as if he has taken a studied approach to the strategy, pondered hard and long and is now testing the waters... getting his toes wet before taking the plunge. Unlike Amitabh Bachchan, who dived straight into the deep end with disastrous consequences, SRK, ever the cool customer, is keeping em guessing.
But a closer examination of his moves indicates he is ready for a spectacular debut. He has always claimed without a trace of embarrassment, i am the best. It is this non-apologetic, in-your-face braggadocio that has served him well as an actor. Chances are, it will see him through the next phase of the dual career that beckons.... Netagiri will suit him. It may well turn out to be his most significant role ever.
Shah Rukh Khan is the Neo-Mussalman India has been waiting for. He wears his religion unabashedly on his sleeve and has referred to himself as an ambassador for Allah in a recent interview. It is significant that he has switched from being a Raj, Rahul or Jai in his films and now prefers to be known as Kabir Khan (Chak De! India).
Film industry gossip insists he has influenced his friend Karan Johar to name his next blockbuster , My Name is Khan, which is reportedly a New York-based film on terrorism and racial stereotyping, post 9/11. He has said in countless recent interviews that he is determined to challenge the international stereotype of every Muslim being a fundamentalist, terrorist or a hate-filled jehadi.
His most recent hit (Chak De...), pretty much encapsulates his personal sentiments, which may be why he has delivered such a convincing performance as a Muslim coach, battling old demons of prejudice, hatred and suspicion. The pained expression in his eyes says it all in the last scene when he firmly shuts the door on his tainted past after regaining his reputation and self-respect. It is impossible to ignore the subtext and merely applaud the actors histrionics.
Over the past few years, SRK-watchers have monitored his every aadab and salaam alaikum at high profile events and commented that he no longer greets fans or anybody else, with the more traditional namastey. He also makes it a point to acknowledge Khudaas grace and blessings, each time he is complimented, besides vociferously articulating his feelings about the misrepresentation of Islam. These sentiments are heartfelt and undoubtedly sincere. They all add up to a whole when seen in a larger, political context.
If SRK does contest an election in, say, Uttar Pradesh, hell win hands down. Thats a given. But will he, unlike some of his other film industry colleagues, succeed as a neta? Be the leader Indias young are desperately in search of? Chances are, he will. SRK has what it takes to be a 21st century politician, in the international mould. He is young, wealthy, successful and sharp. Like Obama. Above all, he has a dream. He is a man on a very special mission.
As a modern Muslim, he has risen beyond the suffocating confines of religious narrow mindedness (his wife Gauri, is Hindu). SRK is Indias Big Brown Hope. He should go for it. And... his time starts now!
Posted by: Dimple Aug 22 2007, 02:23 PM
SRK as Gautam Buddha?
21 Aug, 2007 07:38 pm IST
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Post Chak De , Shah Rukh Khan is back in circulation (when was he out?). Finally he has been able to bid goodbye to his proverbial lover boy image and don on a more mature look and role. And now a l'll birdie gave us some inside gupshup which says that King Khan has been approached to play the role of Gautam Buddha in a forthcoming mega dollar project. It's a joint Indo- Sri Lankan project and it's rumoured that Shah Rukh Khan is one of the front runners to play Gautam Buddha in the film to be directed by veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal. Thought nothing has been officially confirmed, our lips are also sealed until the mega million dollar project is ready to roll.
Posted by: Dimple Aug 23 2007, 12:21 PM
Will Shah Rukh Khan play KBC host in Trainspotting director Danny Boyle's next, Slumdog Millionaire?
Shah Rukh KhanI all goes well, Shah Rukh Khan will be seen in British filmmaker Danny Boyle's next film, Slumdog Millionaire. Danny Boyle, who has made popular films like The Beach, A Life Less Ordinary and Trainspotting, is in talks with Khan as he starts filming later this year.
The film revolves around an 18-year-old illiterate slum kid (Aamir) who is doing extremely well on Kaun Banega Crorepati. However, the producers, cops and viewers are convinced that he has used nefarious ways to get the right answers. Meanwhile, Aamir remains unfazed as he participated in the show only to re-establish contact with his lost girlfriend (Latika). Latika religiously watches the show and Aamir hopes to get her back through the show.
While Boyle's casting agents and co-producers are currently auditioning a bunch of theatre actors for the film. Boyle has already met Shah Rukh during his last visit in the city in April. But Shah Rukh is yet to give an assent to the film say sources. The film will be completely shot in Asia's largest slum Dharavi and will feature only Indian actors.
Danny BoyleObviously, SRK will be seen quizzing a young Aamir who will take the hot seat. Major sequences of the film will have Aamir fielding questions and getting backslaps from the host. Says a source, Boyle approached Shah Rukh because he was the real-life host on the show, and he will also host the next season of Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Shah Rukh Khan was not available for comment.
Posted by: Dimple Aug 24 2007, 09:56 AM
For the first time in his career, Shah Rukh Khan will strip for a scene in his upcoming film Om Shanti Om .
Years ago, when SRK was shooting Main Hoon Na with Farah Khan , he had promised her that if he ever strips before the camera, it would be for a Farah Khan film.
And now that Farah is directing Om Shanti Om for his production house Red Chillies Entertainment, SRK has fulfilled his promise.
SRK and Farah made this disclosure on Karan Johars show Koffee With Karan. In fact, SRK went on to say that he had been building his body for his role in the film.
SRK said it was his son Aryan who made him aware that he was fat and needed to lose weight. Since then, SRK said, he had been working on his body and had managed to develop four packs, two short of six packs.
While both SRK and Farah refrained from speaking about how much SRKs stripping scene in the film would reveal, Farah did say that SRK did not go fully monty. And she added that the audience would love the scene.
The show also featured SRKs co-star in the film, Deepika Padukone .
Posted by: Dimple Aug 27 2007, 10:07 AM
Hero No, One
Rachit Gupta
With the success of Chak De! India, Shah Rukh Khan cements his position as Bollywoods top star
ash Raj Films new offering Chak De! India , with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead is, by all accounts, a hit. According to trade sources, it has generated Rs 20 crore within a week of its release in India and collections are likely to pick up in weeks to come. And thats not counting the overseas collections that the movie will generate.
Chak De! lacks a mass appeal and it does not feature Shah Rukh in an avatar people usually associate him with. As a result, the film could not have been an instant hit, but critical acclaim and word-of-mouth is getting the audiences interested in SRKs ace performance, says Vinod Mirani, a senior trade analyst.
The fate of Chak De! is important for several reasons - it has, after the debacle of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and the lukewarm response to Ta Ra Rum Pum , given Yash Raj Films a reason to cheer. Then theres Shah Rukh Khans stellar performance in the film, which establishes beyond doubt that King Khan is here to rule. So will his professional fees currently in the range of Rs 2-8 crores shoot up even further? Unlikely, say trade analysts according to whom he may instead, demand a larger share of the overseas collection. Says Mirani, Aware of his popularity with the NRI audience, Shah Rukh can ask for the overseas rights of his films. However, this might not be possible when hes dealing with big production companies like YRF, as they have their own distribution channels. In such cases, Shah Rukh may take an additional charge equivalent to the films overseas business or demand a part of the revenue generated from music and satellite television rights.
Close friend and colleague Sajid Khan believes that hits or misses do not affect a star as big as Shah Rukh. Arguably he is currently the number one star in Hindi cinema and as a producer or filmmaker you can bank on his image, says Sajid, adding that Shah Rukh is one of the most intelligent and street-smart actors in the Indian film industry. He sticks to his strengths and works on elaborate and organised projects, making success almost inevitable.
Before the release the common perception was that Shah Rukh, the hero of the film was himself none too convinced about whether the film would be successful. Industry-wallahs felt that it was because of his long-standing friendship with the Chopras that he agreed to be a part of the film. As it turns out, the risk seems to have paid off for both sides. Among other things, it puts to rest talks of differences between the two.
Mirani points out that SRK is intelligent enough to work with selective people. Shah Rukh works mostly with the likes of Yash Raj,
Dharma Productions or his own companies. His biggest hits have been with these production houses and he has been smart enough to understand what works best for him, explains Mirani.
A likely fallout of the success of the film could be that the star can charge a higher fees for any new brand endorsement deal that he signs, says adman Prahlad Kakkar who has worked with Khan.
His fees for live events could go up as well. Mohammed Morani, a veteran event organiser who has worked with SRK on numerous occasions credits the actors versatility as the primary reason for his popularity in live shows. People like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan are far better dancers than Shah Rukh, but SRK has an inimitable charm and conviction that sets him apart. Having him on stage assures us that our audiences will definitely be entertained, elaborates Morani. According to Morani, doing such events and shows not only helps an actor financially, but also helps him build goodwill. When people see you working hard and putting your heart in, on stage, live, they applaud your efforts. SRK always puts his heart into a performance and comes out with flying colours.
So what is it about Shah Rukh that makes him a bigger draw than his equally successful contemporaries like Aamir and Salman Khan? Sajid Khan believes its Shah Rukhs ability to connect with his audience. Whether you are a 16-year-old schoolgirl, 20-year-old college-going boy, a 40-year-old housewife or a 45-year-old father, you still cry for Aman Mathur in Kal Ho Naa Ho or fall in love with Raj in DDLJ . SRKs films have a universal family appeal just like Titanic, ET, Casablanca or any other classic. Thats the secret of his success, analyses Sajid.
Although with films like Asoka, Swades and Paheli the star has shown a willingness to experiment with a variety of roles, it is the success of commercial films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kal Ho Naa Ho where-in he plays the romantic lead that is responsible for his iconic status.
A scroll through box-office figures from the last five years suggests that SRK films lead the Bollywood bandwagon in countries like USA, UK, Canada and Africa. The rest of Europe is a smaller market, but nonetheless SRKs demand in countries like Germany is notable.
That he has managed to create a strong presence in film production also helps. His first production company Dreamz Unlimited along with friends Juhi Chawla and Aziz Mirza gave way to Red Chillies Entertainment. While his initial ventures like Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and Asoka didnt do too well, the success of Chalte Chalte, Main Hoon Na , Kaal and Don changed that. Dinesh Raheja, former editor of Movie credits Shah Rukhs filmmaking efforts by saying SRKs making films stems from his desire to bring about a change. Being a part of the industry he understands what can work and what is different and a star like him working in that direction is truly commendable.
So with the success of Chak De! India and projects like Om Shanti Om generating a lot of excitement months before their release, the future for SRK is looking good. In fact, its looking better than ever before.
Posted by: Dimple Aug 30 2007, 09:58 AM
Its all about loving SRK
24 Aug 2007, 0000 hrs IST,TNN
Everyone who has met or worked with SRK seems to loves him. Is that the secret of his super-success?
Sure, hes the superstar of Bollywood, but it seems that Shah Rukh Khan is also top contender for the title of the nicest, most helpful guy in the industry.
Whoever has worked with him is full of praise for the star. And we dont mean just the Karan Johars, the Farah Khans and the Preity Zintas of filmdom.
Its every co-star, spotboy, and of course all the actors and newbies he has acted with. They rave, gush and go totally overboard when asked for a reaction to SRK.
Actor Shreyas Talpade, who has acted with the King Khan in Om Shanti Om , is one of his big fans. Im fortunate to have worked with Shah Rukh Khan this early in my career.
Ive never seen a superstar like him. I had perceptions of him sitting closeted in his van, but hes such a generous, secure actor, willing to share his time and space.
Knowing Im from theatre, he wanted to use my inputs in the scenes we did. We would discuss each shot and improvise. I want to work with him again and again, he says.
Arya Menon, who made her debut as one of the girls on the hockey team in Chak De! India , was totally bowled over by how welcoming SRK is towards newcomers.
Hes awesome with newcomers. He gave us all useful tips and pointers and was very sweet to all of us. Wed all get hugs and he made us feel very at home, she says.
Arya adds that hes very observant of all the actors comfort levels on the sets. If we felt uncomfortable, hed notice it, even if he was a kilometre away.
Hes got a good eye for that sort of thing. He made the effort of putting us at ease even if he wasnt in the frame. Im told a lot of big stars dont do that, she says.
Anaitha Nair, another of the hockey-playing gals in Chake De! India , is also a fan. Hes amazing, really sweet, she told BT, Many of us were facing the camera for the first time and he was so helpful.
Kirron Kher, who has worked with Shah Rukh Khan on several movies Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Veer-Zaara, Main Hoon Na and Devdas confirms what Shreyas says about the Baadshah not being insecure and adds that it helps immensely when shooting.
Hes wonderful to work with. Hes not at all insecure and doesnt interfere in the scene. He helps build a scene, which is how things should be done. He gives very unselfish inputs. And its great fun to work on one of his productions. He treats you like a guest, she says.
Posted by: Dimple Sep 4 2007, 10:42 AM
Interview with SRK done by a Dutch Reporter
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What is so special about Shahrukh Khan that millions of people adore him? What is the secret behind this charismatic individual? And how can one man deal with the pressure of having 1.5 billion dollars ride on his back and still manage to take away the worries of the common man?
Shahrukh Khan is like God for the Indian filmlovers. He has been in this indutry for more than fifteen years and has made over 50 films. He is also known as The Baadshah of Bollywood ( The King of Bollywood).
My fascinating trip begins from Heathrow airport where a driver and assistent of Khan are ready to pick me up. Once I got in the car, several do's and don'ts of the interview were explained to me. I listened to the lady and promised I would stick to the rules. In between there was a silence which I can't quite explain. Probably because I was getting nervous of the realization that in a few moments I will be meeting with a living legend and this could become one of the most important moments of my life.
It didn't took a long time before the car pulled up a driveway. When I watched out of the window I saw a beautiful house which execuded a form of simplicity and calmness ( if that is a word). I got out of the car and was walking through a long corridor which was full of life. Before I knew it, I stepped into an office that was SRK's. Behind the desk there were pictures of several films in which SRK had played the lead role. Next to his chique English Desk was a black sofa, where I got comfortable and then the assistent left. At that point of time, my heart was pounding like crazy. The thought that millions of people would be very jealous made me more nervous. The assistent of Khan returned with a nice warm cup of tea and told me that Khan was on the phone but he would be here any minute now. I took a sip of my tea and asked the assistent of how it was to work for SRK. She told me that Khan is a very nice and generous boss(employer). She also told me that he is like family and he was like a brother to her. I decided to take another sip of my tea and suddenly there he was! SRK, justl ike in the movies. He walked towards me and from that moment on I realized that this was not going to be a normal inteview.
With the poisitive aura he execuded, he literally lighted the room. All the questions that I had prepared for today were erased from my memory. The only thing on my mind at this point was SRK's entry. My conception of him was gone when he introduced himeself to me and took a seat next to me on the sofa. Hij asked me how I was and If my trip has been okay. That moment I knew he was a great open person with a big heart. Shahrukh Khan told me that he surfes the internet and has come across Bollywoodplaza and he heard positieve things about the website. Suddenly his assistent interrupted him and told him that the interview wouldnt last that long. SRK nodded and gave me a sign that I could start with the interview. I told him, that i feel that the interview has already started. He laughed and told his assistent to tell the next guests to wait for 15 more minutes. I felt honoured and that was the moment SRK really opened up and it didn't feel like I was talking to the Baadshah of Bollywood but rather it felt like it was a conversation with a good friend.
Throughout the years the name SRK has become an International brand. According to the latest research done by a University in America there is a amount of 1.5 billion dollar riding on you. That makes you in comparison to other filmindustries ( I dont know how she means this) a very important link. How do you deal with such (business)responsibility and does this effect your private life?
Every moment I am grateful to God to have given me so much happiness. It doesnt matter where I am, the love of my fans for the films in which I have played is unprecedented. It has become my duty to thank them by making more films. And yes, having 1.5 billion riding on you, makes the stakes very high but when all the people worldwide enjoy the product and nourish this makes me a very happy person. That people enjoy the outcome is more important for me than any financial aspect. Concerning my private life, I have discussed this with my family and we are very clear on this matter. I try to find a balance between my private life and my career.
You have acted in over 50 films and with all the experience you have, I wonder which film do you cherish the most and what makes this film so special?
Without a doubt, that is DDLJ. In that period I was being categorized as being a thriller/action hero because of films like Baazigar, Anjaam and Darr were released. It was Aditya Chopra who gave me the chance to play the role of a loverboy and he believed in me as an actor. This might suprise you, but I wasnt very keen to be playing in romantic flicks. It was Aditya Chopra who believed in me and advised me that the change would be good for me.
Several polls done by the media, on forums and by researchburo's say that Kajol Devgan-Mukherjee and you share a great chemistry on screen and that the two of you are a guarantee for making blockbustermovies. What makes your combination so special on screen and despite the great chemistry you two don't seem to do many films together?
Kajl and I have become really good friends after we did our first film together and we will continue to be good friends. I think we don't only work on the sets but also have a lot of fun together and when the camera's are rolling this shows on screen. The audience sees that and I guess that is our magic. And about the films, well, that matters on the stories that are offered to us and if we have the dates that the director requires. Currently, we are working on a new project by my good friend Karan Johar and we hope to start shooting soon.
The current generation sees you as their idol,the man who has put Bollywood on the map ( international level?), kept it that way and gave it something extra. Insiders say that you have replaced Mr.Bachchan and that for the time being, there isnt anyone who can take your place. What is your opinion ( view?) on this matter?
To start, I have a lot of respect for Mr. Bachchan. He is my idol. When I was young I would go to the theatre with friends just to watch his films. Amitji has brought Bollywood to an international level, and I will never be able to equal that. I do feel honoured that a lot of people say that I have followed in his footsteps, but Amitji will always be The King of Bollywood. Apart from that, there is this new generation right now trying to better the Indian filmindustry. There is a lot of talent nowadays and I hope there is someone who can follow in my footsteps very soon. Then maybe finally I can take a break... (smile)
If you wouldn't be an actor today, then what would you have become?
To be very honest, I always had the urge to be an actor. My personal situation when I was younger made sure the hunger to be in films grew bigger. And honestly I would not want to discuss that further. What I do want to say is that, everything I am today is because of my mom. Till her last breath she stood by me and helped me through hard times. She believed in me.
These days several media claim that there is a cold war between the two of you. How much of this is true? And now with the announcements of Temptations 2008 and The unforgettable tour and that too around the same time, there are more speculations now....
To clear the air completely, there is no cold war between me and Amitji. I have a lot of respect for the things Amitji has accomplished in the filmindustry. I will always have a lot of respect for him and I am a big fan of him. It is purely coincidental and maybe slightly uncomfortable that Wizcraft decided to plan their tour at the same time as The Moorani's, but these are aspects I can better leave for them.
Because of the short time we have left I will ask you a few short question that you have to answer with yes or no. It is a little bit like KBC, but then without and lifelines. Are you ready...?
ha ha.. that's funny let's shoot...
Your favorite drink
Pepsi
Your favorite co-star
That is a mean question! Ehm.. My daughter Suhana
Your biggest passion
Internet
One thing you would like to have but you havent got it
Time
your favorite accessoiry
My Phone and My Laptop
Eating at home or eating out in a restaurant
At home with my wife an kids eating Tandoort Chicken
The first film you ever saw
Dev Anand's Joshilaa
Hrithik, Salman or Aamir?
trickquestion.... next!
Rani, Juhi or Kajol and now give me an honest answer
All three of them...
Suddenly I was interrupted by Khan's assistent that my time was up. As a gift, SRK gave me his book The King of Bollywood: Shahrukh Khan and the seductive world of Indian Cinema signed with a set of photo's of his next release Om Shanti Om.
Once a wise man said the follwing about SRK:
He is walking history...one of the most extraordinary people of all times... A man whose warmth, courage, and unshakeble commitment to the Indian filmindustry...
And he is right!
Christina Hofman, Bollywoodplaza Benelux.
Posted by: Dimple Sep 7 2007, 11:15 AM
Enough trouble is brewing on the home front to keep Farah Khan busy before the release of her film, Om Shanti Om. First, her husband Shirish Kunder parted ways with her best friend Shah Rukh Khan because of irrevocable creative differences, and the ambitious film Joker will now no longer have SRK in the superhero avatar. Later, her brother Sajid Khan's film, Heyy Babyy didn't showcase trailers of Om Shanti Om at the special screenings organised for the high-profile industrywallahs across the city.
Farah is yet to break her silence over tabloid reports of Shirish and Shah Rukh's showdown at Mannat, but she is making efforts to get her husband and SRK back on talking terms. With SRK opting out of the film, his production company Red Chillies Productions will no longer produce the big-budget film.
Clearly, Shirish may not be at an advantageous position; but he claims that he has a bunch of financiers ready to back his project.
A source close to Farah reveals, "She is in a tight spot, as the two people closest to her are at loggerheads. Neither Shah Rukh nor Shirish are talking about it." Despite all differences, Shirish is still editing the film and there are no fights in the edit room yet.
Farah Khan with Shirish Kunder, Farah Khan with Sajid Khan
In circles where it really matters, the buzz is that she is extremely upset with brother Sajid Khan now, over the trailers getting snipped off. Given the extreme closeness of the siblings, this leaves a bad taste in the mouth. A source close to Farah informs, "She feels that Sajid could have avoided that ugly episode. Shah Rukh wanted the trailers to be aired so that he could get instant feedback from actors, filmmakers and producers. It wasn't an unreasonable demand.
Besides, it was because of her that SRK agreed to do a cameo in Heyy Babyy."
Sajid feigning ignorance about the ugly episode to certain sections of the media only worsened the situation. "Farah has been quiet as it's her brother's film. But she felt betrayed when Sajid told some media persons that everything is hunky dory and that Om Shanti Om trailers were aired at all trial shows," says another source.
Posted by: Dimple Sep 7 2007, 02:21 PM
SRK and A. R. Rahman among Indian American Achiever's Awards
By Our Correspondent 2007 Bollyvista.com
Shah Rukh Khan
CineMaya Media Group, in honor of 60 years on India's independence and to acknowledge the contribution of Indian Diaspora and Americans, have launched the Indian American Achiever's Awards.
Shah Rukh Khan, Pandit Ravi Shankar, A. R. Rahman and Subhash Chandra are nominated, along with the likes of Bill Gates, N. R. Narayana Murthy, Samuel J. Palmisano Chairman & CEO of IBM, Jeffrey R. Immelt Chairman of General Electric, W. James(Jim) McNerney, Jr. Chairman, President & CEO of Boeing, Rupert Murdoch, Sam Pitroda , Dr. Deepak Chopra and Richard Gere.
The award ceremony will take place on the 13th of September at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, USA.
Posted by: Dimple Sep 11 2007, 10:12 AM
Six-pack samasya!
Suresh Nair
Shah Rukh Khan has let me down. Just when he reinvigorated my belief in him with a knockout performance as the Coach Carter of Chak De, hes got himself a brand new physique complete with six-pack abs and rippling biceps.
And I thought he was one of us! The regular guy who proved time and again to the world that with a quick wit and easy charm you can tower over any beefcake!
Of course, my wife is quick to point out that I neither have the quick wit nor the easy charm of SRK, and now I also dont stand a chance of ever matching his physique.
Almost every man with a reasonable interest in physical fitness dreams of the six-pack abs. The less ambitious ones, like me, dream of just a flat stomach or at least a paunch that can be easily sucked in at the sight of a pretty young thing on the street.
Ive never really aimed at six-pack abs, largely because it calls for a lot of hard work in the gym and lot of resistance power at the dining table.
My point is, why on earth would I deprive myself of my moms sambar or my wifes rajma? In other words, I prefer to live for the moment - especially during lunch and dinner.
But there are times when I suffer nightmares where Ive become this rich fat slob whose secretary tells him, Saab, aap ki paunch ooper tak hai! And I wake up in a pool of sweat.
The next day I usually skip breakfast and then, as hunger rears its ugly head, I allow myself a brunch and then follow it up with regular lunch
And there are also times when I think it would be great to have a six-pack. The last time the idea crossed my mind was when I saw Hrithik Roshan dancing in Dhoom 2. But I wonder why some of the biggest stars in Hollywood dont have six-pack abs!
Finally, I strongly suspect theres a conspiracy in my house to prevent me from getting the six-pack abs. Because each time I convince myself to diet hard and gym harder, the two women in my life cook up a meal that reiterates the fact that while the way to a mans heart is through his stomach, its also a shortcut to his brain!
Posted by: Dimple Sep 13 2007, 11:18 AM
Blog: An open letter to Shahrukh Khan
By IndiaFM News Bureau, September 13, 2007 - 09:19 IST
Dear King Khan,
Hope you would have seen the news clippings and read various news articles on India retaining the mens Asia cup hockey title with a resounding 7-2 win over Korea in the summit clash at the floodlit Mayor Radhakrishnan stadium in Chennai on Sunday (09.09.07).
The win was convincing from the beginning. There was no uncertainty like they exhibit till the last over in Indian cricket. In the 4th minute from the start of the game, Shivendra Singh opened the score. Though Korea could score the equalizer in the 9th minute, Sunil and Prabhjot Singh scored each one goal and changed the scenario to 3-1 lead at the halfway stage. Indians kept up the tempo which lasted in a resounding 7-2 win which was a treat to the eyes and minds of thousands of holiday crowd who were spectators to this victory.
You might wonder why I am detailing about our countrys recent success in hockey to a Bollywood star like you. You have told to press recently that the way Kabir Khan (your character in Chak De India) reacts in the film after the team wins the final match to lift the world cup trophy, was your favourite scene and has given you some inner peace.
But even then you might disagree with me if I say that the success of this film might change the way we look at sports in India. Our recent win in Asia cup might not have any connection to your role in the film. But still the movie can change the thought line of thousands and thousands of Indians about the way sports and sportsmen are treated and how positive changes could be brought in.
The success of the movie may not bring immediate changes in the trend of sports. But it would force people to think positively, dream constructively and ultimately we might be moving to a row of victories.
Similarly you can ask your producer friends ( I know Yash Chopra is your close friend ) to plan a film about Indian politicians and you can play a role of a politician, may be as a Member of Parliament, who could be a role model politician to the upcoming future generations. Since present generation has seen more and more of dirty politicians everywhere, it would be tough to explain to future citizens as to how a good politician would look like.
This letter might not reach your eyes, or even if it reaches, you might just chuckle and forget it, but for me, I have expressed what I felt as a citizen of India.
Thank you
CITIZEN OF INDIA
Posted by: Dimple Sep 13 2007, 11:23 AM
"Today, every superstar is removing his shirt" - Farah Khan
By Joginder Tuteja, September 12, 2007 - 13:54 IST
It's not even a week since the first look of 'Dard-E-Disco' was out and the song, especially due to 'perfect-six-abs' of Shahrukh Khan, is already the talk of the town. Composed by Vishal-Shekhar and written by Javed Akhtar, 'Dard E Disco' is a 'jump-on-the-dance-floor' number which has a Persian touch to it even as overall feel of the song stays on to be Western.
"I am thrilled with the kind of reactions the song is fetching. As the teaser suggests, this is my way of re-introducing Shahrukh Khan", quips Farah Khan, director of this year's most awaited film Om Shanti Om.
Re-introduction it certainly is, considering the fact that after 'Kaal Dhamaal' [Kaal] where he danced in designer sleeveless vests with Malaika Arora, Shahrukh Khan has shed his inhibitions further and gone the Monty route, even if it is only half the way!
"Well, full credit to Shahrukh for attempting something like this which showcases him in an altogether different 'avtaar'", talks Farah fondly for her superstar friend, "The idea was to give him a much leaner look, while refraining from making it all look artificial."
"Shahrukh has a good physique but when you are required to remove shirt for the camera and the entire world is expected to watch you, extra care has to be taken", explains Farah about the effort which went behind the makeover of 40 years plus King Khan.
She adds, "We never wanted a beefy look for him, that wouldn't have worked. Instead, what you see is a body which befits that of a swimmer. Also, it was not just the physique part on which we concentrated. Even his hair has been done differently to give him a real makeover."
A contemporary track with Sukhwinder Singh in his full elements and Marianne, Nisha and Caralisa coming together for backup vocals, 'Dard-E-Disco' is a true-blue dance number, as expected from Vishal-Shekhar. Still, one can't help but ask Farah whether a situation like this was absolutely required in the film?
Justifies Farah, who is dabbling between paying visits to doctors and supervising media campaigns for her November 9 release, "As we all know, the film has Shahrukh Khan as junior artist in the 70s followed by being a superstar of 21st century. These are the times when every superstar is removing his shirt with a physique to die for. It is imperative for the character played by Shahrukh Khan also to dabble in something similar", she smiles.
Meanwhile first promo of the film has reportedly settled down with the audience too. "It was always expected that it would be very well received across multiplexes. People were clapping and cheering aloud while it was played first. You have to be there to witness the noise level when the promo was on; one could barely hear what was being played on screen", informs Farah about the crowd reaction.
"What further thrilled me was the response from theaters across UP and Bihar. After being elated with the tremendous response, distributors have not stopped calling ever since", cheers Farah.
Posted by: HumTum Sep 13 2007, 11:53 AM
Here's are some pictures of SRK. 
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Dimple Sep 13 2007, 01:00 PM
Yes thank you 
they are from the latest mostawaited film Om Shanti Om.
Posted by: HumTum Sep 13 2007, 01:11 PM
That's right. In case you have not checked the official site, I have posted the link here. There are promos and photographs too.
Link for the http://omshantiomfilm.com
Posted by: Dimple Sep 13 2007, 01:34 PM
Thanks once again... I have seen the promos - they are awesome. now waiting for the movie
Posted by: HumTum Sep 13 2007, 02:03 PM
It's my pleasure.
Posted by: Dimple Sep 14 2007, 09:43 AM
Two hours late, but SRK is forgiven
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two of a kind: Shah Rukh Khan and Sania Mirza promoting the Sunfeast Open pic/sameer markande
It is a mark of Shah Rukh Khan's celebrity status that the very journalists he kept waiting for two hours at the Sunfeast Open press conference scheduled for 10.45 am yesterday, were laughing and smiling at the star's undeniable wit once he turned up.
SRK was with Sania Mirza (sporting a new haircut), to promote the WTA Sunfeast Open that begins in Kolkata on September 23, says Sowmya Rajaram.
This time, the championship trophy, which changes every year, was unveiled to be an oil on canvas painting created from a collation of children's paintings.
Mirza may not play after she picked up a wrist injury.
As for SRK, he kept the camera persons and reporters in splits with his charm. "I am asked to take off my shirt a lot now, but I say no. I am still talented enough to do a role without taking off my shirt," he replied to a question.
All good, Shah Rukh, but witty quotes and charisma can only go so far when you turn up oh-so-late, so keep that in mind for next time.
Posted by: Dimple Sep 14 2007, 10:31 AM
Shah Rukh Khan feels he is capable of acting without taking off his shirt
14th Sept 2007 09.01 IST
By Agencies
Notwithstanding his six-pack abdomen which is in the limelight, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan feels he is capable of acting without taking off his shirt.
"In Om Shanti Om I play a hero of today. I felt that everyone in the film world looks cool these days and we went for this look," SRK, who attended an event with tennis star Sania Mirza to promote an upcoming tennis tournament, said.
SRK said he had received praise from fellow actors like Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan for his new look. But Salman had also told him he was looking too thin.
SRK said he had great respect for sportspersons and had taken up an exercise regimen after shooting for his recent hit Chak De India , which centres round the game of hockey.
Asked if he had any regrets about not doing the Oscar- nominated cricket-based movie Lagaan , SRK said, "After watching the film, I thought only Aamir Khan could have done justice to it. However, I did manage to do 'Chak De'."
SRK parried questions on whether there had been renewed interest in hockey following the success of "Chak De India".
"I want to make it clear it is not because of the film that we are doing well in sports. Instead it is because they (sportspersons) are doing well that such movies are made," he said.
With more sports-based movies expected from Bollywood in the near future, this could become a new genre in the film industry, SRK remarked.
Posted by: Dimple Sep 14 2007, 10:49 AM
Blog: An open letter to Shahrukh Khan
By IndiaFM News Bureau, September 13, 2007 - 09:19 IST
Dear King Khan,
Hope you would have seen the news clippings and read various news articles on India retaining the mens Asia cup hockey title with a resounding 7-2 win over Korea in the summit clash at the floodlit Mayor Radhakrishnan stadium in Chennai on Sunday (09.09.07).
The win was convincing from the beginning. There was no uncertainty like they exhibit till the last over in Indian cricket. In the 4th minute from the start of the game, Shivendra Singh opened the score. Though Korea could score the equalizer in the 9th minute, Sunil and Prabhjot Singh scored each one goal and changed the scenario to 3-1 lead at the halfway stage. Indians kept up the tempo which lasted in a resounding 7-2 win which was a treat to the eyes and minds of thousands of holiday crowd who were spectators to this victory.
You might wonder why I am detailing about our countrys recent success in hockey to a Bollywood star like you. You have told to press recently that the way Kabir Khan (your character in Chak De India) reacts in the film after the team wins the final match to lift the world cup trophy, was your favourite scene and has given you some inner peace.
But even then you might disagree with me if I say that the success of this film might change the way we look at sports in India. Our recent win in Asia cup might not have any connection to your role in the film. But still the movie can change the thought line of thousands and thousands of Indians about the way sports and sportsmen are treated and how positive changes could be brought in.
The success of the movie may not bring immediate changes in the trend of sports. But it would force people to think positively, dream constructively and ultimately we might be moving to a row of victories.
Similarly you can ask your producer friends ( I know Yash Chopra is your close friend ) to plan a film about Indian politicians and you can play a role of a politician, may be as a Member of Parliament, who could be a role model politician to the upcoming future generations. Since present generation has seen more and more of dirty politicians everywhere, it would be tough to explain to future citizens as to how a good politician would look like.
This letter might not reach your eyes, or even if it reaches, you might just chuckle and forget it, but for me, I have expressed what I felt as a citizen of India.
Thank you
CITIZEN OF INDIA
Posted by: Dimple Sep 18 2007, 12:37 PM
Shah Rukh Khan in Danny Boyles 'Slumdog Millionaire'?
17th Sept 2007 17.10 IST
By ApunKaChoice
If reports are to be believed, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan may play a small but important role in British filmmaker Danny Boyles next film Slumdog Millionaire .
The film tells the story of a Mumbai slum kid who contests in the TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati to catch the attention of a girl who watches the programme everyday. It is a love story with unusual twists.
Because Shah Rukh has actually been the host of KBC, it is learnt that Danny Boyle might cast the superstar as the host of the show in Slumdog Millionaire also.
However, no official confirmation of this has yet come either from SRK or from Boyle.
Danny is an acclaimed filmmaker who has directed movies like Trainspotting, A Life Less Ordinary and The Beach.
Slumdog Millionaire has been written by Simon Beaufoy (who wrote the hilarious The Full Monty) and will star Brit newcomer Dev Patel in the lead role.
The movies shooting will begin in November in Mumbai.
Posted by: Dimple Sep 19 2007, 10:15 AM
Shah Rukh Khan denies 'Om Shanti Om' being a spoof on the 70s era
19th Sept 2007 09.01 IST
By Agencies
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said his upcoming home production Om Shanti Om is not a spoof on Hindi cinema of the 70s.
Addressing the media in Mumbai on Tuesday, after releasing the film's music, SRK said he feels the biggest USP of the movie was that it seriously recreates the era of 1970s and it was his achievement as a producer.
''The film is about reincarnation. The Om of 70s is Om Prakash Makhija, a struggling actor trying to make it big while the Om of 2007 is Om Kapoor, a superstar who is not talented,'' he said.
On his expectations from the film, he said, ''you cannot satisfy all people at all times. I am releasing the movie on Diwali. The film is about celebration of life and happiness. Besides, there is lot of comedy and drama. Director Farah Khan has got a good ear for music unlike me. There is variety in the music of this film.''
Speaking about the other Bollywood biggie Saawariya which releases on the same day as 'Om Shanti Om', the King Khan said 'Saawariya' was a huge movie as compared to his own.
''Mine is a secondary film compared to Saawariya. It could have been good for business if the release dates had not clashed. But, there is no competition. There are enough people to see both films,'' he said.
'' Sanjay Leela Bhansali has given me Devdaas which I consider as a highlight of my career. Besides, Rani Mukherjee and Salman Khan who are in Saawariya, I have lot of love for debutants Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor who respect me tremendously. Hence, I pray for both the movies. But, after all Om Shanti Om is my child,'' he added.
''I am grateful to everybody including Dharmendra , Shabana Azmi , Mithun Chakraborty and all other friends from the industry who agreed to be part of the film.''
SRK said he went on a diet control for four months and also worked out. ''I am feeling good and healthy. Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan were very co-operative. Infact, I showed them my pictures before commencing shooting. They said I was good and needed to improve further.''
He spoke highly of his debutant co-star Deepika Padukone . ''We feel a huge responsibility towards her. She has all the makings of a good star-actress,'' SRK added.
Posted by: IDOL Sep 19 2007, 11:05 PM
Shah Rukh Khan denies 'Om Shanti Om' being a spoof on the 70s era
19th Sept 2007 09.01 IST
By Agencies
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said his upcoming home production Om Shanti Om is not a spoof on Hindi cinema of the 70s.
Addressing the media in Mumbai on Tuesday, after releasing the film's music, SRK said he feels the biggest USP of the movie was that it seriously recreates the era of 1970s and it was his achievement as a producer.
''The film is about reincarnation. The Om of 70s is Om Prakash Makhija, a struggling actor trying to make it big while the Om of 2007 is Om Kapoor, a superstar who is not talented,'' he said.
On his expectations from the film, he said, ''you cannot satisfy all people at all times. I am releasing the movie on Diwali. The film is about celebration of life and happiness. Besides, there is lot of comedy and drama. Director Farah Khan has got a good ear for music unlike me. There is variety in the music of this film.''
Speaking about the other Bollywood biggie Saawariya which releases on the same day as 'Om Shanti Om', the King Khan said 'Saawariya' was a huge movie as compared to his own.
''Mine is a secondary film compared to 'Saawariya'. It could have been good for business if the release dates had not clashed. But, there is no competition. There are enough people to see both films,'' he said.
'' Sanjay Leela Bhansali has given me Devdaas which I consider as a highlight of my career. Besides, Rani Mukherjee and Salman Khan who are in 'Saawariya', I have lot of love for debutants Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor who respect me tremendously. Hence, I pray for both the movies. But, after all 'Om Shanti Om' is my child,'' he added.
''I am grateful to everybody including Dharmendra , Shabana Azmi , Mithun Chakraborty and all other friends from the industry who agreed to be part of the film.''
SRK said he went on a diet control for four months and also worked out. ''I am feeling good and healthy. Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan were very co-operative. Infact, I showed them my pictures before commencing shooting. They said I was good and needed to improve further.''
He spoke highly of his debutant co-star Deepika Padukone . ''We feel a huge responsibility towards her. She has all the makings of a good star-actress,'' SRK added.
i guess Om Shanti might be a great movie!
Posted by: Dimple Sep 20 2007, 10:44 AM
Idol you also seem to be SRK fan, right ? 
more the merrier
Posted by: Dimple Sep 24 2007, 10:44 AM
Heil Shah Rukh!
By: Upala KBR
September 24, 2007
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Doing what I can: Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan and Om Shanti Om appear to be the hottest thing in Germany right now. What else could explain the mass hysteria for the film there? Says director Farah Khan, A hand-written petition, signed by 10,000 German fans, has been sent to Dorothy Brennar (the director of the Berlin Film Festival) to get Om Shanti Om featured at the Berlinale. Apart from that, the Om
Shanti Om website (omshantiomfilm.com) has gotten at least two lakh hits and posts from Germany, Poland, France, Austria and Russia. They all want the film to be released there, which is shocking!
Khan adds that these SRK fans come from all over Europe to attend the Berlin film festival and hence want OSO to be shown there. I have asked our distributors, Eros International, to release the film in Russia and thus open up a new market for us there, says Farah, elated.
Euphoric feeling
However, as much as shes delighted with the response and euphoria towards her film, Farah says she cant show OSO at the Berlinale. The festival is scheduled to take place in February. Itll be too late to release it there, she says.
Shah Rukh Khan, who is also aware of the petition, adds, OSO will release in Germany, along with the rest of the world, on November 9.
Farah adds that Shah Rukh has a huge fan following in Germany. Main Hoon Naa did very well there after we dubbed it in German. His fans keep asking him to come there as theyre dying to meet him, and now theyre desperately looking forward to OSO. They have a lot of fun watching our films, and all the songs, dances and emotions that go with it, she says.
The German love for SRK doesnt end there. The German magazine Rapid Eye is doing a book on the making of Om Shanti Om. They came here to cover the shoot and even sent their photographers. Mushtaq Sheikh is writing the book on OSO in India, while Rapid Eye will be in German, says Farah.
For the blogs go to http://omshantiomfilm.com/BlogPage.aspx?BlogID=2&blogimage=images/blogimages/srkfarah.jpg
One of the petitions
Dear Bollywood and SRK addicts!
Its about time for SRK to visit GERMANY. Since wed like to offer him a location, where he can introduce himself and his newest projects like Om Shanti Om, our idea was to bring him to the BERLINALE 2008, which is well attended by people and media and offers him an appropriate basis. We need your help! Please sign up for this petition until 30th of September 2007 to collect as many votes as possible. Well hand your signatures to the people in charge at the Berlinale committee. Many thanks for your help, your Santa-Team Santa-Claus and Santa-Fee :-)
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
(http://www.petitiononline.com/srk/petition.html)
Posted by: Dimple Sep 24 2007, 04:23 PM
SRK on cover of L'Officiel
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Fashionistas the world over consider LOfficiel as one of the premier and classic magazines of all times! Life just cannot get better than this for all ya Bollywood fans out there, coz LOfficiel has come up with its first Bollywood special edition. And with the Godfathers of Bollywood at the helm of things, one can expect this to become the Bible of Bollywood in the days to come! For starters, one can find the man who has the copyright for the human tears and emotions Karan Johar as the guest editor, the man with the magical hands, Manish Malhotra working on designing and executing the features, and lastly the man to whom even the camera goes CheeseAtul Kasbekar!
Our advice to all: Read This Issue Strictly In A Pool Or Keep The Number Of Fire Brigade Ready, coz besides SRK, this issue also sees the temperature-rising girls who people otherwise know as the dew-eyed Priyanka Chopra, congenial Tanishaa, and dazzling Kareena and the all-lure-ing Bipasha! These divine creations can be seen in the creations of Valentino, Christian Dior, Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Valaya and others. With so much going in this issue, one is just left wondering that whether the creations of the above names will enhance these beauties or is it vice versa?
Lights, Camera, Reaction!
Madame Royale aka Priyanka Chopra has got not only the world at her feet, but also the whole Universe! No wonder then, the men around her, just cant seem to be getting enough of her! Its not just her smile thats magical, but its her entire persona that sets the human heart afire! She is one of the very few actresses who have reached her careers crescendo at such a short time! Man! It becomes needless to say that Elegance... thou name is Priyanka!
Beautifuls with the dutiful
What more can a girl can ask for than having the Sunshine Man himself SRK in tow! After having wowed (and still continues to do so) with his exuberant energy , the King Khan seems to be all set to give the models a never ending marathon run for their money!
According to Lensman Atul Kasbekar, this shoot was inspired by SRK's upcoming release, Om Shanti Om which has a reincarnation theme. Hence, Atuls concept was to show him going from black to white, from darkness to light. Not only we second that; we would also like to add that this shoot is good enough for the non-SRK fans to be re-incarnated as the Kings subjects! They dont call him the King Khan for nothing!
Rock n Role!
Zayed Khan who hit the jackpot with his impactful role alongside SRK in the mega blockbuster Main Hoon Na is seen rocking and rolling in this issue! Not only does the Rockstar image suit this man to the T, but it also leaves the readers asking for more! It just seems like Zayed was simply born to be a rocking rock star! And if his roles in Dus and Cash were anything to go by, then, lo! Behold! Heres announcing the arrival of Zayed, ready to rock and role!
Posted by: Dimple Sep 24 2007, 04:50 PM
ShahRukh Khan to attend Twenty20 World Cup final
New Delhi, Sept. 23 (PTI): Bollywood superstar ShahRukh Khan, business tycoon Vijay Mallya and BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla will join hundreds of fans to cheer for Team India when Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men take on Pakistan in the final of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup in Johannesburg tomorrow.
Shah Rukh, who played a hockey coach in his latest release "Chak De India", earlier made a surprise visit to the India-England third Test at The Oval last month.
Shah Rukh, Mallya and Shukla will leave tonight by the liquor baron's private jet.
"We will root for the Indian team, which has made us proud by its commendable show. An India-Pakistan match is always a humdinger and we are going to enjoy every bit of it," said Shukla.
Posted by: Dimple Sep 25 2007, 09:39 AM
Howzzzat!
By: Upala KBR
September 25, 2007
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Your wish is my command: Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan never does things in small doses. And what he does, he does in style. And so he flew all the way to (South Africa) for a day with son Aryan, to watch the ICC World Twenty20 final between India and Pakistan yesterday.
We caught up with King Khan a few hours before the match, and he told us he was making good on a promise.
Said SRK, I promised Aryan Id take him to Johannesburg if India reached the finals, so here we are!
Have a time and reason
I wanna go! Aryan Khan
Shah Rukh has always been a sports enthusiast, and loves watching cricket, football and hockey. And so he was delighted to be in South Africa to cheer the Indian cricket team. Said Shah Rukh, I wanted to cheer for the team in person. Its seldom that we appreciate our team for their achievements. I had the time and the reason, so I am here. And, of course, the match is with Pakistan so the atmosphere will be charged.
SRKs special message for the Indian cricket team was not just Chak De India! He said, There is a saying dance like nobody is watching. I would tell the Indian team to play for having fun. We are all proud of them, so they should just have a good time on the field. From now onwards, the message is Om Shanti Om, and, Win the World Cup!
Posted by: Dimple Sep 25 2007, 09:50 AM
Shah Rukh Khan cheers team India to victory
24th Sept 2007 23.02 IST
By N. K. Deoshi
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was constantly cheering the Indian cricket team on its way to victory in the finals of the Twenty20 tournament against Pakistan.
The New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg was not short of energetic Indian fans who waved Indian flags and shouted slogans to cheer the men in blue in the crucial match against Pakistan.
But one man who stood out among the Indian supporters was Shah Rukh Khan, who watched the match along with his son Aryan from the stands. SRK, wearing a black suit, constantly clapped when a dot ball was bowled from the Indian side and stood from his seat in joy whenever a Pakistani wicket fell.
In the final overs, when Pakistans Misbah-ul-Haq looked dangerous and the match seemed slipping away from Indias grip, SRK stood in the stands and gave a thumbs-up sign to Indian captain MS Dhoni in the field.
That was just a moment before the wicket of Sohail Tanvir, who had hit two sixes, fell and optimism returned to team India.
That was also the moment the DJ played a few lines of the song Chak DeChak De India from SRKs recent release Chak De India .
Words are not sufficient to describe what happened after that. A billion hearts erupted in joy as Haq flicked bowler Joginder Sharmas ball into the air and Sreesanth caught it.
As the Indian team celebrated the historic Twenty20 World Cup win, SRK exulted with uncontrollable joy.
Later, SRK went to congratulate the players on the field. SRK hugged each player individually. Harbhajan Singh, who was completely ecstatic, lifted SRK up when the superstar hugged him.
SRK was heard saying to his son: They (the Indian players) are the true superstars.
Well said, SRK.
And a million congratulations to team India from us. Youve made us proud.
Posted by: Dimple Oct 1 2007, 10:33 AM
Mushtaq Sheikh pens 'The Making of Om Shanti Om'
By Joginder Tuteja, September 28, 2007 - 19:14 IST
Exactly a month and a half to go for the release of Om Shanti Om and this Farah Khan directorial venture continues to keep making news for all the right reasons.
The latest piece of information to come in is that a book has been written on the making of the film. Of course, it is titled "The Making of Om Shanti Om." Also, if sources are to be believed, the book would be arriving in foreign languages as well.
"Yes, Farah (Khan) and Shahrukh Khan have trusted me to be working on this book. This book is a celebration of the movies," confirms Mushtaq Sheikh, the designated author for the book.
Talking about the contribution made by Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan during the making of the book, he says fondly, "Full credit to both of them as they have allowed it to be my baby. That way I must tell you Farah shows very good faith. Inshallah, I will deliver something that does everyone proud."
But why a book?
"There are so many questions people ask about movies and how they are made. With this book, I am trying my level best to give the reader a chance to actually be a part of the movie making process. The behind the scenes, the highs, the lows, the even lower lows, the joy, the pain, the anguish, the celebration of Hindi movies - 'The Making of Om Shanti Om will have it all", reasons Mushtaq Sheikh.
On questioned about the format in which the book would be releasing, Sheikh laughs, "It's going to be different. It's not a coffee table book but then its not like a small paper back copy either. It's just different! Just like the old adage goes - the taste of the format is in buying the copy and finding what I designed for you (laughs again)!"
About Mushtaq Sheikh
A journalist-scriptwriter, Mushtaq Sheikh has the distinction of written three books on Shah Rukh and/or his projects - 'The Making of Asoka', 'Devdas - The Indian Hamlet' and his most recent 'SRK - Still Reading Khan'.
'The Making of Asoka' had marked the beginning of a trend where all kind of communication was made around the making of a film. It was also for the first time in the history of Indian cinema that a movie as well as a book on its making was released simultaneously.
On the other hand 'Devdas - The Indian Hamlet' was an attempt to discuss the origins of Devdas through looking at Sanjay Leela Bhansali's cinematic vision as well as reflecting back at the classic masterpiece by Sarat Chandra. The making of the book involved extensive research and brainstorming sessions with cast and crew of the film as well as keen followers of Indian cinema.
His third book 'SRK - Still Reading Khan' promised to cover everything about the actor who is fast gaining a legendary status. As qouted by Sheikh, "Shah Rukh Khan, the actor means a world to the cine-goers who have sworn undying love for him for more than a decade. Its his name, his persona, his magic, his sensitive side and his thick hide, which he wears as a survivor. His self-depreciating humor and his undeterred belief in himself and his journey from nowhere, into the hearts of every Indian is the fodder for the book."
Posted by: Dimple Oct 1 2007, 11:29 AM
Weak in Hindi, child SRK wanted to become a sportsman: Book
PTI
Sunday, September 30, 2007 12:51 IST
NEW DELHI: Heart-throb of many a damsel, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan as a child was weak in Hindi, dreamt of representing the country in international sports events and as a young man had to court his love Gauri for six years before he could win her, says a new book.
Shah Rukh was bright, naughty, fond of sports but was weak in Hindi either scoring very low marks or failing in the subject says the book 'SRK: King Khan' by journalist, critic Deepa Gahlot.
Instead of scolding him, his mother once told him that she would take him to a Hindi movie in a cinema hall if he did well in the subject. The bait was attractive enough for young Shah Rukh and his first visit to cinema must have triggered off the acting impulse in him, says the book. The newly generated interest in Hindi made him understand Hindi films better and gave him a command over the language, a skill that stands him in good stead in his career even today, it says.
In the school he was more interested in sports such as cricket, hockey, football and athletics than in studies and hoped to become a sportsman capable of representing his country in international events.
In Delhi while performing for both television and theatre, Shah Rukh was also wooing the pretty Gauri Chibba, a Hindu girl. Because of the difference in the religion, Gauri's family disapproved of their relationship. The courtship carried on clandestinely for over six years. Gauri was not too pleased about his choice of career or his decision to move to Mumbai but their love overcame all problems, pretty much like it happens in the movies, the book says.
The term 'super star' was coined by Bollywood for Rajesh Khanna, the romantic film hero of the late 1960s and the 1970s who triggered a fan frenzy unimaginable even in the cinema crazy country like India. Amitabh Bachchan inherited the title, earning labels such as Big B, angry young man and Supremo. Shah Rukh Khan took over the crown, entering the Bollywood hall of fame with sobriquets of his own such as
King Khan, Badshah (emperor) Khan and King of Bollywood, the author says.
Beginning his acting career away from films, he is the only theatre and television star who went on to become a movie superstar. He entered the film industry when sons of earlier stars were ruling Bollywood making it next to impossible for an outsider to get a toe into the Bollywood door.
Today, Shah Rukh Khan is the favourite of the industry's top banners, the book says.
The star's life, however, has not been a smooth sailing. In 2002, an immense property tax payment was levied on 'Mannat', the beautiful sea-facing heritage bungalow that Shah Rukh had purchased for a large sum. He had to take a whole lot of work to pay the taxes off whether it was dancing at weddings- for which he was severely criticised in the media and by some industry people- to doing a plethora of
commercials, the book says.
Shah Rukh's entry in Bollywood was very well-timed because the Hindi films were at their worst in the late 1980s and early 1990s, revolving around stale plots produced in an outdated style. Superstar Amitabh was clearly on the decline, with 'Khuda Gawah' as his only release that year after a series of duds in 1991. Amitabh then went on his five-year sabbatical and the industry was on the lookout for a
new super star. The older leading men like Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Mithun Chakraborty and Rishi Kapoor were still fighting to stay on and the star sons and industry boys- Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Govinda- after their debuts in the 1980s, were settling into comfortable though not consistently successful slots, the author says.
Shah Rukh , who has played various roles including negative ones (he won the Filmfare Best Villain award for 'Anjaam', is still inclined towards doing negative roles but his popularity as a romantic hero soared after the release of his films especially the phenomenally successful 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', the author says. "This kept him from doing negative roles although he has played some grey
characters", the book says.
Many of Shah Rukh Khan's films have been superhits, his career is a case study of success, and the way he has reached out beyond the boundaries of Bollywood is remarkable.
However, the author says that Shah Rukh Khan still has to attain true greatness as an actor. "Twenty-five years from now, if all Shah Rukh Khan has to show for his talent and fame is 'Dilwale Dulhania LeJayenge' or 'Devdas', it would be tragic", the book says.
(About the book: SRK, King Khan by Deepa Gahlot, Roli Books, Pages 124, Price Rs. 495)
Posted by: Dimple Oct 3 2007, 09:31 AM
When Shah Rukh Khan was left overwhelmed
03rd Oct 2007 09.01 IST
By Agencies
The gestures of his Bollywood colleagues recently left superstar Shah Rukh Khan overwhelmed.
SRK had personally requested most of the 40 stars (including filmmakers like Subhash Ghai , Rakesh Roshan ) to play themselves in his forthcoming film Om Shanti Om .
Out of the 40 stars, 30 of them, (including Sanjay Dutt , Saif Ali Khan and Salman Khan ) have participated in a song picturisation thats on the lines of Manmohan Desais Naseeb (1981) number that showed a Bollywood party with many top actors ( Dharmendra , Rajesh Khanna , Raj Kapoor , etc.) during that time playing themselves as guests at the party.
The other 10, including stars like Hrithik Roshan , Abhishek Bachchan and Akshay Kumar make appearances in the film during various scenes.
The King Khan was thrilled by the enthusiastic responses from all those he contacted to be a part of his film.
Since the stars obliged and did not even charge a single penny for their services, a grateful SRK decided to repay them with a special memento.
SRK has presented special gift hampers to them and he personally chose special items to be packed in this gift basket that resembled the gift hamper that Karan Johar gives on his television show, Koffee with Karan.
SRK designed a special basket which included the latest Nokia handset, a Tag Heuer watch, a gold coin, Om Shanti Om CDs, T-shirts and a personal letter signed by director Farah Khan and him. He gave them the hampers on the eve of the music launch of his film.
Who said Bollywood is only about competition and rivalries?
Posted by: Dimple Oct 4 2007, 10:05 AM
SRKis Dish TV's brand ambassador
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New Delhi: Dish TV, the Essel Group promoted DTH services provider, roped in Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador. The new campaign, featuring the actor, will be launched nationally this month, Dish TV said. The campaign will be simultaneously launched through a multi-media blitzkrieg across the country covering all media and promotional activities. Dish TV, which has about 2.3 million DTH subscribers, had recently announced an investment of Rs 800 crore in the next three years for its expansion, including marketing and advertising.
Posted by: Dimple Oct 8 2007, 03:58 PM
Shah Rukh Khan rules the hearts and minds of the Japanese
07th Oct 2007 22.00 IST
By Agencies
Raj Kapoor 's 'Mera Joota Hai Japani' is now old hat -- it is Shah Rukh Khan who rules the hearts and minds of the Japanese.
The two-day extravaganza 'Namaste India 2007' -- organised in Tokyo last week by the India Center Foundation witnessed hordes of Japanese, mostly girls, flocking the Bollywood stall to purchase audio and video CDs of Indian films and posters of film stars. The first choice by far was the 'Badshah of Bollywood' SRK.
A salesperson at the Bollywood stall said they had sold 'hundreds of t-shirts' carrying 'King' Khan's photograph. Also selling like hotcakes were CDs of films featuring the 'Bollywood Badshah' during the extravaganza held here on September 29 and 30.
But it is not that the Japanese have forgotten the golden oldies -- they fondly remember the hit Hindi film songs of yesteryears including 'Mera Joota Hai Japani' and the lilting classical 'Mohe Panghat pe Nand Lal Chhed Gayo Re' from the timeless Mughal-e-Azam, among others.
The two-day festival aimed at enhancing awareness about India and its culture and sharing India's feelings towards Japan, had several features like Punjabi folk dance,' Bhangra', Indian classical and other folk dances, performances by Mumbai artists on Bollywood dances.
Posted by: Dimple Oct 17 2007, 09:26 AM
'Chak De India' about women's empowerment: Shah Rukh Khan
17th Oct 2007 09.01 IST
By Agencies
Dismissing the view that his recent hit Chak De India was aimed at promoting the sport of hockey in India, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said more than sports, it was about woman empowerment.
''Chak De India' is about sports - it could be any sport, be it hockey, cricket, football or chess. However, more than that it is about the empowerment of women, the right of the woman to choose what she wants to do in Indian society. Sports was just a backdrop for the story and that happened to be Hockey,'' SRK told media persons during a visit to the Capital to attend the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.
SRK said he personally liked sports so they made a film that focused on women's empowerment through the medium of sports.
''The attempt was not to glorify hockey or run down the game of cricket as is being construed from a dialogue in the film 'Hockey mein chakke Nahin Hote' (there are no sixers in hockey). It is just that I like sports and want to encourage all kinds of sports. So our team worked together to make a film that focused on problems faced by women in Indian society through a film made on the backdrop of sports,'' the 'King Khan', as he is popularly known in film circles, said.
Refusing to take any credit for boosting the sport of Hockey in the country through 'Chak de India', SRK said, ''Many people say we won the Asia Cup because of 'Chak De India'. However, I do not think I have done anything for Hockey. On the contrary, I feel we made 'Chak De..' because we play very good hockey. So rather than attributing motives, we should just look at the fact that it is a film about sports - it could be any sport - and women's empowerment and just enjoy whichever team wins.''
SRK said he believes that the first and foremost purpose of any film was to entertain and in the process, if the message comes out well its good.
At the same time, he admitted that as a producer, whose next film will be Om Shanti Om , his endeavour was that ''my film says good things''.
Posted by: Dimple Oct 19 2007, 09:23 AM
'Chak De India' wins Best Film award in Sydney
19th Oct 2007 09.01 IST
By Agencies
The Shah Rukh Khan starrer mega hit Chak De India has won the Best Film Award at the 5th Australian Indian Film Festival gala night in Sydney Thursday.
The Shimit Amin directed film a gritty tale of Indian women hockey players that also starred 90 Australian players and over 9,000 Australian extras has also won applause from audiences and critics alike in India.
Akshaye Khanna received the Best Performance Award for his role in Gandhi My Father at the glittering ceremony hosted for the first time at the Museum of Contemporary Arts, situated on the Harbour foreshore overlooking the iconic Opera House.
The awards were chosen by an esteemed group of Australian film critics, including Peter Thompson (Showtime), Margaret Pomeranz (ABC TV At The Movies), Nell Schofield (Channel 9 Sunday Show), Marc Fennell (Triple J), Adrienne McKibbons (Metro Magazine) and Ian Taylor (ABC TV).
The Sydney festival, which has writer and director Yash Chopra as its patron, is attended by over 40,000 people each year.
This year's screenings include Cheeni Kum , Dhoom 2 , Eklavya , The Namesake and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag .
Posted by: Dimple Oct 19 2007, 12:36 PM
By IndiaFM News Bureau, October 19, 2007 - 12:08 IST
Shimit Amins Chak De India has won the Best Film Award while Akshaye Khanna received the Best Performance Award for his sensitive role in Gandhi My Father 5th Australian Indian Film Festival. For starters, Chak De India, which was shot in Australia, is a feel good hockey film shot in Melbourne and Sydney starring 90 Australian hockey players and over 9000 Australian extras. While Akshayes role of Harilal (Gandhis son) in Gandhi My Father, has been recently been accepted into competition at the Tokyo International Film Festival and also finds itself in competition for Best Screenplay at the inaugural Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
The awards function was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art and was attended by Chak De Indias Shimit Amin, Sagarika Ghatge and Tanya Abrol, and also Gandhi My Fathers team of director Feroz Khan and Akshaye Khanna.
Australian film critic, Peter Thompson hosted the ceremony, with the Australian actress Isabel Lucas presenting the Best Performance Award while Ian Chappell, Special Representative, Australia for UNHCR, announced the award for Best Film.
The awards were chosen by a respected group of Australian film critics including Peter Thompson (Showtime), Margaret Pomeranz (ABC TV at the Movies), Nell Schofield (Channel 9 Sunday Show), Marc Fennell (Triple J), Adrienne McKibbons (Metro Magazine) and Ian Taylor (ABC TV).
It is indeed a matter of pride for India that the festival has an advisory board comprising of advisory board comprising of Ronnie Screwvala (UTV Group), Sanjeev Kohli (Yash Raj Films), Simi Garewal and Natalie Miller (Sharmill Films), and Yash Chopra as the festivals patron.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Oct 20 2008, 10:15 AM
Kinng & King cornered
By: Upala KBRDate: 2008-10-20
India:
At star designer Shabina Khan's birthday bash held recently at Olive, Bandra, all eyes were on Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar who were seen bonding in one corner for over an hour.
This is interesting, given that Akki has been making digs at SRK in his last few interviews. The guests were surprised to see the two actors engrossed in a deep conversation for long.
Khuli dushmani
Akshay and SRK are both fierce competitors. The only man who can threaten SRK's position is the Khiladi. This year with the 'Singh' delivering the maximum hits was pitted against the 'King' and the usually politically-correct Akshay made statements about dogs (remember Aamir's blog) and knights (Kolkata Knight Riders). Although SRK never reacted to those statements, the animosity was out in the open. Following which, both avoided each other at filmi dos and social events.
An eye-witness from the party says, "The two actors haven't come face-to-face in a long time, so they haven't had a chance to sort things out. But that changed at the party. They talked at length and realised that some mischief makers were at work. It was mostly SRK who was doing the talking and Akki listening. The discussion was also of misunderstandings being deliberately created between both. Then they discussed the possibility of doing a film together. SRK invited Khiladi Kumar for an evening of games at his home, Mannat. An invitation to the Khan residence is a sign of acceptance in his close group."
The source continues, "When curious guests wanted to find out what the two actors talked about, SRK got irritated. Don't be surprised if they produce a film together and star in it. It will be the hottest project even before it goes on the floors."
Both the actors were unavailable for comment.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Oct 20 2008, 10:24 AM
This piece of news will not sound good to Shahrukh Khan's fans. But it is a fact and we all have to accept it any way. It is reported that King Khan will bid goodbye to films in three years. He is planning to move to Dubai and his wife Gauri has already started planning for a new Mannat in Dubai. Mannat is very dear to SRK and he is emotionally attached to his abode. With an aim to feel the same pleasure, he has given the task of designing a replica of Mannat in Dubai to Gauri as he has made up his mind to leave film and get into production and building housing complexes.
Says a source, "Shah Rukh knows that his time in Bollywood as an actor is limited. An actor can only go on for so long and with the kind of roles he plays – young romantics – then he will not be able to do that for any longer. He is already getting old. Shah Rukh hopes to retire from films within the next 3-4 years after which he will concentrate on production business. Shah Rukh will not make a complete exit from acting but intends to star in at least one film per year, but this will be for his own banner and the role will be of a supporting actor."
The source continues, "Shah Rukh has already started looking – and it has just been announced – for land in Dubai where he intends to build housing and shopping complexes."
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Oct 20 2008, 10:54 AM
Just three days remaining for the ‘Temptations’ to kick-off, and actor King Khan’s tour is already in a big trouble as various organizers have pulled out from the show at the last minute. Shahrukh was to tour Germany’s three cities, Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt starting October 18th, but the actor was in a shock when the company ‘Sensasian Media’ backed out of the tour.
Bollywood actresses Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif were all set to tour, and Arjun Rampal too was on board for the world tour, but little did the stars know that the ‘recession’ would hit their show as well. While the German sponsorer has pulled out his support, the Spain sponsorers are still keen on having the show, but it makes no economic sense to take the stars all the way to Spain for just a single show, so that has been cancelled as well.
Shahrukh and his tour will however, be performing in Dubai later this month. The cancellation of the shows at the last minute has put Shahrukh’s reputation at risk, and the star is quite upset with the Moranis Brothers, who were assigned the task of promoting the show.
So looks like for now, the Mumbai to Dubai will be the only ‘Temptation’ trip; not sure if this would be a very ‘Tempting’ proposition for the stars.
Source: IANS
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Oct 21 2008, 09:55 AM
SRK's apology
IndiaGlitz [Monday, October 20, 2008]
The Temptation world tour of Shah Rukh Khan in 2005 was a grand success.
However the Temptation Reloaded Tour which started off brilliantly this June in Rotterdam in Holland has run into rough roads after the shows to be conducted in Berlin on last Friday, followed by concerts in Munich on Saturday and in Frankfurt on Sunday were canceled leaving thousands of King Khan's die hard European fans disappointed.
This is for the first time international concerts of Shah Rukh Khan who undoubtedly is the biggest international Bollywood star and biggest crowd puller are being canceled.
The Bollywood Superstar on Friday apologized to all the people who had already bought the tickets and were waiting to catch a glimpse of their favourite Indian movie icon.
SRK said that he want to thank all the fans from the bottom of his heart for making him such a big star and that he is extremely sorry that he could not live up to the promise that was given to the people of Germany which has one of the largest congregation of his stardom.
He also said that he has previously done shows in every part of the world from South East Asia, UK, Africa, Americas and Europe but never had experienced a bad luck to cancel a tour in the last moment.
For the people of Germany, SRK let it be known that for the last five or six years one of his biggest desires as an entertainer has been to perform in Germany due to the reason that in spite of the country's citizens not knowing Hindi and also not belonging to the Indian culture has given him enough reasons to believe that he is an international star.
Talking about the reasons why the three shows in Europe were cancelled, Shah Rukh said that as the leader of the pack and because of his age and reputation, he is immensely responsible to the people who love him and come to watch him.
One reason is that he needs to give all the viewers the best possible quality entertainment along with his team and the second reason is that he has to provide his team with the best of comforts, the best methods of execution and the best atmosphere for work.
SRK said that because he felt he will not be able to carry out both these responsibilities in the way he desired, the three shows were done away with.
Sensasian Media Limited, which is the promoter of these three shows breach of contract and not fulfilling their obligations in due time is the main reason why the shows were canceled.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Oct 27 2008, 01:59 PM
Your appearance at the Drona premiere was termed as an olive branch.
I will tell you why I went to the premiere. Firstly, it is an Eros film, I went for Kishore (Lulla) it was his first premiere. Secondly, Abhishek is very fond of me, and he called to invite me. Thirdly, I'd missed Priyanka's last premiere (Love Story 2050), which was very important to her. I am sure this was also very important, so I went. I don't normally go to premieres. Also, they said please bring the kids and they were very keen to see it.
It was their first premiere. I wanted them all to be dressed in black and know what a premiere is all about. They were excited; they enjoyed it. They are very fond of Abhishek. Initially, I had said I wouldn't make it as I was shooting. But then, the strike happened and I was told I was not going to shoot the next day, so I said 'why not'. A lot of friends were going. Later, we'd call them home and sit down, chat and make an evening of it.
Goldie wants to dedicate Drona's sequel to Aryan...
I asked him how much would he'd give Drona out of 10. He said six-and-a-half or seven. Which is quite nice. I have not had the chance to talk to Goldie and Abhishek but I would tell them that they only went wrong in the narrative, which became a little lost in the visual effects; it is a mistake that all of us can do easily. It's very important for films like Krissh, Drona, LS 2050 to come out. It's a new genre and will take time to find its place but I want to get into that genre and make films like that and it's important for us to learn from this.
You are making your own superhero film shortly
Yes, I'm making Ravan with Anubhav Sinha. And if Mani is using the title, I will change it. I like the title.
Actually, the film is more about the villain. I am not playing the villain. I am going to keep the story very simple but hopefully, create an interesting villain. I have three to four people in mind. A superhero should be incidental.
A superhero is no-one without a super-villain. I'm working on the super villain and then I'll play the superhero. I want to play a superhero before I grow too old, and the wrinkles start showing and my six pack goes. I will consciously try not to get carried away by the vfx but by the content.
The villain? It will be like an established hero?
I am not taking a hero to play a villain. It's not like Dhoom. I might take a new person.
You and Akshay spent an hour talking at a recent party. Co-production on the anvil?
Akki and I go back a long way. We are both very simple, basic people. We know each other before a lot of people who know us now.We have done a lot of shows together. We did Dil Toh Paagal Hai together for just two days but know each other very well. He has a great sense of humour like me. We have fun things to talk about. Akshay doesn't attend too many parties nor do we don't attend many common parties. So when I met him, I just wanted to sit down and chat with him about a few things... work, also. Not a co-production; but yes, we talked about some shows. It's been a long time since we worked together, so we were discussing possibilities. We had great fun doing the Awesome Foursome shows, and they were the biggest hits before Temptation. And it worked because of the energy we all bring to the table. Not a co-production, but we'll try and do some work together. It will be nice if we can.
While on his world tour, Mr Bachchan blogged about some big star trying to sabotage his shows...
I do shows once in three years. It has been four years since I did Temptation. We were planning shows and I got busy with IPL. Then I heard about Mr Bachchan doing the shows, and I am very clear about this if one big show is going international, the other one should not even come along at the same time. It divides. Shows are a very difficult business. I told the Moranis very clearly that we are not doing a show at the same time as The Unforget-tables. Promoters still come, sir aap bolo toh hum yeh karenge, woh wala nahin karenge, humko choice do. I said 'there's no choice.' I assume that when I am doing a big show, a lot of people will also think like that. It is like releasing a film on the same day.
So you are not that big star sabotaging their show?
Let me tell you something my dad used to tell me. There was a robin and an eagle living in a jungle. Lightning struck and the robin's nest was burned down. The eagle was a good friend of the robin and wanted to break the bad news to him but didn't how to do so. The robin told him: Giri thi kal jahaan bijli woh mera aashiyaan kyun? Which means don't be uncomfortable, if something bad has happened, it doesn't mean it's about me.
When somebody writes a blog or an article, I think like the robin. That's its not about me. If someone mentions a big star, I'm not the only big star. If it was written 'the biggest star', maybe. That is me. But a big star could be anyone. I wouldn't in my wildest dreams assume that Mr Bachchan would say something like that. I wouldn't react to it because it's not about me.
So where do you think it was coming from?
A lot of people say a lot of things. I have somehow have not formed an equation with Wizcraft (the organisers of The Unforgettables), I have it with the Moranis. I find a three-day IIFA festival too long to attend. When they've said fly-in, fly-out, I have done it. Once my family forced me, because they wanted to party in Amsterdam. I went for three days and I was like (growls) 'Arrrgh, don't waste my time'. You're giving me an award, I'll come and take it. You want me to perform, I will come and perform but please... I fly in and fly out.
Teen din mujh ko aaiyashi karne ka shauk nahin hai, aur mujhe yeh samajh mein bhi nahin aata.
So it's your way or...
In life, I am very clear. Na main kisi ko undercut karta hoon, na kar sakta hoon. Na karne ki koshish karta hoon.
I've always maintained this. My work is the best work. To take it ahead, I will work on it positively. To take it ahead, I won't work negatively for someone else. I have said very clearly, I am emotionally unavailable for a lot of people, so a lot of people assume a lot of things and call me names like matlabi and manipulative. I have two beautiful innocent children and would teach them anything wrong. Tomorrow when they are 21 and they say, 'Papa, you're a very successful man', I want to be able to tell them 'Yes, and I did it with full honesty, integrity, goodness and a competitive spirit in the healthiest way.' I am quite a self-made man. I have never asked anyone for anything. I have never given anything to anyone. I truly adhere to that, and I am happy that way. People assume I will give a little more. I have Barry John talk about me to people. I am sorry I am emotionally unavailable to a lot of things and people.
Star prices shot up after big corporates stepped in. But that's changing now. Has that affected you?
I don't sign up with corporates. I sign films with directors. My price is very low. I have kept it like that. I don't want to say what I charge as it will destroy everyone. I have never asked for more, if someone gives me more, God bless them. If they give me less, okay. I will only do a film that I want to do. I am priceless. I cannot be bought with money. It's for the viability of a film, it's not economics. I have still not understood this even though I make films. As a producer, people ask me for a lot of money, and I give it to them. And rightly so, they want it. And we want them, so we pay them what they want. I hate talking money, but let me just say that whatever is being claimed, I have got ¼th so far. And when I say ¼th, I mean compared to 20, and not 60, 70. (laughs). I am a limited edition star, you can't afford me but you can deserve me.
Are you planning to take Red Chillies public?
No. I am anti-public. I want to own my business.
How has the ban on smoking in public places affected you? Have you cut down on smoking?
No, I have just stopped going to public places. That's one way to beat it (laughs). So everyone comes to my house. And I have shot three ads in my house recently. They come and shoot here and we smoke here.
You're kidding, right?
Yes. I was busy... time constraints and all. They didn't get a floor, we shot in the house. We have enough place. I think the ban's a great thing. But to be really honest, I can smoke anywhere, I am Shah Rukh Khan.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Nov 12 2008, 09:52 AM
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi – Movie Preview and Slideshow
By ApunKaChoice 11th Nov 2008 20.30 IST
There is an extraordinary love story in every ordinary jodi! And one such ordinary jodi is that of Surinder Sahni and Taani in ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’.
Don’t miss the film’s slideshow (story in pictures) at Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi .
The movie, a love story, is directed by Aditya Chopra who is returning to direction after eight years since Mohabbatein .
Shahrukh Khan , who has worked in the two previous flicks Aditya Chopra has directed (including Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge ), once again plays the lead role.
The female lead is played by a newcomer named Anushka Sharma .
Synopsis:
Have you ever stopped to think if the most ordinary, uninteresting, unobtrusive man you might see on the road or around you might have a love story to tell?
Maybe not! How can an ordinary man have a breathtaking, ‘goose flesh-igniting’, awe inspiring love story of all things to tell?
But guess what - love does not differentiate between the ordinary and exceptional, the uninteresting and interesting, the unattractive and attractive. Because love knows no distinction. Love can happen to anyone and once it does it engulfs us into it completely and gives us those miraculous experiences that only love can yield.
This is what happened to Surinder Sahni (Shahrukh Khan), a simple, clean-hearted, honest man working for Punjab Power. Surinder is leading a humdrum life when he meets his total opposite and finds love in the flamboyant, fun-loving and vivacious Taani (Anushka).
For Taani the whole world is her canvas and she paints her own life with colors of rainbow. But then, unforeseen circumstances change it all. They separate them and bring them together.
What follows is a journey filled with laughter, tears, joy, pain, music, dance and a lot of love.
‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ tells a story that makes us believe that there is an extraordinary love story in every ordinary jodi!
The movie has both SRK and Anushka in two different get-ups. The first one is an ordinary look in which SRK wears loose pants and shirts and has his hair oiled and combed to one side. Second is a dude look with spikey hair and clean-shaven face.
SRK says the two different characters he plays in the movie are inspired from real people who participated in his show ‘Kya Aap Panchvi Pass Se Tez Hai’.
In fact, according to grapevine, in the second half of the movie, SRK turns from a boring guy to a handsome dude who participates with Anushka in a dance competition and wins her love.
Anushka, too, has two makeovers in the film. She dresses up traditionally in salwar-kameez for one part of the film. In another part, she dons designer dresses.
The music of ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ is given by Salim-Sulaiman. The lyrics are by Jaideep Sahni.
Made under the banner of Yashraj Films , Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is set to hit the theatres on December 12.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Nov 12 2008, 09:58 AM
I'm a schizo on the loose: Shah Rukh
11 Nov 2008, 0000 hrs IST, MARK MANUEL , TNN
Print Email Discuss Share Save Comment Text:
It’s close to midnight at Mannat. Shah Rukh Khan (TOI Photo) More Pics
And Shah Rukh Khan, having put the kids to bed and packed off the last of his visitors, is in conversation with me over coffee and cigarettes. He’s most at home in low-slung jeans from under which his briefs boldly peep, a loose tee and sneakers. But then he is at home! And we are in his living room.
Gauri Khan’s living room, actually, whose size, furniture, colour, lights and other trappings are so amazingly spectacular, they take the breath away. Shah Rukh and the kids are not allowed to run wild in here. “But when Gauri’s not around, we do everything, we even let the dog pee,” he says, eyes crinkling in mischief and the mouth twisting in that famous lop-sided grin.
At this hour, he’s wide awake and sharp as a whip. Somewhere in the house, his trainer Prashant is asleep. When he feels like it, even if it is 2 am, Shah Rukh will wake him up and workout for 35 minutes. “I like to sweat,” he tells me. “I train non-stop, there’s no rest break, no music, this is not rocket science — I just do a circuit of exercises, then have a bath and eat some food.”
But we aren’t talking workouts, nor films, not even Salman Khan. We are talking about Shah Rukh himself. He surprises me by saying, “I’m a schizo on the loose. I’m two people, Shah Rukh 1 and 2. One works for the other. The guy I’m working for is hugely successful — but he’s not me. People say I play Shah Rukh Khan. My roles are a means to an end. Not true. My work defines me. But I have no identity of my own. My identity is that of my employer who is employed by the audience.”
This is the same actor, the story goes, who manipulates people and controls Bollywood. “Control is a strong word,” Shah Rukh protests, “I don’t have power, though I’m listed on the power list along with Mukeshbhai and Laxmi Mittal. Yet, because I’m a giver, I’m able to draw a lot of people on my side. Greatness and goodness lies in giving. I like to believe that a lot of people come on board because they want to do things for me. They’re givers, too. I don’t have to ask people to join me. So if I control Bollywood, it is by giving — not taking, nobody gives to a taker. I’m giving, these people are giving, somewhere there is a symbiotic relationship. But, I think, your idea of ‘control’ is me picking up the phone and saying, ‘Bhai, mera picture ka sab show full jana chahiye,’ right?”
I dodge the question by asking, at 43, how many years of good cinema he’s got left. Poker faced, he replies, “Eighty-seven! I believe that physically, emotionally, and cinematically I’m unbreakable. Time is a measure of frailty. And good cinema is like good thoughts... not bound by anything. Acting can’t be written about, talked, discussed, analysed, because 90 per cent of the words used to describe acting are expressionless. You’ve got to feel acting. That’s what I do. I’ve stopped giving time to myself. The last 20 years have been my best period. I run my own race. If you run long enough, you can beat the rest, because this race is of length... not time. I enjoy making films. But I’m not attached to their success or failure. In fact, I’m detached from my films. Once they’re made — I let go. Films are mini life. By Friday night, I’m already moving on. My directors get disturbed!”
He never even sees his own films, at least not with the thought of enjoying them, nor anybody else’s either... unless it’s important to them. Ditto the family. “Gauri and I have brought up our kids to think their Dad’s films are nothing special,” reveals Shah Rukh. “And that, in life, it’s not special to be special, but it’s special to be ordinary. My films are all about that. I show the inside of a good outside hero. You know, the Clark Kent behind Superman. If he were to fly and save the world would you think less of him because he isn’t cool and doesn’t wear tights? My life’s like that. I may live like a king, but I’m ordinary in my beliefs, I’m simple, ugly and boring... yet I’m happy to be me.”
And, why not, which ordinary man romances the sexiest heroines on screen? “So what,” Shah Rukh asks, “I love them all, I share close relationships with them, but I don’t kiss them on screen, and I don’t have sex with them off screen. I’m somewhat conventional. I don’t think sex outside is bad. But I have a beautiful wife at home. I think real men are those that respect women; those that make no external show of their manhood; those that are gentle and kind... it’s okay to be dandy and look pansy instead of trying to be macho; and, those that open doors for women. If you can be charming, laugh, and don’t let them feel all you want to do is get them in bed... the girls will love you. I’m a ladies man. I’m okay with talk of my being gay and bisexual. I’m man enough to be in touch with my sensitive side. I can be happy and still cry. I don’t need to prove I’m heterosexual. Except to my son... when I show him I still have the six-pack.”
He’s opening up now, but it’s late. He steps outdoors to see me off. “I go to the rooftop and pray to the stars,” he says, surprising me for the second time that night. “Two of the stars are my parents. But I pray for simple things. That my son does well in his tae-kwon-do championship. And that my daughter is happy with her painting. I tell my mom, ‘Where you’ve gone, you can put yourself to some good use.’ There has to be some kind of trade-off for the loss of my parents. But I also read the Quran, I pray in Arabic, English, Hindi hoping that God is multi-lingual and understands at least one of my prayers. Gauri recites the Gayatri Mantra. Our kids do both. This house is amazing. My daughter asks, ‘Are we Pathans or Punjabis?’ I confuse them by saying, ‘We are Christians!’’’
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Nov 14 2008, 05:48 PM
Mumbai: Though Shah Rukh Khan has yet to start doing the rounds to publicize his latest Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, the actor was spotted in Mumbai doing his bit as a brand ambassador for a leading car company.
The actor did more than just say the usual practised lines as he went on to donate a car for charity at the event.
He sure holds the key to success. Be it Bollywood or brand endorsements, King Khan, who's been out of sight for quite a while now showed up to gift a car to an NGO in a bid to celebrate the motor company's fastest Rs 20 lakh roll out.
Shah Rukh Khan says, “People call me ambassador, face of the brands, that's from the outside, Hyundai is family to me, we have grown together.”
In these times of recession, SRK isn't really worried about whether the masses can really afford the products he endorses.
Shah Rukh says, “I truly believe that as an actor ambassador that most of the brands I'm associated to are middle class oriented , I bring hope to the middle class.”
Though we've seen the geekier version of SRK, in the Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi fans are still waiting to see the younger and hip version of SRK from the film who, if rumour is to be believed, is a hot shot dancer as well.
“I do dance in the film three to four times , but if you ask me of being a professional dancer , then no, I have a left feet. This pappu can’t dance sala, quips Shah Rukh.
So till the film releases this December, it's just brand SRK we'll have to live with.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Nov 18 2008, 09:27 AM
Finally, Shahrukh Khan mil gaya
By ApunKaChoice 17th Nov 2008 21.30 IST
At last, the stalled movie Dulha Mil Gaya is set to roll again, thanks to Shahrukh Khan who’ll soon shoot for his guest appearance in the movie.
The film, starring Sushmita Sen and Fardeen Khan , is being directed by Viveck Vaswani who’s a close friend of SRK. In fact, when Vaswani first tipped the idea to SRK about making a guest appearance in ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’, the superstar agreed without even demanding to read the script or go into details about his role. On top of it, SRK decided to do the guest appearance for free.
But things didn’t go as smooth as anticipated. Reports had it that SRK backed out of the project when his turn to shoot came. Some media report even painted the image of SRK as a “mean and manipulative” man who’s got a whole movie stuck.
The truth, however, is far from it.
Speaking to a tabloid, SRK says the film hasn’t been delayed because of him. SRK reveals that when he was approached for the movie he was told that he would have a guest role that would require him to shoot for 5-6 days.
However, as the film progressed SRK’s role was extended and he was asked to spare 18-20 days for the shoot. This miffed SRK. For his own home production Billoo Barber , the actor has shot for not more than 20 days (after extending his songs), then how could he shoot for the same period for another film that claimed to have him in guest appearance. Perhaps, Vaswani wanted to present ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’ as a SRK film.
It was because of this reason, SRK says, he hasn’t been able to shoot ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’.
However, now the matter seems to have been resolved. Director Viveck Vaswani has reworked on the script and reduced SRK’s role considerably. The superstar is now required to shoot for 5-6 days. SRK says he will shoot the film soon.
Finally, after much wait Vaswani can now say: Shahrukh mil gaya.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Nov 24 2008, 11:59 AM
It’s a title bout for Shah Rukh
Agencies
Sunday, November 23, 2008 23:59 IST
Is it because of the controversy? Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan says he can’t go to Malaysia to accept the state honour as he is too busy
After the controversy that it spawned, Shah Rukh Khan has carefully avoided receiving the Datuk title, the traditional Malaysian title akin to British knighthood, citing that his schedule is too busy for him to come and accept the award in person.
As of now, the star might not be there but he might be still sent the award. State Chief Minister Mohammed Ali Rustam said he had received information about the postponement but refused to comment on the matter.
“I understand it has been postponed. For any details, you will have to ask the state secretary,” he told reporters. State Secretary Wira Omar Kaseh, who was appointed to make arrangements for the actor’s visit here, could not be reached for comment.
After the award was announced on October 11, there was a furore among certain sections of Malaysians on why Shah Rukh, an “outsider”, was being conferred upon that title when there were Malaysians to choose from. That is the reason it is being rumoured as why Shah Rukh decided to decline the offer.
While the government saw the award as a public relations feat, sections of public felt that this was being done at the cost of local talent. Shah Rukh was among the 77 recipients of the title this year.
The idea to confer the award on the Indian actor was mooted by former finance minister of Malaysia, Daim Zainuddin with the chief minister defending the move. The Malaysian government later gave a statement that the move at giving Shah Rukh Khan the award was aimed at opening the door for more Bollywood movies to be shot in Malaysia’s Malacca state.
The award was supposed to be conferred on Shah Rukh on November 29. Last bid attempts are still on to ensure that the star at least receives the award if not in person.
Shah Rukh is immensely popular among Malaysians was conferred the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) which carries the title Datuk, on the occasion of the 70th birthday of Malacca’s Yang di-Pertua Negri (governor), Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob last month.
Indian films are popular in Malaysia that has an estimated 2.6 million ethnic Indians. A bulk of them are Tamils and films in Tamil are regularly released in theatres and on TV.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Dec 3 2008, 12:21 PM
Mumbai mayhem left Shah Rukh 'speechless'
PTI
Tuesday, December 02, 2008 19:44 IST
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NEW DELHI: Actor Shah Rukh Khan says he was mum all this time on the Mumbai terror attacks as he had "no words" to express his feelings which were mixed with anger, disbelief and sadness.
"I've tried to keep away from commenting on this as there are no words to express a situation like this because our feelings are mixed with anger, disbelief and sadness," the Bollywood 'badshah' said.
"Being a Muslim myself, I believe youngsters need to understand Islam and respect the religion in the right way. It's such a huge waste and my appeal to all in these times and in recent years (sic) is that please can we run what we want in terms of politics, government, jobs and teaching our children with the prime motive of taking communalism out of it," Shah Rukh told BBC Asia Network in an interview to be telecast this Saturday.
"The religion our children are born with should be something they practice as a discipline and work should be developed as the new religion. I think no agenda should be attached to any kind of religion," Shah Rukh says.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Dec 15 2008, 02:19 PM
By Taran Adarsh, December 12, 2008 - 16:56 IST
One often cribs about Yash Raj repeatedly casting SRK in similar roles, in film after film. However, this allegation is far from true. Right from DARR to CHAK DE INDIA, the combination has collaborated on varied subjects. With RAB NE BANA DI JODI, they take this association to another level altogether.
To start with, RAB NE BANA DI JODI brings back the golden team of DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE and MOHABBATEIN after a hiatus and the only parallel you can draw with the earlier achievements is the fact that each of them is a love story. Otherwise, RAB NE BANA DI JODI is truly different. It's not set in London or Switzerland, there's no sarso ke khet, it's not about a good looking couple sporting designer outfits and accessories, there's no parental opposition either.
Write your own movie review of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Set your eyes anywhere and you see countless unknown faces. In markets, malls, streets, airports, stations, just about everywhere. And everyone who walks this planet has a story to tell. With RAB NE BANA DI JODI, Aditya Chopra talks of one such ordinary person. Living in one of those crowded bylanes of Amritsar, his life undergoes a 360 degree change the moment he sets his eyes on a beautiful girl.
Like SRK does a 360 degree turn in the movie, Aditya Chopra too does a complete turn as far as the story is concerned. Seeped in Indian emotions and traditional values and very desi at heart, RAB NE BANA DI JODI is a complete departure from the good-looking, picture perfect YRF movies that sport glam bodies parading designer outfits.
For the present-day generation, a story like RAB NE BANA DI JODI may come across as an original piece of work, but if you've been a keen observer of films of yore, you can't help overlook the similarities with Dr. V. Shantaram's NAVRANG and more precisely, Raj Kapoor's SATYAM SHIVAM SUNDARAM. In fact, RAB NE BANA DI JODI also brings back memories of the low-cost MAIN MERI PATNI AUR WOH [Rajpal Yadav, Rituparna Sengupta], not in terms of story, but in terms of characters.
The problem is, RAB NE BANA DI JODI works in patches. The first 30 minutes and the penultimate 30 minutes are the highpoint of the enterprise, but the screenplay in between doesn't hold your attention. That's the truth!
In a nutshell, RAB NE BANA DI JODI is no DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE. It's not MOHABBATEIN either. At best, it's an average fare that may generate some curiosity initially, that's it. You expect much, much more, but… alas!
Surinder [Shah Rukh Khan], a simple, clean hearted, honest man working for Punjab Power, leads a humdrum life, but the moment he sets his eyes on Taani [Anushka Sharma], his life undergoes a change. She's flamboyant, fun-loving, vivacious, unlike Surinder. But unforeseen circumstances bring them together.
Director Aditya Chopra chooses a desi plot and weaves a story around an ordinary, middle class couple. The story begins with gusto and the initial scenes between Shah Rukh and Anushka are thoroughly interesting. But the screenplay falters the moment Shah Rukh's character Surinder transforms into Raj and his personality undergoes a sea-change. The first question that strikes you is, why didn't Anushka realize it's him, her husband, not someone else? Sure, he has undergone a complete makeover, but how can you not recognise your husband's voice or appearance? That's a glaring flaw, it's like taking the viewer for granted!
The sequences thereafter are equally uneven. A few sequences are well executed, but the problem is that Shah Rukh keeps playing the game till the very end. If he had to win her heart, he could've done so by making her realize that it's a mirage, making her realize that the person she loves and the person she's married are the same.
There's a twist in the tale only towards the pre-climax, when Anushka is ready to elope with Raj, her dance partner. The climax, the drama that ensues during the finale of the dance competition, is excellent. Even the end [the honeymoon in Japan] brings a smile on your face.
Director Aditya Chopra is letdown by his own writing. The story is not convincing, the screenplay is not water-tight and therefore, RAB NE BANA DI JODI does not create the impact it ought to make. Also, the film is quite lengthy. With a running time of approx. 2.45 hours, RAB NE BANA DI JODI could've easily done with some trimming. The unwanted flab could've been trimmed for a better impact.
Salim-Sulaiman's music is of a mixed variety. 'Haule Haule' is a superb composition and 'Dance Pe Chance' is foot-tapping, but the remaining tracks, though well shot, are plain average. Ravi Chandran's cinematography is top notch.
Shah Rukh is superb as the simpleton and your heart goes out to him every time he appears on screen. You want the underdog to win and here too, the way SRK tackles this part, you're all the more convinced. As Raj, SRK goes overboard at times. Anushka looks the character and surprises you with a confident performance. It's no small achievement to share screen space with an actor of the calibre of SRK and Anushka manages it very well from start to end. Vinay Pathak is incredible. He contributes enormously in making the proceedings lively.
On the whole, RAB NE BANA DI JODI is vey desi at heart with a strong start and an equally strong emotional end. Having said that, you cannot deny the fact that you expect much, much more from Aditya Chopra. RAB NE BANA DI JODI is no DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE, it's not MOHABBATEIN either. It's lower than that! At the box-office, the business will be better at some multiplexes, while the single screens will be below average. The business in Overseas, however, should be better, but the business in India will totter, tremble and fumble after the initial weekend.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Jan 14 2009, 09:59 AM
SRK makes heads turn at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, January 13, 2009 - 17:25 IST
By now its common knowledge that Danny Boyle's internationally acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire was the main attraction at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards, sweeping as many as 4 major awards. Among others, A.R. Rahman became the first ever Indian to win a Golden Globe award. The music maestro bagged the trophy for his catchy original score in the film. It was indeed heartening to see our very own Anil Kapoor along with A.R.Rahman seated among the Who's Who of Hollywood.
Apart from the duo, yet another Indian managed to make heads turn at the event. The man in question is none other than the Baadshah of Bollywood - Shah Rukh Khan. The actor, looking dapper in a black suit was present at the Gala event with wife Gauri Khan and good friend Karan Johar. It was a proud moment for Indians world over when Shah Rukh walked on stage along with Freida Pinto to announce one of the nominees of Best Motion Picture (Drama) - Slumdog Millionaire. King Khan in his trademark charismatic style thanked Danny and his team for shooting the film in Mumbai. In fact, Danny Boyle and Dev Patel (who plays young Jamal Malik in the film) were all excited when King Khan walked on stage.
One thing's for certain, Indian film fraternity made its presence felt at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards in a really big way.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Mar 11 2009, 01:53 PM
Coming back to KKR, what is your take on cheerleaders, especially after what happened last year with their dress code?
A profession should not be looked down upon. When I look at these young girls who want to be cheerleaders, I think of my daughter. Eight years from now, she could be one and I will be happy. I am a family man. I have a lot of respect for girls. If you think less of women, you will look down on their job. I really can’t do that. When I work with these really young girls in my movies, I really think of my daughter, who could be the same eight years from now. There’s a lot of innocence in all of them. Cheerleading is a profession rather than nangi ladkiyan naach rahi hai. Yeh kya baat hui yaar? Yeh toh wahiyaat baat ho gayi. It’s a very conservative, old-fashioned thought. We understand that but we don’t do much about it... phir koi aake bottle phenkega ghar ke baahar. Their clothes are not cheap. We are not cheap people. My wife, Karan (Johar), Manish (Malhotra)... they design the clothes. When we make people wear bikinis in films, it’s meant to make them look attractive and not vulgar.
Did you watch Dada’s last match?
Of course, I did. I wanted to go but I couldn’t. We sent him a watch. Also it didn’t strike me then but I later thought we should have bought 10,000 tickets and should have had people in Kolkata Knight Riders jerseys cheering for him. For us, Dada has not retired.
Are you as pumped up this time as you were the last time?
I am much more charged after the loss last year (laughs). Everything will be good from now. I felt that when we got (Mashrafe) Mortaza. Before the auction, I told my team that the only team who will go for Mortaza will be Mohali. See we are all friends and when I learnt that Nita bhabhi (Ambani) wanted Dominic (Thornely) I asked my guys to let go. But I instinctively felt that Mohali would try and increase the price of Mortaza. They didn’t tell me even though I meet Preity very often. So I messaged my team at the Goa auction, ‘make sure we get Mortaza’. Whatever it takes... even if it’s for the sake of friendship. We also have to show Bengali spirit at some point of time. We want to win the IPL and we will have it. This year should be played like that.
The car reaches the Yash Raj Studio where Shah Rukh has to crown the six official cheerleaders aka Angels for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He opens the car door with his right hand and stalks out. Like a Royal Bengal tiger, wounded and hungry.
Later in the shoot at Yash Raj Studio: Shah Rukh’s friends at his TV production unit Red Chillies Idiot Box, which is producing the cheerleader show Knights & Angels, wanted the King to give a jharokha darshan during the final episode and crown the winning girls. But Shah Rukh being Shah Rukh stayed for three whole segments and actually danced at the end of it all. Gauri wouldn’t have approved if she was around. But it sure made a certain Sourav Ganguly break his promise of never dancing again (after his terrible footwork in the Hero Honda ad nine years ago). Seeing SRK’s infectious energy, even with the sling just about holding the broken shoulder in place, Dada joined Shah Rukh and did an impromptu jig to Korbo lorbo jeetbo re. All those who thought that the owner and the captain were not on the same page should have seen them on stage. Wanted: An action replay of King and Dada after winning IPL 2.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Mar 14 2009, 05:55 PM
A BMW DATE WITH SRK
He is in a lot of pain but talk about Calcutta and the Kolkata Knight Riders and the famous dimpled smile is back on Shah Rukh Khan’s face. He kept Pratim D. Gupta of t2 waiting for a while on Thursday morning at his palatial Bandra bungalow Mannat but once he stepped out, the King made the wait worth every second and more. Sitting next to him in his silver BMW (555, if you please), t2 spent one hour with the man who has evolved from “Mike Tyson to Muhammad Ali”. He doesn’t mind getting beaten these days — the sling makes him look even more tough — but the raging bull says “You can’t take me down”. He talks about KKR being a team of the future but signs off with the line “we will win this time”. Let’s just say, you can keep Shah Rukh Khan out of Calcutta but you cannot keep Calcutta out of Shah Rukh Khan. He is wearing a white T-shirt and a brown leather jacket. Before starting the interview, he quickly scans the inbox of his Nokia Communicator. He ignores most of the messages and chooses to reply to a couple of them. The car has meandered out of the Mannat backgate, through the narrow lane next to his bungalow, out near the Bandra Bandstand and sets off for Andheri to the Yash Raj Studio. It will be Shah Rukh’s first shoot — for Knights & Angels — after his shoulder operation two weeks back. Here are excerpts from the Kingsized chat, from shoulder tendon to terrorism, KKR to My Name is Khan, Aamir to Amitabh. A t2 special, from SRK’s silver BMW
You promised to come to Calcutta in January. Was it the shoulder operation that got in the way?
Yes this (shows the sling)! If I am a little better I will come during the next camp (for KKR) which gets underway on March 16. I am not shooting so I can come. I can’t shoot. It pains all the time. It’s also a problem sleeping with this, yaar. A lot of things have happened to this shoulder.
How did you manage to hurt it in the first place?
I must have hurt it before, which I don’t remember. But it was not too major... just a little tear to the muscle. A muscle-muscle attachment is called a ligament and a muscle-bone attachment is called a tendon. So this ball and socket joint in the shoulder has three muscles. One to move the arm to the front, one to move it to the back and the third to move it to the side. The middle one, the one needed to move the arm to the side, has torn from the bone. I was shooting for this film called Dulha Mil Gaya... aaahhh... I did it for a few friends, Sushmita Sen was there. And there was just a couple of days of shooting. So I went and for the last couple of shots I had to jump over and my shoulder hit against the ground. I didn’t realise it then. In fact I shot My Name is Khan in the US with this shoulder, without realising. Then I was in a lot of pain. I couldn’t sleep. I went to the doctor... luckily I had the world’s two best shoulder specialists in the US. Both saw it and said the shoulder muscle was completely torn. A few strands were left and I had to get it operated immediately. If those strands came off, the shoulder would never heal. So I came back and got operated on. What they did was take the muscle and put it back on the back and nailed it, in layman’s term. Two nails have gone into the bone. So they pain. The muscle pains. The shoulder pains. I can’t move it for eight weeks. If I move it, the muscle will move away from the bone again and I can’t do the whole thing again! So it requires a lot of careful rehab. The external stitches have just been taken off and I am allowed to travel a bit. But that’s about it.
Are you disappointed with Ponting missing out on the IPL this season?
Ponting was only available for three matches. In fact he had a match a day after he landed, something John (Buchanan) never allows. Even Matthew (Mott) the field coach doesn’t like it. So Ponting sent us a request to be released this season. He said he would have been here if he had played all the 10 matches. Just to get used to the game here, he said, he would take two matches. “I will be doing more harm to the team than help it,” he wrote. He asked us very sweetly if it would be ok if he was excused this season. It was a very logical thing to do and just shows the good thinking on Ponting’s part. In the spirit of both the teams — Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders — it was the right thing to do to release him.
Where does that leave the KKR team in Season Two?
See, we have had sporadic camps... they have not been the best, but not the worst either. We have chosen some really good young players. The whole idea is to prepare the team for tomorrow. The August-September camp last year failed completely. Then we went to Australia, which was okay. The second camp sort of failed because we didn’t get all the people because of Ranji and other tournaments. We wondered whether we will ever get them together. But then the third camp turned out really well. We got these five-six young boys who are great. Some of them are even being considered prodigies. We have signed them on for the future. I have come to one realisation — trying to get a result overnight is not going to happen. You need to build a team. Basically in the last one year we have achieved 20 to 30 per cent of what we set out to achieve and that will tell in the championship.
What about the international players?
(Chris) Gayle will be here till May 3. He will play at least eight to nine matches. David Hussey is there... we hope he is not selected for the Aussie Test team. I know that’s a bad thing to say (laughs). Then there’s (Brendon) McCullum who will be there fully... We have seen the kind of form he is in right now. Ajantha (Mendis) is there throughout. Dada (Sourav Ganguly, of course) will get to practise from the 16th. You know, more than the game, in Twenty20, it is about the team spirit. John is very realistic about our chances. He says that we should aim to be in the last four and then see what happens.
Any regrets of buying the Calcutta team because you had the option of Rajasthan and Delhi...
You know what, I had this chat with Lalit (Modi) even before the IPL and I told him that two cities in the country represent sports to me and they are Calcutta and Goa. I don’t know whether it is because of the colonisation under the British and the Portuguese, but the sporty feel is there in these two places. From carrom to cricket. Like if I have to do films, I will do it in Mumbai. The facilities may be there in Calcutta but I would rather do it in Mumbai. These places just happen to represent certain aspects. Like if you want IT, go down south, man. You know when it comes to Calcutta, mujhe culture maloom hai, history maloom hai, Bengali zeal bhi maloom hai, par mujhe Calcutta sports hi lagta hai. I am very happy that the city has embraced me. I haven’t learnt the language yet. I have a problem with languages. That’s what I tell Mani (Ratnam) Sir... I can’t do Tamil yaar. But yes I have to learn the culture more. We now have a permanent office there. My wife’s relatives are there. Coming back to the team, inshallah we will reach there. Even Manchester United comes third. It’s a long-term plan. I want to do a stadium there. There are too many issues and sometimes I get tired but my two life ambitions are to build a world-class studio in Mumbai and a world-class stadium in Calcutta.
Shah Rukh reaches up to the ceiling of the car with his right hand to turn the ventilator on and starts smoking. The ventilator is overworked as he goes seamlessly from one cigarette to another. In no time the ashtray hole on the door of his car is filled to the brim. The car is the Smoking Khan’s hideout, as he is not allowed to light up in front of the kids — Aryan and Suhana — on the fifth and sixth floors of Mannat.
First 26/11 and now the attack on Lankan cricketers in Pakistan... Do you feel scared when you go out today?
No. I believe I am Allah’s good man. I am not affected by any of this. Like everybody worries about my shoulder injury. I have no iota of doubt in the goodness of life. I have no iota of doubt in the positivity of life. If you doubt it even for a bit, you are no longer positive. I also have no doubt that this hand will be all right in six months and I will be jumping and screaming again. I will go and hang from the 10th floor just to prove to myself that my hand is fit and also to prove to others and my kids. See, you can’t do much. You pray everyday. I have no issues about security. During Billu’s release, somebody came and threw something at my house. The commissioner of police came and asked me if I needed more security. I said I have enough. I have bullet-proof cars. If needed I can send one to Calcutta. But you know what, I have this strange feeling and I don’t know whether I should say this but I will never be attacked. I am too good a person and I give too much entertainment to everyone. Even the bad guy will say, ‘picture bhi toh dekhna hai uska’.
How did the My Name is Khan shoot go in the US?
We shot the second half. The first half is left. It’s come out well... main khud ke baare mein badhaa chadhaake nahin bolna chahta. I am playing an autistic person, so it’s very different for me. It’s not a very serious film. It’s a Forrest Gump kind of a film. You feel bad for this guy but there’s a lot of positivity in the film. Like a person who is not well can look at life so positively. Why can’t everyone do the same? It’s not about a disabled man’s fight against disability. It’s a disabled man’s fight against the disability that exists in the world — terrorism, hatred, fighting. I only do films with a subtext... I know normally my films don’t look and feel what I think about them. Because I am very clear that films should entertain. My Name is Khan is also about Islam and the way the world looks at Islam but we are not taking any sides. We are only trying to say that there are only good people and bad people. There are no good Hindus, bad Hindus, good Christians, bad Christians. Either you are a good person or a bad person. Religion is not the criterion, humanity is. The tagline we have put in the film is: “The first superhero with only one superpower — humanity”.
Like Rab Ne’s ordinariness was extraordinary...
And people liked him. I just learnt about this poll that 80 per cent of the audience liked the character of Suri. And to think of it, I made it on a real guy (a Paanchvi Pass contestant). Also the fact that you never question that a 40-year-old man is romancing a 18-year-old girl. That’s interesting. Here is a completely played down version of a movie star who is supposedly known as a superstar. A superstar is a rockstar. Here is a rundown version. If I wasn’t in the movies, I might have looked like Suri. Because I have to change my look everyday as an actor. We do exaggerate in cinema. Art is always larger than life. But here was a simple man with simple wants.
SRK’s driver’s mobile starts ringing even though the owner’s phone is in silent mode. But SRK doesn’t mind. After all, the driver’s ringtone is the Haule haule song from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. He doesn’t ask him to switch it off and continues the conversation.
Is there a lot of creative satisfaction in your work these days?
Yes, the last few films were very satisfying. I also really liked Billu. It’s a great thought — friends that you don’t forget. I loved Irrfan in it. I liked Chak De! India. I also really enjoyed Don. And now playing an autistic person in My Name is Khan is so supremely satisfying that I don’t want to work on any other movie for the rest of the year. Arre yeh bahut hai! I am so happy doing it. I did a lot of studies, a lot of research.
Is that something you are doing in the last few movies? Or did you always research your characters?
I have always done it. See, I have usually played the hero type and even then I have done studies. Like Don is taken from this man I knew who is really tough but walks like a girl. Obviously that man is not so famous that you will instantly recognise him. Like Darr is based on a Parsi friend of mine who used to stammer on specific words. So I made my character stammer only on Kiran... Kkkkkiran. As an actor my job is to observe, absorb and then take it out when called on to do so.
So how did you research for My Name is Khan?
I had done a play about autism with Barry John where I worked with an autistic kid. So when my writer and director in My Name is Khan sat with me, I gave them 25 more pages of research. I gave them more references... four different physical manifestations of autism. The eyes are very difficult to do. When you see me in the film, you will be shocked. To me it’s very difficult. With 100 people around you, to get those unfocussed, dead eyes is very difficult. Then I am saying dialogues with those eyes without expressing. I had to practise those eyes in my bathroom for 10 days before I got it right. Now I am teaching my children... pushing the eyeballs up, they stay there, then I go cock-eyed and then they go blank. Very difficult, very fulfilling.
The car is waiting at a traffic signal. A boy comes banging at the window. He shouts: “Aye Shah Rukh, aap ka photo aila hai, aap ka photo aila hai.” The star shouts back: “Thank you yaar, kahaan photo aila hai?” The kid smiles and runs away. It’s impossible to see inside the BMW through those dark window glasses. How does the boy at the traffic signal know who is inside? SRK smiles and says: “I think he knows the car.”
While the new heroes in Bollywood are being welcomed with open arms, do you feel that everyone’s being deliberately unkind to your recent films?
To me it doesn’t matter what the critics say. I have passed that stage. God bless them yaar! Hope they are happy. I have a very clear concept about all this. If you know why you are doing something, other people cannot waiver you off with their opinion. So if I know that I have worn white pants with a reason, and people keep telling me that it’s not in fashion, I am happy with my reason.
There have been a lot of ugly remarks from your colleagues in the industry...
I know those people. If I don’t like something, I call them and tell them so. Mostly they are misquoted. Like, if you say that Chidambaram has cancelled the IPL. Now he didn’t say that but that’s how people interpret things. Exactly like that. But we meet each other every evening and trust me there are people who you think don’t even like me or I don’t like them. Like Amitji was the first guy to come and meet me after the shoulder operation. He was in fact going to the hospital. I was like, where are you going sir? He said hospital. I said, main ghar aa gaya hoon. He said, main thak gaya hoon, kal aata hoon. Next evening he was there for four-five hours. People assume I hate him and he hates me. Earlier we used to talk about this — Amitji aisa kyun likh rahe hain?. Now, we don’t even do that. We are now sure that it’s a different world where people think Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan are like this. They have no clue of this real world. We have tried to explain 10-12 times but they don’t want to understand. They don’t like it like that. God bless them. Who they are talking about are the images of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan that people have in their minds. We are different.
But what about Aamir Khan? Why did he go after you?
Aamir... he is my age. I have known him from the day I landed in Mumbai. Me, Ashutosh (Gowariker), Aamir, Makrand Deshpande, Neeraj Vohra... we were friends. If he says something I can call him and say what I feel. And he would be “Arre Shah, aisa nahin bola maine yaar!” Also I prefer talking to people directly rather than through the media. I say something to a journalist, he says something to another journalist... baat ghoomta rehta hai. The other day, in fact, we were sitting and chatting about this. I called him ullu ka pattha. I talk to him like this. People will never understand. That’s okay. Otherwise you are feeding more and more and more to the media. At that time pictures release pe thi, tab theek tha. Dono pictures (Rab Ne and Ghajini) ko publicity mil raha tha (laughs). Sometimes even the media should realise that maybe actors are using you. I don’t. I have a huge relationship with the media. It’s a need-based relationship and I think I am part of the media. Till the day I am an actor. And there’s nothing like a bad journalist. As I said you are a bad person or a good person. Your profession doesn’t make you bad. If you are okay being used, be used. You never know which actor is having the last laugh.
Coming back to KKR, what is your take on cheerleaders, especially after what happened last year with their dress code?
A profession should not be looked down upon. When I look at these young girls who want to be cheerleaders, I think of my daughter. Eight years from now, she could be one and I will be happy. I am a family man. I have a lot of respect for girls. If you think less of women, you will look down on their job. I really can’t do that. When I work with these really young girls in my movies, I really think of my daughter, who could be the same eight years from now. There’s a lot of innocence in all of them. Cheerleading is a profession rather than nangi ladkiyan naach rahi hai. Yeh kya baat hui yaar? Yeh toh wahiyaat baat ho gayi. It’s a very conservative, old-fashioned thought. We understand that but we don’t do much about it... phir koi aake bottle phenkega ghar ke baahar. Their clothes are not cheap. We are not cheap people. My wife, Karan (Johar), Manish (Malhotra)... they design the clothes. When we make people wear bikinis in films, it’s meant to make them look attractive and not vulgar.
Did you watch Dada’s last match?
Of course, I did. I wanted to go but I couldn’t. We sent him a watch. Also it didn’t strike me then but I later thought we should have bought 10,000 tickets and should have had people in Kolkata Knight Riders jerseys cheering for him. For us, Dada has not retired.
Are you as pumped up this time as you were the last time?
I am much more charged after the loss last year (laughs). Everything will be good from now. I felt that when we got (Mashrafe) Mortaza. Before the auction, I told my team that the only team who will go for Mortaza will be Mohali. See we are all friends and when I learnt that Nita bhabhi (Ambani) wanted Dominic (Thornely) I asked my guys to let go. But I instinctively felt that Mohali would try and increase the price of Mortaza. They didn’t tell me even though I meet Preity very often. So I messaged my team at the Goa auction, ‘make sure we get Mortaza’. Whatever it takes... even if it’s for the sake of friendship. We also have to show Bengali spirit at some point of time. We want to win the IPL and we will have it. This year should be played like that.
The car reaches the Yash Raj Studio where Shah Rukh has to crown the six official cheerleaders aka Angels for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He opens the car door with his right hand and stalks out. Like a Royal Bengal tiger, wounded and hungry.
Later in the shoot at Yash Raj Studio: Shah Rukh’s friends at his TV production unit Red Chillies Idiot Box, which is producing the cheerleader show Knights & Angels, wanted the King to give a jharokha darshan during the final episode and crown the winning girls. But Shah Rukh being Shah Rukh stayed for three whole segments and actually danced at the end of it all. Gauri wouldn’t have approved if she was around. But it sure made a certain Sourav Ganguly break his promise of never dancing again (after his terrible footwork in the Hero Honda ad nine years ago). Seeing SRK’s infectious energy, even with the sling just about holding the broken shoulder in place, Dada joined Shah Rukh and did an impromptu jig to Korbo lorbo jeetbo re. All those who thought that the owner and the captain were not on the same page should have seen them on stage. Wanted: An action replay of King and Dada after winning IPL 2.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Mar 27 2009, 05:48 PM
THE PAGE 3 POWERLISTERS
... Mukesh Ambani and SRK discuss cricket and politics at Nana Chudasama’s dinner
AFSANA AHMED Times News Network
Yup, they are among the top 50 Indians in anybody’s power list and also owners of cricket teams for the forthcoming IPL that’s shifted bat, ball and pitch to South Africa. But on Tuesday night at Nana Chudasama’s dinner at home, Mukesh Ambani and Shah Rukh Khan were not discussing the Twenty20 tournament only. There was politics, also — how could there not be, with the elections here and the IPL kicked out because of them — with young Varun Gandhi being a subject of hot debate! And joining these two powerful men in conversation were Shaina NC, Gautam and Nawaz Singhania, Patang Rao Kadam, Shobhaa and Dilip De, and Rashmi Thackeray among several others. Glasses clinked and cigars were puffed. SRK recalled his intrigue over Nana’s Marine Drive banners when he first came to Mumbai. “He called to say he loved them,” said the former Sheriff of Mumbai. And Nana also recalled the young Ambani who came to visit him with Papa Dhirubhai. “It’s wonderful to see these guys leading India in their unique ways,” said Nana. And nobody knew whether he meant business, cricket, power, or what!
With the elections and the IPL around the corner, there’s lots happening in the city. But all the action was at former sheriff of Mumbai, Nana Chudasama’s bungalow on Tuesday night as a swarm of the city’s most Mumbai’s powerful people came together for a dinner hosted by the octogenarian and his daughter Shaina NC. It was touching to see the goodwill earned by the former sheriff over the years. “There wasn’t any specific reason for the dinner, but dad and I thought let’s all meet before all the action begins. With elections and the IPL, people will get busy,” Shaina smiled.
One section of the guests was busy discussing the elections while the other was heavily into IPL. Shah Rukh Khan and Mukesh Ambani, even though part of the IPL, were seen eagerly participating in election talks, later joined by Gautam Singhania. If the men were busy, the power women too had their share to talk about. So you had Gauri Khan, Nita Ambani, Nawaz Modi-Singhania, Rashmi Thackeray, Raveena Tandon and Sonali Bendre bond, not just over food and homely talks, but they were equally passionate about the two hot topics of discussion.
Others present at the dinner were Y P Singh and Abha, Alvira and Atul Agnihotri, Minister Patang Rao Kadam and Vishwajeet Kadam, Shobhaa and Dilip De and Rashmi Thackeray’s son Aditya Thackeray. SRK praised Shaina for representing the younger lot of politicians saying today’s politics need more young blood, who are also rational in their thinking. Good thought SRK. Should we expect to see you there too someday?
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Mar 28 2009, 04:28 PM
Shah Rukh Khan to walk the ramp for Manish Malhotra
Story By: CHUMAN DAS updated on: 27/03/09
MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan will be the show stopper for Manish Malhotra at the Lakme Fashion Week, which is being held in Mumbai, currently. Khan confirmed to Businessofcinema.com, “Yes, I will be walking the ramp for Manish as he is going to be showcasing yet another collection inspired by the uniform and styling of Kolkata Knight Riders. He did a collection for the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week in Delhi last week, but this one is different, but expanding on the original idea of using the KKR colours.”
Malhotra is over the moon with his latest catch. The designer has had the cream of Bollywood walk the ramp for his outfits, be it Kareena Kapoor, Kajol or Urmila Matondkar, but SRK being SRK, Manish is really excited. Revealing the inside story of his latest collection, the designer said, “SRK and I were shooting in Los Angeles for My Name is Khan and SRK came up with the idea of expanding the KKR collection into a line for women as that has always been my claim to fame. So using the theme of black and gold and the additional use of colours like grey and white, which is part of the new KKR uniform, we have styled the new clothing line.”
So if you are a Shah Rukh Khan fan and want to watch him strut on the ramp, make sure you have front row seats for this show which will be held in Mumbai on 30 March
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Apr 11 2009, 04:10 PM
Shah Rukhs speech:
(starboxoffice.com)
SRK: We want fans to see our films!
Filmmaker-actor Shah Rukh Khan shares his views on the multiplex owners versus producers and distributors standoff. Speaking at a press conference, Khan said he agreed with Aamir Khan and why he felt equality is the best solution to the problem.
FIRST of all, I would like to say that none of us, whether Aamir, Karan, Rakeshji (Rakesh Roshan), Ratanji (Ratan Jain), me or Yashji (Yash Chopra) or our seniors is the leader of this forum. We are here to share our collective thoughts for a clear perspective.
On calling for a gathering
We are not here to prevent our fans, supporters and well wishers from seeing films. We don’t want to do that at all. I speak very honestly for everyone here. We love films and making them. Our biggest wish is to die making films. The entire fraternity is here because we love to make films and show it to an audience. We are not here to stop showing the films to the audience. Filmmaking is what we do as we know how to do it. Films are being made as we speak.
The problem is, we know how to make films but we don’t know how to take it to the audience. That is why we have partners. There are distributors, theatres and the media for that. This partnership, bond, pipeline or marriage is now suffering. So we are here to repair the problem.
This is not a strike at all. It is a halt due to repairs that we are working towards and we apologise for this halt. This is not a strike and we need to repair the pipeline.
On why the profit sharing ratio must change
We are not doing for this greed or profits or for an extra one or two per cent. None of us are here for that. Some of us are very senior and legendary filmmakers. We are not here to loot anyone. The basic fight is for equality to create a platform for all sorts of films whether big or small, whether good or bad, whether made by an independent producer or by a studio. This fight is more for small films because somewhere along the line, they get left behind in negotiations. They don’t know anything about profit sharing so they just plead to the multiplexes to release the film. In the long run, the rightful path or our slogan, Fair Rights for Friday Nights, will benefit small films more than the big films.
On his take on the multiplexes
We are not here for a power show; (to show) that powerful people have come together on a platform. We will not use our ‘power’ to shake multiplexes. There is nothing like that at all. This is a marriage where we all are partners. The film federation has directors, producers, technicians, actors, studios, distributors, exhibitors and multiplexes as partners. We work together to show films to an audience. This is a show of coming together and of uniting.
A certain part of our family is not on the right path and we want to bring this issue to the forefront. We want a fair dialogue.
This is not a deadlock. We are not saying, “This is it. Take this or leave this. It is our way or the highway”. Not at all!
We have had discussions in good spirit with the multiplex owners for months, but we have not reached a final solution. That is why we have united to present our opinions and thoughts to them. We want to sit across with the multiplex and talk about getting fair rights for Friday nights for everyone.
I am saying this with a lot of humility. As Aamir rightly said, reasons such as bad films or bad content are cited for films not being played at multiplexes. I don’t think that is an issue multiplexes can discuss. No one tries to make a bad film. No matter how the film, it has the right to be seen by the audience that decides the verdict. By the second show on Friday, we know in very clear terms (whether) the film is good or not. I think all these little issues about creativity should be left to the creative people and the audience. The connecting pipeline should not have much say in it.
I would like to say that this issue is not confined to the studios, producers and distributors. It is going to impact everyone. For some time, we will see fewer films. Sadly, we are coming to a halt to repair the pipeline. The media and the audience need to unite.
On wanting fair rights for Friday nights
We are here to repair the problem. We stand by all films and we want equality for all films. We want Fair Rights for Friday Nights. This is not a deadlock; it is a panel that is available for discussion to the multiplex owners over coffee 24 x 7 throughout the year.
We don’t think the multiplex is the mafia. We aren’t badmouthing the multiplex owners at all. This is a temporary problem in our family and at the end of it, we will all be united. No one is a leader here and we are followers of what the audience wants and what they dictate.
We are living because the audience tells us what they want. Unfortunately, we are not listening or succumbing to the demands of the multiplexes. We are employees of the audience. We need to understand that this is a partnership and the issue needs to be sorted out quickly so we go back to making good or bad films that get released for audiences to see and judge.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Apr 28 2009, 03:33 PM
Shah Rukh To Fly Down With His Team From South Africa To Vote
April 28th, 2009 - 12:16 pm ICT by sampurn Tell a Friend -
Shah Rukh To Fly Down With His Team From South Africa To Vote By Subhash K Jha
The Elections never seemed more special, what with the whole Bollywood fraternity pitching their vote bank with abundant accountability.
While many of the A-Listers like Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan will make sure they’re in Mumbai on April 30 to cast their vote, Shah Rukh Khan is going to go a step further.
He will be flying down from South Africa with his Knight Riders team just for a day on April 30 to cast their vote before flying back for their next match.
According to sources King Khan has requested Vijay Mallya who hosts a rival IPL team to lend him a private jet to make the whirlwind visit back a home possible.
Says a source close to the iconic actor, “Shah Rukh is very particular about exercizing his voting rights. There was no way he’d miss the chance to cast his vote, or let his team members skip this important day in the Indian calendar. He’s very clear on the matter and would’ve insisted on heading home on April 30 even if a match was scheduled that day.”
Shah Rukh has even inspired rival team-leader Preity Zinta to not slip up on her democratic rights.
Preity too will head back home on voting day with her team. However Shilpa Shetty and her team would have to skip the vote as they have a match on April 30. -Sampurn Media
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Jun 9 2009, 12:50 PM
Shah Rukh Khan signs 3 year deal to host IIPM quiz
June 8, 2009 - 16:50 IST
That's what SRK says to all B-School students as IIPM signs up SRK for a three year deal to host IIPM's B-School Quiz!
Be it placements at IIPM or its global initiatives, IIPM clearly seems to have remained untouched by the economic recession. At a time when even Bollywood has put its projects on hold, in a first of its kind trend setting move, the institution has now roped in the Badshah of Bollywood, SRK to host their annual business and marketing quiz, for three years. To be held in association with Planman Media's magazine, 4Ps Business and Marketing it promises to become India's premiere B-School quiz event!
When Bollywood Hungama contacted Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri, the Dean of IIPM said, "IIPM is all about bringing World-Class in terms of education as well as campus life experience for the students. The IIPM B-School festival, Amaze, is in any case the largest B-School festival in India with huge participation from International B-Schools as well. This B-School Quiz also promises to be a big international event." When quizzed about bringing King Khan to host the event, he said, "Everything we do at IIPM is grand, distinct, pioneering and above all else global. Who else in India can make an event big just by his global popularity than SRK? And to top it all he is perceived as the intelligent face of bollywood because of his economics education background, his suave marketing skills and sharp intelligence. He obviously was the natural choice. IIPM is honoured and proud that he accepted our request!" The show will be held at the IIPM campus in Satbari, Delhi.
While the King Khan of Bollywood says, "I am coming to IIPM and it will be nice to be there!"
Posted by: ragam-tanam-pallavi Jul 10 2009, 03:23 PM
Shah Rukh Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan
me an ardent and die hard fan of his !!
the characteristics of SRK which endear me to him :
a. spontaneity
b. sense of humour
c. ability to take the mick out on himself
c. made it big despite his non Bollywood background
d. frank and not pretentious
East or west SRK is BEST
only he could carry away the SURI role in Rb ne....................
would love to meet him one day 
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Aug 26 2009, 12:27 PM
Shah Rukh Khan gets ridiculed on US television?
26 Aug, 2009 12:00 am ISTlRenuka Vyavahare /INDIATIMES MOVIES
The American press seems to be high on crisis management after Shah Rukh raised the issue of his detention in front of the Indian media. They are thus ridiculing SRK as their defence mechanism!
American political satirist cum tv host Jon Stewart on his show ‘The Daily Show’ mocked SRK by showing clips of American news channels which claimed that the custom officials at the New Jersey airport didn’t recognize the actor!
Jon further mocked SRK by saying the actor may have denied that it was not a publicity stunt for his forthcoming film ‘My Name is Khan’ but then the way he went on talking about it could make for a good emotional picture in itself.
Echoing Jon was Indian American journalist Aasif who sarcastically said, “Shah Rukh is the Hugh Jackman of Jaipur, Bruce Willis of Pondicherry, Tom Cruise of Mumbai and Brad Pitt of Bollywood, and have you seen his Om Shanti Om?
Omar Qureshi, Editor-in-Chief, Zoom tv channel strongly criticized Jon’s statements by saying, “Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis and Shah Rukh Khan were in Dubai for Planet Hollywood’s launch and Shah Rukh gathered more fans than the Hollywood superstars. Americans are used to laughing at others and making money out of it, they laugh at themselves too, and this is just one of those instances.”
Trade expert Taran Adarsh reacted to Jon’s statement by saying, “If you poke fun at SRK, it only shows how dumb you are! It’s like Americans asking you if Taj Mahal is in China or Italy! Most of the American press is dumb and the way they have been reacting to SRK’s episode is shocking as we give them so much importance when they come to India inspite of the fact that most of the Indians don’t know how Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise looks like.”
Mumbai Mirror’s Entertainment head Indu Mirani said, “Everybody should just move on as this issue has been blown out of proportion by both the parties. Bollywood has always looked up to Hollywood with a holier-than-thou attitude so it’s not their mistake that they don’t do the same. Everyone should just move on.”
All said and done we’d suggest one thing to Jon, he should actually see SRK’s films to know that he doesn’t deserve to be compared with any Tom, Dick and Harry of Hollywood.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Sep 9 2009, 03:04 PM
The music grows to a crescendo. The girls dance with more vigor.The mom looks behind her back, with a knowing look in her eyes. And then, the jet black helicopter, starting from its whirling blades, slowly comes into full view. Shahrukh Khan, by then the son every middle aged woman in the movie hall wishes for, sprints to his eager mom. A teardrop doesn't fail to roll off her eyes.Behold. Her son has arrived.
Or if this is not classy enough, picture this. Lush green lawns in the foregrounds of a huge academy. A white, marble, dome shaped structure somewhere . Chilly winter. And on one single black chair inside that marble dome, Sharukh Khan romanticizes the world with his violin. Love is in the air. Why just the three students, the whole world suddenly falls in love.
Just another shot from K3G or Mohabbatein, but one which is typical of Shahrukh Khan. Grand entry, larger and full of life attitude, and captivating the viewers to such an extent, that it instills hope and excitement about themselves when they watch him. And I have not even started mentioning DDLJ.
You know how those statements are, about how the world is divided into two parts..blah blah. Well, in this case, the world is actually divided into 3 parts. Ones who like SRK, ones who do not, and the ones who do, but cannot show that they like him ,for some reason. We do not know where Karan Johar lies, but that apart, the third category is interesting, and surprisingly pretty big. Guys often hate SRK because its not a guy thing to like his mushy movies, or some engineers often hate him because its not a engineer's thing to be sentimental. Why don't people accept it ? Probably some disturbed childhood trauma makes them run away from sentimental and emotional stuff. But I have had a guy confess, that he actually does like him, but "log majak udate hai, isliye main batata nahi hoon". While I was writing this blog, I came across another one, about our typical (read "desi") characteristics. A totally sarcastic and hilarious take on our habits, I cannot but help mention this specific article from it - "I hate SRK".
I have myself often thought, why do I like him? The arguments people make against him are not entirely baseless, then why does he have a ridiculous fan following ? Well, I think,may be because we all secretly do like him. "Har kisi ke dil mein, kahi na kahi, ek SRK chupa hota hai". A Delhi guy. Rose to fame with his own efforts. Started with television initially, so lets accept he knows a thing or a two about acting. His first love ,Gauri ,pulled him to Mumbai for the first time. But then , there was no looking back. Since then, he has been romanticizing every heroine, and giving one movie per young generation, for them to dream with, to dance with, to get nostalgic with, and to carry the "Rahul" in them forever.
"Kabhi Haa Kabhi Na", was one of my first movies ever ,seen in the theatres. And may be, that is the reason SRK is my favorite. But apart from his on screen presence, I think I am probably a fan of his persona in general.It might seem ironic, but I think SRK is one of the most honest guys around, as far as his role as an actor is concerned. He has accepted that he is a peoples' man. And he gives it back to them, the way they want it. Being an actor, he realises that media is what helped make him, and media is what he can connect to the masses with. He never shuns the media. Nor does he shun any award functions. He has willingly accepted the commercialness of his profession. And he uses it to his benefit , instead of cribbing about it, and trying to be intelligent about it, and complaining about things such as absence of personal life. He has willingly accepted that he would have very little personal life, and that is the price he would have to pay for his stardom.Never into politics, and never into controversies relating personal relationships. Nevertheless, I think he has been pretty successful family man too. He is intelligent and smart when he talks. Listen to any of his interviews.They are exciting and one would appreciate his ready wit, sharpness and body language. Technically savvy himself, he is constantly endeavouring to bring technical skills to the Hindi film industry, and is constantly taking his production house,"Red Chillies" to the next level. No wonder, he is known as the most powerful person in the industry, and the only one to be adored by Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachhan both and envied by all the newcomers alike. Everyone wants to debut with him. Everyone wants a clip with him.
One interviewer described his meeting with SRK pretty dramatically. He mentioned , that when SRK gives an interview, albeit only for 5 minutes, he makes sure that the interviewer is the only person in the world that matters to him. He treats the interviewer like a king. But when the 5 minutes are over, all that is left is smoke from his cigarette, and you can see SRK fade away in that smoke back to his world. Do not get me wrong, I do like Amir Khan movies. He is an excellent actor in his own realm. But given a choice, to meet any one , just for 5 minutes, I would choose SRK.
I recently commented to a friend, that it is difficult for me to completely hate a movie. I am a hardcore movie buff. The director would have to try really hard to make such a film that I would totally not approve of. Which essentially means I watch any movie that is being made, or comes my way. But still, the anticipation of a Shahrukh Khan movie, is something different. The anticipation is not of 3 hours of entertainment, but a ride into the world, where you might play a character. May be , you dare to play him.
We can see the transition from Rahul to the character roles that he plays these days. I think he has proved beyond doubt, to the people who even doubted, that he can act. He has been a actor who is capable of delivering "hangover" movies. Meaning, movies,which leave you thinking about them long after they are over. Movies , which leave you dreaming long after they are over. Well, as I write this, I am craving for a similar movie from him again. And I really wish , like a true fan, that there is enough reason, for everything that happened at the Newark airport recently. And that it was not a cheap publicity stunt. Because SRK has a lot at stake to resort to this cheap stunt. Because it took a real long time and hard work to reach where he has. Because he is far too intelligent to use the minority card. And because I have not seen Chidambaram and Sashi Tharoor speak up for anyone so directly and immediately. I do not know what has been not told, but , unless proved otherwise, I believe SRK.
Is it only his movies that we enjoy, or is it also talking about him that we fans enjoy more? Oh, we love to hail him, and oh, we love so much to argue for him. I could have become a millionaire by now, if SRK gave me 1c each time I spoke for him. We love to hear the ignorant Amir fans. We love to see how close we are to the truth, but we are also disappointed to see that the world needs awakening. We are appalled to see the fruitless pursuits of the thinking masses. We ache to see that the rightful king, has to condescend to the likes of "others" to claim his throne. He is the Tendulkar of the entertainment industry. Amir is like Dravid. Probably better techniqued. But SRK is whom I would pay to watch. Because somehow, I get a feeling ,that when Dravid plays, its his mind which is involved, but when SRT plays, or when SRK performs, its a matter of the heart. And I would always like to put my money on the heart, rather than on the mind.
On a serious note, I do not care if SRK hams. I do not care if he seems repetitive in his roles. I do not care if he seems pompous.I do not care if he passes of as vain. I do not care if he got a bag full of cash to get a Filmfare. He gives me what I want from a movie, rather than give me what I think I want from a movie. He is a sure shot ticket to the world of entertainment and fantasy. And that is all that I want. I am aam junta, or "mango people", as Saif puts it in Love Aaj Kal. I do not want to be intelligent about my movies,about whom I like as an actor. I do not want this choice of mine to reflect my thinking in any way.And also because it is hardly of any consequence to anyone else, apart from me. It is not a matter of any big concern, like for e.g our views on abortion, or are we pro choice or not? That is something which would probably shape the future society.Debate on that, think about that. Have a side to choose from on that. But SRK vs Amir? Seriously,whats there to think about ? Why is there even a question?Why is Amir even an option?
Nachiket Mehta
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Sep 9 2009, 03:13 PM
The music grows to a crescendo. The girls dance with more vigor.The mom looks behind her back, with a knowing look in her eyes. And then, the jet black helicopter, starting from its whirling blades, slowly comes into full view. Shahrukh Khan, by then the son every middle aged woman in the movie hall wishes for, sprints to his eager mom. A teardrop doesn't fail to roll off her eyes.Behold. Her son has arrived.
Or if this is not classy enough, picture this. Lush green lawns in the foregrounds of a huge academy. A white, marble, dome shaped structure somewhere . Chilly winter. And on one single black chair inside that marble dome, Sharukh Khan romanticizes the world with his violin. Love is in the air. Why just the three students, the whole world suddenly falls in love.
Just another shot from K3G or Mohabbatein, but one which is typical of Shahrukh Khan. Grand entry, larger and full of life attitude, and captivating the viewers to such an extent, that it instills hope and excitement about themselves when they watch him. And I have not even started mentioning DDLJ.
You know how those statements are, about how the world is divided into two parts..blah blah. Well, in this case, the world is actually divided into 3 parts. Ones who like SRK, ones who do not, and the ones who do, but cannot show that they like him ,for some reason. We do not know where Karan Johar lies, but that apart, the third category is interesting, and surprisingly pretty big. Guys often hate SRK because its not a guy thing to like his mushy movies, or some engineers often hate him because its not a engineer's thing to be sentimental. Why don't people accept it ? Probably some disturbed childhood trauma makes them run away from sentimental and emotional stuff. But I have had a guy confess, that he actually does like him, but "log majak udate hai, isliye main batata nahi hoon". While I was writing this blog, I came across another one, about our typical (read "desi") characteristics. A totally sarcastic and hilarious take on our habits, I cannot but help mention this specific article from it - "I hate SRK".
I have myself often thought, why do I like him? The arguments people make against him are not entirely baseless, then why does he have a ridiculous fan following ? Well, I think,may be because we all secretly do like him. "Har kisi ke dil mein, kahi na kahi, ek SRK chupa hota hai". A Delhi guy. Rose to fame with his own efforts. Started with television initially, so lets accept he knows a thing or a two about acting. His first love ,Gauri ,pulled him to Mumbai for the first time. But then , there was no looking back. Since then, he has been romanticizing every heroine, and giving one movie per young generation, for them to dream with, to dance with, to get nostalgic with, and to carry the "Rahul" in them forever.
"Kabhi Haa Kabhi Na", was one of my first movies ever ,seen in the theatres. And may be, that is the reason SRK is my favorite. But apart from his on screen presence, I think I am probably a fan of his persona in general.It might seem ironic, but I think SRK is one of the most honest guys around, as far as his role as an actor is concerned. He has accepted that he is a peoples' man. And he gives it back to them, the way they want it. Being an actor, he realises that media is what helped make him, and media is what he can connect to the masses with. He never shuns the media. Nor does he shun any award functions. He has willingly accepted the commercialness of his profession. And he uses it to his benefit , instead of cribbing about it, and trying to be intelligent about it, and complaining about things such as absence of personal life. He has willingly accepted that he would have very little personal life, and that is the price he would have to pay for his stardom.Never into politics, and never into controversies relating personal relationships. Nevertheless, I think he has been pretty successful family man too. He is intelligent and smart when he talks. Listen to any of his interviews.They are exciting and one would appreciate his ready wit, sharpness and body language. Technically savvy himself, he is constantly endeavouring to bring technical skills to the Hindi film industry, and is constantly taking his production house,"Red Chillies" to the next level. No wonder, he is known as the most powerful person in the industry, and the only one to be adored by Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachhan both and envied by all the newcomers alike. Everyone wants to debut with him. Everyone wants a clip with him.
One interviewer described his meeting with SRK pretty dramatically. He mentioned , that when SRK gives an interview, albeit only for 5 minutes, he makes sure that the interviewer is the only person in the world that matters to him. He treats the interviewer like a king. But when the 5 minutes are over, all that is left is smoke from his cigarette, and you can see SRK fade away in that smoke back to his world. Do not get me wrong, I do like Amir Khan movies. He is an excellent actor in his own realm. But given a choice, to meet any one , just for 5 minutes, I would choose SRK.
I recently commented to a friend, that it is difficult for me to completely hate a movie. I am a hardcore movie buff. The director would have to try really hard to make such a film that I would totally not approve of. Which essentially means I watch any movie that is being made, or comes my way. But still, the anticipation of a Shahrukh Khan movie, is something different. The anticipation is not of 3 hours of entertainment, but a ride into the world, where you might play a character. May be , you dare to play him.
We can see the transition from Rahul to the character roles that he plays these days. I think he has proved beyond doubt, to the people who even doubted, that he can act. He has been a actor who is capable of delivering "hangover" movies. Meaning, movies,which leave you thinking about them long after they are over. Movies , which leave you dreaming long after they are over. Well, as I write this, I am craving for a similar movie from him again. And I really wish , like a true fan, that there is enough reason, for everything that happened at the Newark airport recently. And that it was not a cheap publicity stunt. Because SRK has a lot at stake to resort to this cheap stunt. Because it took a real long time and hard work to reach where he has. Because he is far too intelligent to use the minority card. And because I have not seen Chidambaram and Sashi Tharoor speak up for anyone so directly and immediately. I do not know what has been not told, but , unless proved otherwise, I believe SRK.
Is it only his movies that we enjoy, or is it also talking about him that we fans enjoy more? Oh, we love to hail him, and oh, we love so much to argue for him. I could have become a millionaire by now, if SRK gave me 1c each time I spoke for him. We love to hear the ignorant Amir fans. We love to see how close we are to the truth, but we are also disappointed to see that the world needs awakening. We are appalled to see the fruitless pursuits of the thinking masses. We ache to see that the rightful king, has to condescend to the likes of "others" to claim his throne. He is the Tendulkar of the entertainment industry. Amir is like Dravid. Probably better techniqued. But SRK is whom I would pay to watch. Because somehow, I get a feeling ,that when Dravid plays, its his mind which is involved, but when SRT plays, or when SRK performs, its a matter of the heart. And I would always like to put my money on the heart, rather than on the mind.
On a serious note, I do not care if SRK hams. I do not care if he seems repetitive in his roles. I do not care if he seems pompous.I do not care if he passes of as vain. I do not care if he got a bag full of cash to get a Filmfare. He gives me what I want from a movie, rather than give me what I think I want from a movie. He is a sure shot ticket to the world of entertainment and fantasy. And that is all that I want. I am aam junta, or "mango people", as Saif puts it in Love Aaj Kal. I do not want to be intelligent about my movies,about whom I like as an actor. I do not want this choice of mine to reflect my thinking in any way.And also because it is hardly of any consequence to anyone else, apart from me. It is not a matter of any big concern, like for e.g our views on abortion, or are we pro choice or not? That is something which would probably shape the future society.Debate on that, think about that. Have a side to choose from on that. But SRK vs Amir? Seriously,whats there to think about ? Why is there even a question?Why is Amir even an option?
Nachiket Mehta
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Oct 27 2009, 03:15 PM
On the patch-up trail
Subhash Ghai ended the 16-year-long cold war between Shah Rukh Khan and Sunny Deol on Saturday
By Kunal M Shah
Posted On Monday, October 26, 2009 at 02:37:31 AM
Lately, Shah Rukh Khan might have had serious issues with several people from the film industry but the first actor who he had an ego clash with was Sunny Deol way back in 1993. Now, the two actors have patched up 16 years after they had a huge fight during the making of Yash Chopra’s Darr. They finally buried the hatchet during a party on Saturday night and the man responsible for the patch up was host Subhash Ghai.
A source present at the party said, “Shah Rukh had come in earlier in the evening and he was sitting in one of the private sections at the party venue with Karan Johar and his other friends. Sunny Deol was accompanied by director Neeraj Pathak, who he was chatting with, when Ghai suddenly went up to the reticent actor and took him to the private section. Ghai headed straight to Shah Rukh and reintroduced the two warring actors.
SRK and Sunny shook hands and gradually warmed up to each other and were later seen chatting animatedly with lyricist Prasoon Joshi.”
Commenting on the SRK-Sunny animosity, the source added, “Sunny was probably the first one among the long list of people that Shah Rukh has had a problem with over the years. Sunny had such a big issue that after Darr he completely stopped speaking to Shah Rukh and Yash Chopra. The two actors have buried the hatchet after so many years.”
According to the source, Sunny left the party early and when the clock struck midnight, SRK’s friends gathered around him to celebrate his and Gauri’s wedding anniversary, which was yesterday.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Oct 30 2009, 05:29 PM
Top honchos get ready for the other marathon of their lives
30 Oct 2009, 0446 hrs IST, Meenakshi Verma Ambwani, ET Bureau
NEW DELHI: They may have been racing against each other to the top of the rich list but some business heads are taking time out from their
normal legwork to chase a passion. The latest edition of the Delhi Half Marathon on November 1 will see a rainbow mix of businessmen, cine stars, mediapersons and other luminaries heading for the tape. The long list includes multiplex leader PVR’s CMD Ajay Bijli, IT company SAP Labs India MD VR Ferose, FMCG firm Dabur’s Amit Burman and BBC’s Preet Dhupar. Others like super star Shahrukh Khan will provide the glamour quotient for the event (though he won’t be running). Khan is brand ambassador of Airtel, the title sponsor for the event.
“I am participating in the Delhi Half Marathon for our CSR initiative PVR Nest and my wasteline,” said PVR CMD Ajay Bijli. He will be running for the cause of the disadvantaged children and deteriorating urban environment. Super cop Kiran Bedi too is slated to be there. Others distinguished guests which will be coming for the event, but not running include Sunil Bharti Mittal, Shahrukh Khan, Naveen Jindal, Vijender Singh, Rahul Bose, Tarun Tahiliani, Simi Garewal and Nikhil Chinnappa.
Mr Bijli and Mr Ferose have been running in this marathon since its inception and have also become the ‘dream teamers’ for the marathon. Dream teamers is a concept where well-known runners raise a minimum Rs 1 lakh for a specific charitable cause. The fact that Mr Ferose has a flight to catch on Sunday night for a business meeting has not deterred him from taking out time to follow his passion. He plans to run in the Gurgaon and Mumbai marathons too.
“I am running the 21 kms marathon category, so it is just not running for a charity but also about being fit and I am training for this. I completed it last year and hope to finish it this year,” he said, adding that he is one of the dream teamers and is running to promote the cause of children and education.
For BBC World director (finance and operations) Preet Dhupar, it’s about charity and running for ‘Childline’ — a helpline that works for distressed children and raising money. “I am not an athlete. But I have been running in the marathon for the past three years and I believe even if I can’t run it I can always walk it,” she added.
Economic Times
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Nov 2 2009, 10:03 AM
Private B'day bash for SRK
Meena Iyer , TNN 2 November 2009, 12:00am IST
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Bollywood’s Badshah Shah Rukh Khan, who’s turned 44 today, came in from Delhi to ring in his birthday with best friend Karan Johar, gorgeous wife Shah Rukh Khan More Pics
Gauri Khan and their two kids, Aryan and Suhana.
Shah Rukh was in London till October 30, he then flew to New Delhi via Mumbai for a professional engagement and then landed back in Mumbai only hours before the clock struck 12 on his birthday.
Gauri and Karan are expected to host a surprise party for the actor with regulars like Juhi and Jai Mehta, Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan, Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, Chunky and Bhavna Panday, Kajal Anand, Arjun and Mehr Rampal, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan attending it.
The actor will also greet fans who gather outside Mannat each year on his birthday and is expected to have an hour-long media interaction, too. “He usually ends up cutting at least two dozen cakes because he finds it hard to turn away any of his well-wishers,” said a source.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Nov 10 2009, 10:29 AM
BMC rushes to better road outside Mannat
Better materials and increased labour now push costs up by at least Rs 18 cr
By Geeta Desai
Posted On Saturday, November 07, 2009 at 02:26:01 AM
While no one in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) rushes to solve the problems of ordinary people affected by bad infrastructure, it is another story altogether when it comes to celebrities. After taking prompt action on the water-logging at Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow ‘Prateeksha’ in July, the civic body has now taken upon itself to improve a bad road outside Shah Rukh Khan’s home ‘Mannat’.
Roadwork has begun afresh outside SRK’s bungalow Mannat
Recently, the civic body’s Roads Department found that substandard material was used to repair Behramjee Jeejebhoy Road that runs outside Mannat.
And within no time, the BMC not only changed the contractor, but also increased the amount of the contract to ensure a ‘better quality’ road.
Roadwork has begun afresh outside SRK’s bungalow Mannat
The proposal for the post-facto sanction for these changes will now be put up before the BMC’s Standing Committee on November 11.
“This road is very prestigious for obvious reasons,” said an engineer from the Roads Department of western suburbs.
“The escalated cost of the new contract is due to increase in material prices and labour cost. We have received sanctions from the Standing Committee for cost escalation, as the material we are using is different from the earlier one,” he added.
An inspection of B J Road, while repairs were on, led the BMC’s Roads Department to believe that the road would turn out substandard. The civic body therefore, asked the contractor to use microsilica concrete, which is said to make the road stronger and durable.
The BMC had awarded the earlier contract for construction of four roads - part of A K Vaidya Marg, part of Chapel Road, Mount Carmel Road and B J Road up to Taj Land’s End - on April 17, 2008 at a cost of Rs 15.70 crore.
But SRK’s charm is also working wonders for other Bandra citizens. The inspection of B J Road has also led to the other four areas getting better roads, though at an escalated cost of Rs 33.35 crore.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Nov 17 2009, 03:03 PM
Now, a Katrina-Shah Rukh Khan love story?
Prithwish Ganguly / DNAMonday, November 16, 2009 19:56 IST Email
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Mumbai: Rumour has it that Katrina Kaif is set to turn producer and the industry buzz is that the actor (said to have broken up with long-time boyfriend Salman Khan) wants to cast Shah Rukh in the lead opposite herself.
An informer reveals: "Katrina is taking keen interest in the finer points of film production and is meeting trade guys to get a better hang of how these things function. She has also spoken with producers she has worked with earlier about the nitty-gritty of producing a movie and it's obvious that she wants to produce her own movie at some point of time."
The source adds: "The industry has been gossiping that Salman and Kat parted ways some time back and though she's still friends with Sallu, her business venture won't include him. It seems she wants to make a romantic movie and cast Shah Rukh Khan in it -- opposite herself. Kat shares a friendly relationship with SRK these days and feels that when it comes to romance, SRK is the man for her. She'd also like to do a movie with Akshay, with whom she has got the most number of hits."
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Dec 2 2009, 11:05 AM
MY NAME IS KHAN: Silence creates huge hyp
November 25, 2009 6:19:51 PM IST
Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network
Some movies remain in the news unintentionally (or deliberately) from announcement to the day of their actual release. 'Secret' inside scoops are leaked to the media/scribes, trade experts invited to the shooting, cast members seen on live shows and the main protagonists appear at public events in their (supposedly secret!) get ups to keep the film in the headlines, by hook or crook!
However, certain makers prefer to concentrate on their work and focus on the most important aspect of filmmaking, the script and its implementation. One such project is the Karan Johar directed, MY NAME IS KHAN, which marks the return of the hundred percent successful SRK-Kajol jodi.
Despite the enormity of the project, nothing much has been heard about the film except that King Khan plays a character inflicted by the Asperger's disease, whose love interest-cum-better-half is essayed by Kajol.
While a major portion of the shooting took place in the US, there was an extended shooting schedule at Mumbai's Film City that ended on the 1st of October 2009, thus completing the film. Even though members of the fourth estate are normally invited for such concluding portions, Karan preferred not to follow the norm and the only snatches one heard (unofficially) was that there were a few disaster and rescue scenes, canned around a water filled ditch in Film City.
That brings us back to our headlines! After the red and predominantly blue official poster (with the US flag colours in the background) of MY NAME IS KHAN, the next official information from the makers is that the trailer of MNIK will be carried in the prints of James 'TITANIC' Cameroon's AVATAR, on December 18th. And that has the fans and most cine lovers thirsting to know more about one of the most anticipated film of 2010.
Well, the message to our patrons is to keep tuned to their favourite portal to get authentic exclusives about next year's Valentine weekend release, MY NAME IS KHAN, featuring one of Bollywood's all time favourite legendary couple, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Dec 16 2009, 11:25 AM
My Name is Khan selected for Berlin Film Festival
Meenakshi Shedde / DNAWednesday, December 16, 2009 0:00 IST
Mumbai: In a major coup, Karan Johar's My Name is Khan has been selected in the Berlin International Film Festival. What's more, the film has been picked for the Official Selection of the festival, which takes place from February 11-21, 2010. Karan Johar is jubilant. "It will be my first time in Berlin, and I'm so excited," he says. "Of course, I'll be going with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol! There's nothing as prestigious as presenting my film at the Berlin film festival's official selection. Even more than awards, it's getting eyeballs at such a festival that is important."
Not many Indian films have made it to the official selection in Berlin the last decade except for Farah Khan's blockbuster Om Shanti Om was - it was part of the Berlinale Special. My Name is Khan will play in the 'Out of Competition' section. Johar said that Fox (which is distributing the film), is comfortable with the 'Out of Competition' slot, as it fits into their international release dates.
My Name is Khan raises the bar for a Karan Johar film, with a love story layered with two key non-romantic issues: Shah Rukh Khan plays Rizvan Khan, a Muslim living in the US post-9/11, and he suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism.
"Regardless of the issues, I hope the film will find wide acceptance on the humanitarian aspect," Johar says. "Rizvan Khan makes very large points in the garb of simplicity and innocence. Only emotions connect, and they are universal, and I hope Rizvan Khan touches hearts everywhere. I try to raise the bar for Indian cinema with every film I make. I am young, I've got the infrastructure. Weekend box office numbers are no longer enough, I want to be acknowledged. My first concern will always be my domestic base. But within the parameters, we should try to reach a global audience by using our content, keeping the storytelling plausible, and syntax sensible."
As Hollywood major Fox Searchlight is distributing the film in the US, and Fox Star Studios in India, Johar had told the press, "This is the first time such a deal has been inked, where the film will release beyond the mainstream diaspora, and that is exciting."
As for Berlin, he adds, "I can't wait to be in Berlin, walk the red carpet, watch the film with the audience and interact with it afterwards!"
The Berlin film festival has already selected two more Indian films, Umesh Kulkarni's Vihir (The Well), produced by Amitabh Bachchan's AB Corp, and Laxmikant Shetgaonkar's Paltadacho Munis (Man Beyond the Bridge). Their selection is not yet closed.
Meenakshi Shedde is India Consultant to the Berlin Film Festival and curator for international film festivals worldwide.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Jan 20 2010, 10:12 AM
Sharukh Khan spreads his magic on Amul Music Ka Maha Muqqabla
indiantelevision.com
MUMBAI: As the race to discover the Badshah of Music has begun, hold your breath as Badshah of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan along with Karan Johar will fire up the sets of Amul Music Ka Maha Muqqabla, by their remarkable presence this Saturday only on Star Plus. Known for his ever charming and flamboyant attitude, King Khan was so charged up that the entire shoot turned out to be a high voltage musical battle between Himesh’ Warriors and Shreya’s Superstars.
It’s a Shahrukh special episode as all the songs are going to be the evergreen numbers from his films. Viewers are in for a special treat as the powerhouse of energy Shahrukh Khan shakes a leg with all the contestants. Be it with Vineet when he sang ”Ishq Kamina”, or during the medley round with Himesh’s and Shreya’s team, the audience was bowled over to see King Khan himself perform all his popular signature steps.
To top it all, everyone present at the sets was shocked to see Shahrukh climb up on the table and dance to the tune of “Deewangi Hai” and then the next moment open his shirt and flaunt his abs to the tune of “Darde disco”. With performances that rocked the entire nation and Shahrukh Khan’s over the top efforts to make sure that his presence his worth every watch, do not forget to tune in to Amul Music Ka Maha Muqqabla, this Saturday, Jan 23rd only on Star Plus at 9 pm.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Jan 25 2010, 11:14 AM
MUMBAI: Bollywood has finally made it to the moon. It is making its presence felt 4 lakh km away on the lunar surface in an area close to where the first men on the men, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, landed on July 20, 1969.
The International Lunar Geographic Society, a New York-based organization devoted to the study of the moon, has declared that a lunar crater in the moon's Sea of Tranquillity has been christened after Shah Rukh Khan. This has been approved by the International Astronomical Union, which has a final say with regard to the naming of craters on the moon. The crater ``has been given the honorary designation as the Crater S R Khan on the occasion of Mr Khan's 44th birthday'' on November 2, 2009, the society said.
According to the society, the crater was named following a deluge of petitions from Shah Rukh's admirers from India and around the world. Incidentally, one of his dedicated admirers has already presented him with a piece of the moon by buying him land there.
With a crater named after him, Shah Rukh now joins the ranks of eminent personalities like Nobel laureate C V Raman, father of the Indian space programme Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian nuclear programme Homi Bhabha and other luminaries like Meghnad Saha after whom craters have been named.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Jan 28 2010, 02:32 PM
Shah Rukh's $300,000 wax double to be unveiled in Hollywood
LONDON: Bollywood's biggest star Shah Rukh Khan will be honoured in Hollywood later Thursday when his wax likeness is unveiled at Los Angeles' new Madame Tussauds museum.
The honour marks the 20th anniversary of his King of Bollywood title, which Shah Rukh was given at the beginning of his impressive film career, reports contactmusic.com.
Shah Rukh's waxwork double cost $300,000 to make.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Mar 4 2010, 10:53 AM
'MNIK' becomes highest Bollywood grosser in Middle East
New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name Is Khan' (MNIK) has become the highest Bollywood earner in the Middle East with $3.3. million collections.
'In other Islamic markets too, it continues to grow and has crossed over to non-diaspora audiences. In Indonesia, for example, the film has grown from six to 14 screens and has seen a jump of 300 percent in week three,' Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios India, said in a statement.
The film is to open in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria March 10.
So far, 'MNIK' worldwide earning is about Rs.174.6 crore ($37.5 million) with India contributing Rs.102.2 crore and international markets recording around Rs.72.4 crore.
Directed by Karan Johar, 'My Name Is Khan' explores lives in the post-9/11 period in the US. The movie has Shah Rukh playing a man with Asperger's Syndrome and Kajol plays his love interest.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 'MNIK' is now tracking to become the number four movie of all time, competing with Hollywood blockbusters like 'The Dark Knight', 'Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen', 'Spider Man 3' and 'Twilight: New Moon'.
Indo Asian News Service
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Jun 1 2010, 02:08 PM
Karan Johar's inputs were implemented in Ra1
By: Shaheen Parkar Date: 2010-06-01 Place: Mumbai
Karan Johar may not be associated with Shah Rukh Khan's Ra.1, but the filmmaker believes in lending a helping hand to his buddy's project.
While visualising SRK in the role of a superhero, KJo provided several inputs that were incorporated in the project. Says an insider, "Shah Rukh gave a draft of the script to Karan for his opinions. He read it thoroughly and suggested changes that were implemented."
No issues
Apparently, Ra.1 director Anubhav Sinha is aware of Karan's involvement and inputs in the story and had no issues. For him, the project is hugely challenging.
Adds the insider, "Karan's sensibilities and his way of working and writing has really helped Shah Rukh in his projects. It's been a good collaboration. So who else could visualise and provide inputs for SRK as a superhero?"
Also, as Shah Rukh is for the first time stepping into the realm of sc-fi and superheroes, he wanted to get everything just right. As the insider puts it, "SRK is very attached to Ra.1's script as this movie will have him do a lot of high octane action. Moreover this techno-savvy project is for his kids. It will be a drastic change from his romantic hero image on screen."
Karan remained unavailable for comment. But a source close to confirmed that he had provided inputs to the project.
Ra.1 has Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal as SRK's co-stars.
__________________
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Jun 17 2010, 11:56 AM
Visitors at SRK's Ra.One sets face some of the strictest security measures ever for a Bollywood movie.
Makers aim to keep King Khan's look, a secret - much like what R Balki wanted in Paa (for Amitabh Bachchan's make-up).
All devices, except non-camera mobile phones, have to be surrendered and visitors are accompanied by a watchful crew members throughout the set. Even the shoot locales are classified and only director Anubhav Sinha is aware of the movie's details.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Sep 8 2010, 05:11 PM
SRK with photographer Daboo Ratnani's daughter Myrah - adorable
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Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Oct 13 2010, 10:23 AM
Wired straight from Berlin
SC
Posted On Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 02:02:05 AM
Shah Rukh Khan has taken off to Germany to shoot for Don 2. The actor is doing some macho stunts. Seen with a different look as compared to Don, King Khan is looking slicker in this sequel.
The actor will soon be accompanied by co-stars Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta and Kunal Kapoor in Berlin.
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Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Nov 4 2010, 12:11 PM
The Baadshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan aka SRK turned 45 on November yesterday and he is going stronger and stronger. Going on strong at 45 is no wonder when Dev Anand goes strong on 82. What one wonders is what makes Shah Rukh Khan Shah Rukh Khan. You might be making certain guesses.
Like an astrologer you may say, Shah Rukh Khan is Shah Rukh Khan as he was born under the highly and mightily lucky stars of November 2, 1965.
But there must be so many persons in the world born under the lucky stars of November 2, 1965, and they did not grow up to become Shah Rukh Khan.
You may say, the reason is his doing his high school from St Columbus High School in New Delhi.
So many boys did their high school from St Columbus High School in New Delhi. They did not become Shah Rukh Khan.
You may say, Shah Rukh Khan captained his school teams of football and hockey and played cricket.
There are boys who are far better sportsmen in their school and college, they did not become Shah Rukh Khan. Playing cricket made him own Kolkata Knights, but Shah Rukh Khan had become Shah Rukh Khan before owning an IPL team.
You may say, as a student he was good in electronics and biology.
Being good in electronics and biology makes a person an engineer, biologist or doctor. It does not make him a star.
You may say, Shah Rukh Khan is highly educated. He got a degree in mass communications from Jamiya Miliya Islamiya of Delhi.
A degree in mass communication qualifies a person to be a journalist. A scribe in old days rubbed pen on paper or struck fingers on the typewriter, now he works on the computer and internet. He does not dance before the camera.
You may say, Shah Rukh Khan worked on the stage with Barry John.
There are so many actors who work on the stage and spend their lives in Prithvi Theatres. They don’t become Shah Rukh Khan.
You may say, the great director Lekh Tandon saw the spark in him and gave him a role in the TV serial Dil Dariya.
Lekh Tandon gave breaks to many actors on the small screen, and they remained small on the small screen.
You may say, Shah Rukh Khan is a born lover boy. When he was 19 he saw a 14 year old girl called Gauri Chibba. It was love at first sight. Despite the difference of religion he got what he wanted.
If being lover boy is a qualification, all the Street Romeos would have turned into Shah Rukh Khans.
You may say, Yash Chopra had offered ‘Darr’ to Aamir Khan, but he refused. Shah Rukh Khan accepted it and became Shah Rukh Khan.
There is some weight in this view. By refusing ‘Darr’, Aamir Khan remained Aamir Khan. But the acceptance of ‘Darr’ by Shah Rukh does not explain entirely the phenomenon of Shah Rukh Khan becoming Shah Rukh Khan.
You may say, Shah Rukh Khan is Shah Rukh Khan as he owns a heritage 23,400 sq ft sea facing bungalow called Mannat.
In modern times also there are kings and princes living in heritage palaces, but they don’t enjoy Shah Rukh Khan like mass following.
You may say, Shah Rukh Khan owns six luxury imported cars, Pajero, BMW, Audi and Mercedes.
There are many rich men and women owning fleets of cars, but they are nowhere near Shah Rukh Khan.
If you say, Shah Rukh Khan became Shah Rukh Khan because he ran a restaurant in Darya Ganj, Delhi, you are near the point. Dilip Kumar became Dilip Kumar because he was a canteen manager. Akshay Kumar became Akshay Kumar as he was a cook.
If you say, Shah Rukh Khan became Shah Rukh Khan because his father ran a transport company, you have hit the bull’s eye. From his childhood Shah Rukh Khan learnt the art of going places. He has been going, going and going and reaching places. No wonder he went to Berlin to celebrate his birthday.
Now that what’s make Shahrukh Khan Shahrukh Khan…..
Posted by: IDOL Dec 1 2010, 01:22 AM
Prithwish Ganguly / DNAMonday, November 16, 2009 19:56 IST Email
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Mumbai: Rumour has it that Katrina Kaif is set to turn producer and the industry buzz is that the actor (said to have broken up with long-time boyfriend Salman Khan) wants to cast Shah Rukh in the lead opposite herself.
An informer reveals: "Katrina is taking keen interest in the finer points of film production and is meeting trade guys to get a better hang of how these things function. She has also spoken with producers she has worked with earlier about the nitty-gritty of producing a movie and it's obvious that she wants to produce her own movie at some point of time."
The source adds: "The industry has been gossiping that Salman and Kat parted ways some time back and though she's still friends with Sallu, her business venture won't include him. It seems she wants to make a romantic movie and cast Shah Rukh Khan in it -- opposite herself. Kat shares a friendly relationship with SRK these days and feels that when it comes to romance, SRK is the man for her. She'd also like to do a movie with Akshay, with whom she has got the most number of hits."
what katrina has broken up with salman? whn?
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Jan 3 2011, 03:15 PM
SRK shoots for Zor Ka Jhatka, briefly
Rachana Dubey, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, January 03, 2011First Published: 12:23 IST(3/1/2011)
Last Updated: 12:48 IST(3/1/2011)
All those who thought that Shah Rukh Khan would be away from Mumbai, shooting for his new reality show Zor Ka Jhatka on Imagine, the desi adaptation of Wipeout, in Argentina, for most part of the month, will be in for a surprise.
The actor will be shooting
very short duration at the actual action location, where all the other Wipeout shows so far have been shot. Khan, apparently, will watch the feed sent from the shoot to him in the city and he will shoot most of his portions sitting at a local studio in the city.
When asked, Nikhil Madhok of Imagine, confirms the news and says, “Shah Rukh will travel for a very short span there and shoot some portions of the show. As of now, we’ve not frozen his schedule because he has just shot a promo for us and he’s busy with his home production and it is really taxing on him. But he will definitely shoot a small portion of the show in Argentina.”
It’s said that the actual package or capsule that comes on air in the first week of February might make it seem as if Khan had been on the sets all the time, watching the 30 celebrity contestants perform their stunts, because his reactions and instructions to co-host Saumya Tandon will appear as if they were ‘spot on’.
Bring this up and Madhok says that the format of the show is such that he will have to travel to the Latin American location, but not for the entire spell of the shoot. “There are some portions, which will be shot live and some will be produced here. A bit of everything will be clubbed for every capsule. This is something that you’ll understand when you watch the show,” he adds, stating that Khan will be the connecting point between the viewer and the actual contest.
It is rumoured that the show will be run twice a week. Madhok denies this, saying, “It’s a Monday to Friday, prime time show. I can’t disclose the number of episodes, but it will be one of our biggest prime time properties this year.”
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Jan 4 2011, 02:39 PM
Shah Rukh Khan-Vishal Bhardwaj film on Chetan Bhagat's novel put on hold
Published: Tuesday, Jan 4, 2011, 10:34 IST
By Soumyadipta Banerjee | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA
Filmwallahs in Bollywood called it a classic case of passing the buck, when it comes to the latest development around the big screen adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s novel 2 States. The film, which created a buzz right from its announcement as it had actor Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj teaming up together for the first time, has apparently come to a halt even before anything concrete could take off around it.
“After the rights were bought over from the writer (Chetan), the initial crew finalised for it was Sajid Nadiadwala as the producer, Siddharth Anand as a director,and actors Priyanka Chopra and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles. Things changed thereafter,” says a source.
Saif Ali Khan and Siddharth Anand were replaced in the film. The new director Vishal Bhardwaj flew to Berlin to meet Shah Rukh and Priyanka Chopra for the film.
“Both were confirmed for the project. When Vishal started the process to take the film to the floors, there was a change in it again. This time, Shah Rukh wanted a fresh face instead of Priyanka,” reveals the source.
“We don’t know the details but Shah Rukh apparently wanted a fresh face. Though this may not be the case, but Priyanka was eventually replaced,” adds the source.
Now, it is learned that apparently Shah Rukh has developed cold feet about the project. “Shah Rukh is keen to make a film with Vishal, but the project has got delayed. He (Shah Rukh) is too busy with Ra.One and doesn’t have time to devote to any other movie right now. The project as of now is not taking off with Shah Rukh,” the source ends.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Mar 25 2011, 12:46 PM
Shah Rukh Khan to do Dhoom 5?
TNN | Mar 25, 2011, 12.00am IST
If King Khan ever has to work in the Dhoom franchise, it has to be Dhoom 5. And there is reason behind it...
Apparently there is a joke that goes amongst Shah Rukh Khan's close friend circle that if Shah Rukh Khan is ever approached to do Dhoom he will be game for it. But not so soon! Yash Raj will have to make another two installments to be able to reach him for taking forward their Dhoom franchise. If it ever has to happen, Shah Rukh Khan will act in Dhoom 5 .
Does that sound weird? But SRK has logic behind it. With every part, the makers of Dhoom have raised the bar and introduced a new villain who was a bigger star that the earlier part. It started with John Abraham. Then they got Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2 and now they have Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3 . So by the time they reach the fifth part and employ all the so-called superstars in their franchise, they would need the biggest superstar of them all to play the negative lead in Dhoom 5 . And that's when Shah Rukh Khan comes into picture!
No prizes for guessing who could be the villain in Dhoom 4 then!
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet May 11 2011, 02:24 PM
A Star As A Businessman
What value does Shah Rukh bring to his businesses?
Srikanth Srinivas
Steve Jobs has been called a ‘rock star’ CEO. So when we undertook this survey we looked around to see if there was a celebrity CEO who would not belong to the statistical sample, but to whom the term could be applied. We looked for someone who had the requisite skills for his business, the qualities that met the job specifications for being a CEO, possessed inspirational leadership capabilities, and had helped successfully launch new products and brands in a relatively untested market, besides having the hunger and passion for that work. After debating several names, we settled on one for this year: Shah Rukh Khan.
Khan tells a funny story about why he became an entrepreneur. He was visiting his aunt in London after the box office successes of two of his films in 1993, Baazigar and Darr, in both of which he played the bad guy. “My aunt spoke to me in Hyderabadi, telling me how proud she was of my fame,” Khan reminisces. “It was all very good, she said, but what she wanted to know was: when I was going to get a job?”
Today he has several: producer, brand ambassador, television personality and content producer, sports franchise owner and, of course, actor. Apart from the software side of the entertainment industry, he also is building a state-of-the-art post production facility — the hardware — that includes studios, sound stages and other equipment that his world, the entertainment industry, uses. In effect, he runs a conglomerate encompassing almost the full spread of the entertainment business, besides advertising films.
An Unusual CEO
Many entrepreneurs who became business tycoons were considered mad when they first started out. Besides, for a number of years now, Khan has been building a series of business ventures as a CEO/entrepreneur: from Dreamz Unlimited, his first less-than successful venture, to Red Chillies and Knight Rider Sports, which owns Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The stockmarket, which features heavily in the compilation of BW ’s survey, is a discounting mechanism. It looks at the future value and earnings that any business creates. In that spirit, it can be argued that the businesses Khan is running could create considerable value in what is now a relatively unstructured industry, where instinct, rather than economics, still drives most decisions. So, what kind of a CEO does that make Shah Rukh Khan?
Here’s what people look for in a CEO: a good understanding of the business, great people connect, and the ability to create a sustainable business and organisation, make quick decisions and take corrective action when appropriate. “My wife will tell you I am a terrible businessman,” says Khan. “She always complains I have no head for using money, and questions my business expenditure decisions.”
Karan Johar, well-known film-maker and Khan’s friend, has a different view. “Khan does not reflect the quintessential CEO in the sense that we understand modern business to have,” he says. “He has no organised calendar, nor does he run his meetings according to one. But three things set him apart: extraordinary connectivity to people, striking clarity of vision and great ambition. What he dreams of, he executes.”
Despite all that, Johar says, there is method to his madness. Khan is an information junkie. He does a tremendous amount of research, and puts everything down; the tables in his third-floor lounge-cum-office in Bandra overflow with papers he has written on the various business ideas he is thinking about, reflecting his eye for detail. Johar calls him “brilliantly sporadic”, adding that Khan probably could answer more questions about the IPL than its chief Lalit Modi could.
“I always wanted to be a professional sportsman. I told my mother that when I was 16. ‘What’s that?’ she wanted to know,” Khan says. “I want my kids to be in sports. I love that they have so many sporting interests, they look thin, wiry and underfed.” Before he bought KKR, Khan did dally with the idea of a professional soccer league (“I love soccer!” he says).
The Sport Of A King
It has also been said that one of the characteristics of a CEO/entrepreneur is he has to be both a coach and a player. There were just 50 days between buying KKR and the first match of the IPL, and Khan threw himself into the midst of it all frenetically. He knew who he wanted in his team, how they should look, and the colour of their uniforms.
“He came up with the team’s clarion call of Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo Re (will do, will fight, will win),” says Karuna Badwal, one of the members of his core team — the others are Sanjiv Chawla, who looks after the movie production business, and Blesson Oommen. “He even scripted the KKR music video, and the television commercials. The clarity on the look, feel and message was all his.”
“He knew where the business would make money, and focused on that,” says a former executive with one of Khan’s partners on KKR. “He was very clear, for instance, that money would come from gate receipts and fans, and focused on making it work for them, enriching fans’ experience.” But Khan, while acknowledging that his team is making some money, is more than a little saddened by KKR’s performance, particularly in the second IPL outing.
His choices of KKR’s partner brands were made with great care, despite the short time frame available. He chose those which fit in with the symbolism of being knights and the tenets of the KKR brand itself. “It is amazing that we accomplished all that in just 50 days,” says Badwal. “And we did it in a commercially viable way. In all that time, other teams were still signing up sponsors until the day before the first match began.” KKR’s success in that area, she says were testimony to her boss’s organisation skills and clarity about what he wanted. And, the idea of a soccer league? That’s just not dead yet.
Paying The Piper
A good sustainable business also needs to be scalable, and that needs money. Khan insists he will not borrow or raise debt. He does, however, have one resource that can always help him raise money when he needs it: the Khan brand. Both global and local brands swear by him, and many of them have associations that go back several years. He has been Tag Heuer’s brand ambassador for over seven years, and was also Pepsi’ s brand ambassador for several years.
“I am a multiple personality. When Khan the businessman needs money, he tells Khan the entertainer to go make some. It is that easy, really.” (BW Pic By Subhabrata Das)When asked about how he separated being a brand from being a businessman, he offers his own quirky model of financing. “I am actually a multiple personality,” he says. “When Khan the businessman needs money, he tells Khan the entertainer to go make some money, dancing at a wedding if need be. Or he asks the television personality to go host a show. It is that easy, really.”
Some say Khan cannot say no to his people, but he does not always agree. “It takes a long time before I get something started,” he says. “But I do not have any compunction in shutting it down if the losses go too far.” But not at the expense of people. Apparently, he finds it hard to cut salaries or workforce if his business is going through a bad patch. Even here, he has his own take on finances: “My mother told me never to cut my expenses, just increase my income.”
Investment bankers may not consider his to be the most efficient of models. “It is hard to separate Khan from his businesses,” says an investment banker. “I would invest in Shah Rukh Khan at a premium, but I would look at future earnings just as I would in any other company.” By that reckoning, could Khan’s value addition as CEO be minimal?
This year, when US investment weekly Barron’s identified Apple’s Steve Jobs as the most valuable CEO in the US (maybe the world), they also speculated about the change that Jobs’s departure would make to the company’s market capitalisation: a reduction of nearly 50 per cent, or roughly $20 billion. Khan’s appeal could be similar, but many remain sceptical.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Sep 8 2011, 02:46 PM
Schumacher to promote SRK's RA.One at Formula 1
New Delhi, September 07, 2011First Published: 14:44 IST(7/9/2011)
Last Updated: 15:46 IST(7/9/2011)Share more...4 Comments Email print
Shah Rukh Khan has become the king of promotions with his out of the box ideas. If the industry sources are to be believed, Michael Schumacher will drive a car carrying RA.One logo on it at the Formula 1 Airtel Grand Prix of India.
He has even invited pop icon Lady Gaga for the film's premiere and is trying to convince her to do a song for the film as well. SRK's production house Red Chillies Entertainment had tweeted, "Breaking News: Lady Gaga may attend RA.One premiere!"
Not to forget International pop singer Akon has recorded song Chammak Challo for the superhero flick which has already become a rage online.
He has also roped in technicians and special effects artists from Hollywood.
RA.One is SRK's most ambitious project and is being directed by Anubhav Sinha. The film also features Kareena Kapoor as the female lead and Arjun Rampal in a negative avatar. The film is scheduled for a Diwali release.
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Oct 4 2011, 12:21 PM
I am tired of comparisons: Shah Rukh Khan
SOUMITRA DASSOUMITRA DAS, TNN | Oct 4, 2011, 12.00AM IST
Shah Rukh Khan does not like being compared with either Bollywood legends or B-town rookies
FILM TALK "I've seen a lot of ups and downs and have not forgotten my early days in the industry, when a few of my films didn't do well. I used to travel in a bus in those days and the people who recognized me would criticize those films. I have come a long way and tasted success as an actor, but my kids would keep saying that I don't make films for them. So I decided to do something different for cinema itself and that's how Ra.One happened. After 20 years in the industry, the numbers game doesn't bother me. My passion for doing good cinema remains the same as before and I want everyone to do well. There's no rivalry with anyone."
SUPERHERO'S BUMPY RIDE "Five years ago, when we thought of Ra.One, there were genuine apprehensions about the huge expenses and many felt it would be difficult to recover the costs. But everyone was very supportive and I am glad that we went ahead with it. And let me clarify that the poster of the film hasn't been copied from anywhere."
PROMOTIONAL SPREE "Today, with so many platforms being available, it's important to promote a movie ahead of its release. Earlier, films would be released elsewhere the week after it was released in Mumbai. But today, it's about maximizing the profits in the first weekend and the era of films completing silver jubilees and golden jubilees is over. I will never shy away from promotional activities because I believe in letting my audience know what to expect from my films. Besides, promotions also draw a certain percentage of non-regular movie-goers to theatres."
NO COMPARISONS, PLEASE "I am sick and tired of being compared all the time! Just like it's not fair to compare me to a legend like Amitabh Bachchan, however flattering it may be, it's equally unfair to compare me to every second newcomer. Without sounding rude, I just want to say that in the last 20 years, I have done enough quality work to carve out my own identity."
ME, THE WORKAHOLIC "I've been so busy for the past one month that I have been sleeping at around 11 every morning after working non-stop in the night. Shooting for Don 2 has been physically exhausting. However, as an entertainer, all these things seem like a cakewalk when a film of yours does well. And once a film of mine is completed, my wife is among the first to watch it and give me her feedback."
MY KIDS, MY WORLD "I'm blessed to have such lovely children. I'll be happy if they study well and are happy in whatever they choose to do. Fame and money are secondary."
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Oct 5 2011, 02:48 PM
Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra- What's cooking?
Published: Saturday, Oct 1, 2011, 10:03 IST
By Soumyadipta Banerjee | Place: Mumbai | Agency: DNA
http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_shah-rukh-khan-and-priyanka-chopra-what-s-cooking_1593641
Alot has been said about how actors Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra are increasingly getting closer to each other.
There’s buzz now that the two stars have apparently become wary of talking to each other in public as the curiosity around them is growing by the day. But on Friday evening, pictures started going viral on Twitterand other online sites, which show their comfortable body language at a reality show on which they were slated to make an appearance.
Shah Rukh and Priyanka sat side-by-side and whispered into each other’s ears, as the paparazzi had a field day. Sources say, it was during this time that a couple of people surreptously switched on their mobile phone cameras and recorded the two share some laughs together.
Apparently, Shah Rukh and Priyanka were not even supposed to meet each other on these sets if sources are to be believed.
According to sources, the time given to Shah Rukh was 4 to 6pm, while Priyanka was to come in between 6 and 7pm. The way the schedules were planned out, sources say, Priyanka’s slot was supposed to start at least half an hour after SRK. Under normal circumstances, the two actors might not have met because they were on two different time slots. But that didn’t happen.
“Shah Rukh got late and informed through his staff that he wouldn’t be able to arrive before 7pm. When Priyanka learnt about it, she decided to wait till Shah Rukh came. The shoot also didn’t start as PC waited for Shah Rukh,” says a source.
Shah Rukh, who was in a hurry to go for an awards function later, decided to quickly wrap up the shoot,but apparently was not surprised to see Priyanka waiting, say sources.
“They shot their segments separately, but in-between spent some time together. Shah Rukh even asked the crew members to wait for sometime as he wanted to catch up with Priyanka before he left,” the source adds.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Nov 8 2011, 11:14 AM
November 4, 2011 |
You might not expect an Indian actor to get much attention strolling past the high-end stores on Rodeo Drive. Yet as the Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan turns the corner to walk into a Beverly Hills hotel on a recent Friday afternoon, Indian nationals materialize out of nowhere to point and stare. Eager onlookers pull out cameras and take photos with him. Even gaggles of white teenage girls gawk — they don't know Khan, but there are few men who could pull off a mod jacket and jet-black ponytail so convincingly.
Brad Pitt and Will Smith may have millions of fans around the world, but Khan — or SRK to the faithful — quantifies his groupies with a few added zeros. He is the biggest movie star you’ve never heard of. And perhaps the world’s biggest movie star, period. In a country of 1.2 billion where movies are a way of life, Khan delights fans with romance, comedy and action, sometimes all in the same movie. (This is Bollywood, after all.)
The actor had come to Los Angeles on a rare publicity trip to promote one of the most important releases of his career, “Ra.One,” which opened around the world and in a number of Southland theaters last week. With a budget estimated at $30 million, the film, directed by the veteran Anubhav Sinha, is touted as the most expensive project in Bollywood history.
“Ra.One” brackets a sweet father-son story around a splashy, effects-driven action tale about a video-game designer who finds the real and virtual worlds melding. Amid the latex and the lasers, there is also, needless to say, singing and dancing — think of it as a sort of Indian “Tron.”
“We're trying to Bollywoodize the superhero,” Khan, half-smiling, said of “Ra.One.” (The title is short for Random Access 1.0; if pronounced a certain way, it is also a pun on the Hindu demon Ravan.)
The results thus far have justified the investment. Reviews have been mixed, but “Ra.One’s” distributor estimates that the picture already had grossed more than it cost to make, taking in $35 million around the world in its first five days of release. It rang up $1.65 million in ticket sales the U.S., the distributor said; the film is currently playing in about 135 U.S. theaters.
Although Bollywood movies remain barely a niche in the West, they’re a billion-dollar business in Asia. It's a business propelled in part by sheer volume, with movies cranked out in the manner of the classic Hollywood-studio model. Khan himself has starred in more than 70 films.
Born to Muslim parents in modest circumstances in New Delhi, the actor arrived in Mumbai in 1991, and it didn't take him long to attract a following. Just one year later he costarred in a romantic drama titled “Deewana.” It became a hit, and he was off to the races.
“I was driving down a small lane in India recently, and I remembered that 20 years ago I was driving down the same lane, and I had maybe 10 or 20 dollars in my pocket,” said Khan, who is not above a little self-mythologizing. “I couldn't believe all that had happened to me. I feel lucky and even guilty to have this much.”
Although the actor, who is married with two children and who turned 46 earlier this week, cuts a figure that could appear next to any encyclopedia's entry for “movie star,” he maintains that the key to his fame is his accessibility. “I don't like the trappings of stardom,” he said. “I wear the shoes and the Dolce & Gabbana,” he said, pulling on his jacket, “because I’m told to. But I'm not trapped by it.”
Those who know him say Khan is right in at least a certain regard. Despite the fame and the wealth (his estimated net worth is more than half a billion dollars), he is willing to mingle with fans in a way that might be surprising to American A-listers, who are cosseted by handlers and bodyguards.
Khan seems to possess the Clintonian skill of making every person he addresses feel as if they're the most important person in his life at that moment, which is not easy to do when 1.2 billion people are involved.
“Shah Rukh has this ability to be the perfect combination of who he is and who the public wants him to be,” said Sinha. “And he can turn it on without even thinking about it, in a second.” Sinha recalls that during the production of “Ra.One” he had asked Khan to record a birthday video for Sinha’s son, who would celebrate without his father while the director worked on the film. The filmmaker expected the star to record a quick video greeting; instead Khan sang and danced for him for nearly four minutes.
Khan could have been a lot better known in the U.S.; he says he turned down the game show host part in “Slumdog Millionaire” that went to Anil Kapoor. “It's a very nice movie, but it's not an Indian movie,” Khan said of director Danny Boyle’s best picture Oscar winner. “We need a ‘Life Is Beautiful.’”
To ensure that happens, Khan has over the last few years struck up relationships with Hollywood film executives including 20th Century Fox’s Jim Gianopulos and Sony Pictures’ Amy Pascal, in the hope that they he could collaborate with them in a way that would bring together Indian talent and Hollywood know-how.
Khan said he has no desire to become a star in the U.S., although he is developing an East-meets-West-themed movie with “Taxi Driver” writer Paul Schrader.
Even after a grueling global press tour, Khan continues to work — he says he will relax on the flight back to India and then dive back in to several new projects. “Some people say ,‘Shah Rukh, you work so hard. Why don’t you sit back with a glass of red wine or go out on the terrace for a smoke?’ But that’s not me.”
And on cue, he gets up from the interview to catch a car to the airport, pausing to take a few pictures with fans as he leaves.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movi...bollywood.html
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Posted by: Sharmila-Sweet Apr 25 2012, 12:47 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KiS4io142c&feature=player_embedded&noredirect=1
MAKING OF MATRIX AD WITH SRK & JUHI
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