Shah Rukh, Ambani pan BCCI over IMG ouster

Indian Premier League franchisees are up in arms against the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s decision to terminate event SRK manager IMG’s contract with the league on Saturday.

Mumbai Indians owner Mukesh Ambani, Knight Riders’ Shah Rukh Khan as well as the owners of Team Delhi and Team Jaipur have thrown their weight behind IMG and protested at not being consulted on the decision by shooting off letters to BCCI president Shashank Manohar, former board chief Sharad Pawar and IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. Copies of the letters are in TOI’s possession.

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisees have protested unitedly after the BCCI cancelled IMG’s contract with the League on Saturday. The trouble started when IPL chief Lalit Modi, who also was not in favour of ending IMG’s contract, forwarded the termination letter issued by BCCI secretary N Srinivasan to all IPL team owners. Incidentally, Srinivasan is the owner of Team Chennai.

Sources said that while Modi’s move angered the board, it got the franchisees together in support of IMG. The result is that IPL’s governing council will now meet on September 2 in Mumbai to take a fresh call on the issue and how it can avoid a legal tangle. The meeting would be attended by BCCI president Shashank Manohar, Modi, N Srinivasan, Arun Jaitley, Rajeev Shukla, Niranjan Shah and IS Bindra.

Mumbai Indians’ owner Mukesh Ambani, in his letter to Sharad Pawar, has expressed his vexation at the way the issue has been handled by the BCCI and has asked Pawar to intervene. Ambani writes: ‘‘I am personally shocked at the unilateral decision of doing away with the services of IMG. We are only two seasons old, and we need the continued participation and support of the most capable partners globally to take IPL from strength to strength."

He was also critical of BCCI. ‘‘It is also worrying to me that such a significant decision in relation to IPL has been taken without even so much as consulting the franchisees. I strongly believe that this decision, if taken forward, will destroy substantial value for all the stake holders, especially the franchisees and dilute the success of IPL in the coming years.’’

Even Shah Rukh Khan (Knight Riders) has questioned BCCI’s decision. In a letter to Manohar, he says: ‘‘It’s a matter of sincere concern and anxiety, that IMG, who have been an integral part of the tournament management and it success so far, have been expelled due to failure of commercial negotiations.’’ SRK further wrote: ‘‘We have invested in this league and paid a high price for our franchise with the belief that we are buying into an unique league and world-class event that would break boundaries, not only in India but internationally."

Shah Rukh also drew the example of T20 World Cup in England and said: ‘‘This is evident in the recent ICC World T20 Championships, which took place in England, the delivery of which was nowhere near the quality of IPL. Team Jaipur’s Manoj Badale expressed his reservations against ‘‘the manner in which the decision was made, the basis for the decision, the clarity of metrics surrounding IMG’s evaluation and performance and the absence of clear plan to replace IMG’s services’’.

Farah to bring Shahrukh, Salman closer

Choreographer turned filmmaker Farah Khan is trying to bridge the gap between two Bollywood stars, Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan. She thinks that the brawl between the two is stretching too long and they should end up fight and become friends now. "I wish I could bridge the gap. I love both of them. It's (the fight) getting longer now," Farah told

Farah Khan who hosts the famous television chat show, ‘Tere Mere Beech Mein’ has invited Salman Khan and his mother Salma Khan in the starting episode and she feels like to end the show with her close friend Shahrukh Khan. "Since Salman had never come on a chat show before and was very candid during the show, we made him the first guest. But Shahrukh will be the last one to keep the audience hooked till the end," she says.

Farah is close to both the rivals, Shahrukh and Salman, professionally and personally. On professional front, if she has made film with Shahrukh Khan ‘Om Shanti Om’ then she had choreographed a song of Salman’s upcoming film ‘Mr and Mrs Khanna’.

Farah wants to play peacemaker between the two friends turned foe.

Shahrukh doesn't miss Salman

It is very unlikely that Salman Khan would finish an interview without being asked about his relationship with friend turned foe Shahrukh Khan. In a recent interview Salman said that he and Shahrukh becoming friends again was out of question as Shahrukh doesn't miss him. Being slightly sarcastic Salman said that Shahrukh was not crying over the issue and was doing well with his professional career.

On the infamous spat on Katrina Kaif's birthday bash last year Salman said that people normally do have fights and settle things the next morning, just that this incident was blown up and taken to a different level the next morning He added that if things were sorted out that night itself the entire scenario could have been different but he felt a patch up was not on Shahrukh's agenda.

Salman however denied that he had ever been very close to Shahrukh Khan. He candidly said that he and Shahrukh used to hang out together and did a few films together but they were never close enough to be referred to as buddies. Well Shahrukh did you hear this, perhaps you should start missing Salman and who knows the mother of all Bollywood patch ups could take place.

Sameera gets SRK’s gyaan

Shah Rukh Khan has fans the world over, but the star has also many takers when it comes to his gyaan and fundas on life.

And one ardent fan when it comes to adopting his philosophies in life is Sameera Reddy. The leggy beauty, who’s known the actor long before she entered Bollywood, even considers him her ‘spiritual guru’ and recalls one of her conversations with SRK that made a huge impact on her. “It was during a not-very-pleasant phase in my life, and I had too much on my mind. We were flying back after attending one event in Kolkata, when he realised that I was restless about something. And when I shared it with him, he said, ‘You will be subjected to constant speculation and talks in this industry and you shouldn’t take it seriously. All you got to do is know, accept and embrace yourself.’ And over the time I do realise that the key of happiness does lie in finding peace within oneself,” said Sameera. Well, wonder if that’s the secret to the all new-Sam!

Akram meets Shah Rukh Khan

Cricket legend and former Pakistani Captain Wasim Akram met Kolkata Knight Rider's owner Shah Rukh Khan's residence in Mumbai on Sunday.

Akram is one of the leading contenders for the job of the coach of the Knight Riders. Earlier in the day former India coach Sandip Patil met the Bollywood actor at his residence.

John Wright and Andrew Pybus are also vying for the high profile coaching job of the IPL team.

However former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly who wanted Akram to be India's bowling coach during his tenure as skipper was not present at the meeting at Mannat.

Earlier, Akram had expressed his keenness to coach the KKR team.

The former captain said he has received a call from Shah Rukh's secretary, inviting him for a "chat" to discuss a coaching assignment with the Knight Riders on August 30.

"Sunday, I will be there for sure and I am keen. I am ready. Check me out," said Akram, who has emerged as a strong contender for the job.

"I have never done formal coaching before. It is a different skill and is honed over a period of time. It requires a lot of patience and that is something I have acquired over a period of time.

I would love to work with Shah Rukh again: Parzaan Dastur

He popularised the line 'Tussi na jao' (Please don't go) as the cute Sikh kid in Karan Johar's 1998 hit 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hain'. Parzaan Dastur, now 17, plays the protagonist in new film 'Sikandar' and says he would love to take up acting as a career and work with Shah Rukh Khan again.

'Acting is something I have been doing for long. I have loved doing it and enjoyed every moment of it. But that time (during 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hain') it was a hobby. If it turns out to be a career, I will love it because I just enjoy being in front of the camera. I enjoy taking commands from the director, performing and getting the appreciation,' Parzaan told IANS in an interview.

Parzaan wants to act with Shah Rukh and Kajol again. They played the lead in 'Kuch Kuch...'.

'I would love to work with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol again. 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' was an experience of a lifetime and I would love to have that again,' said the teenager who is currently studying management in a Mumbai college.

'Apart from that I want to work with a legend like Amitabh Bachchan. Any young aspiring actor would love to work with him simply because you get to learn so many things off the sets from him,' he added.

As a child actor, Parzaan has also featured in other films like 'Mohabbatein', 'Zubeidaa' and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'. He was also seen in the award-winning film 'Parzania' (2007), which was about a boy who goes missing during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

His latest 'Sikandar', which released last week, revolves around a boy in the troubled Kashmir Valley who wants to make it big in football, but his life changes when he finds a gun lying on the road.

The film, shot entirely in Kashmir and directed by Piyush Jha, also stars Ayesha Kapoor, Sanjay Suri and R. Madhavan.

Parzaan believes that 'Sikandar' helped him mature as an actor.

'With 'Sikandar' I became more mature. I understood what acting is all about. What does it mean to get into the character and how can one adopt a role. This film took me way ahead as far as acting is concerned,' said the youngster who has also worked in many commercial advertisements.

He has found a good friend in Ayesha who has won awards for her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black' (2005).

'We had 30-35 days in Kashmir, working together. It's been great working with Ayesha. She is a brilliant actress and apart from that she has worked very hard on the film.

'She can't speak Hindi, but she had to speak the language for the movie... so the amount of hard work she has put in to portray the character, to say her lines properly with the correct emotions, is just great. She has become a really good friend,' said Parzaan.

Exclusive Video: SRK In Arjun's "Lap"

Actors Shah Rukh Khan, wife Gauri, Hrithik Roshan, along with Suzanne, joined the star-studded launch of Arjun Rampal's restaurant 'Lap'.

Arjun Rampal brings in Shah Rukh, Hrithik for restaurant launch

Actor Arjun Rampal who launched his new restaurant `Lap` in Delhi on Friday, made sure that the opening was a star studded affair with none other than Bollywood`s Badshah Shah Rukh Khan on the guest list along with superstar Hrithik Roshan.

The glamour quotient was further upped by the spouses of the megastars, Gauri Khan and Susanne Roshan, who were at their fashionable best.

The `Rock On` star who came with his supermodel wife Meher Rampal, said that his restaurant, located inside Samrat Hotel would stand out from the crowd with as it will offer "privacy" to it`s members and be "exclusive".

"You have to become a member to know how incredible this place is. It`s for people to enjoy. India can proudly say, we have a place to party. It`s about privacy, a discovery of yourself," Rampal said about his latest venture.

Shah Rukh Khan, who was with his wife Gauri said, "Gauri has designed it with Arjun and Meher. I think it would be fabulous. I wish them all the best. I am from Delhi and want everyone to visit this place."

Khan, however, steered clear of any controversy during his visit to the capital and refused to make any comments on Salman`s recent remarks over his nearly two-hour detention at a US airport.

Rampal, though being a Delhiite, said he hasn`t not been able to visit the capital city much because of his commitments to the film industry. "I was waiting for 'Rock On' to release. Tomorrow is its first anniversary. I was not coming to Delhi because I needed to make money and give back something to Delhi. Films is my work, that is one of my first priorities. This is just a hobby and passion for me. We are after all entertainers."

"I love women and want women to feel safe at 'Lap'. That's why it's exclusive," added Rampal.

About 'Lap's menu, Rampal said, "I am a complete foodie who definitely wants to see Biriyani on the menu."

Actors Abhay Deol, Imran Khan and Dino Morea, fashion designers Rohit Bal, JJ Valaya, Reena Dhaka and Tarun Tahiliani, models Indrani and Sonalika Sahay, DJ Akil, hotelier Vikram Chatwal, were among the guests.

Exclusive Watch: SRK'S 'Make it Large - A Tribute to Michael Jackson'

Seagram's Royal Stag Mega Music lives life with
'Make it Large-A Tribute to Michael Jackson',
on his 51st birthday

Creates video featuring India's best music talent to be released on 29th August 2009

Mumbai August 26 2009 In what can be easily termed as musical history, Seagram's Royal Stag has created a special video 'Make it Large- A tribute to Michael Jackson', to be released on music channels across India on the 29th of August to celebrate the pop legends 51st birthday.

A celebration could not be larger than this one where the best of Indian musicians come together to pay tribute to the genius that is Michael Jackson. Written by Vishal, composed by Vishal and Shekhar, produced by Red Chillies Idiot Box, and directed by Samar Khan 'Make it Large' features Shankar, Shaan, KK, Shreya Ghoshal and Michael’s closest dance likeness in India-Prabhudeva.

The video also features testimonials on Michael Jackson from Bollywood's hottest talent; Shahrukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Anoushka Sharma, Shahid Kapur, and cricket's best-Yuvraj Singh.

Commenting on the initiative, Bikram Basu, Vice President-Marketing, Pernod Ricard India said, "Michael Jackson is an icon, an undying creative genius. He uniquely stands for Royal Stag's brand philosophy to aspire and 'Make it Large'. This tribute song and video to Michael Jackson is really special."

Composer Vishal said, "The idea was derived with just from the thought of Michael. It's just awesome to see all of us come together out of love for one person and his music. It's magic!" Composer Shekhar said, "A tribute to MJ is something any musician would give his right hand to do."

Director Samar Khan said, "MJ's life and death have made an indelible impression on my life and suffice it to say that I had to be part of that history. The opportunity to direct this video was one I could not pass up and I am certain that it will leave a lasting impression on audiences across India"

SRK gets Vishal-Shekhar, Hrithik, Shahid, Priyanka, Katrina for MJ tribute

Some of the biggest names from the film industry would be seen paying tribute to Michael Jackson on his 51st birthday. Come 29th of August and Shah Rukh Khan, Vishal and Shekhar, Shahid Kapoor, Shankar Mahadevan, Prabhu Deva, Priyanka Chopra and Yuvraj Singh amongst others would be featuring in a music video titled 'Make it Large- A tribute to Michael Jackson'.

It was Shah Rukh Khan's idea to get a tribute rolling for the music legend who passed away on 25th June this year.

Says Vishal Dadlani of Vishal-Shekhar duo, "The entire world was upset about his demise and so were Shekhar (Ravjiani) and I. We happened to meet Shah Rukh and he also expressed his thought about doing something that would be befitting the stature of the man who entertained us for decades. This is how the idea around the music video was born."

Vishal and Shekhar soon set a task for themselves and began working on the song. It was decided that the music video would be launched on 29th August to coincide with Michael Jackson's birthday. While Vishal also wrote the lyrics for the song, some of the best singers in the industry - Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, KK and Shreya Ghoshal - were roped in come behind the mike.

"For the moment, the idea is to launch the music video across all music channels just for one day. It is available on Red Chillies Entertainment website though", informs Vishal who is currently holidaying in London.

Directed by Samar Khan, a close associate of Shah Rukh and director of films like Shaurya and Kuch Meetha Ho Jaaye,'Make it Large- A tribute to Michael Jackson' is also special since it features Prabhudeva who is yet again seen at his dancing best.

Also, the video features testimonials on Michael Jackson from Shah Rukh Khan himself along with Shahid Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma and Yuvraj Singh.

To extend the tribute, Vishal and Shekhar would also be allowing free download of the song at their website beginning 29th August.

"The video wasn't created for making money. It's a tribute and I am sure there are millions out there who would want to grab a copy of the song for themselves. We are more than glad to share our sentiments with the rest of the world", concludes Vishal.

I don't know Shah Rukh: Salman Khan

"You work with people you don't know. I don't know Shah Rukh so I don't mind working with anybody," says Salman Khan on the prospect of working in a film with friend-turned-foe Shah Rukh Khan. "If there's something good, I wouldn't have a problem that's if he doesn't have a problem. As long as those 100 days go off peacefully and don't have any problems," Salman adds. He rates Karan Arjun as one of his favourite films (where he created magic with Shah Rukh Khan).

Salman is known for his big heart and helping nature. In a cut throat industry, he is quite a rarity. "I don't have any insecurity or jealousies that ye bada star banega and he is going to take over and we are going to be thrown out. I don't care about that stuff at all. Woh apni mehnat par hai, apne fans ke upar depend karta hai, how long you're going to be there. Fans are saying jab tak you want us to see you, we will see you," Salman says with a smile.

Shah Rukh is Jolly LLB

Shah Rukh Khan to don the lawyer’s garb for his forthcoming film, Jolly LLB; Akshay Kumar’s best friend Rakesh Upadhyay will co-produce it.

For the first time, Shah Rukh Khan will play a lawyer in writer/director Subhash Kapoor’s film, Jolly LLB. This film will be produced by SRK’s Red Chillies Entertainment in association with Rakesh Upadhyay, who is a close aide of SRK’s closest competitor, Akshay Kumar. The film, which is based on a lawyer’s life, will be an expose on the judiciary system. Subhash had earlier directed a film on cricket Say Salaam India with Sanjay Suri, Vinay Pathak and Sandhya Mrudul.

Talking about SRK’s association with Rakesh, our source said, “Rakesh and SRK have been discussing various subjects for the past few months. SRK particularly liked this theme. If all goes well, the film will be on the floors by next year.”

Excited by the prospect of working with SRK, Subhash Kapoor said, “The film will take on the pros and cons of the judicial system. When we first had an appointment with SRK, he had given us about 45 minutes for the narration. However, we ended up discussing the film for over two hours. He took to the film in the first 20 minutes itself. He loved the film immensely. The film’s producer Rakesh Upadhyay is finalising the other details.”

When asked if SRK will co-produce the film, Rakesh Upadhyay said, “We have been talking about working together for a long time and this is the subject that we have zeroed in on. It is too early to say anything; we will make a formal announcement when everything is in place.”

SRK pays tribute to Michael Jackson on his 51st birthday

Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's television company "Red Chillies Idiot Box" has created a video featuring India's best music talent from the film industry to pay homage to King of pop Michael Jackson on his 51st birth anniversary.

The video titled "Make it large" will be released on music channels across India on August 29, Jackson's birthday.

Written by Vishal, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, the video is directed by Samar Khan and choreographed by Remo Fernandes.

The video features Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, KK, Shreya Ghoshal and Prabhudeva.

Shah Rukh, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Anoushka Sharma, Shahid Kapur and cricketer Yuvraj Singh will share their memories about Jackson.

"The idea was derived from just the thought of Michael.

It's just awesome to see all of us coming together out of love for one person and his music. It's magic," Singer-composer Vishal said.

"A tribute to MJ is something any musician would give his right hand to do," Shekhar said.

Director Samar Khan said, "MJ'S life and death have made an indelible impression on my life. I hope the video will leave a lasting impression on audiences across India.

Shahrukh Khan Vs Aamir Khan

The two Khans from the industry vie to win the National Award for the Best Actor. Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan both have been nominated in the best actor category for the year 2007.

If SRK’s portrayal of a staunch coach trying to redeem and absolve himself in Chak De India impressed the jury members, so has Aamir Khan’s performance as a determined teacher inspiring a dyslexic child to realize his true potential in a critically-acclaimed movie Taare Zameen Par. Both the movies were blockbusters, and if any of the Khans wins, it would be their first National Award.

Aamir has an added reason to smile as his ‘Taare Zameen Par’ is nominated in the Best Film category. Whereas, Shahrukh’s Om Shanti Om will give tough competition to the movies like Jab We Met, as it is nominated in the category of Best Feature Film for wholesome entertainment (category especially meant for Bollywood films).

The awards for the year 2007 got delayed because of the documentary film-maker Anant Patwardhan who challenged the awards for the year 2005 in court.

Information & Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni is likely to announce the awards by next week and President Pratibha Patil will give away the awards in Delhi in October.

My Name Is Khan unit to move to Film City

Karan Johar's My Name is Khan will soon shift to Film City to shoot the last schedule for the film. The schedule for almost 30 days will involve some crucial scenes of the film, which could not be shot in San Francisco.

Talking about the film, a production aide of the film disclosed, “A huge set has been put up at Sunil Maidan of Film City. An underground tank has been constructed to shoot a few scenes that project the hero of the film, Shah Rukh as a savior.”

Johar has shot My Name is Khan in several places. After a month long schedule in Los Angeles starting in December, 2008, the team took a break for SRK's shoulder operation. Johar then shot portions of the film across two studios in Mumbai, Filmistan and Mehboob in the spring of 2009. Thereafter the unit left for San Francisco in June for a month long schedule. Johar resumed shooting for the film then in Mumbai mid August. After completing a fortnight's shooting at Filmistan Studios, Johar will embark on his last schedule at Film City from 1 September. This phase of shoot will be for a month.

By the end of the shooting for My Name is Khan, Johar would have shot for at least 130 days. Given that the average shooting days required to complete a film is 60 days, 130 days is twice the amount. But Johar is known for the lavishness of his production which reflects in every frame of the film. So one can only expect the very best from My Name is Khan, given the banner Dharma Productions, the director Karan Johar and the cast, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.

Shah Rukh Khan in Aditya Chopra's DHOOM 3

Shah Rukh Khan, the favorite superstar of Yashraj Films and its head honcho Aditya Chopra, has given his consent to feature in upcoming mega- budget flick ‘Dhoom 3’ to be directed by none other than Aditya himself.

Hrithik Roshan, who had taken the ‘Dhoom 2’ to another level with Aishwarya Rai under the able direction of Sanjay Gadhvi, is said to be studying the minute details of his characterization in the upcoming flick before giving his consent. The buzz doing the rounds in the industry is that after Shah Rukh Khan gave his consent, it’s only a matter of time before Hrithik Roshan gives his nod for the flick.

Whenever it comes, Aditya Chopra directing the flick will be confirmed, as the reclusive director is said to have put forth the condition that he will helm the multi- crore project only if his chosen superstars agree to enact the roles he has in mind for them in the flick.

Sources close to Yashraj say that Shah Rukh Khan has always been favorite of Aditya Chopra and his all movies had him playing the pivotal roles in them. Starting with ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ to ‘Mohabbatein’ and ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, Shah Rukh Khan has been a constant factor in Aditya’s directorial ventures.

However, this time Shah Rukh Khan’s character is going to be negative, unlike in other Aditya Chopra’s flicks, wherein he played the main do-gooder hero and finally went home with the heroine. It was due to this factor that there was an air of suspense about his accepting the offer. However, Aditya’s friendship with Shah Rukh proved too strong a bond for him to refuse this role.

SRK is in Farah's 'Happy New Year', not Big B

Choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan has rubbished rumours that her upcoming film 'Happy New Year' will see the coming together of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

The 'Om Shanti Om' director said her best friend SRK is the only actor who has been finalised for the movie, which is still in its scripting stage.

"There is no truth in the rumour that Big B is going to star in the film. Besides SRK, I never cast anyone in my film till I have my script ready. As of now, only Shah Rukh and me are in the film," Farah said.

Earlier, it was reported that the 'Main Hoon Naa' director will bring the two actors together in the film. The duo was last seen together in Bhoothnath also starring Juhi Chawla.

The other actors who were said to be working in the movie were Sanjay Dutt, Zayed Khan and Juhi Chawla, a claim denied by Farah.

Describing the film as "modern and contemporary", the 44-year-old director said it would go on floors this year.

"I would resume my work on the script once I finish shooting for the chat show," she said.

In Pics: My Name Is Khan on sets

Thanks: Karan Johar

Vivek Oberoi joins Shahrukh Khan's camp

Recently, it has been in the limelight that Vivek Oberoi has recently teamed up with "King Khan" of Bollywood. Vivek didn't find any space in the camp of Salman Khan thus he rolled to Shahrukh Khan's site.

In a press conference, he showed his great concerns for "King Khan" and revealed that Shahrukh Khan is an expert and deserves worldwide admiration and honour. He unconditionally adores SRK.

Vivek Oberoi showed a great skill of personal relationship with Shahrukh Khan and got entry directly in his life, wife Gauri Khan and his private villa "Jannat". Even Vivek was seen in the birthday bash of King Khan's wife Gauri Khan.

Can Shah Rukh Khan Wake Up America

The Shah Rukh Khan controversy about his mistreatment at a US airport rages on, it has opened up new perspectives. One of them is of PR guru Dale Bhagwagar who has handled the media relations for some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including controversy queens like Priyanka Chopra, Shilpa Shetty and Sherlyn Chopra.

The public relations expert recalls, "When Shilpa Shetty faced racial discrimination, the whole of UK rallied behind her. I was her publicist then and was overwhelmed with UK journalists calling me in Mumbai just to ascertain facts, while Shilpa faced Jade Goody's onslaughts in the Celebrity Big Brother house."

But when Shah Rukh Khan has alleged community discrimination at a US airport, even many Indians are calling it a 'publicity stunt' for the promotion of Karan Johar's 'My Name Is Khan'. "Not fair," says the PR man. Would King Khan need a publicist like Dale to get things moving in his favour and make people understand that this is not a stunt?

Though the PR specialist feels it's doubtful this controversy is a stunt, he points out, "at least, the incident exposes the continuous discrimination towards Muslims in America and gives hope to so many people around the world, seeking a life of respect. If you still want to call it a stunt; then call it a stunt with a cause!"

Indeed, Shah Rukh Khan has raised a voice which so many throughout the world are identifying with. It's only a matter of time (or maybe, with the right kind of PR) when it will be heard in the right 'perspective'.

In Pics: My Name Is Khan On Sets

Thanks: Karan Johar

SRK ready for divorce

After a lengthy cameo in Vivek Vaswani’s Dulha Mil Gaya, news is Shah Rukh will also be a part of the sequel, Dulhe Ka Divorce.

Dulha Mil Gaya starring, Shah Rukh Khan, Fardeen Khan, Johny Lever and Tara Sharma had been delayed for a while now but will finally see the light of day on November 13th. Directed by Mudassar Aziz, Dulha Mil Gaya had its share of controversies.

Shah Rukh who has a cameo in the film was under the impression that he had to shoot for just 8 days but went on to shoot for more than a month. Vivek wanted to take advantage of King Khan’s appearance in the film but it seems now that both have sorted their differences out.

Khan has the special appearance through a lengthy song sequence and the movie was extensively shot in Trinidad and Tobago. But even before the release of the film, insiders speak of the movie’s sequel, ‘Dulhe Ka Divorce’. “Vivek’s over the moon that the movie’s finally rolling, with the type of financial crisis he was going through, who thought this day would come. He’s already thought of the sequel but that only depends on how this film fares.”

Let's hope this wedding is worth attending!

Shahrukh's lengthy guest appearance in 'Dulha Mil Gaya'!

Bollywood Badshah Shahrukh Khan is all set to make a different record of its type. Though the actor is in guest appearance in upcoming 'Dulha Mil Gaya', his role is almost for one hour.

Sources say that his role in the movie is almost one hour long in a two-and-a-half hour film. SRK had signed the film due to his close friendship with producer Vivek Vaswani.

Directed by Mudassar Aziz, the film features Sushmita Sen, Fardeen Khan, Johny Lever and Tara Sharma.

Shahrukh Khan is going to feature in "Don 2"

After delivering a rocking flick "Rock On" and television show "Oye! Its Friday", the mutli-talented star, singer and director Farhan Akhtar had stop to come in front of media.

Farhan became so unnoticeable that his locations were not known to any of his friends and colleagues. He is not just hidden for any other reason but he is seriously busy in his forthcoming flick- the sequel of his previous hit Don with "King Khan".

Farhan Akhtar's father and known legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar wrote the script of original Amitabh Bachchan Starer "Don". Thus, Farhan is holding his feet at his place and keeping himself busy in writing the screenplay of the upcoming sequel of his flick "Don".

A source revealed that Farhan feels that this time he is in competition with his father who is the majesty of his own style in writing lyrics and scripts for about more than 2- decades. So he wants to make the sequel which was a worthy successor. Thus, he isolated himself from every one including his family members, friends and companions so that he could easily finish his screenplay of the upcoming movie.

Farhan was not there to comment on, so his business partner Ritesh Sidhwani said that Farhan was locked away from humanity. He added that Farhan wanted to write a script that goes beyond the first one. And he thinks Akhtar Akhtar has cracked it as the script of "Don 2".

The main cast of the film will have again been in the coming sequel of "Don" by Farhan Akhtar- Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Rampal and Boman Irani. The director of photography and the production designer have been changed this time. The "Don 2" is going to roll on cameras from summers of 2010 in outdoor shoots in Germany.

Pak-American group criticizes USA for King Khan detention

A Pakistani-American group has criticized US authorities for detaining famous Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan at Newark International airport last week.

A statement issued by the Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC) said that after the 9/11 terror attacks 'lawful' Muslim travelers were being unnecessarily subjected to 'unfair' inspections and interrogations.

"Since the terrorist attacks, lawful Muslim travelers have extensively been subjected to unfair inspections, intrusive secondary searches, excessive questioning based on their names and ethnicity," The Nation quoted the statement, as saying.

"The PAKPAC believes that profiling people based on their race, religion, and origin is wrong and not the appropriate use of resources," the statement added.

It said that the PAKPAC has already brought to attention the futility of interrogation procedures at US airports during various meetings with the Transport Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security officials.

Heat on SRK was because of scanner on Bollywood shows

WASHINGTON: The US Customs and Border Protection's extra scrutiny of megastar Shah Rukh Khan was triggered by Bollywood's showbiz having come
under the scanner of law enforcement authorities and intelligence agencies for dodgy financial transactions and alleged underworld links.

Khan was questioned closely by CBP agents on his arrival at Newark's Liberty International Airport last week with emphasis on ascertaining his local US contacts and engagements, an episode that caused an uproar in India, mainly in elite circles. It transpires that Khan was visiting the US primarily for Bollywood shows in Chicago and Houston promoted by brothers Farhath Hussain and Altaf Hussain, with few other local promoters, some of whom are on the radar of authorities in UK, US and India.

Although there was no red flag against Shah Rukh Khan's name itself, it was his local contacts which triggered off the alert, accorded to sources who asked not to be identified. The situation was compounded by the non-arrival of his baggage from London, a particularly sensitive station in American eyes.

US intelligence agencies have long been leery of a possible terrorist attack by Islamist extremists from a city dubbed Londonistan, particularly since British passport holders do not need a visa to enter the United States.

Farhath Hussain is a London-based businessman who modestly describes himself as the "world's Number One promoter of Bollywood shows, a showbiz impresario extraordinaire." His brother Altaf Hussain is a Chicago-based businessman in the gas station industry who founded the Lake County South Asian Entertainment Inc. to tap into the Bollywood showbiz market in US after the eclipse of Vijay Taneja, a former Indian partner whose founded a company called Elite Entertainment.

According to an industry insider, Farhath Hussain and Vijay Taneja had divvied up Bollywood shows in Europe and the US between then for many years. Both had promoted shows featuring Shah Rukh Khan and a number of other Bollywood stars. But Taneja was convicted in a massive mortgage fraud in the Washington DC area last year and sentence to seven years in the clink, allowing brothers Hussain to capture US territory.

Incidentally, the Chicago-based Altaf Hussain bears the same name as the London-based leader of Pakistan's Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) party, another possible trigger for the CBP red flag. That Altaf Hussain, a key player in Pakistani politics who is frequently accused of sectarian violence (most notably by Imran Khan) was a cab-driver in Chicago before he eventually returned to Pakistan to found MQM to represent Mohajir interests.

Taneja invested some of his ill-gotten wealth in Bollywood extravaganzas, including producing a movie starring Himmesh Reshammiya titled "Aap ka Suroor." He was $ 77 million in debt when he declared bankruptcy, a step which led to an investigation into his financial shenanigans which destroyed the lives of many home-owners in suburban Washington.

Taneja is currently in prison outside Philadelphia, serving out his sentence even as the Hussain brothers are taking over Bollywood tours in US. Farhath Hussain was till recently managed Shilpa Shetty's engagements in UK but they are now said to have fallen out, but showbiz insiders credit him with widespread connections in the industry, including with many financiers, which enable him to attract top stars for his US road shows. They said Shah Rukh Khan himself was above board, being a mere pawn in the game, even though he was an acknowledged top draw commanding high fees.

US officials declined to go into the specifics of the Shah Rukh Khan episode citing law enforcement sensitivities. "A lot of stuff we discuss with passenger we can't reveal because of privacy rules," CBP spokesman Elmer Camacho told ToI, while maintaining that the actor was treated with due professional courtesy and the process had not taken two hours as claimed.

Comacho also pointed out the actor himself had reeled back from some of the initial comments and acknowledged that the CBP was following a laid-down procedure. Phone numbers listed for brothers Hussain and other promoters of the "South Asia Carnival" went to mailboxes which were full. Messages left to their associate Monty Syed were not returned.

Meanwhile, sources who spoke to ToI described a complex web of financial transactions around Bollywood shows in the west, involving layers of players. At the top of the rung are promoters in Mumbai, who sold shows to overseas players such as Farhath Hussain and Vijay Taneja. These guys in turn sold the shows to local promoters in European and US cities, who banked on ticket sales and retail advertisers to recoup the money they spent to bid for the shows.

Bollywood-starved NRIs pony up anywhere from $ 25 to $ 500 (for the priciest tickets) to see their favorite stars. Top stars, especially a crowd puller like SRK, could command as much as $ 50,000 per show. One source spoke of an actor who was paid $ 900,000 for an 18-city tour that went from Fort Lauderdale in Florida to Los Angeles, California couple of years back.

"Many of these transactions are unreported...you can understand why the business is on the scanner of authorities especially because of the shadow of the underworld on the Bollywood showbiz," he said.

Katrina crosses over to SRK!

This is one that made our antenna go up, dahlings.

And it’s an exclusive bit of news from a first class air passenger, who was on the same flight that Shah Rukh Khan was on from London to Mumbai (en route from his infamous brush in the USA with the immigration officials).

As we know, Katrina Kaif was also on the same flight and we hear from our ‘flier-on-the-wall’ that once the plane was in mid-air, it was Katz who went across the aisle to sit with SRK and get into an animated chat.

And Shah boy, gentleman that he is, got up and gave his seat to the lady. All the while chatting away. Mainly about his experiences in the USA and UK. And the only time Katz went back to her seat was when the plane was to land in Mumbai.

Awesome, this dostana, eh? But wonder what loverboy Salman has to say to this one? Hopefully, SK and SRK don’t fly ‘in’ to America together soon, or maybe they should, for two Khans are better than one, right guys?

Govt. approaches Shah Rukh for anti-child labour campaign

After actor and film maker Aamir Khan refused the offer to be brand ambassador for its anti-child labour campaign, Maharashtra Government has approached superstar Shah Rukh Khan, a senior minister said.

"Aamir Khan has said he would not be able to participate in the campaign. We have approached Shah Rukh for the same and are awaiting a word from him," Labour Minister Nawab Malik told reporters at Mantralaya here today.

There is a budget of Rs one crore for an advertisement campaign for eradication of child labour in the state, the minister said.

Noted adman Prahlad Kakkar has agreed to make the advertisement, Malik said.

Dulhe Ka Divorce to follow Dulha Mil Gaya

Vivek Vaswani’s Shahrukh Khan starrer Dulha Mil Gaya is finally set for a November 13th release date. The film marks the return of Main Hoon Na jodi of SRK and Sushmita Sen, after a gap of 5 years. The film however revolves around four main characters of those of- Shahrukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, Fardeen Khan and Tara Sharma, and is directed by Muddassar Aziz. Now news has come in that Vivek Vaswani is working on his next movie titled Dulhe Ka Divorce.

Our source reveals, “Vivek has tentatively titled his next as Dulhe Ka Divorce. Shahrukh Khan has been a part of most of his projects, and it was in fact Vivek who got him his first major break in Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman. He simply loves SRK and if there is a role fitting him, SRK will definitely be on board for this one too. But there will be newcomers cast in the main leads.”

There was also a buzz that Dulha Mil Gaya would premiere in USA, but in the wake of Shahrukh Khan being frisked at the US airport, it won’t happen. Vaswani states in this regards that he had planned the premiere in Trinidad, since the movie has been extensively shot in Trinidad and Tobago. So there was never any question of the film premiering in USA and that it will be releasing simultaneously all over.”

Are there any grudges between Shahrukh Khan and Vishal Bhardwaj

The "King Khan" of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan is again in limelights for holding grudges with director Vishal Bhardwaj.

According to the sources, these rumour fled when King Khan's wife Gauri Khan came with director and friend Karan Johar on the premiere of Vishal Bhardwaj's movie "Kaminey". Gauri Khan and Karan Johar reached at the premiere of the movie at Yash Raj Studios.

There was a creative differences over a script led to a spat between SRK and Vishal. The dispute was a topic of discussion for everybody around but King Khan's wife attended the screening which proved that there is no spat left between the director and the "King Khan".

King SRK'S Tribute to King of Pop

Michael Jackson has influenced Bollywood for decades now. From his signature moves to his singing, he has inspired everyone from musicians to technicians.

Now, Bollywood unites to pay a heartfelt tribute to the King of Pop in a video, which will be aired on Michael Jackson’s birthday on August 29. The initiative has been taken by Shah Rukh Khan himself.

Vishal Dadlani confirmed the story and said, “The song is titled, We lived in his world.”

Our source said, “Shah Rukh Khan is a huge fan of the late Michael Jackson and when the creative heads in Red Chilles pitched the idea, he loved it. He had cried when he learnt about MJ’s death. He was also supposed to attend one of the London concerts which never happened. So, the idea was finalised and they decided to make a music video as a tribute. The best talent for the song was Vishal of the Vishal-Shekhar duo. Vishal is a huge fan too and he was in shock for days when he learnt about MJ’s death.

He has written this passionate song and it has been composed by Vishal-Shekhar. They are also the performers in the video with singers Kay Kay, Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Goshal, among others. The video will have heartfelt messages by top stars like SRK, Hrithik Roshan, Prabhu Deva, Shahid Kapoor, Harman Baweja, Yuvraj Singh, Katrina Kaif, Kangna Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra, among others. The video, currently being shot, is directed by Samar Khan.”

The source further said, “None of the people associated with the video has charged a penny and it’s their love for the legendary singer that has brought them together. It’s been shot in low lighting and has a unique mood. The video will be aired on all the leading channels on August 29, MJ’s birthday. The song has been choreographed by Remo.”

Samar Khan remained unavailable for comment.

I don't believe in VIP culture, says SRK

In an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai, Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan spoke about his detention at the US airport and denied that it was a publicity stunt for his upcoming movie My Name Is Khan.

Shah Rukh said it was an unpleasant experience and he would never do something like this for publicity.

Here is an excerpt of the interview -

Rajdeep Sardesai: Critics are saying that Shah Rukh Khan’s detention in America has been hyped by Shah Rukh himself and it is a publicity stunt for the upcoming film My Name Is Khan. How do you react to that?

Shah Rukh Khan: As a matter of fact my film is coming much later, there are still some eight to nine months to go and we normally don’t start promotion of the movie this early. Moreover, it is not very positive when someone asks you for vouching for you to enter someone’s country. Though I don’t want to say this word, I would say it is a bit disrespectful.

Rajdeep Sardesai: People are detained and questioned in American airports post 9/11, this is a regular practice there. Then why should suddenly Shah Rukh Khan take it as a personal upfront? Was it that how can you detain me, I am Shah Rukh Khan?

Shah Rukh Khan: No, I am very humble about what I am. I may talk about myself when I talk about my films otherwise I am very humble. I am very scared of rules and therefore always abide by them. Like everyone even I had those instances when I have been subjected to very thorough special security checking.

Rajdeep Sardesai: The problem perhaps in India is that our security system is not tough enough. We still work on VIP system where a Shah Rukh Khan or a big politician can easily walk through an airport without being checked.

Shah Rukh Khan: Whenever I am flying I always stand in queues and make my children do the same.

Rajdeep Sardesai: You don’t believe in VIP culture?

Shah Rukh Khan: No, I never called anyone asking please get me inside faster. I have not done that even in a night club. Even in India I don’t believe in saying ‘don’t you know who I am’ when I am asked for my identification.

Rajdeep Sardesai: When you were detained at the US airport you never said to the officers there that ‘don’t you know who I am’?

Shah Rukh Khan: If you have to say that then I think you are not known enough. I’ll die before saying that.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

´My Name Is Khan´ Last Schedule From Tomorrow!

That the net is becoming the most powerful and effective medium to keep in touch with fans and well wishers, is becoming clearer by the day!

The latest example is that of Karan Johar, who informed a couple of days back about the last shooting schedule of his upcoming Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer, 'My Name Is Khan', from today.

However, as per Karan's latest tweet, he will now be shooting from tomorrow (21st August)in Bombay, and expressed his happiness at being able to get the luxury of one extra day for preparation.

Here's wishing Karan the best!

This kind of publicity won't help our film: Karan Johar

Recently, SRK was detained in the US and it was called a publicity stunt for My Name is Khan. Karan says, "I am appalled that people are calling it a publicity stunt! The film is releasing early next year, so how does it make sense to publicize it from now?

I think people who are insinuating that it's a publicity stunt lack the intelligence and vision to back their statement. And am I powerful enough to get the US security to help me promote my film? I have gone through three emotions - shock, indifference and amusement.

This kind of publicity won't help our film. MNIK is about the protagonist Rizwan Khan (Shah rukh) and we are trying to build that character. It's not about Shah Rukh's detainment. Lastly, Shah Rukh, Kajol and Dharma Productions don't need to resort to such tools to promote their film. I feel sorry for such people who think it's a stunt. God bless such people."

Amar Singh, get mentally well: SRK

It has been big news for the whole nation on the day when all the Indians were celebrating the India's 62nd Independence Day on 15th August since the "King Khan" of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan who has been detained by US airport authorities for at least 90 minutes when he was there to perform in a 2- days concert in behalf of India's Independence Day at Chicago.

A source said that reacting to the issue, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh said, "Why Shahrukh Khan is unnecessarily blowing the matter out of the proportions." Singh said that he (Shahrukh Khan) was trying to hype his forthcoming flick "My Name is Khan".

Amar Singh also stated that when the former President of India "Dr. Abdul Kalam" didn't complaint about the same incident happened to him then why SRK is doing.

As the sources revealed, Shahrukh Khan replied sarcastically this question to Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh in a press conference held at his villa Mannat lawns today late noon, "I thought Amar Singhji is unwell. Is he back to Mumbai and has he got better now and making such statement? I think he is in Singapore and still not well and I am praying for his speedy recovery. I hope that he recovers soon with a healthy body and strong mind."

The grudges between SRK and Amar Singh's started when Shahrukh Khan commented about Samajwadi Party leader in his presence at a Film Awards function night for which Singh's supporters had created a riot outside SRK's house Mannat.

At a press conference, SRK also stated that the detention issue wasn't for the publicity for his forthcoming flick "My Name is Khan" and he didn't need publicity.

In Pics: Shahrukh Khan clarifies about his airport controversy

No more USA for SRK

Guess what a producer has done after the entire Newark airport episode

Shah Rukh Khan was frisked at the Newark airport and we have been hearing about it ever since. The media has spoken about it. SRK's friends and ex-friends have spoken about it. Cricketers have given their opinion. And even the Governor of California, Mr Arnold Schwarzenegger has invited Khan for dinner at Washington DC. So I was really not surprised when I heard this one.

Apparently, producer Viveck Vaswani has taken the entire episode to heart and cancelled the premiere of his SRK starrer film Dulha Mil Gaya in the US.

What however shocked me was when I heard about the new destination chosen by Vaswani for the King Khan. A little birdie tells me, the producer has now decided to hold the premiere of his film in Trinidad. The film is set for a November 13 release.

But then there's a reason behind choosing that particular destination. In the film, Shah Rukh Khan plays the role of a businessman based out of... TRINIDAD! He has been paired with his Main Hoon Na co-star Sushmita Sen in the film. The film is about the SRK-Sush and another couple played by Fardeen Khan and Tara Sharma. It has been directed by Mudassar Aziz.

Muslim groups protest outside Salman Khan's house

Bollywood actor Salman Khan's comment about Shahrukh Khan's detention did not go well with some Muslim groups and they protested outside Salman Khan's house demanding an apology from the actor. Salman commented that Shahrukh's detention is not a big deal and many people flying to America have to go through such questioning and security process and so there need not to make any hue and cry about the matter.

A few Muslim groups felt Salman's comment about King Khan was insulting. In protest, the Muslim gathered outside Salman's house and demanded apology from the actor. They felt that at this crucial juncture when majority of Muslims are being treated as terrorists in US, Salman should have stand behind Shahrukh forgetting his personal bitterness. They even added that it is a matter of great concern for the entire Muslim community and the two stars need to forget their personal rivalry and come together.

Ironically, they were the same Muslim groups that accused Shahrukh Khan of making an unparliamentary comment against the Prophet in the Time N Style magazine and issue a fatwa.