A Bindaas Act from SRK!

We had all heard a few days back about the The Global Indian TV Honours show.

This show was presented by Bajali group and Ekta Kapoor was the brain behind this grand event. The mini screen celebrities received awards in 28 different categories.

The best part of the event was the entry of SRK who shook a leg with all the beautiful women of mini screen from Tara to Tulsi. This show was choreographed by Ganesh Hegde.

It is reported that King Khan thoroughly enjoyed the show as well as performing with the lead ladies.

Shah Rukh seems to have an emotional bonding with the tele world because that is where he started his career.

There were also performances from other Bollywood personalities like Lara Dutta, Tushar Kapoor, Rohit Roy and many others.

A program as this in the tele medium is a real boost to every one involved and Ekta and her entire team have done a commendable job making this show a huge success. There was also a tribute from to Ekta to her friend and director Karan Johar.

Ekta Kapoor the lady behind this mega event is reported to have conveyed her gratitude to SRK as well as the entire team for their wonderful performance and for their excellent co-ordination, without which a grand event of this scale would not have been possible.

And for all you viewers out there, you can watch this grand show tomorrow at 8 pm on 9X.

IndiaGlitz

SRK sports a Marathi 'pagadi'

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is known for getting into the skin of the character completely, in each and every role he portrays, be it Kabir Khan in Chak De India or Om Prakash Makhija in OSO.

Now, the Baadshah of Bollywood took that very habit of his into real life earlier this week, when he was present to inaugurate the 'Abhijit Kadam Memorial Football tournament' in Pune. In keeping with the true 'Puneri' tradition, King Khan was spotted wearing a pink turban and if you think SRK must have been feeling 'thoda' out of place in this new get up, you couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, Shah Rukh seemed completely in his element with 'pagdi' et al and needless to say, entertained one and all with his antics.

What's more, later he was even seen kicking ball, enjoying football as he always had. Must say this is truly one hero who can enact each and every role with élan, be it in reel life or real life. Chak De SRK…

Bollywood Hungama

KJo's SRK-Kajol Film Plot Leaks Out!

One of Karan Johar’s most awaited films Khan is said to go on floors in October this year. But even before the first scene is canned we have the plot for you. A source involved with the film tells us that 'Khan' has turned out to be Johar’s biggest Bollywood risk till date.

"He is really pushing himself this time around. Shah Rukh plays an activist in Khan who gets kidnapped by terrorists and how subsequently his attitude and point of view towards the situation changes," says the source.

Karan is currently scouting and finalizing locations for his film in USA and the film is expected to be shot entirely in Los Angeles and New York. According to the source Khan will have nothing that the audience has come to expect from Johar’s films.

"The film will have no song whatsoever. So all the grand sets and music and costumes we associate with KJo’s films will be missing of sorts. The budget is still big. The designers are there and the locations will be grand but at the end of the day it is quite a serious film," he adds.

Khan will star KJO’s favourite stars – SRK and Kajol – as husband and wife. However, convincing his best mate, Kajol, to do the film which is set against a backdrop of post 9/11 America didn’t come easy for the ace director.

"He is currently working out the entire schedule about how many dates and where. Although Kajol has agreed to do the project she has always maintained how she won’t stay away from her daughter for too long. And so Karan has developed a shooting schedule that will allow the actress to be with her daughter quite a lot during the filming," adds the source.

Following the success of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kajol took a sabbatical from full time acting for five years. She gave birth to her daughter Nysa in 2003. However, she then made a comeback in Kunal Kohli’s Fanaa in 2006 opposite Aamir Khan.

Both SRK and Johar had been quite disappointed when Kajol chose to make her comeback in the non-Dharma camp and since then Karan has been quite blatant about the fact that he will do anything to have Kajol as the lead whenever he began his next film.

MyNews.in

Shahrukh Khan to play a terrorist on screen

Shahrukh Khan and Karan Johar have given Bollywood some big romantic blockbusters but this time around the two will team up for a non romantic no song movie. The movie which is likely to be titled as Khan was initially titled My Name Is Khan. It will talk about the condition of the Muslims post 9/11. It will also star Kajol opposite Shahrukh after a gap of 7 years.

It is reported that Shahrukh had been waiting to play a terrorist on screen but was never offered this role by any filmmaker. The movie will highlight problems being faced by Muslims post the 9/11 attack. Shahrukh had himself faced discrimination at an international airport when his luggage had to undergo extra checking when the security person got suspicious seeing his surname.

Johar is reluctant to disclose details about the project but said that terrorism is one subject in our life which cannot be ignored anymore. Karan added that dealing with the subject will be a challenge. Khan which hits the theatres in 2009 will be a healthy break from family dramas for Johar.

OneIndia

Use cricket to uplift other sports: SRK

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan,who owns the Kolkata team of the Indian Premier League (IPL), on Wednesday said he opted for cricket because it is commercially viable for him and not because he favoured the popular sport over other disciplines.

"Commerce and business are very important in today's world. Cricket is commercially viable and we need to make money from this sport," Shah Rukh said in Pune.

However, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi appealed to the superstar to share his celeb status with other sports also.

"I am very happy with Chak de India and the work you did for hockey. But I'm disappointed you went back to cricket. I want you to be made the ambassador of the Commonwealth Games and Olympic sports in India," said Kalmadi at the inauguration of the Abhijit Kadam Memorial Football Cup.

"There are around 10 nations playing cricket at the moment and over 200 countries competing in Olympic sports. Cricket has many fathers and I would love to have you as the brand ambassador for the Commonwealth Games," he added.

However, the comments did not go well with the actor, who took a jibe at Kalmadi.

"Please don't feel bad that I am backing only one sport. Sports should be part of our second nature and I am a sportsperson by heart."

"I have played hockey and a bit of cricket. I have something to clarify to Kalmadi also ... please don't feel bad that I am backing the cricket team. I need to make money from this sport and then move to other sports," added Shah Rukh.

Shah Rukh said he believes that the next step for sports-loving persons like him is to take the money he earns from IPL to other sports.

"[My] next step would be to take it [money earned in IPL] to hockey, football, kho kho, also kabaddi and gulli danda," he remarked.

The film star said one should not look down upon any sport and added he wants to see the football team playing in the World Cup.

"We should not look down upon any sport. We need to use this sport [cricket] to uplift other sports."

Rediff News

SRK's win-win situation!

Shah Rukh Khan's film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi for Yash Raj promises to be a good listen judging by the musicans chosen for the task.

The hot contenders include the duos Salim-Suleman and Vishal-Shekhar.

Although sources inform that Aditya Chopra, who is directing the film has agreed to give the baton to Salim-Sulema, who earlier composed for SRK's hit Chak De! India, it remains unclear whether the duo will compose only the background music (for which they're famous for) or if the baton for the rest of the film's music may go to the other musical duo, Vishal-Shekhar.

Vishal-Shekhar too have also worked with Shah Rukh Khan in the past. The duo bonded with King Khan during the making of Om Shanti Om.

But then brothers Salim and Suleman Merchant have an incredible track record as well. The brothers have composed the background music of many films including Chak De, Krrish, Dhoom 2 and Namastey London, to mention a few.

So it looks like a win-win situation for SRK, either way!

Rediff News

Now, SRK takes Chak De slogan to football field

Pune: King Khan was in the city to kick-start the fifth Abhijeet Kadam Memorial Foundation football tournament. And he took the opportunity to showcase his soccer skills, much to the delight of his cheering fans.

A laser show, a crowd of cheering fans and a Bollywood superstar. Pune saw it all on Wednesday evening when King Khan Shah Rukh Khan did a Chak De for football. It seems that his focus is shifting from hockey and cricket to football.

Five professional Indian league teams will be participating in the 11-day long tournament. Celebrities including Salman Khan will be playing a charity match.

Watch the video: Click Here

IBN Live

Why Shah Rukh Khan said no to Sushmita Sen

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has reportedly refused to do an item number in Sushmita Sen ’s upcoming home production.

Though the two Scorpios became quite good friends during and after Main Hoon Na , things were not quite the same when Sushmita refused SRK to jive with him in his multi-starrer song “Deewangi” in Om Shanti Om due to date problems.

Like a true Scorpio, SRK was not the one who would forget the refusal and was perhaps waiting only for the right time to strike back.

The King Khan usually does not show his back to anyone who approaches him for doing any cameo and his item numbers in Kaal and Heyy Babyy were hits.

And now SRK is going another item number in Rakesh Roshan ’s Krazy 4 . SRK’s little appearance in a film proves to be a miracle as his magic is capable of dragging audience to the theatre.

But when Sushmita requested SRK to do an item number in her upcoming home production he straightway rejected her quite likely because he refused in the first place.

Poor Sushmita who is working hard for her first home production Jhansi Ki Rani seems to have lost her chance of having SRK’s item number in her film.

What next? Will the Scorpio in Sushmita strike back? Wait and watch.

Apunka Choice

Shah Rukh: Filmfare for his kids!

SRK was all smiling as he won the Black Lady for his performance in Chak De India.

When we caught up with the Badshah Khan, post his win, he shared with us a little secret: You know both my kids brought home a gold from school today. They did well in Taekwondo. And I wanted to take home an award too, just for them.

So there are three celebrations at home tonight. That’s ‘chweet’ alright! But it looks like the Khan children prefer going the Akshay Kumar way.

Never mind the light and camera, but ‘action’ seems to be on-going in the Mannat home that night!

TNN

King Khan is all set to co-produce a film with Aditya Chopra

SRK has decided to take one step ahead as a producer. This time around the actor-producer has decided to revise the terms and conditions in his deliberations with Yash Raj Films. Earlier, SRK used to quote his remuneration as any other actor would do after signing a film for the production house. But after the grand success of Chak De India, SRK has approached Aditya Chopra with an idea to co-produce Adi’s third directorial venture Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, wherein he wouldn’t charge anything as an actor. The film will also see SRK cast opposite a new girl.

A source in the Yash Raj's camp reveals, "It’s true. Both Chak De… and Om Shanti Om did wonders for Shah Rukh and the Yash Raj. He has given one of the biggest hits of the year. So, Aditya had no reason to disapproved of SRK’s proposal."

Johnny Vaz, Buzz18

Is Shah Rukh Khan jinxed for critics ?

One look at Shah Rukh Khan’s filmography and you will notice that most of his films have received the best of reviews. Another look at the films made by critics and you will notice the common element in most of them is the Shah Rukh Khan factor. So while it is a fact that Shah Rukh has received much critical acclaim, there’s also no denying to the fact that critics have exploited enough of SRK’s fame.

The most recent example of this could be Samar Khan’s film Shaurya starring Kay Kay Menon, Rahul Bose and Minissha Lamba. Shah Rukh will make a special appearance in the film towards the end, reciting poems. Popular television film critic turned filmmaker Samar Khan says, “ Shaurya didn’t have any role for Shah Rukh. But when the film was complete, I felt there was something missing. Something special was absent. Hence for this film I knew that I just wanted SRK to be in it. Then came the poem part and I approached him to recite it."

Samar continues, "SRK can never say no to anyone. Besides when he heard the lines of the poem he was so taken by it that he just agreed to do it on the spot”. So a small offbeat film like Shaurya gets that extra star value even when Shah Rukh comes in for a 2 minute recital.

Samar Khan’s previous film Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye too had Shah Rukh Khan in a cameo. King Khan couldn’t help that film much with his presence since much harm was done by the time he arrived in the picture. Samar can only pray that history doesn’t repeat itself now.

When another popular film critic Khalid Mohammed turned towards filmmaking, Shah Rukh Khan featured in his wish list too. Shah Rukh was supposed to do an item number in Khalid’s debut film Fiza , on the track Gaya Gaya Dil when male item numbers were still not recognized. Unfortunately since the length of the film went over 3 hours 15 minutes, his song was chopped off at the last moment.

However that didn’t discourage Khalid from approaching Shah Rukh for a second time in his third film Silsiilay where he finally played the sutradhar. Silsiilay was about three parallel stories that were connected together by Shah Rukh who played a host to the film introducing and interlinking the characters. Unfortunately this time too his presence didn’t help the film which bombed badly at the box-office. Which makes us ponder whether SRK is jinxed for the critics?

Is that the reason another popular film critic turned filmmaker Kunal Kohli never had Shah Rukh Khan in his films. And if you come to think of it, all his films from Hum Tum to Fanaa have worked well. Even Mujhse Shaadi Karogi worked well in the overseas market.

Of course we know that the script and direction is what matters in the end, but in an industry ruled by myths, superstitions and fallacy, the fate of Shaurya will decide if Shah Rukh Khan is jinxed for film critics turned filmmakers.

Gaurav Malani, Indiatimes Movies

The SRK-Prez Connection

When the country's highest office-bearer nurses a passion for the lowest common denominator, Hindi cinema, what better bridge than technology?

The Rashtrapati Bhavan theatre has just gone digital so that President Pratibha Patil, an avid Bollywood buff, can catch all the latest movies first day, first show.

The gizmo that brings the magic of the silver screen to the President's house is a fancy satellite system worth Rs 15 lakh that was installed three weeks ago.

This system, which has done away with physical prints of films, allows movies to be beamed directly to 1,000 theatres across the country and the few luxury private homes which can afford to install it.

"With this technology, a man in Jharkhand can go to a local theatre and enjoy a movie for Rs 3.50 and the First Citizen can enjoy the premiere at her mansion," said a trade source.

It all started when the President expressed a desire to see Chak De! India, and the film was aired for her via a digital recorder. Sources said that actor Shah Rukh Khan, who stars in the film, was present on the occasion.

The President was reportedly so taken with her tryst with technology that her office placed an order for the system to be permanently installed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan theatre which boasts a 41-feet-wide screen.

The only hitch is that the President's office will have to get copyright permission for each screening through the local distributor or producer.

"Since we don't have the copyright of the movies, this will have to be done by Rashtrapati Bhavan officials," says Rajesh Mishra, India CEO of UFO Moviez which installed the system.

Sources said the Prez is yet to inaugurate the theatre but keen on catching the controversial Jodhaa-Akbar .

Times Of India

Shah Rukh, Kareena hailed Best Actors

He may be Bollywood's Best Bubbly Male, but tonight actor Shah Rukh Khan was acknowledged for his new serious avatar in Chak De India ! The man won the Filmfare Best Actor in a leading role (male) Award leaving behind his co-nominees - Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Shahid Kapur. Having achieved two nominations this year ( Chak De and Om Shanti Om ), SRK stated that every role is close to his heart, and if asked to choose between the two flicks, he really had no preferences. "We're not here to win awards. I only like to entertain, and when I make someone smile I feel happy." Though at his rudest best as host and MC, Shah Rukh was kind in his winning speech and generously thanked the people behind his 'success'.

The Best Actor Award in a leading role (Female) went to Jab We Met 's bubbly Geet, Kareena Kapoor, who today sang the geet of success. The girl looked lovely in her Manish Malhotra creation – off white sari and orange blouse. In her thank you speech, she said: I have three people to thank. They are responsible for this. The first is my director Imtiaz Ali, then the producers Ashtavinayak Cine Vision, and third is my co-star Shahid Kapoor. Interestingly, the Best Actor award was presented to her by none other than beau Saif, whom she thanked for presenting her with the award and making her night special.

Now, these are what we call timeless Filmfare moments.

Shah Rukh will Host the Filmfare Awards tonight

A black tie-and-gown evening where the glitz and gloss will be provided by Bollywood’s top stars as they walk down the red carpet of the Yash Raj Studios in Andheri from 7 pm onwards.

Inside, and leading a selected and invited audience through the awards ceremony, will be Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan and Chhote Nawab Saif Ali Khan. Emcee entertainment, naturally, is guaranteed to take on a whole new bold and exciting meaning with these two gentlemen on stage.

The lovely Vidya Balan is the third emcee of the evening. Then, of course, the show belongs to the stars who have been nominated for the prestigious black statuette. What names of winners the envelope reveals, who takes home the prestigious award, will be known only later tonight.

Meanwhile, to give you a peep behind the curtain, the awards ceremony this year has some real winners entertaining on stage. Like the sexy Kareena Kapoor and dazzling Deepika Padukone, watch them dance, and Khiladi Akshay Kumar, who turns out an outstanding performance, while there’s also Himesh Reshammiya, Vivek Oberoi and Neil Nitin Mukesh, all taking the razzmatazz a notch higher.

Bombay Times was privy to the rehearsals over the past few days at Yash Raj Studios. So was Karisma Kapoor who sat with Saif and watched kid sis Kareena swish through numbers like It’s Rocking and Mauja Re Mauja.

Watching also from the wings, and staying back till a late hour, was young Ranbir Kapoor. His whole attention was on the ravishing Deepika Padukone who will dance to Dhun Tana Nana Dhun and Aankho Mein Teri from her debut film Om Shanti Om.

Akshay Kumar, a veteran at such things, will perform to the superhit numbers of 2007 Hey Babby, Hare Ram, Hare Ram and the title track from Welcome.

Neil Nitin Mukesh, excited to be at his first Filmfare Awards function, is doing the title track of his Johnny Gaddar and Move The Body from the same film. "I have always watched the Filmfare Awards from afar, to be a part of it now is an honour for me," he said. And, finally, Vivek Oberoi, who will remind the audience of Aye Ganpat from Shootout at Lokhandwala. "I’m excited, the song’s one of my favourites, but it’s done here in a very different and fantastic way," he revealed. As for Himeshbhai, he will say Aasalum Waleum, so be sure to reply Walekaum Salam!

The dances have been choreographed by Shiamak Davar while Manish Malhotra has designed the costumes worn by Kareena and Deepika and Narendra Kumar those for Neil and Vivek. Sabina Khan has dressed up Akshay.

Times Of India

SRK Will Quit Smoking, Soon...

Much Ado About Something...
...waiting for Shah Rukh Khan to make chewing on neem-twigs sexy!

Well, here's the world and its wife's take on SmoKing SRK...

Actor Shah Rukh Khan, said in an interview that the thing he hated most about himself was his inability to stop smoking. "I know I have to. I know as a role model I shouldn't be sending that message," he said. "It's a horrible habit. I have to work harder to stop."

Emily Wax, The Washington Post - Seattle Times

King Khan’s item number in Krazzy 4

Shah Rukh Khan is not flaunting his six-pack abs (that was for buddy Farah Khan, remember?) in the item number for Rakesh Roshan’s Krazzy 4, directed by Jaideep Sen.

The actor features in the song in a buttoned-up shirt though he does flaunt his ponytail.

Choreographed by Ahmed Khan, the track is Break Free Gotta Get Some Chutti sung by Vishal Dadlani and composed by Rajesh Roshan.

The promos of the song go on air this week.

Mid-Day

Shah Rukh Khan launches Zee Radio UK

KING of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan officially launched the UK’s first Bollywood radio station from ZEE Network.

It was launched at the sold-out ZEE Carnival 2008 last weekend to a rapturous response.

Shah Rukh Khan, who was the face of the sold-out, three-day extravaganza at the Olympia, London, congratulated ZEE on its new initiative.

He said: "I would take this opportunity to congratulate Zee for the launch of their new radio, Zee Radio 558 AM (and DAB). All the best Zee!! I hope you all listen to it."

He was also joined on stage by UK Top 10 sensation Jay Sean who added to the celebrations encouraging listeners to tune in.

A specially choreographed dance sequence representing the flavour of the station was presented on stage as a part of the launch.

The Asia News, UK

King Khan to play Superman

Shahrukh Khan’s son Aryan is a superhero flick lover. He always wants his father to star in a feature film where he will get to see him doing some unimaginable stunts and action. So, to fulfill his son’s dream Shahrukh will very soon shed off his lover boy image and play the role of Superman.

In this flick, SRK will be seen donning a cape and flying across the sky at super-speed. Another important protagonist will be a 12 year old boy. The hunt is going for the lucky charm that will get to share screen space with SRK. The film will be produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and will be directed by Anubhav Sinha. Since, the film will include different types of computer graphics; it will be an expensive offering from the Red Chillies Entertainment.

Shahrukh is working very closely with Anubhav Sinha on the dream project of his son. Anubhav is also very excited as he will get to work with King Khan for the first time. This supernatural film is surely going to be matter of great interest among the children. Both Shahrukh and Anubhav have decided to incorporate all those things that appeal to children. The shooting of the film will start very soon and it is expected to hit the theatres before the end of 2008.

Bollywood Mantra

Lets talk VFX , baby!

It’s been Shah Rukh Khan’s long-cherished dream to do an Indian Spiderman, a gift to his son Aryan who’s a big FX/SRK fan. He has chosen Anubhav Sinha to direct what will unarguably be the most expensive film ever produced in India.

It will not be an animation film, as reported earlier, but a feature film starring King Khan and a 12-year-old protagonist and will be produced by Red Chillies Entertainment.
A hunt is on for the boy who will get the dream opportunity of being part of Shah Rukh’s fantasy of donning a cape and flying across the sky at super-speed.

Actively there

Shah Rukh is actively collaborating with director Sinha in the writing of the script. The idea given by the director to SRK is based on gizmos, computer games and a super-hero on the lines of Spiderman, and is being worked on by SRK.

Whether he’ll finally take credit for the screenplay or not remains to be seen. At the moment, all systems are geared to start work on his most expensive project before 2008 ends.

SRK surprises

Sinha says, “I’m surprised at how accessible Shah Rukh is to me. I was always given the impression that he likes to work with directors with whom he already has a certain comfort level. Shah Rukh didn’t know me at all. But he’s all there for our film together.”

A year’s work

Anubhav says that talks between Shah Rukh and him have been on for nearly a year. “But in the last three months, we’ve been meeting very seriously, thanks to a common friend (journalist Mustaq Sheikh).”

“Yes, it’s an FX–driven fantasy for children and the child within every person, on the lines of Spiderman. It’s definitely NOT an animation film, as wrongly reported”, reveals the director of the Dus and Cash as he gears up for the biggest challenge of his career.

Mid-Day

Shah Rukh Buys 'Team Kolkata' for $ 5 Million

Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Vijay Mallya, celebrity owners of Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, on Wednesday said it was natural that Indian players went for huge premiums as they were in a position to attract huge crowd to the playgrounds.

The IPL tournaments open in Bangalore on April 18 and the final will be held in Mumbai on June 1.

India's young stars like Rohit Sharma, Robin Uthappa and Ishant Sharma emerged brighter than the bigger and more established players from across the cricketing world. They were sought after like hot cakes by the eight-franchisee owner-bidders at the auction here Wednesday.

At a jam-packed media interaction in Hotel Hilton shortly after the end of the marathon auction sessions of IPL, the trio assured that the tournaments have been designed to ensure high international standards.

"This tournament will be in the same standards of the English premier league and it will be a huge success," Mallya said.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh, who owns the Kolkata team, said he was not so much worried about the returns from his team. "I am not sure of what the returns will be. But it's a passion for me and I have full faith in my instincts," he said.

Preity, the bubbly film diva, appeared pleased with the outcome of her Mohali "catches" and endorsed Khan's opinions while talking about her passion for the gentleman's game.

In fact, even IPL chairman Lalit Modi expressed his pleasant surprise over the good rates commanded by Indian players vis-à-vis their foreign counterparts. "I can just say that this is good for the Indian players," Modi observed.

Stalwarts like Ricky Ponting (Kolkata) and Stephen Fleming (Chennai) were bought for $400,000 and $350,000 respectively even as Indian youngsters far outpaced them in the bidding figures.

Several others like Glenn McGrath, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Ramnaresh Sarwan and S Chanderpaul had to undergo the ignominy of remaining "unsold" in the initial rounds.

This is what Shah Rukh spend on his Kolkata team :

Sourav Ganguly India Icon
Ishant Sharma India 950,000
Chris Gayle West Indies 800,000
Brendon McCullum New Zealand 700,000
David Hussey Australia 625,000
Shoaib Akhtar Pakistan 425,000
Murali Kartik India 425,000
Ricky Ponting Australia 400,000
Ajit Agarkar India 350,000
Umar Gul Pakistan 150,000
Tatenda Taibu Zimbabwean 125,000

Sify India

SRK Maintains his Position on Power List 2007

Proving once again that the golden levers of power in Bollywood are really behind the screen and not on it, the father-son team of Yash and Aditya Chopra have, for the third year in a row, come out at the top of the Filmfare Power List.

The Filmfare Power 2007 survey was conducted by AC Nielsen-ORG MARG, the largest market research and information company in South Asia. Respondents included actors, technicians, financiers, distributors, exhibitors and photographers. The results have some major surprises and some rude shocks in store.

Following the Chopras is Shah Rukh Khan, who maintained his No 2 position, riding largely on the success of his home production Om Shanti Om and the Chopras' Chak De , the two biggest grossers of the last year.

At No 3, in a surprise elevation is Akshay Kumar, who had not two but four hits in 2007 - Namastey London , Heyy Babyy , Bhool Bhulaiyya and Welcome .

Amitabh Bachchan, No 3 last year, has slipped four notches to No 7, and is now only one ahead of his pretty daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Bachchan. Between Akshay and Amitabh is the solid bankable quotient - Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan and A R Rahman. Aishwarya, who leads among the heroines, has pipped Rani Mukerji, who is a hair's breadth below at No 9.

Karan Johar may have sat the year out as far as film-making goes but his natty turn as television anchor in Koffee With Karan has won him the hamper at No 10, ousting in the process the more productive competition.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali Saawariya and Vidhu Vinod Chopra Eklavya don't seem to have cut the mustard, with their lavish productions having failed to stir the box office.

According to Filmfare, the criteria that decides the winners include factors like their box-office draw, their ability to generate funds for others, and their ability to call the shots no matter what.

Which perhaps explains why Yash and Aditya Chopra, who gave the country an anthem of sorts of with Chak De India , were catapulted to top spot despite four damp squibs - Ta Ra Rum Pum, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Aaja Nachle .

Times Of India

Will King Khan Quit from Bollywood ?

It has been reported in the Indian press that Shah Rukh is building himself a bungalow in New Delhi, near the posh Jor Bagh area, fuelling rumors that he could well be thinking of retiring from movies and settling to a quite life - back in his hometown.

The house is being built exactly opposite from where his late mother used to run a restaurant during his school days. Many top names currently reside in this area, including Mahindras, Mittals, and Nandas.

If this is true… then this would be Shah Rukh Khan's third 'Mannat', as he has one in Mumbai and another in Dubai.

What if the rumors do intend to be true… would you be able to live without a regular dose of King Khan films?

Should Shah Rukh Khan retire from making movies while he is at the top… or does he have a few years to go…?

Rajiv Dutta, India Target

Shah Rukh-Farah Accused of Plagiarism

Farah Khan has delivered three healthy babies but we hear that it wasn't the easiest pregnancy. She couldn't put her head on the pillow for the last trimester of her pregnancy. Fashion writer Ajay Monga has been knocking her doors and demanding Rs 1.25 crores for alleged copyright violation. According to Monga, Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan (producers of Om Shanti Om) have copied the first half of OSO from a script which he handed over to King Khan's office.

Monga is hell bent on getting his due and is even taking his battle to court. Monga tells us, “Yes, I demanded Rs 1.25 crore from Red Chillies but nothing moved ahead. So, I went to Cine Writers' Association, but that too to no avail. The Cine Writers' Association agreed that the first half of OSO was similar to my script. However, they did not take any action against Farah and SRK. I am not giving up and am taking this complaint to a legal level.”

Raj Joshi (of Cine Writers Association) says that he saw OSO and compared Monga's script. “There are similarities but it's not a straight lift. That does not tantamount to copying. Hence, we did not entertain the complaint further.”

However Monga says, “The similarities are not few but many. The second half is a mixture of Karz and Madhumati. But people don't know that Mushtaq has not conceived (OSO writer) the first half either. It's lifted from the script, which I wanted to cast SRK for. Not only many instances in the first half, but the plot too revolves around a male wannabe and a female superstar.”

What did he want to cast SRK for? Monga replies, “I wrote a story for which I appointed a director and we decided to cast Vikram. But that did not happen. Then I thought of making the same film with SRK. That is when I gave my script to Sushma, the then secretary of SRK. This was much before OSO went on the floors.”

Monga adds, “I was shocked when I saw OSO. I called up Farah, but she did not talk much at that point since she was pregnant. Red Chillies heard me out and said that they would solve the matter. However, they kept dilly-dallying and sent me to Juhi Chawla's brother Bobby Chawla. Bobby did not take me seriously.”

When contacted, Farah said that she was aware that Monga had demanded Rs 1.25 crore. She added irritatedly, “However, we are not fools to pay him any money. I don't even know when he gave a script to Red Chillies and what it contained. Yes, he did meet Bobby Chawla, but his claims are all false. And why blame Mushtaq? Mushtaq was brought in much later after I had conceived the entire story.”

Well let's hope Monga does not have to wait for re-incarnation to sort this out!

Vickey Lalwani, Mumbai Mirror

OSO-Saawariya War to Continue

It seems the embers of the fireworks of last Diwali have not died down, just yet. Even as one thought enough newsprint had been dedicated to the coverage of the ‘clash’ between Om Shanti Om and Saawariya, it seems the next round of the duel is about to begin.

The makers of both mega-budget movies have decided to release the home video versions of the two films around the same time.

Slated to hit the shelves this week, the DVDs and VCDs of both these films will relive the hype and hoopla that reverberated beyond Tinseltown.

So although there isn’t any real need to bring on the story about the eventual winner, all this while it seemed that the dust had settled on it.

And like SRK’s character says in Om Shanti Om, “picture abhi baaqi hai dost”.

SRK woos Shoaib

The Rawalpindi Express is gearing up to thunder over the Indian cricket scene in a big way. Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is in Mumbai to meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is also the owner of the Kolkata IPL team.

On Monday night, Shoaib met King Khan at his Bandstand bungalow, Mannat and another meeting is scheduled for later. Shoaib is currently staying at the Hilton Towers and will be in the city for eight days.

A well-placed source in the industry, who is close to Shoaib, says, “Shah Rukh will definitely offer Shoaib a bomb of a price to be on his team. However, both are unlikely to disagree over money as they go back a long way. Shoaib and Shah Rukh are very friendly and have interacted with each other on more than one occasion.”

The source adds, “Shah Rukh has made it clear to all his associates that he wants very fiery players on his team; players who will only play to win."

Shoaib has already met with Shah Rukh’s associates and team members. Sources say that Shoaib is also eager to meet with Sanjay Dutt while he is in Mumbai. He apparently called Dutt as soon as he landed on Monday morning and Dutt has agreed to meet him.

Meanwhile, prospective Kolkata IPL skipper Sourav Ganguly said on Sunday that there was no question of IPL games moving out of Eden Garden. Ganguly capped the controversy regarding IPL matches in Kolkata, saying, “There is no question of the matches being played anywhere else.” Asked about the demands made by the members for tickets, he said, “The Cricket Association of Bengal will get Rs 10 crore. If the members don’t agree, buy them tickets with that money.”

Indian Premier League commissioner and Chairman Lalit Modi threatened CAB that the Kolkata team would be withdrawn and brought to Ahmedabad if CAB does not adhere to the rules and regulations of the glitzy event set to roll out in April this year. Modi’s terse four-line reply was in response to a number of queries raised by CAB president Prasoon Mukherjee. One of the key points raised was allotment of tickets.

Spinner Mohammad Rafique, who will retire when Bangladesh’s home series against South Africa ends in March, has evinced interest in playing for Kolkata, but has said he will wait before making a final decision.

Ganguly is apparently in talks with hard-hitting Australian batsman Adam Gilchrist on Shah Rukh’s behalf to rope him in for the team.

Before reaching his hotel on Monday morning, Shoaib Akhtar headed straight for Haji Ali Dargah where he offered a chadar of Rs 5,000.

Shah Rukh has made it clear to all his associates that he wants very fiery players on his team; players who will only play to win, says source close to Shoaib Akhtar.

Mumbai Mirror

You can call me King Khan or an idiotic actor : SRK

In Delhi for the promotion of his new TV show, Shah Rukh Khan talks to Madhur Tankha about his association with the small screen.

For someone who has kept the cash registers at the box-office ringing for over a decade and a half, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan asserts that there is no formula that guarantees a hit.

The charismatic actor, who came calling to the Capital this past week to promote his show “Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?” on Star Plus, says he has evolved as an actor over the years. “Having acted in so many movies, I have come to realise that forceful acting is not necessary. So I am taking it easy like I did in ‘Chak De India’ that became such a huge hit.”

Entertaining the masses is the actor’s primary objective, whether on the big screen or the small one. “I started my innings on television. While I have given a nod to television shows like ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ and ‘Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?’ I will not appear in soap operas as they are too time consuming. Even television shows are very exhausting as you have to do them all in one take.”

Shah Rukh is unfazed by criticism of his style of acting. “I have passed the age when you start to get angry. You can call me King Khan or an idiotic actor but I won’t mind. There are certain scenes of mine in which I would award myself 11 marks out of 10, but overall I would give myself 4 or 5 points..”

As the race for the Filmfare awards enters the home stretch with child actor Darsheel Safary of “Taare Zameen Par” being nominated along with Shah Rukh, the superstar is not unduly bothered. “I cannot comment on Darsheel’s performance as I haven’t seen the film. Aamir has told me to watch it and whenever I get time I will.”

Dismissing speculation that he is one of the main actors along with Amitabh Bachchan in Ravi Chopra’s “Bhootnath”, Shah Rukh says he only has a five-minute role. “I’ve done the role for director Vivek Sharma, who is employed in my company, and producer Ravi Chopra, who is like family to me. I have two other films lined up besides an animation. I will be doing Aditya Chopra’s film in May.”

Shah Rukh feels that children should not be encouraged to host television shows. “I don’t think it is reasonable to expect them to work round-the-clock and then catch up on sleep in the early hours of morning and also attend school. It would be a type of child labour, and personally I don’t think such things should be tried.”

The 42-year-old actor says he wants to focus only on core competence in his company: “Initially we wanted to make films that we believed in and not just for the money. Then films like ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ and now ‘Om Shanti Om’ became hits. In Red Chillies Entertainment, my employee strength has swelled. So it is self-sustaining. As I don’t want to share my creativity, I will not be collaborating with an international company in making films.”

Giving his take on the war of words between the Bachchans and Raj Thackeray, the superstar says: “Well, both Raj and Amitji are friends. I think the trouble being witnessed on the streets of Mumbai has to do with the fact that there are certain people who have their own political agendas.

The Hindu

SRK causes massive stampede in London

Shah Rukh Khan gave proof of his crowd-pulling ability in London when his presence at the Zee Carnival caused a stampede and police prevented entry into the venue sending thousands of ticket-holding fans home.

Fans of the Bollywood star converged on Olympia to catch a glimpse of their idol from early Saturday morning and by 4 pm the hall was heaving, forcing security to shut the gates preventing any more fans from coming in.

Van loads of Metropolitan police formed a ring round the venue to hold the crowds back. Amid pushing and shoving, irate fans who had bought tickets in advance fought and jostled with the police in the hope that they would be allowed in to see the star. Inside the hall, security guards closed the main doors as fans pushed and argued with them to open the gates.

Zee holds its annual three-day extravaganza at the capital’s largest and most prestigious exhibition hall, Olympia in upmarket Kensington pulling crowds of more than 30,000 daily from all over the UK and Europe. The mela-like atmosphere with 100 odd stalls selling everything from Indian food, clothes, jewellery, property, hair care, etc. all under one roof, is peppered with stage appearances by Indian TV stars and Bollywood personalities. In the past Rani Mukherjee, Priyanka Chopra and Arjun Rampal have appeared at the Zee Carnival but have not caused such scenes. “Shah Rukh is certainly the biggest star we have had at the Carnival since we began three year’s ago and advance tickets have been selling faster than we can get them to our agents,” a Zee official told DNA.

Olympia has a total capacity of 12,000 at any given time and Zee sells around 30,000 tickets per day with the expectation that there is a steady flow of patrons. However, this year because of Shah Rukh’s appearance, all 30,000 ticket holders wanted to be in the hall at the same time.

“The queues were going all round the outside of Olympia and up Kensington high street. All those who came early, just wouldn’t leave and so we were prevented from entering, even though we have tickets,” said a disappointed fan who had come all the way from Holland.

“There is nothing we can do, this is a health and safety issue and it is the police who closed the venue, we are powerless against them,” explained an apologetic Zee official.

Sajeda Momin, DNAIndia

Yeh Hai 'Youngistaan' Meri Jaan

Pepsi is launching its new campaign for 2008 featuring three brand ambassadors - Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in a refreshingly new light.

Developed by JWT, the campaign is dubbed "Youngistaan." This, according to the company, is "but an attitude."

The mega initiative is being supported by a 360-degree activation across television, radio, outdoor, modern trade, web and wireless.


Clearly targetting the youth, the campaign will begin a dialogue with its consumers by unbottling their imagination of what "Youngistaan" means to them.

An official statement says, "As the name suggests, it represents a world of the youth, where the young generation likes to be in control. It brings forward their never-failing attitude, their desire to take on challenges and the power to turn things around.

"The new campaign attempts to capture not only the youth attitude of today but also the great sense of optimism, success and buzz about India and the Indian youth."

The first of this zestful campaign will break on 17 February, and is summed up through its catchy tagline - "Yeh Hai Youngistaan Meri Jaan."

PepsiCo India executive director of marketing Punita Lal said, "The Youngistaan idea captures the energy, excitement and irreverence of the young, confident India. This is a big idea that brand Pepsi will leverage to connect with a whole new generation."

Lal is confident that the expression "Yeh Hai Youngistaan Meri Jaan" will resonate very well with the Indian youth. "It speaks their emotion, in their language," she said.

PepsiCo India's EVP of marketing (cola) Sandeep Singh Arora said, "Only Pepsi as the leader of youth values has the scale and guts to brand this generation, to celebrate their attitude and their achievements, and give them a rallying cry to go out and make things happen."
JWT VP Hari Krishnan said, "Youngistaan is a feeling that is racing through every youthful nerve in the country today. Brand Pepsi will simply tap this energy and help the youth express this emotion."

The expression is simple, light hearted and versatile "in true Pepsi style," added Krishnan.

The new brand ambassador Ranbir Kapoor says, "I am young, I believe in myself. I have dreams and I chase them. This is what Youngistaan means to me; it's a way of being, it's an attitude. In Youngistaan, I work really hard, but I party harder! Trust me, in Youngistaan somewhere something incredible is waiting to be known."

Padukone, the fresh new face of Pepsi, says, "Youngistaan is about making choices and where life has endless possibilities. As a part of being a Youngistaani, it's not about where I am but about thinking fun, thinking big! It's about just being yourself and being confident."

Long-time Pepsi brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan said, "Youngistaan to me is a state of feeling young at heart. The first aspect of being a part of Youngistaan or having that state of heart is to believe that the best gift in life is life itself. I think you need to be successful, work hard, spread happiness and live life to the fullest. Yeh hai Youngistaan meri jaan."

Indian Television

'OSO' a 'box-office hit' in Berlin Film Fest

The premiere of Hindi blockbuster "Om Shanti Om" was one of the most popular events of the 58th Berlin International Film Festival, which concludes here tonight with the awarding of the golden and silver bears for the best films in the competition section.

Berlinale sources told reporters that in terms of ticket sales, "Om Shanti Om" featuring superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the leading role was the 'box-office hit' of the 11-day festival. Read More>>>

SRK’s a strict father!

His friends might think he has a great sense of humour and is a fun loving chill pill guy, but certainly not his children’s Aryan and Suhana.

“They say, I’m like the strict hockey coach Kabir Khan in real life, especially when they don’t do their homework and I go after them,” laughs Shah Rukh Khan.

Over to Gauri for her take.. or will the real King Khan, please stand up?

Times Of India

IPL chief Threatens to Pull Out SRK's Team

The Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Lalit Modi has threatened to pullout the Kolkata team and bring it to Ahmedabad after the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) expressed unhappiness over ticket allotment.

Modi sent an e-mail to CAB President Prasun Mukherjee in which he says, "We cannot and will not allow one city to derail the whole process."

Modi's reply was in response Mukherjee's apprehensions over the allotment of just 20 per cent of tickets to the CAB for the IPL matches.

The CAB, meanwhile, has called an emergency working committee meeting on Monday to discuss the issue and has hinted that the tussle may even go to court.

The CAB lawyers have said that since the IPL has been set up by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, its control remains with the Indian cricket board.

They have raised the issue if the CAB is right in saying the BCCI does not have anything to do with the IPL matches?

CAB has also asked who are the organisers of the IPL match.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment had won the bid for the Kolkata team and former India skipper Sourav Ganguly is most likely to become its captain.

The other cities that will have their teams in the IPL are Bangalore, Mumbai, Mohali/Chandigarh, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Chennai.

While the bidding for the players is to be held on February 20, the matches of the Twenty20 tournament start from April 18.

Real estate developers DLF Group are the title sponsorship of the IPL after its successful Rs 200-crore bid.

IBN Live

SRK, Sania, Sachin may feature on postage stamps

NEW DELHI: Celebrities and national icons can now find immortality through postage stamps during their living years, if the government decides to end the decades long custom of honouring people only posthumously.

"We are considering a proposal to issue stamps on young achievers in various fields, who have made the nation proud. These personalities include Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, Sania Mirza, Harbhajan Singh and Remo Fernandes among others," Shakeel Ahmad, Minister of State for Communication and IT, said.

These people have achieved a lot in their life and this needs to be conveyed to the youth to encourage them, as well as promote philately.

"Stamp collection is not merely a hobby. It teaches about our culture, civilisation and important happenings within our country and outside," the minister said, adding that this would also give the much required revenue to the postal department.

He, however, said that there was no custom hitherto to issue stamps on living persons. "It is very rare and exceptional... we are debating on this in the ministry and we expect to take a decision on this soon," he said.

Asked if any amendment was required in the Postal Act to issue stamps on living personalities, he replied in the negative.

"No amendment is required in the Postal Act. We just need to take a decision. I have written a note to (Communication and IT) Minister A Raja suggesting this," he said.

Times Of India

I'm leaving: Shah Rukh

LET ME GO!

There seem to be no end to Viveck Vaswani’s woes and the director might not complete Dulha Mil Gaya in time. Shah Rukh hasn’t provided the required dates for the film. He was supposed to shoot for a song on a cruise liner but the shoot was cancelled after rains played havoc with the schedule.

One song only

The latest buzz doing the rounds is that Shah Rukh has conveyed to Viveck that he won’t be able to be part of the project.
Says an insider, “SRK was doing the film as a goodwill gesture for Viveck but after a while, the producer expected him to do more than just one song. While Shah Rukh isn’t keen on doing more than just a song, Viveck wants to use him as one of the major highlights, to give the film more weight and value.”

Shah Rukh and Viveck go back a long way. When the actor had first arrived in Mumbai from Delhi, Vaswani had opened his home to him.

Initially, Shah Rukh had given unavailability of dates as a reason for not being able to do the film.

However, now he has informed the director he isn’t interested in doing it at all. The source continues, “It’s strictly between Viveck and SRK now. No one else has been told about this change (??!).” The next schedule for Dulha Mil Gaya begins in March.

Tushar Joshi, Mid-Day

Ajay and SRK’s Toony Tiff !

Shah Rukh Khan’s recent announcement in Variety magazine about producing an animated kiddie flick has stirred a hornet’s nest. According to the Ajay Devgan camp, the stories of SRK’s and Kumar Mangat’s animation film, Toonpur Ka Super Hero, are the same!

A source reveals that Ajay’s camp is miffed that Khan is going ahead with a project that is very similar to theirs in terms of ideation and plot. The similarity isn’t just about who the film is catering to, but also the treatment. Both the movies are using state-of-the-art effects and will have a video game feel.

Ajay’s angry

Apparently, Devgan was infuriated when Shah Rukh roped in Anubhav Sinha for the project. “Ajay has been conceiving Toonour Ka Super Hero even before he started work on U Me Aur Hum. In fact, during Cash, Ajay had discussed the project with Anubhav and now Anubhav is working with Shah Rukh on a suspiciously similar project.”

Kumar Mangat says, “I have heard that the stories of Anubhav’s film and Toonpur being similar. Some people in the trade have informed me but when I checked, I found out that Anubhav Sinha’s story is different. I know that he’s making an animation film but I am not sure if Shah Rukh has said yes to the film.”

Both Anubhav Sinha and Kumar Mangat are working at breakneck speed to complete their films they want to release their film first.

It’s a race

Mangat says, “I don’t know about Anubhav’s film but 80 per cent of our animation work has already been done. We will complete shooting by June and definitely plan to have a Diwali or Christmas release.

Doing an animation film is no child’s play. It takes months to work on a character — extensive knowledge and research.”

Crowded space

He continues, “Kirit is an experienced ad filmmaker with his own animation company. One wrong frame and the entire shooting gets wasted. We have been working on Toonpur since last 15 months and now only two songs including one with Ajay and Kajol need to be shot. Ajay and Kajol’s song is called Chal baliye chal Toonpur chaliye and will be shot with 5000 animated characters.”

Mangat is roping in noted animation specialist Charles Darby for TKSH. Kumar Mangat says, “We are in talks with a Hollywood technician who has worked with Steven Spielberg in his films. Everything will get finalised in a few days.”

When asked if his film is similar to TKSH Shah Rukh says, “No.”

Tushar Joshi & Upala KBR, Mid-Day

Shah Rukh Duped & Loses Passport

Bollywood superstar, Shahrukh Khan is in the news yet again though this time for an off-screen mystery that has left the Mulund (Mumbai) police baffled.

It involves his credit card which came into the possession of three people who took a big chance to splurge away merrily but were nabbed by an alert department store executive.

On February 10, Vinay Vijay Tambe (22), James Paul Peremal (28), and Shekar Jadhav (44), went to Shopper’s Stop at Nirmal Lifestyle in Mulund (W) and bought trousers and t-shirts worth Rs.25000.

So far, so good till it was time to pay up and out came an ICICI credit card. The sales executive was stunned when he saw that the name on the transaction slip was none other than SRK. He knew something was terribly wrong especially when the credit card holder signed it as Vinay Vijay Tambe.

The executive made a call to ICICI Bank to verify the card’s authenticity and also informed the police about the transaction. They wasted little time in reaching the spot and arrested the trio under Indian Penal Code sections 34 (common intention) and 420 (cheating). They have been remanded to police custody till February 18.

Shahrukh confirmed the story through an SMS to this newspaper.

The Mulund police says the card was not forged. “ICICI Bank has confirmed that the card belonged to Khan. We are trying to find out whether it was stolen or if he lost it. And, of course, the big question is how did it come into Tambe’s hands,” senior police inspector Prakash Landge, Mulund police station, told DNA.

The trio’s version, according to him, was that they found the card lying on a road in SantaCruz a few days prior to their arrest.

The Mulund police got in touch with their counterparts at Bandra to check if SRK had registered any complaint on a lost credit card. “They told us that he had lodged a complaint on his passport being lost. We are now investigating the exact source of the credit card,” Landge said.

The police might soon contact SRK on the matter.

V.Narayan, DNA India

Are you Smarter Than a Fifth Grader ?

Not that King Khan had gone anywhere, but he’s making a comeback on the telly with another show, which comes after the super successful Kaun Banega Crorepati. This time, Shah Rukh Khan will be the host for Star Plus’ new game show Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain, which will be on air later this year. An Indian adaptation of a hit Fox TV quiz show, that’s doing well in over 50 countries, Khan explained the concept with some witty repertoire at the launch in Delhi. “Main dil say khud baccha hi hoon (At heart, I am a also a child),” said Khan, who rode a bicycle to the podium for the press conference.

The movie icon will be seen in Aditya Chopra’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Karan Johar’s My Name Is Khan, apart from three home productions from Red Chillies Entertainment. “Since I’m not shooting at the moment, I can devote my time to this show. Finally, I have work,” joked Khan. “At Red Chillies we are also planning an animation film. Barry John taught me that if I can hold a child’s attention, I can be an actor,” said Khan.

Khan watched the original show , Are you Smarter Than a Fifth Grader, with his kids and their friends before deciding on whether he wanted to be part of this venture. “My kids found it fascinating,” he said, and that eventually convinced him to don the quizmaster’s hat yet again. With a self-imposed break from films, Khan has his plate full with cricket and television. “I think I never left television. I began my career with TV and I owe my life to this medium,” he said. He’ll host this show in a classroom environment.

Regarding his recent exploits with cricket, he is smitten with cricketer Sourav Ganguly and has set his heart at getting him on board his most recent purchase — the Kolkata Cricket League. “Sourav will captain my team. Since our team is Kolkata, we must have a signature player and who better than Sourav? Had he not been from Kolkata, even then I would have bid for him just because he is a great player,” he insisted.

Prone to self-congratulation, Khan is disarmingly modest at the same time. “With all humility, I think I am the ambassador of the Indian film industry. Those international awards might have been conferred on me, but they are a reflection of the fact that the world has woken up to Indian cinema,” said a triumphant Khan. Here we go again!

Express India

SRK and Kajol Voted Jodi No 1

It's valentine season and romance is in the air. And romance has been the staple for Bollywood for many years.

So which onscreen couple charmed the hearts of the audience? Which lead pair is the jodi no 1? We here at CNN-IBN decided to find out.

Bollywood has had some memorable onscreen couples who lit up the silver screen with their sparkling chemistry.

While the spotlight has shifted from reel life to real life couples off late, the magic that the male and female leads created on celluloid is definitely a source of inspiration for many.

So this Valetine's week we decided to check out who's the best of them all...the couple that has reigned in the hearts of the audience as the hero and heroine who made their ticket money worth every penny.

On a poll conducted on www.ibnlive.com CNN-IBN asked respondents to vote the jodi no1 in Bollywood. And the nominees are:

Guru Dutt and Waheed Rehman

Dharmendra and Hema Malini

Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol

Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor

From the swarm of responses, it was evident that if there's one jodi that has melted hearts across the board, it's Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol who sizzled on screen in such films as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kabhie Khushie Kabhie Gham and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

They're the couple we have most enjoyed seeing on screen, they're the couple that has most often made our eyes moist, they're the couple who have immortalized romance on 70mm.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, CNN-IBN's Jodi No. 1 is Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.

Watch the video : Click Here

IBN Live

"I'm directing for Shah Rukh" - Anubav Sinha

Shah Rukh Khan has entrusted Anubhav Sinha (of Dus and Tum Bin fame) with the responsibility of directing a Red Chillies production. Though earlier there were speculations around the authenticity of the news piece, the man at the helm of affairs comes out in open.

"Yes, this is true. I am indeed going to direct this film which would be heavy on CGI and VFX. At this moment no decision has been taken on whether Shah Rukh Khan would be acting in the film or not as the script is still being finalized", says Anubhav Sinha whose last release was Cash.

Budget of this yet untitled film has been pegged at $25 million (Rs. 100 crores) which automatically makes it India's most expensive film ever. What does Anubhav feel about this transition to the super league? "With big power comes bigger responsibilities", chuckles Anubhav while obviously quoting superhero Spiderman.

He continues, "The film is obviously huge and there would be extensive pre-production required for it. Shah Rukh is getting some of the best technicians from the world to work on the project. When he makes a statement that the film has to match the standards set by Spiderman, I have to be continuously on my toes."

Since the film is CGI and VFX laden, is it mainly an animation/special effects film, as reported in some sections of media. "What rubbish", says an amused Anubhav, "You don't spend 100 crores on a core animation film. This is very much going to be a live action film with real people. But yes, it would have high dose of VFX."

It was two years back that Anubhav Sinha had got into a first round discussion with Shah Rukh Khan around the project. Khan went on to do Om Shanti Om in the interim and recently gave a nod to his dream project. Was he overtly bothered about the Cash imbroglio?

"He hasn't spoken to me about it", replies Anubhav, "I don't know whether he has seen Cash or not. In any case, he has been in the entertainment business for long and fully understands what goes behind the scenes for the success or failure of a project."

While work is still on for the production and financing of the film, Shah Rukh Khan is already said to be in talks with Eros Entertainment and visual effects guru Charles Darby who has worked on films like The Matrix and Minority Report. Most of the year 2008 would go into getting the base ready for the film to come on floors.

As per Khan, the film is going to be over the top and a madcap with a feel that would be as beautiful as Spider Man when it comes to special effects. Though Anubhav Sinha refuses to divulge much about the plot of the film, there are indications that the film with a feel of videogame would be centered on a bunch of children who wish for bad things but get a reality check when they come true.

"Let the suspense stay on about what the film is all about. In any case, I don't wish to reveal much about the film since it is at least a year away. Let me get my act in place till then", signs off Anubhav.

Screen India

Shah Rukh to host 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?'

English is the official language of India. True or False?

Do all adult kangaroos have pouches? Yes or No?
Which of the following - ligaments, tendons, or marrow, attach muscles to bones?.

After reading the above questions, most of you will feign dyslexia, some of you will promptly want to take help from 10-years olds in the neighborhood and still, many will refuse to say, "I'm not smarter than the Fifth grader."

If you have trouble remembering the formula for the area of a triangle or figures of speech that you learnt in primary school, its definitely time to go back to school with none other than Bollywood Ka Badshah - Shah Rukh Khan.

Shah Rukh Khan is back on TV to host television's biggest entertainer ever, 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?' It is a show, which has adult contestants testing their wits with a group of sprightly 10-year-olds.

Excited about hosting 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?', Shah Rukh Khan says, "I was very keen to do this show because of the educational aspect attached to it, which has been an integral part our culture. Once the decision was made, Star Plus was the only television platform I could think, that could take me to every single television home in this country."

Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? is a television game show based on the international Mark Burnett format 'Are you smarter than a 5th grader?' where grade school level questions are put to adults from all walks of life, who are well heeled and confident and who attempt to relive school with success. The format originated in the United States, has launched successfully in 50 countries, and will now hit Indian television, courtesy Bulldog Media & Entertainment.

The essence of the show is the test that adults will be put to answer primary school questions, the pressure of going back to school and keeping their reputations intact. Even the likes of 2008 presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Rudy Guiliani have turned down the offer to be the on show as contestants. Such is the pressure!
First time on Indian television, viewers will witness contestants win this whopping sum - Five Crores to answer up to Fifth Standard questions, just imagine…

Speaking on the launch of 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass se Tez Hain?', Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India Pvt Ltd., said, "We are fortunate that the country has always given us the mandate of taking television to the next level. We have done it time and again by launching a show like 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', by introducing a whole new time band in the afternoon and by bringing people back to television on the weekends. With a show like 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?', its time to redefine Indian television yet again."

The show promises quality entertainment and high production value to its viewers; and a production of such magnitude warrants only the best in the industry to make it happen. Star Plus once again collaborates with one of the country's leading production houses- Synergy Adlabs. Their expertise in producing successful, top quality format shows including the super-hit Kaun Banega Crorepati ( series 1,2,&3), Heartbeat, Kamzor Kadi Kaun will ensure that Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? becomes yet another hit on Indian television.

Bollywood Hungama

SRK absent at Paanchvi Paas

King Khan Shahrukh who just returned from his spell at the Berlin film festival and his quick media interaction at Delhi , was to attend the press conference of Star Plus’ “Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain?” at ITC, Parel last afternoon. But, unfortunately was absent at the launch of the much hyped show.

Shahrukh who has always shared a great rapport with the media failed to appear at the conference due to the rising political situation within the state of Maharashtra. The arrest of MNS leader Raj Thackeray last noon put the state on high alert as activists blocked roads to protest against the arrest.

The team at Star Plus didn’t want to put their guest at any sort of danger and thus decided not to have Shahrukh at the conference. The conference did see the unveiling of the logo and Siddhart Basu director of the show, did interact with the media and spoke on Shahrukh’s behalf.

But Shahrukh’s persona was deeply missed at the conference. The Star team was heavily apologetic and thus promised greater moments of interaction with Shahrukh in the days to come. So till then, just hang-in.

IndiaGlitz

V-Day is beyond me:SRK

He is the eternal Rahul of Indian cinema, the lover who always gets the heroine in the end.
But call him that and Shah Rukh Khan just throws up his hands and says resignedly, “People call me a lot of names; I don’t mind being called any!

Then on a serious note, the King of Romance adds, “I have reached the giving stage of my Bollywood love affair. I want to give more and more love to my audience through my work. If you want to call it love... please go ahead!”

But SRK is not the kind to straitjacket love in the confines of Valentine’s Day. “I have never really understood this day. According to me, love has so many facets. For instance, if you asked Don Juan, he would have said that loving 1700 women was the nicest thing in his life.

And I think I would respect that also.

The beauty of love is that it has no boundaries. For me, love means my children. I am in love with the undiplomatic and innocent stage of life that they are in,” he says.

And isn’t it a little kid, Darsheel Safary, who is competing with Mr Khan for the Filmfare best actor award too? “Every year the competition keeps getting younger. Very soon, I will be nominated with an unborn baby,” he smiles.

Times Of India

SRK game for investing in hockey, football

NEW DELHI: It’s not just cricket. Shah Rukh Khan is keen on investing in other sports as well. SRK, who is coming back as a television host with a game show on Star Plus, has created a separate segment in his production company Red Chillies Entertainment called Red Entertainment Sports.

“I invested in cricket because there was an opportunity available. I think investment in sports should come through a sensible business plan. I think a lot needs to be done for propagating sports among youth. IPL is a new concept, let’s see how it works. In due course of time, I will invest in hockey and football and other sports,” said Shah Rukh Khan.

In a bid to create awareness about IPL, the actor is in the process of lining up plans about the concept. “I think ICL (Zee’s Indian Cricket League) couldn’t reach out to people and got lost. I have been talking to Vijay (Mallya), Mukesh bhai and Preity (Zinta) that we should all invest to create a buzz around IPL so that people are aware of it,” he added.

Mr Khan also plans to actively participate in marketing IPL’s Kolkata team—which he won in auction along with Juhi Chawla and Jai Mehta—and launch a full scale campaign. He said that he would take his team to Delhi, Mumbai and other cities to promote it. As far as signing players for his team was concerned, Mr Khan said he would take the decision with his team coach.

Besides cricket, SRK also plans to expand his production company Red Chillies Entertainment. Talking about the company’s future plans, he said, “Our company will make three movies, including one animation film. I may also act in some of them.” SRK’s company would also get into television production and is looking at increasing the head count of his company to 150 employees.

“We make movies and also plan to do creative programming for television. We also have an ad-sales division which creates 40-60 advertising films.” Asked whether he would rope in an international investor, SRK said, “We don’t need any funds as of now. I have no immediate plans for an IPO either.’’

Besides hosting a game show which will involve extensive interactions with kids, Mr Khan is also looking at making a movie for children. “I was trained by Barry John. He taught me that if I can’t sustain the interest level of kids, I can never become a good actor,” he said.

Star Plus will partner with Synergy Adlabs and Bulldog Media & Entertainment to bring the international format game show “Are you smarter than a fifth grader?” to India. The Indian version of the show — Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain? — will show SRK as a school teacher interviewing adults who would have kids of fifth grade and below as classmates. The prize money offered to the winner would be Rs 5 crore.

Talking about his decision to keep coming back to television, Mr Khan said that he is an entertainer and would like to perform on all platforms. He believes that television has started grabbing larger number of eyeballs and has an interactive element.

TNN

“Shah Rukh Khan is the biggest movie star in the world”: CNN International

LONDON, England (CNN) — Some movie actors are lauded for their performances on the silver screen, earning themselves respect and stardom. But few, if any, Western stars are worshipped in quite the way that Shah Rukh Khan is. In a film career spanning 16 years he has risen to become the most recognizable face of Indian cinema and the most watched movie star in the world.

Shah Rukh Khan is the biggest movie star in the world. Since his debut in the 1992 feature film ‘Deewana’, he has dominated Indian cinema.

Shah Rukh Khan’s life story is one which Bollywood scriptwriters would have been proud to have penned themselves.

His journey into Indian cinema took in tragedy, romance, determination and luck. It was also highly unconventional for an outsider like Khan to break into the inherently dynastic world of Bollywood.

Khan was born in Delhi in 1965. As a boy growing up, Khan never really dreamed of being an actor, his head and heart were consumed by sport — notably cricket and hockey — but injuries put an end to any dreams of becoming a professional sportsman.

But he had also dabbled in drama as a teenager and enrolled at Delhi’s Theatre Action Group which had been run by the renowned theatre director Barry John since 1968.

The experience served Khan well, and with TV production starting to boom in India, Khan was soon called upon to appear on the small screen — his first appearance was in the series “Fauji” in 1988.

Sadly both his parents died before seeing their son achieve success in Bollywood. His father Meer Taj Mohammed — a lawyer and freedom activist who had campaigned for Indian independence — died in 1981. His mother Latif Fatima, a magistrate, died 10 years later.

But it was the death of his mother that proved to be the catalyst for Khan switching from the small to big screen. Beset by sadness and depression at the loss of his mother, Khan decided to give the movies a shot and made a permanent move to Mumbai — the center of filmmaking in India.

It wasn’t long before he caught the eye of casting directors and soon a film role was offered to him. But Khan wasn’t sure whether he should accept.

“I wasn’t very keen,” he told CNN. “But there were some friends in TV who convinced me to do it. I was more intellectually inclined. I wanted to do a more serious kind of cinema.”

Nevertheless, in 1992 Khan made his film debut in “Deewana,” winning him the Filmfare Best Male Debut award.

His continuing reluctance to take his new status and film roles too seriously meant Khan took on parts that some of the more established Bollywood stars would have rejected out of hand.

Khan believed he had nothing to lose, and he happily took on a variety of roles. In 1993 he played a murdering adulterer in “Baazigar.” Khan’s character (Ajay Sharma) pushes a young Shilpa Shetty off a roof and thus launched her career. The performance earned him his first Filmfare Best Actor award. Unafraid of being typecast, Khan reprised the ‘bad guy” role in “Darr” (1993) and “Anjaam” (1994).

Playing the character of Raj Malhotra in the 1995 feature “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ) propelled him to new heights, confirming his versatility and popularity as a Bollywood actor. The film was a huge critical and commercial success, becoming the longest running film ever in Indian cinema — it continues to run to this day in cinemas in Mumbai.

Khan had become, and remains, the hottest property in Bollywood. Despite his inability to sing — all his songs are dubbed — and, at best, an average talent for dancing, he oozes charisma. “His screen presence is still incredible,” says his biographer Anu Chopra. “You can’t take your eyes off him. He is just completely magnetic.”

Box office records continue to be broken, awards continue to stack up — so far he has won 13 Filmfare awards — and throughout all of it his personal life has remained settled and happy. Married to Gauri since 1991, the couple had their first son Aryan in 1997. A daughter, Suhana followed in 2000.

The same year Khan, along with his friend and actress Juhi Chawla, set up the production company Dreamz Unlimited. In 2004, he founded Red Chillies Entertainment, which produced the highly successful ‘Main Hoon Na’ — the directorial debut of the multi-talented choreographer Farah Khan.

Outside of filmmaking Khan can be seen presenting “Kaun Banega Crorepati” — India’s version of the successful ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” format. And recently, he was part of a consortium which successfully bid for one of the eight new franchises of cricket’s Indian Premier League.

But his lifelong love for cricket still takes second place to his job as a continuing Bollywood phenomenon. Having already racked up over 60 films, Khan isn’t about to shy away from the spotlight that he so openly adores.

“All my life I’ve worked towards being recognized,” he says. “I love it. I am proud that I am a movie star and have no privacy. What is the point if I am a star and no one knows me?”

CNN International

Shah Rukh Khan - Kajol starrer 'Khan' based on true story

The first half of producer / director Karan Johar's next film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, tentatively titled Khan!, is based on a true story says Johar, who has bought the rights for the story from the couple that was victimized.

In the film Shah Rukh plays a Muslim who gets wrongly detained on a flight because his last name is Khan and the authorities believe that makes him a terrorist.

The film, currently being scripted by Shivani Bhatija, is expected to go on the floors in mid 2008

Currently only the lead pair for the film has been finalized since scripting is not yet complete.

Johar calls the Khan - Kajol pairing a 'dream pairing' because it has never failed to produce a hit.

Their past films together are Baazigar (1993), Karan Arjun (1995), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).

Khan, Johar and Kajol also happen to be very good friends who consult each other professionally.

If Johar had his way, Kajol would be in all his films. He had wanted the 32-year-old to act in his last film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) but Kajol opted out because the film involved a long spell of shooting in the US and she was not comfortable leaving her daughter Nysa behind for so long.

"This time around I told her, 'I need you. You just have to do my film.' That was it.," a delighted Johar told Mid Day after having signed her up.

Johar, who has in the past focused exclusively on romantic dramas, is excited about the film because of its intense story line but a little tentative about directing it.

"…I am petrified, mortified and absolutely hysterical about directing this film. I even asked Shibani after reading the first draft, 'Do you think I am the right person to direct this?' The tone of the film is such. All I can say is that in my entire career this is possibly the biggest risk I am taking," he says.

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