Shekhar Kapur to direct SRK

After having endorsed everything from colas to cellular services, consumer durables to biscuits, Shah Rukh Khan has bagged yet another huge endorsement deal. King Khan would be seen in an ad for Jet Airways to be directed by none other than internationally acclaimed film-maker Shekhar Kapur.

Kapur who just released his film Elizabeth-The Golden Age, is directing a tv commercial after a while. Part of the ad has been completed and the remaining would be shot once the actor and the director wrap up some of their other commitments.

Interestingly, Shah Rukh is also on the board of the airlines and hence was more than happy to endorse the airline service.

IndiaFM

In Praise of ... Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan may be the most famous actor you have never heard of. He barely registers in Hollywood, but wherever Bollywood is big - the subcontinent and other places with a large south Asian community, from Slough to New Jersey - "King Khan" is huge. Om Shanti Om is his latest film and it has just had the biggest opening week in Indian history, with cinemas putting on showings as early as 7.45am. Khan is the most popular actor in Bollywood - and, since Hindi cinema's global audience is larger than Hollywood's, that must make him the biggest actor in the world. It is a tribute to the tolerance of the world's biggest Hindu population that it should crown a Muslim actor king.

India's Tom Cruise, he is called, although, since he hosts that country's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, Khan could also be the Hindustani Chris Tarrant; as if the world needed another. His success is all the more remarkable for being so unlikely. For all its talk of being cinema for the ordinary man, Bollywood is a dynastic business. SRK was not born into it, but worked his way there. His very ordinariness has won over his audience, who see him almost like them, as has his on-screen cheekiness. It often seems as if he is winking at film goers, admitting his latest vehicle is no masterwork. That is certainly true of Om Shanti Om. No ordinary romance, it can best be described as boy-meets-girl-both-die-only-to-be-reincarnated-decades-later-and-get-together. Phew!

By: Guardian Unlimited | Guardian Newspapers

SRK, Farah visit Manoj Kumar

By now its general knowledge that Manoj Kumar aka Mr. Bharat raised an objection stating that he was very deeply hurt with his portrayal in the latest blockbuster Om Shanti Om. And rumors had it that he had demanded the said scene to be deleted from the film.

Needless to say that one cannot expect anything but the unexpected from the King Khan. The current status is that SRK and Farah Khan had called press conference to publicly apologize to Manoj Kumar. Meanwhile Mr. Bharat, it seems that, wanted SRK to call on him personally and lend his apology, which was not happening, all thanks to the King Khan’s choc-a-bloc schedules.

That’s when Yash ‘Mr Romance’ Chopra, himself decided to play the mediator between the two by calling Manoj Kumar on Tuesday night amidst his dinner and said that he wanted to drop by, without divulging any further details. Manoj Kumar’s joys knew no bounds when he saw SRK along with his better half, Gauri and Farah accompanying Yash Chopra! SRK soon played the ‘real-life’ Raj of DDLJ and in no time all of them were happy with the outcome of the family re-union!

In the meanwhile, Farah has gone on record to say that Manoj Kumar’s scenes won't be chopped off from Om Shanti Om.

As the dialogue from the film goes “Aakhir mein sab kuch thik hi ho jata hai…”

IndiaFM

It’s home, shanti, home!

All’s well that ends well. And there is no more hurt in veteran actor Manoj Kumar’s heart for the spoof on him in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om.

Kumar, who had objected to these scenes, was unrelenting when Farah and Shah Rukh Khan himself apologised to him publicly in a press conference.

He reportedly wanted SRK to call on him and bury the hatchet. This was not happening because of Shah Rukh’s hectic schedule and string of commitments. And a bitter Kumar expressed his disappointment over the entire issue in the press once again. But, peace was made.

Kumar tells the story: “Yash Chopra played the mediator. I got a call from Yash on Tuesday night at dinner time asking for my address. He said he was in the neighbourhood and wanted to drop by. He didn’t say who was with him. So when my wife opened the door, we were pleasantly surprised to to see Gauri and Shah Rukh Khan, and Farah Khan, with Yash. It felt like a family reunion. We didn’t discuss anything that was bygone. Everybody makes mistakes, but when you realise them, more than half your mistake is pardoned. I don’t hold any grudges against anyone.”

According to the actor who has waved the Indian tricolour more than any politician in the country, the conversation revolved around Shah Rukh’s parents and Kumar’s mother-in-law who were all freedom fighters.

“His father worked closely with my mother-in-law. Even Shah Rukh’s mother was known to us,” said Kumar. The Bollywood Badshah then reminded Mr Bharat (as Manoj Kumar was known) that years ago he wanted to take some pictures with him. “It never happened, though,” said Kumar. “But in the hour they spent with us, Shah Rukh and Gauri clicked pictures with us. It was nice meeting him. He touched my feet. He may be my son’s age but I have a brotherly feeling towards him.”

Some sections of the press have unkindly said that the ageing actor used the Om Shanti Om issue to gain unnecessary publicity for himself.

An aggrieved Kumar retorted, “At this age, publicity this doesn’t matter. What matters is respect from people. We have earned it. And I am glad Shah Rukh belongs to that generation which respects elders. God bless him.” He had one regret, however. “Gauri and Farah, who is pregnant, came to our house and we couldn’t give them any shagun. Never mind, just as our doors are open for Shah Rukh and Gauri, the doors of Mannat will be open to us. My wife and I can go there anytime. And we will not forget to carry the shagun .”

Afsana Ahmed, TNN

Kareena loves to 'seduce' SRK

Kareena Kapoor's ultimate dream is to do a romantic movie with Shah Rukh Khan. The actress can't seem to stop gushing over her favourite actor.

"Very frankly I did the Yeh mera dil song in Don because of Shah Rukh. My ultimate wish is to do a full-on love story with him," said the actress whose latest movie Jab We Met is a box-office hit.

"When Farhan Akhtar offered me the song I wondered if making a guest appearance was right for me. However, the temptation of doing a song with Shah Rukh got the better of me."

Kareena says she is glad she did the song. "It got me tremendous notice. My niece Samaira has become my biggest fan. She dances to the song. And the minute she sees me she starts singing Yeh mera dil pyar ka deewana," said the young Kapoor.

The actress, who is listening to new scripts every day, has given the go-ahead to only two new projects.

"I've decided I can't do run of the mill films any more. I've done enough films without conviction. And it shows in my performances. Unlike my sister Karisma who could look convincing in any role, I've to be convinced about the role."

Talk about her movie Omkara and Kareena's face brightens up.

"It's one film I'm truly proud of. I'm looking forward to working with Vishal Bharadwaj again. He's one of those rare directors who know how to tap into my potential. I need directors like Vishal and Imtiaz Ali of Jab We Met to come forward and give me a chance. That's why I've taken a long break to get my act together. I don't want to look back on my career with any regrets," she said.

Subash K Jha, IANS

"I am Salman Khan not Shah Rukh Khan." - Salman Khan

While shooting for Subhash Ghai's Yuvraj in Austria , Salman Khan was mistaken for Shah Rukh Khan by the locals. Although Salman was far from pleased, he kept his cool but only until Katrina Kaif teased him.

We were shooting for Subhash Ghai's Yuvraj in Austria . People would often look at Sallu and scream out Shah Rukh's name! says an insider. It happened first when we were shooting a scene outdoors and a group of European locals present to watch the shoot, started chanting Shah Rukh..Shah Rukh Shah Rukh as soon as Salman came to the sets. An amused Salman simply smiled back at them, he adds.

Several similar incidents followed. Our source reveals, The next day, at another place in the same city, Salman faced a similar situation when another set of girls went crazy shouting King Khan's name as soon as they saw Salman shooting. They were standing slightly away and one of the unit members had told them the biggest star of Bollywood was shooting there, the source continues.

His girlfriend Katrina even made fun of Sallu once. He was deeply embarrassed when Katrina (who stars opposite him in the film) poked fun at him in good humour. A grumbling Sallu then decided to concentrate on the shoot. But when the crowds didn't stop chanting SRK's name, he finally turned around and said, 'I am Salman Khan not Shah Rukh Khan.' Then he burst out laughing, says the source.

A friend of Salman adds, It wasn't as if he was annoyed or felt jealous about SRK's name being recited instead of his own. He reacted just to let people know the difference between the two Khans. Hill Road Media.

Rajiv Dutta, Indiatarget

SRK's nightmare!

Shah Rukh Khan is a troubled man. He’s haunted by a recurring nightmare. It begins at a cricket stadium where Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh seem to be frantically waving out at him. Then they start blowing kisses! The Pakistani cricketers frown as the game is held up and BCCI officials rush to evict the Bollywood Baadshah. “It’s not me they are blowing kisses at,” protests SRK and points to Deepika Padukone beside him. “It’s her!” Even as Dhoni and Yuvraj start doing somersaults across the ground, Khan is bundled into a waiting car and driven to the airport.

But Shah Rukh soon finds himself in a midair crisis as the flight to Mumbai wobbles violently and passengers reach for their oxygen masks. The reason is not bad weather but the pilot who’s left the cockpit and hangs around the star for tips on building a six-pack! As the aircraft continues to drop altitude dramatically, the passengers open the emergency exit and request him to jump out!

Khan lands safely on the lawn of his villa in Bandra. But his troubles are far from over. For, even before he could ask Gauri what’s for lunch, she sends him to buy a kilo each of beans and ladyfingers. Thus, Shah Rukh steps out of Mannat with a shopping bag. As he walks the street looking for beans and ladyfingers, there are many fingers pointing at him and people frowning at him for stooping down to walking the streets to promote his film!

A vegetable vendor shrugs his shoulders when Shah Rukh asks him the price of beans. “Why do you need beans?” asks the vendor. “You’re full of beans! I see you on TV, newspaper, advertisements - promoting your film!” Shah Rukh tries to ignore him and asks the price of ladyfingers. “It’s gone up,” says the vendor. “But it’s cheaper than what I paid to see your film at a multiplex! And why do you want to eat ladyfingers? Does that make one the sexiest man in Asia?”

Finally, Shah Rukh Khan is so fed up that he covers his face with his hand and walks back home. But that’s when his cell phone rings. It’s Manoj Kumar! “You’re imitating me again,” screams Mr Bharat. “Wasn’t it enough you made fun of me in your movie? Now you’re doing it in real life!”

That’s when Shah Rukh wakes up and heaves a sigh of relief.

Shubha Shetty Saha, dnaindia.com

Manoj Kumar might sue SRK

In spite of a public apology, Manoj Kumar says he has been humiliated enough to still consider a legal action against Shah Rukh Khan.

Despite the fact that SRK along with Farah Khan had publicly apologised to Manoj Kumar for having spoofed him in ‘Om Shanti Om’, the veteran actor is still seething with anger.

Kumar was upset with the production team for having shown him in a bad light and not even having been informed about it. However, SRK quickly threw a press conference to apologise and also promised to visit the actor, but according to Manoj Kumar he has not kept his promise.

“Shah Rukh announced that he will be visiting my place. But over the weekend, no one has come home, except some police
personnel, who had stationed themselves outside my house in case he comes.”

Manoj Kumar says he is not demanding a personal apology, “I am not here to beg for anything. If he has committed a crime, he should realise that he has to personally apologise to me. In my 50 years of work, I have never held a press conference or hired a PR person. I have been extremely tolerant, but if someone hits me below the belt, it is unpardonable.” “They have shown in the movie that I have been lathi charged at my premiere. Could Bombay police hit a known star in such a public place? It is like saying that anybody can be Shah Rukh Khan’s imposter and the real SRK can be lathi charged for trying to enter the premiere of his own movie. How can I accept such humiliation?” he says.

“I am not a man of litigation. But if there is no response from that side, I might take some action according to my solicitor’s advice,” Kumar adds.

Shah Rukh Khan was unavailable for comment.

DNAindia.com

SRK To Inaugurate World AIDS Day In India

Smita Thackeray is all set for her show on December 1 for the World AIDS day. She has an impressive list of performers this year. While Shah Rukh Khan will inaugurate the show, Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan will also be part of the event.

Smita Thackeray says, “Shah Rukh Khan will be inaugurating the show and Saif, Salman, Lara Dutta and Dia Mirza will be performing with other celebrities from the music industry. The show will have a special opening act choreographed by Shiamak Davar. I am sure everyone will love it.”
Speaking about getting various celebrities for the cause, she says, “It feels great and I am thankful to God that I am in a position where they have complete faith in me and my organisation, Mukti Foundation. They all want to do whatever little they can for a good cause. It is a big responsibility.”

Shah Rukh had performed in Smita's first show when his song `Chaiya chaiya' was a huge hit. This time he had a very busy schedule as he had also committed for one of his endorsements deals.

“But he was sweet enough to be a part of the show despite a packed schedule. He has always been there for me since my first show,” adds Smita.

Mumbaimirror

Shah Rukh 'ads' up to Dhoni

Shah Rukh Khan and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are not just superstars, but ‘shooting stars’ in their own rights. So, when both were shooting together for a commercial for Videocon at Yash Raj Studios on November 2, it was King Khan who guided Dhoni by providing acting tips to be at ease with the camera.

The ad shows both of these stars in role reversals, which means that SRK as a cricketer and Dhoni as an actor. During the start of the shoot, when Dhoni felt a bit uncomfortable before the camera, SRK waved his omnipresent magic wand and made him feel comfy and got through the shots with total perfection. In return, Dhoni shared some real great cricketing tips to SRK!

The ad has been conceptualized by Ogilvy and Mather, and is scheduled to go on air this week.

Image Courtesy: Mid-Day

Source: IndiaFM

The Making of Om Shanti Om : Book Review

I did so myself! The moment one flips through the pages and greedily tastes a sound byte here, a picture there and a quick read somewhere in the middle of the book, you know that it would be hard not to enjoy reading the book. The expectations level are at an all time high in these few minutes itself; something which is akin to watching a full length theatrical promo of a big Bollywood blockbuster film and anticipating it's arrival on the big screen soon!

Thankfully, all the high expectations are met in totality, hence making it truly a collector's delight which can be find a place in your book shelf at least for one lifetime. No pun intended!

Read More........

Shekhar Kapoor Loves 'Om Shanti OM, Wants To Work With SRK

India's truly International director, Shekhar Kapoor is presently in India and this time right after his latest, 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age'. Just to recall, Shekhar Kapoor made some memorable movies in Bollywood too. The list includes - 'Masoom', 'Mr. India', 'Bandit Queen' and his unfinished project, 'Time Machine', which he intends to revive.

The super talented director is presently in Goa, attending the IFFI (International Film Festival of India) 2007.

Interestingly, the latest movie that he has watched is Farah Khan's 'Om Shanti Om' and Shekhar thoroughly enjoyed the film. He told the media, "I laughed throughout the movie because the makers' laughed at the industry and also at themselves!"

Shekhar Kapoor also disclosed that he would definately like to work with Shah Rukh Khan and that they have been interacting regularly. The 'Elizabeth' director added that if and when they home in on a suitable subject, they intend to work together.

Abid, PlanetBollywood

SRK is the Reincarnation of an Actress......

...says,Walter Semkiw, an occupational medicine physician practising in San Francisco , in his book 'Born Again'

Real-life 'Om Shanti Om' for Shah Rukh?

For some dreams, one lifetime is not enough. So says Shah Rukh Khan in the movie, Om Shanti Om, in which he dies as a struggling junior artiste but reincarnates as a successful Bollywood superstar. In real life too, it may be a similar story, if an American doctor, who specialises in reincarnation research is to be believed.

Read More.......

King Khan to direct Chak De India sequel

For a change Shah Rukh will be following Aamir's footsteps. Aamir has already turned a director, and now Shah Rukh will be directing the sequel to Chak De India. It is rumoured SRK's directorial debut will not be produced by the Yashraj banner, but by SRK's company Red Chillies Entertainment. Apart from playing producer and director, SRK will also act in the film.

A source from the industry who's reputed to be close to SRK, mentioned, "The idea of making a sequel came to SRK after seeing the success of Chak De India at the box office. SRK will be meeting Yash Chopra to obtain the necessary consent. The sequel begins with SRK marrying one of the girls from the team. The film will also revolve around women's hockey. The shooting is to begin from the middle of the next year".

Buzz18

I'm A National Obsession : Shah Rukh Khan

Last week, a company sent its private jet for Shahrukh Khan, so he could grace its function. In the unlikely event of Khan needing confirmation of his regal status in the Indian Mindspace, the jet provides it at his doorstep. The upgradation in the mode of transport is a happy fallout of the success of his latest movie, Om Shanti Om. A success which made SRK exclaim to the world, "I'm priceless." The trouble is, though his recent statements make Khan sound like a case of acute megalomania, they are true.

It's doubtful if there is any other Indian actor who is so obsessed with pleasuring his viewers into submission—a unique relationship for a male star to cultivate with his audiences and not very unlike the one a prostitute with a reputation might have with her select clientele. Khan, more than any other male star in India, sees himself as an object, an image.

He was recently quoted saying, "I see myself as an employee of an image that's being created on screen. Shahrukh the celebrity is my boss. I would say that I am Shahrukh Khan's agent, secretary, celebrity manager. I work very hard to ensure he stays at the top." Clearly, Khan's is a world that begins and ends with himself. A hermetically sealed universe of one. As he said recently, "Love me or leave me." Why is no other kind of relationship possible with him? Because he is successful. So love him if you are smart. There are many who do in Bollywood and profit by it.

Khan himself is a smart cookie. It's not just the kind of the movies he masterminds, which are in themselves sentimental exercises in affected goodness and melodramatic self-sacrifice at the altar of friendship, love or hockey. They are meant to milk the tear glands and bring out the saint in the average upwardly mobile Indian, who in actual life, in all probability, does not care a hoot about such emotions, so long as he finishes first.

Khan is smart outside the studio floor as well. He is by far the most savvy media strategist in Bollywood. For the kind of omnipotent success Khan aims at, he knows that it's not enough that he sell his products. He needs to dominate the mindspace of the audience. It's a bit like wanting to be, well, God. Khan's efforts have paid off. As he observed last week, "I am a national obsession."

Bollywood is a fantasy factory. Its products do not seek to explain the world around you. Even in this age of high jinks and disintegrating distractions, art is still generally associated the world over with the need for the human being to have his life explained to him. Bollywood has gaily abdicated that function. The result is a freedom of sorts. Khan is aware of it: "Intellect and logic," he says in an interview, "should be left at the doorstep of filmmaking". And no movie in recent times has done it with more chutzpah than Om Shanti Om, which is a catch bag of all formulaic Bollywood themes, romance, revenge, jaw-dropping item numbers, dowry death, rebirth and happy ending.

Much of the movie's magic flies out like butterflies from the great floral eyes of the debutant heroine Deepika Padukone, whose incandescent retro-looks are a challenge to the forced, sexed-up mask that, say, a Sushmita Sen wears to pitch herself into the audience's libidinous affections.

Yet in scale and conception, the film is all Khan. His overreaching ambition, though, is disproportionate to his severe limitations as an actor. In a rare moment of humility, he once said he had only "three to five emotions" in his repertoire—and these rely entirely on the muscles around his mouth. The eyes express nearly nothing. This is a man who loves to talk, talk, talk. And he is ready to back it with his abs. The incredible thing is that whether curling his lips or crunching his abs, Khan has pulled it off.And so we keep talking about him. And so does he.

C.P.Surendran, outlookindia.com

SRK's Wedding Affair to Remember

SRK is in huge demand for anything and everything in the world - be it films, brand endorsements, product launches, events or performances at weddings.

And while audiences have accepted him in possibly every medium, his performances in weddings has found strange reactions from many. While some feel it’s too cheap for someone of the caliber of the King Khan to dance at anybody’s wedding, others are of the opinion that Shah Rukh will stoop to any levels for a good price.

But the Badshah has his own theory when it comes to performing at weddings. Also he blames media for their half knowledge in reporting since the general masses are of the opinion that Shah Rukh Khan starts dancing in the marriage mandap or on the way, which is far from the truth. The King breaks his silence and speaks at length about his views on the issue.

SRK has a lot of people coming up to him who want him to dance at their son or daughter’s wedding. But there is huge money attached to his performances since Shah Rukh has a huge dignity for labour. And the unbelievably steep price that he quotes has these very people returning with sad and disappointed faces.

But then again Shah Rukh never refuses an offer which he can’t resist. Just like anyone and everyone he puts his mouth where the moolah is. He believes that marriage is the most joyous occasion for a family and isn’t ashamed of being a part of such an occasion provided the monetary gain involved for him is worth it.

And the actor makes his point when he opines that he does not charge for his presence at a wedding but only if he is asked to perform at the venue.

Most don’t find his remuneration feasible but there are exceptions everywhere and industrialist Laxmi Mittal was one amongst them. Shah Rukh goes on to detail about his much talked-about performance at Laxmi Mittal’s daughter’s wedding ceremony. He agreed to it only due to his friendship with the Mittals and the fact that Mr. Mittal had everything arranged in Paris beforehand.

Khan didn’t perform at the wedding, as might be the usual perception, but at a venue close to the wedding. Arrangements were made for an auditorium that could house an audience of 3000 people. SRK even asked Mittal to bear the costs of a troop of dancers (around 100 of them) in addition to a production team and others for the performance. According to Shah Rukh his performance at Laxmi Mittal’s daughter’s wedding resembled the shooting of a song sequence for any big banner film.

Shah Rukh Khan also makes no bones of the fact that he has a list of do’s and don’ts when he agrees to perform at a wedding. As per his rulebook, the show should begin as per the schedule and none are allowed to enter the hall after the show starts. He does not wait for anyone except for the bride and the bridegroom. Moreover once the show has begun Shah Rukh expects everyone to be seated and does not like drinks and food being served during his performances.

Now this wouldn’t sound much different from a performance at an award function night or during a world tour, which is more than acceptable for his fans across the globe.

So then why should anyone have problems with him performing at weddings? Does it still sound that cheap?

IndiaTimesMovies

It was SRK all the way at IFFI opening

The Superstar takes a dig at the BCCI in his inaugural speech grin

Shah Rukh Khan was the cynosure of all eyes at the International Film Festival of India which kicked off in Goa on Friday.

The star was in his elements while taking a dig at his latest detractors, the BCCI. "I want to welcome everyone here," he started off, naming all the dignitaries on the stage and added, "I also want to make a special mention here of all those who play cricket. You see, when I go to watch cricket matches, they think I am promoting my films, so now that I am on a film platform, let me promote cricket," he said to spontaneous laughter from the audience.

SRK was clearly the big draw at what would otherwise have been a staid opening ceremony. "There are so many good filmmakers in the audience, and I wish they would cast me in their films. Of course I am a commercial actor who has sold his soul to flippant story-telling. Also this morning, they have declared me as the sexiest man in Asia, so there goes my last chance of doing serious cinema," he quipped.

Hours before the ceremony got underway, the locals had lined the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of Shah Rukh. I&B Minister Priya Ranjan Das Munshi, in his speech, was quick to remind the actor that it was "these ordinary people are the ones who make icons, and this festival owes allegiance to them".

The minister also said the government would soon convene a plenary session in Mumbai to form a draft policy on piracy.

The 10-day festival has over 200 films from 20 different countries. It kicked off with Romanian film Four Months, Three Weeks and Two Days. The fest will also have a Pakistani film — Khuda Ke Liye — for the first time.

Shilpa Jamkhandikar, dnaindia.com

Shah Rukh Khan inaugurates the 38th IFFI

The 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-07) got off to a flying start today at Goa. Noted film actor Shahrukh Khan inaugurated the Festival in the presence of Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri P. R. Dasmunsi and Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Digambar Kamat. The inaugural lamp was lit with the assistance of Priyamani, the rising star of south.

In his remarks, Shahrukh Khan said, “this premier event is a pride of the nation.” Recognizing the contribution of the ordinary man in raising the popularity of cinema, he said “let’s dedicate 38th IFFI to ordinary people.” Shah Rukh further said, “Cinema provides people independence from loneliness and a perceived bond with the celluloid characters. This enlivens the dreams and a course to look up to. Through the medium of cinema we try to reach out to others crossing cultural barriers.”

India Times Movies

Berlin Film Festival invites 'Om Shanti Om'

CNN-IBN's Entertainment Editor, Rajeev Masand, caught up with King Khan at the International Film Festival of India and quizzed him about everything from Om Shanti Om to being voted the sexiest man in Asia.

Rajeev Masand: You've been a cine freak all your life, so did you attend a lot of film festivals when you were in Delhi and when you were training to be an actor, during your growing up days?

Shah Rukh Khan: Yes, earlier in Delhi, there used to be a lot of international festivals and they used to be competitive. But I never attended as an invited guest. I used to be one of the ushers. The theatre groups used to give us between Rs 50 and Rs 100 for ushering people inside. This is the first time I have been invited to a film festival.

Rajeev Masand: Very few people know that your latest film, Om Shanti Om has been invited by the Berlin Film Festival. Are you going there in February?

Shah Rukh Khan: I don't have the details but yes, that is what our international film distributor said, that we have been invited.

Rajeev Masand: It's really interesting that a film festival like Berlin, which is meant to be a serious film festival, has invited a film that really celebrates the glory of mainstream masala film making. So is that sort of an indication that Bollywood is becoming immensely popular?

Shah Rukh Khan: Well, I think Om Shanti Om is a seriously funny film so there is a part seriousness there and so I think its okay to go to the Berlin Film Festival and showcase a film like it.

Rajeev Masand: The UK paper, The Eastern Eye, has voted you the sexiest Asian alive. Give me a final word on this.

Shah Rukh Khan: As hard as I am trying to be the chief guest of an international film festival and be serious, you declare me the sexiest Asian and make me look rather flippant again. Just when I thought I could be an actor, you've taken my chance of roles in serious cinema away again. I don't think it's amusing. I get very shy and embarrassed when someone calls me sexy.

Watch the video

IBN-Live

King Khan 'humbled' on being IFFI chief guest

Panaji (PTI): Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan on Friday said he felt "humbled" for being invited here as the chief guest to inaugurate the 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Khan said he wanted to "learn something" from the works of various critically acclaimed filmmakers participating in the 10-day film extravaganza.

"I am very humbled to be here as chief guest. However, I don't think I have reached that high a position in my life to be eligible for such a huge honour. I would prefer to learn something from the distinguished guests who have come from various parts of the world to showcase their works," Khan told reporters before the inauguration of the IFFI.

The 40-year-old actor said there was a still long way to go in his career, which started in early 1990s, and wanted to work harder to get more success.

"My earlier successes are now behind me and even the recent ones like 'Chak De! India' and 'Om Shanti Om' (which has already crossed one million pound mark in UK and still drawing audiences).

I have lived with my characters like Kabir Khan in Chak De! and Om Prakash Makhija in Om Shanti Om and enjoyed them. But now time has come to work on a new character and portray it successfully," Khan said.

The Hindu

Shah Rukh Khan : The Lord of 2007

It will take more than the combined might of a Hollywood studio and one of India’s most successful directors of date to dislodge SRK from his throne.

So, who’s the king of the castle?

In Bollywood, there’s no formal crowing, no oohs of mock surprise, no clasping of hand-on-mouth for that perfect byte. Everyone knows that 2007 has been, unarguably, Shah Rukh Khan’s year.

This year’s double Diwali dhamaka has turned into almost-universal thumbs-up for SRK’s Om Shanti Om, and almost equal derision for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya. Post that crucial first weekend, trade figures have pegged the former, a 70’s joyride through Bollywood, a clear winner, both in India and overseas (Om Shanti Om is reported to have made more than £5 million pounds in the UK, while Saawariya has barely managed a little over £16,000; in the US too, the former is way ahead in the box-office stakes).

Though it will take another week or so to really get the figures down in India, the clash of the titans has made a couple of things clear. It will take more than the combined might of a Hollywood studio and one of India’s most successful directors of date (Sony Pix and SLB) to dislodge SRK from his throne. And that nothing succeeds like success: India is still going rah-rah after the splendid showing of Chak De: audiences are still in like-mode with the story of a dispossessed hockey coach who whips an unlikely team into a winning machine. SRK will have to do something seriously wrong to start sliding from here on.

In retrospect, it’s very easy to go on a blame-game round, but it was evident from the opening Friday that a light-hearted spoof on all things Bollywood, drawing an arc of 30 years, was a better festive offering, than a relentless black-and-blue-tinted ode to Bhansali’s favourite filmmakers, inspired by a Dostoevsky short story White Nights. Saawariya is more a series of still paintings than a film, gorgeous but which leave you unmoved. You admire the handiwork of the cinematographers and the set designers, but nothing about the plight of the young lovers engages you.

Fun and flashback

In comparison, Farah Khan’s revisiting the 70s’ era of polka-dotted shirts, big collars, bigger hair, and long sideburns is a lark. At least in the first half. So you can sit there, and be transported back to the high melodrama of that time, where filmy moms would feed aloo parathas and kheer to their beloved betas, and know in their dil that their sons will make it big. The second half is unexciting, but it is still possible to coast on some leftover fun-and-games. And like Saawariya’s brand-new lead pair, Ranbir Raj and Sonam, which has been appreciated, OSO’s debutant leading lady, Deepika, has gained huge mileage.

The part of the movie-making chain which will hurt from Saawariya’s performance will be some of its distributors (the producers, Sony Pix, have already made a table profit, before the movie hit the screens). The distributors of OSO, Eros International, who reportedly paid upwards of Rs 70 crore for the film, are crowing about how OSO will be the biggest movie for them this year, even better than Partner, the other comedy which viewers embraced with enthusiasm earlier this year.

So, SRK it is.

King Khan clearly lords it… as 2007’s Hero no.1

(Excerpts)
Shubhra Gupta, Business Line India

SRK is the 'Sexiest Asian' Man in the World

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has emerged as the Sexiest Asian man in the world in 2007, according to a list published by a weekly newspaper here.

Eastern Eye, a leading British-Asian paper, says last year's winner Abhishek Bachchan was relegated to the fourth position this year. Hrithik Roshan came second followed by John Abraham.

It is the first time the 42-year-old actor has topped the list in its three-year history. The first-ever winner was Abraham.

The top ten were: 1) Shah Rukh Khan, 2) Hrithik Roshan, 3) John Abraham, 4) Abhishek Bhachchan, 5) Upen Patel, 6) Aamir Khan, 7) Salman Khan, 8) Ali Zafar, 9) Jay Sean and 10) Saif Ali Khan.

British Asians on the list include Patel, Jay Sean, cricketer Mark Ramprakash (13) and footballer Michael Chopra (25).

On being named the sexiest man on the planet, Khan told Eastern eye, "Me, really? Thanks. I feel too sexy to talk to anyone now!

"I never thought I would be called a sexy guy or be put into that category. It's only because I carry myself the way I am comfortable - that is what is sexy, I think?"

Hamant Varma, editor of Eastern eye and founder of Sexiest Asian Men list and Sexiest Asian Women List said: "Shah Rukh Khan is the complete package, good actor, good dancer, good looking and a showman. He is a great ambassador for India."

DNAindia.com

"Shah Rukh most welcome," says BCCI Vice President

...who had threatened not to watch cricket matches after being accused of using the sport as a platform to promote his films, the BCCI today said the actor was "most welcome" to the stadiums.

"He (Shahrukh) can come to watch matches. He is most welcome. We have no objection to him being present at the cricket stadiums," BCCI Vice President Lalit Modi told reporters here today.


"If (former Pakistan captain-turned-commentator) Rameez Raja asked him a question about his movie what could Shahrukh do? He had to answer," Modi added.


Modi was reacting after Khan yesterday hit back at BCCI Chief Administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty's comments that cricket matches were being used by stars to promote films after the actor was seen talking to cricketers during Jaipur ODI.


Khan said he was sad and disappointed over the remarks by Shetty and "may be won't go to watch cricket matches in future if it has not gone well with the BCCI".


"It will be strange if film actors do not talk about films," he said. (Agencies)

ChennaiOnline.com

Boorish Cricket Control for India humiliate Shah Rukh

Shame on BCCI (Board of Cricket Control for India) for its reaction to SRK watching recent matches.

In chess, the king and the pawn go into the same box after the game. But in cricket, King Khan and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wouldn’t even watch a match sitting in the same box.

Why else should the Bollywood superstar find himself at the centre of a controversy after a senior board official reportedly accused him of attending matches merely to “promote” his films? Media reports speak of the BCCI’s Ratnakar Shetty taking offence to Mr Khan’s latest film Om Shanti Om being discussed during a chat with TV commentator Rameez Raja at the Jaipur ODI between India and Pakistan. Surely, Mr Khan couldn’t have been expected to refuse to answer questions just because it happened to be a ‘much bigger platform’ than a private TV station?

Starting with the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa early this year, Mr Khan has been a regular at several cricket matches involving Team India. He even celebrated on field with the men in blue after India’s famous victory against Australia. So much so that many commentators consider him India’s lucky mascot, as the team invariably wins every time he cheers it on. So it’s very unfortunate that the BCCI should have involved him in this needless flap.

The richest cricket board on the planet obviously takes itself too seriously, the way it is so finicky about who watches matches. There is no other plausible reason for such exaggerated jitters about someone — who also happens to be a celebrity — with a ticket sitting in the stands.

In any case, if the board is so allergic to famous personalities sitting in the gallery, why does it look the other way when infamous ones like, say, the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, watch India-Pakistan matches abroad?

Hindustan Times

Shah Rukh to inaugurate IFFI 2007

After much debate and discussion, SRK has also finally agreed to participate and be the chief guest for the inaugural function of the 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which is to be held in Goa on November 23.

This decision was announced on Wednesday by the Information and Broadcast ministry. Actor Mamooty will be amongst those attending the inaugural function alongwith actresses Ramya Krishna, Mira Jasmine, and also Lenin Rajendran. Celebrated filmmaker Buddhadeb Dasgupta will be chief guest of the closing ceremony.

4 Months 3 Weeks 2 Days, a film by the Romanian film maker Cristian Mungiun, which had been awarded at the Cannes festival this year, will be the opening film at Goa. There are big speculations about Amitabh Bachchan’s film, The Last Lear to be premiered during the fest.

In all, 21 feature and 15 non-feature films have been short-listed for the Indian panorama by the jury.

IndiaFM

'Khan' or 'My Name Is Khan' ?

So what is Karan Johar’s next venture called? Is it KING KHAN? Or is it KHAN? Or has it been re-titled MY NAME IS KHAN? Reports in the media suggest it’s called MY NAME IS KHAN. In fact, Karan is breaking away from the ‘K’ factor this time [all his films start with the alphabet ‘K’].

“I haven’t zeroed on any title yet,” Karan confides, “It could be MY NAME IS KHAN or just KHAN. But it’s not KING KHAN. Where did that one come from?” Reportedly, the film is based on terrorism. “It’s not! That’s another rumour. There’s no terrorism angle in my film. Yes, there’s a mention of the 9/11 episode, but nothing beyond that,” he clears the air.

The film has been delayed slightly. It was expected to start before the year came to a close, but will now roll in second quarter of 2008 and will hit the screens in April 2009. And yes, the film teams the golden combo – SRK and Kajol – after a hiatus. “I can’t confirm on Kajol’s presence till I talk to her. I’ve shifted my film ahead and need to sit with her on the fresh dates,” Karan reveals.

Meanwhile, Karan has started work on the animation version of KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, called KOOCHIE KOOCHIE HOTA HAI. Also, the Tarun Mansukhani-directed film, starring Abhishek, Priyanka and John, is expected to roll shortly.

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

Om Shanti Om is the biggest opening week grosser in history of Indian cinema

The film opened to rave reviews and advance bookings on the 9th November and has since grossed over US$19mn worldwide in its first week making it the most successful opening in Indian cinema history.

Eros International, the leading integrated company within the Indian media & entertainment sector announces an unprecedented opening of Shah Rukh Khan’s Om Shanti Om, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Farah Khan. The film opened to rave reviews and advance bookings on the 9th November and has since grossed over US$19mn worldwide in its first week making it the most successful opening in Indian cinema history.

Read More......

Shah Rukh in Catch - 22 over Film Festival

If the Federation of Western India Cine Employees has its way, Shah Rukh Khan may not be present at the inaugural function of the film festival in Goa on November 23.

The federation workers are smarting over what they refer to as the "insulting attitude" of the I&B ministry by not inviting its office bearers.

"We cannot tolerate this insult to our leaders and workers and have decided to boycott the event. We have written to Shah Rukh Khan requesting him to stay away from the function," said Dinesh Chaturvedi, general secretary of the federation.

Industry sources say this could put the actor in an awkward position. "If he backs out, he may invite the ministry's ire and if he ignores the federation's wishes, he is bound to face an industry boycott," said a senior film producer.

Shah Rukh was not available for comment but his secretary confirmed he had got the federation letter by fax.

DNAindia.com

"God has given me enough. I don't crave publicity," SRK

...after a senior Cricket Board official alluded that cricket matches were being used by stars to promote films but the superstar hit back saying he does not have to depend on other's platforms to push his films.

Khan said he was sad and disappointed over the remarks by Ratnakar Shetty that use of the platform of cricket for promoting films by stars is "slightly debatable" in the wake of his latest film Om Shanti Om coming up for discussion during a chat with TV commentator Rameez Raja at the recent Jaipur ODI cricket match between India and Pakistan.

Read More......

SRK upset with BCCI official's comment

Shah Rukh Khan and controversies seem to be going hand in hand off late. After the Manoj Kumar episode, it is now the BCCI, who did not take SRK’s appearance for cricket matches in ‘the right sense’.

The senior Cricket board officials commented that stars are using cricket matches to promote films. However, the superstar hits back saying that he does not have to depend on other's platforms to push his films. He was upset over the annotations made by Ratnakar Shetty that use of the platform of cricket for promoting films by celebrities is "slightly debatable" in the wake of his latest film, Om Shanti Om as it came up for discussion during a chat with TV commentator, Rameez Raja at the recent Jaipur ODI cricket match between India and Pakistan.

SRK further added that he went to watch the match as a sports lover. It is because his children are fans of Sachin, Dhoni, and Sourav. Meanwhile BCCI Vice President, Rajiv Shukla said that the Board has no objection to SRK or any other celebrity coming to watch the matches.

Shah Rukh has been appearing in matches connecting the Indian team. He was present to cheer the team at the final of the Twenty 20 World Cup in South Africa and also at the Twenty20 match against Australia in Mumbai, where Deepika Padukone, his co-star in Om Shanti Om was also present.

IndiaFM

Amitabh and Shah Rukh Khan bonded well on the sets of Bhootnath

Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan hit it off well on the sets of Bhootnath. They would be often seen together, playing cards, etc.

A source from the sets says, "Big B and SRK spent a lot of time on the sets, playing card games in between their shots. They bonded really well on the sets."

When contacted Vivek Sharma, director of Bhoothnath, confirmed, "It was a sight to watch SRK and Big B together. The two had fun over games and general conversations.

There were several occasions when SRK dropped by on the sets even when he was not shooting. Big B showed interest in everything ranging from SRK's pony tail to his six- pack abs.

They would often play an interesting game called Trivial Pursuit." Not just that, SRK gifted AB many DVDs of latest video games available.

Vivek adds, "The two competing teams comprised Big B and I, and Raviji (Ravi Chopra) and Juhi Chawla respectively.

SRK would be the official quizmaster. We discovered that Big B's general knowledge is really good, he knew answers to almost every question."

Rajiv Dutta, IndiaTarget

The Making of Om Shanti Om Book will be Launced in Mumbai Today

"I feel every day with Shah Rukh is a discovery," says the screenplay writer of Om Shanti Om, Mushtaq Shiekh whose book ‘Making of Om Shanti Om’ will be launched amidst grand fanfare in Mumbai today.

Having known SRK for the last 12 years as a journalist, friend, biographer (his book ‘Still Reading Khan’ is a detailed account of Khan’s personality and life) and now as a close associate, Shiekh feels, "if Shah Rukh trusts, then he trusts completely." Shiekh has earlier written ‘Asoka the Book’ and ‘Devdas-The Indian Hamlet’ besides penning several top telly soaps.

Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om is busy tickling a sense of déjà vu amongst audiences worldwide. This ode to seventies embellished with colors of life and rocking superstar six pack abs has had a pied piper effect. How have you tried to chronicle such a film as this? "Those who’ve liked OSO will like the book. There are lots of glamorous photographs taken by a German photographer Jochen Mang. There are a lot of on location shots, candid shots. It’s a very in your face book. There’s a circus happening, Bollywood ishtyle. It’s a handy book. It is not as heavy as ‘Still Reading Khan’. You can take it to bed," says Shiekh.

They who may be unaware, Mushtaq played a cameo in OSO as the street urchin who gives ‘Om Makhija’ (name of SRK’s character in OSO) a piece of his mind. Also you couldn’t have missed him dancing-n-sauntering his way into the camera as the end credits rolled in. “I’ve got an unbelievable response for my cameo. Rekhaji said I was sensational. After this I can retire as an actor,” Mushtaq chuckles. What according to you is the reason for the tremendous success of Om Shanti Om? “I think it’s the magic of unadulterated entertainment. If it puts pudding on your face, it says so. It has an unapologetic outlook. Full blown entertainment never fails.”

The audience response was expected, but were you guys anticipating fantastic reviews from cinema critics? “I have always said why make a critic to be an alien. OSO just proves how cinematic brilliance can be appreciated both by the audience as well as the critics,” Shiekh signs off.

‘The Making of Om Shanti Om’ has been published by Om Books International and is priced at Rs 695/- It will be formally launched at a gala event with the OSO team celebrating in style. It goes without saying that the who’s who of Bollywood would be present at Badshah’s Bash. Do check out the exclusive video and images from this happening event tomorrow on IndiaFM.

IndiaFM

Om Shnati Om Continues its Blockbuster Overseas Run

Farah Khan's OM SHANTI OM continues its record-breaking overseas run, even during the second weekend.

After resetting the first weekend Bollywood record in the US, the film moves on to an astonishing $2,892,773 in just ten days and is now certain to dethrone the top grosser KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA's (2006) $3,275,444. Interesting to note that both the movies have one thing in common, Shah Rukh Khan.

Moving on to UK, OM SHANTI OM is now the top UK grosser of 2007, with $1,997,013. It has moved past the previous record holder, NAMASTEY LONDON's $1,730,000 (approx).

The movie that released with OM SHANTI OM, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ranbir, Sonam, Salman (special appearance) and Rani starrer SAAWARIYA is now way behind, mainly due to a heavy fall in collections. SAAWARIYA has so far grossed $805,054 in the US and $554,271 in the UK.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Saawariya team to attend the Om Shanti Om Book Launch Party tonight

After the success of Om Shanti Om, the film’s cast and crew will be present to launch a book, The making of Om Shanti Om tonight.

The book launch will be followed by a party to celebrate the film’s success. Interestingly, Farah Khan has also invited the entire cast and crew of Saawariya. Given the fact that Saawariya clashed with OSO at the box office, it remains to be seen if Team Saawariya will attend the event.

Mushtaq Sheikh, the co-writer of OSO and also the book says, “I have called all my friends. I want them all to be a part of my celebrations.”

Team Saawariya
When asked that there are reports that he has also called the entire Saawariya team, he refused to confirm the news.

However, a source says, “They have surely invited the Saawariya team. Despite rumours that things are not so well between SRK and Bhansali, the actor has always mentioned that Bhansali has given him one of his biggest hits, Devdas. However, it will be interesting to see if Bhansali comes to the event.”

MumbaiMirror.com

SRK the Best Anchor for Kaun Banega Crorepati

Indian Telly Awards 2007 held amidst telly stars... 7th Indian Telly Awards 2007 was held on 16th November, 2007 at Chitrakoot Grounds, Andheri in Mumbai.

Shah Rukh Khan was announced the Best Anchor for Kaun Banega Crorepati but he was missing to receive the award. Viewers can watch the award ceremony on Sony Entertainment Television on 2 December at 8 pm.

Kkomal Seth & Gautam Seth, smashhits.com

BCCI upset with Shah Rukh Khan

The presence of the reigning superstar of Hindi film industry, ShahRukh Khan at cricket matches in recent times has attracted a lot of attention.

But the organisers of the games, BCCI has not taken too kindly to SRK's constant presence. Shah Rukh was also present at the final of the T20 World Championship and even went onto the field to congratulate the Indian team.

He was also present at the one-off T20 match between India and Australia at the Cricket Club of India (CCI). Quite a few officials are unhappy, claiming the leading man of Hindi cinema is using the platform provided by the matches to promote his latest flick, Om Shanti Om.

"This is a much bigger platform than being on a private television station. A match is watched by the entire country, there is no better way to create recall value. We have to be understand that," said an angry official.

In particular SRK's interview to the host broadcaster during the fifth and final ODI in Jaipur has raised the heckles. Interestingly, during the interview SRK spoke about his latest film. Board secretary Niranjan Shah refused to comment on the matter when contacted by TOI.

There has also been talk of SRK possibly buying a franchise in the soon-to-be launched Indian Premier League (IPL). But the board officials dismiss this as mere speculation.

India Times Cricket

Shah Rukh Wins V Shantaram Award

Come January and the season of Award functions start in Bollywood, for acknowledging all the work done in the calendar year gone by. However, there are some award functions which believe in being ‘the early bird’.

One such award function is the V Shantaram Awards, which was held over the weekend in Mumbai. All the films which were released from September 2006 to August 2007 were entitled for the nominations and needless to say, when it comes to Award Functions Shah Rukh Khan does hog the limelight, as was the case here also.

Shah Rukh bagged the award for Best Actor for his powerful portrayal of hockey coach, Kabir Khan, in Yash Raj Film’s Chak De India. The movie also bagged the awards for Best Film (Gold) and director Shimit Amin bagged two awards for Best Director (Silver) and Best Editing.

Some other prominent winners included Guru which bagged awards for Best Music, Best Cinematography and Best Director while last year’s blockbuster Lage Raho Munnabhai also fetched three awards for Best Supporting Actor, Best Story and Best Screenplay.

IndiaFM.com
_____________________________________________________________________

Shah Rukh Khan had two releases this year, Chak De: India and Om Shanti Om and both rocked the box office. It is now time for him to start collecting the awards that must inevitably come his way.

He was conferred the V Shantaram Best Actor award for the film Chak De: India yesterday.

Instituted in the memory of eponymous filmmaker whose illustrious career spanned six decades the awards are unique because they span the entire spectrum of filmmaking in India, instead of being limited to Bollywood films.

Films released in the time period September 2006 to August 2007 were considered for the awards, which means Shah Rukh Khan could win a nomination next year too for the Om Shanti Om which was released November 9.

"Its great. The credit should go to Shimit, Jaideep and the lovely 16 girls," Shah Rukh told the media.

The film Chak De won two additional awards which went to Shimit Amin for Best Director Silver and editing and Yash Raj Films for the Best Film Gold.

Bollywood presence at the awards was restricted to Shah Rukh and Yash Chopra.

SawfNews.com

Shah Rukh, Sushmita team up for romantic comedy

Mumbai, Nov 19 - After 'Main Hoon Na' the unanimous opinion was Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen made a sizzling pair. They are coming together once again in 'Dulha Mil Gaya'.

'Shah Rukh and I are getting together again in 'Dulha Mil Gaya', though Shah Rukh only makes a guest appearance in the film,' Sushmita told IANS.

The superstar makes a special appearance opposite Sushmita.

'That's been organized completely by producer Viveck Vaswani. It has got nothing to do with me. It's a romantic comedy.

'The actually reason I'm doing it is the director Mudassar Aziz. He wrote the songs of 'Zindaggi Rocks'. I feel he has tremendous potential. When I heard the script I just fell for it. I guess I'm an emotional sucker,' she added.

This is not for the first time that the actress is working with a debutant director.

'I have become the first-film queen. Look at the number of times I have worked with debutant directors. However, let me add Mudassar's script is outstanding.'

In addition, Sushmita has agreed to do another film with comedy king David Dhawan.

'That's been in the offing for a while. He has to finish his two current films. Then we are on. David is someone I can never say no to.'

This is her third film with Salman Khan-Dhawan team after super hits 'Biwi No. 1' and 'Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya?'

'I love working with him. We have such a beautiful equation. He's one hero who doesn't let me feel my height. On the contrary whenever I kick off my high heels he asks me to put them on. It's not hard to see why he's so loved.'

Subash K Jha, Earthtimes.org

Shah Rukh in Jaipur ODI, likely to discuss IPL bid with Modi

JAIPUR: He may have played a hockey coach in Chak De India but cricket seems closer to the heart of Shah Rukh Khan, who made a guest appearance in the fifth and final India-Pakistan ODI in Jaipur on Sunday.

The actor is reportedly interested in buying a franchise in the Indian Premier League, which would make him owner of a Twenty20 side, and incidentally, Modi is the Chairman of the IPL Governing Council.

Though here he was just to watch the match, Shah Rukh is likely to discuss the issue with Modi.

"Well, he is interested in buying a team in the IPL. So even if he discusses the issue with Modi, there is nothing unusual about it," an RCA official said.

Attired in white shirt and black trousers and sporting a ponytail, the actor joined Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) President Lalit Modi to share his views on the match to anchor Rameez Raja.

"It's great to see the camaraderie between the players. They are talking to each other and enjoying the game, it feels good," the actor said.

TimesOfIndia

Shah Rukh Khan : Bollywood's Biggest Boy

One year. Two movies. Three, if you count a special appearance. And the crores haven’t stopped adding up. He’s never had a godfather in the industry. He has successfully stepped into the shoes of India’s biggest superstar, while the gossip mills have gone into overdrive about their rivalry. He has led a team of Indian women hockey players to such a convincing onscreen victory ( Chak De! India ) that the government has had to sit up and take notice.

Three months later, he won over the hottest young thing on the screen today, and set the box-office ablaze with Om Shanti Om . Somewhere in between, he also balle balled to Dil Da Mamla for buddy Sajid’s debut film. Can Shah Rukh Khan be anything but the betaaj badshah of Bollywood. “Conviction, honesty and commitment — Shah Rukh has them all,” says movie critic Indu Mirani. “Whatever role he chooses to play, he gives it his all. That’s what makes SRK so special,” she adds.

“Overseas, he’s a lottery. In the multiplexes, he’s an entertainer... Though the majority of SRK’s big banner films don’t work in the interiors, he still manages to command mass appeal,” says Delhi distributor Sanjay Mehta.

Director’s cut - “His personality and charisma can light up a room and, more often than not, he has the audience eating out of his hand. Yet, Shah Rukh is humble as well as meticulous,” says Chak De ! India director Shimit Amin. “Having done theatre, TV and offbeat films, his range of roles is ever expanding. And every time he’s giving a shot, it’s evident that he’s done his homework.” No wonder he tops the class this year, every year.

Anubha Sawhney, TimesOfIndia

Protests Outside SRK's Home

Shiv Sena activists on Sunday raised slogans against film actor Shahrukh Khan for insulting yesteryear's actor Manoj Kumar in his film "Om Shanti Om".

They raised slogans outside Khan's house in Bandra and demanded that the offensive sequence in the film be deleted.

Earlier, Kumar's lawyer had said the veteran actor was contemplating legal action against the makers of "Om Shanti Om", as he was angry over a sequence in the film in which he has been shown being thrashed by policemen outside a theatre.

However, later Khan, who is the co-producer of the film, apologised to the actor and movie director Farah Khan offered to delete the offending scene.

DNAindia.com

King Khan to witness final India-Pakistan ODI

Team India's lucky mascot will play cheer leader.

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan arrived late last night to witness the final One-Day International cricket match between Indian and Pakistan.

He along with his son Aryan arrived here to watch the final match between the arch rivals.

Khan also went to meet chief minister Vasundhara Raje and had dinner with her.

IndiatimesCricket.com

King Khan's 'Om Shanti Om' scores

When "Om Shanti Om" star Shah Rukh Khan vowed that his film would open bigger than rival "Saawariya" during the Hindu holiday of Diwali, many Bollywood fans thought he was just talking smack.
"Diwali is all mine," the Bollywood star -- nicknamed King Khan -- boasted at a Nov. 8 event in Mumbai.

" 'Saawariya' may be a wonderful film, but I have not been sitting on my hands these past 17 years," he said, reminding listeners that his films took the top spot at the B.O. during prior Diwali weekends.

And when the numbers were tallied, Khan was proved right.

His Eros Intl. release took the top berth at the overseas box office last weekend with $17 million -- beating Sony's "Saawariya," which collected $15.5 million, and even topping Tom Cruise's "Lions for Lambs," which came in third with $10.3 million.

Shalini Dore, Variety.Com

OSO Enters Record Books Netting Over 40-crores

The first week results of the 'Diwali' battle are out, and it is game, set and match to Farah Khan's OM SHANTI OM. During its astonishing seven day record-breaking run in India, the Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Shreyas Talpade and Arjun Rampal starrer netted over 40-crores.

OM SHANTI OM has broken many individual records, including that for Bombay. In the process, OM SHANTI OM has set a new first week record in India, surpassing the 35-crores netted by the Hrithik, Aishwarya and Abhishek starrer, the 2006 blockbuster DHOOM:2 ( in its first week).

While on the other 'Diwali' release, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ranbir, Sonam, Salman (special appearance) and Rani starrer, SAAWARIYA, the movie also performed creditably, netting around 20-crores, thanks to its good weekend run.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

"I'll go tomorrow with Farah and personally apologise to him" - SRK

Shah Rukh Khan's Diwali blockbuster Om Shanti Om not only created fireworks at the box office but also managed to spark the anger of a veteran actor Manoj Kumar.

Manoj Kumar is one of the many stars from the 70s era who have been spoofed in the film. After the actor threatened legal action for the spoof he believes to be done in bad taste, both Shah Rukh Khan and director Farah Khan have come out with an instantaneous apology

Although the film maker maintains that the comic scene in the movie was meant as a tribute, Manoj Kumar is not happy. He is angry because of the way he has been spoofed in the film.

In Om Shanti Om, a Manoj Kumar lookalike doesn’t get to enter the premiere of a film and even gets beaten up by the police.

He says, “Manoj Kumar who is a citizen of India has been shot in the heart. Someone who was made an icon by the Indian masses has been insulted and mocked at. I think more than legal action, moral action has more importance”.

Interestingly, Manoj Kumar hasn’t seen the film yet. Director Farah Khan is sure that once he watches the film he will enjoy it. She also says that it was never the intention to disrespect the veteran actor.

Speaking to CNN-IBN, the director justified, “I really wasn’t expecting this kind of a reaction because I thought that it was very sweet and done with a lot of love rather than any kind of malice so I was a bit taken aback in the morning.

Shah Rukh added, “I quickly called him up. I apologised to him. I’ll go tomorrow with Farah and personally apologise to him, show him the film and in case he does not like it, we’ll remove the scene, I’ll stop the film.

I would never like the wonderfulness that we’ve got with Om Shanti Om this week to be at the cost of anybody being hurt”.

The film also has a comic take on many other actors and filmmakers from 70s, current generation of Bollywood and even a hilarious spoof on South Indian films.

Watch the video


IBNlive.com

Hands off SRK !

Shah Rukh Khan is no ordinary man. The Bollywood superstar, idolised by millions of cinegoers both in India and abroad, enjoys tremendous popularity and influence. His every move, on-screen and off it, is subject to scrutiny.

Anything he says or does is news, as is the case with celebrities of his stature. One could argue that it is part of the deal of being a public figure. But public figures have private lives as well. And what they choose to do in that domain is none of anybody’s business.

Which is why the legal notice served on the actor by an NGO - the National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication - for smoking during a T20 match in Mumbai is uncalled for. Sure, if Shah Rukh had lit up in a place where smoking was banned, there was every reason to haul him up. But he was in a private gallery and was not breaking any law by smoking a cigarette there. So what is the fuss all about?

It appears that the NGO has gone after the actor simply because he happens to be a celebrity and not entirely because of its commitment to the cause of tobacco eradication. There must have been many others who puffed a cigarette during the same match in question. Why have no notices been served on these ‘offenders’? This is not to suggest that smoking is fine. It is not. But smoking cigarettes is a personal choice that people make. As long as they are not breaking the rules - like smoking in prohibited areas - they cannot be penalised.

Sure, celebrities have a responsibility towards the public that puts them on a pedestal. But as long as they do not break the law, they are well within their rights to do exactly as they please in their private spheres. To argue that celebrities must watch what they say and do because they influence our choices and behaviour is to admit that we do not have minds of our own. We are responsible for our actions.

TimesOfIndia

SRK cost OM SHANTI OM five crores!

Strange as our headline may sound, but one of the costs involved in making OM SHANTI OM is the 5-crore white money fee of Shah Rukh Khan (for acting in the movie). Shah Rukh Khan disclosed this to India's leading trade journal.

Before our patrons question the veracity of the article, we clarify that even in home productions, prices charged by top stars are added under the expenses head for taxing and budgeting purposes. And it is the usual practice.

While 5-crores as remuneration may look like a heavy price for the also rans, given King Khan's stature today, it can be termed as peanuts.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Nayaka youths protest against SRK

Karnataka Nayaka Yuva Vedike staged a protest yesterday in front of Gayatri theatre in city demanding an apology from Bollywood cine actor Shah Rukh Khan for his alleged belittling comments about sage Valmiki in the KBC programme recently.

The agitators protested against the release of Shah Rukh Khan starrer Om Shanthi Om in the theatre and set fire to the posters of the film.

The activists alleged that Shah Rukh Khan had uttered negative remarks about Valmiki in the "Kaun Banega Crorepati" programme and demanded an apology from him. They warned of severe agitation if their demand was not met.

Vedike President V. Lokesh urged for legal action against Shah Rukh Khan.

Secretary M.V. Krishna, Maduvana Chandru, Govind, Kumar, Vasanth, Nagaraj and others were present during the protest.

StarOfMysore.com

SRK is the King of the World!

Paired with choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan, who harbors a mad movie love both for the conventions of Hindi cinema and for her charismatic leading man, Om Shanti Om delivers the glitter and glamour, the comedy and thrills, religion and the supernatural, mother love, high fashion and eye-popping production numbers in proper masala fashion.

The film begins on the set of Karz, a disco-era reincarnation melodrama, and cinematic touchstone for Farah's generation. Shah Rukh plays Om, a junior artiste (what we would call an extra, or bit player) in the crowd. He catches the jacket flung away by Karz's star, Rishi Kapoor, featured in the first of a series of Forrest Gump-ish manifestations. Om grapples for possession with Farah Khan herself—playing another junior artiste—an immediate clue that the next three hours is going to be a labyrinth of intertextural high jinks.

The first half unspools in the 1970s, with the women in towering hairdos (newcomer Deepika Padukone looks divine in them) and acid bright saris and the men in psychedelic patterned shirts and ghastly plaid pants. After razzing every possible foible of this era, the film shoots forward 30 years to an affectionately savage portrait of current day Bollywood. Nearly every moment is some kind of a joke; the more you know, the funnier it is. Shah Rukh, also playing the present day Om, stands in front of a billboard, with Om endorsing Tag Heuer watches, a brand Shah Rukh endorses in real life. There is a fake awards ceremony, with wicked parodies of modern day film genres and the song at the after-party features cameos by nearly every current star. That the soireé is an homage to a similar scene in a movie a generation ago, in which some of older stars previously appeared, is just another layer of dizzying pleasure.

One character reminisces fondly of a film in which he had four death scenes: he played twins who were killed before the interval, reincarnated in the second half, they were killed again at the end. The ability to adore such an absurdity for itself, and groove on the spoofing, too, is key to relishing every nutty moment of Om Shanti Om.

Laura Boyes, indyweek.com

Chak De! India invited to Cancun Film Festival

After having charmed the audiences in India, the UK and the US, the film has now been invited to be a part of the Cancun International Film Festival, to be held in Mexico from the 14 – 18 November 2008.

The Cancun International Film Festival is one of the world's youngest but also one of the world's most vibrant film festivals. It is renowned for showcasing alternative cinema from all corners of the globe.

This year's edition features almost 60 films in competitive and non-competitive sections, parties, fashion shows and VIP receptions.

BusinessOfCinema