Anushka Sharma to judge first episode of Knights and Angels

With IPL round the corner, its time once again for various franchisees to create maximum awareness about their respective teams, and keeping this in mind, Shah Rukh Khan (who owns Kolkata Knight Riders) has come up with the idea of a unique T.V. reality show called ‘ Knights and Angels‘. This much-awaited reality dance show will trace the hunt for 6 spirited and talented girls to lead the Cheer-leaders Squad of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Adding his final stamp of authority, would be judge Sourav Ganguly the inimitable icon of Indian cricket and captain of Kolkata Knight Riders. The show will be hosted by V.J. turned actor Purab Kohli and the pretty Anushka Sharma (who made a stunning debut opposite SRK in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) will be seen as the special celebrity judge in the first episode.

After an extensive audition conducted across key metros in India, the 24 shortlisted girls will be groomed and trained by the biggest names in the Indian entertainment industry. The 6 finalists will have to possess qualities like energy, style, chutzpah, poise, personality, attitude, grace, rhythm, and fire within themselves to make it to the Knight Riders cheerleading squad. King Khan’s girls will be mentored by ace choreographer Shiamak Davar and will be taken through their paces by the revolving guest judges, which will see some of the biggest and prettiest faces in Bollywood!

Speaking at the launch Sourav Ganguly said, “I have never been a judge before. It’s equally exciting and nerve-wracking for me and I’m really looking forward to a whole new experience. Shah Rukh and Juhi have promised to guide me and I assure my Knights that we will find those ‘Angels’ that will cheer us to victory.”

Speaking on this new and exciting show, Shah Rukh said, “Cricket is a perfect blend of hard work and entertainment. We are very excited about the whole challenge of finding the best cheerleading squad for our Knights. These girls will become a key part in our quest for victory this season. The competition is tough and the boys will need all the support they can get on-field. All the girls have the right attitude, energy and enthusiasm.”

‘Knights and Angels‘ will be a 6-episode series that will be telecast at 10.00 p.m IST every Saturday, starting 28th February 2009 on NDTV Imagine. Each episode will be filled with fun, dance, music, glamour and full on entertainment, seeing these enthusiastic dancers from all over India competing against each other to make it to the final 6.

Big B teams up with SRK in Farah's next

Wassup my almond- ‘n’ -walnut macaroons? For a change, I’m gonna be so sweet and nice today that you’ll probably think I’m a walking-talking-sexy barfi. I am, but that’s another story.

For now, the todu khabar is that Amitabh Bachchan is teaming up with Shah Rukh Khan for his production Happy New Year.. and by the end of 2009, will shoot for it too.. under the nirdeshan of Farah Khan.

When the movie was first planned, SRK wasn’t too pleased with the way the storyline was shaping up in the second half. Besides, Bachchan saab wasn’t keeping too well then. So the actor-producer and his director-friend chose to put Happy New Year on hold and started work on another script, Om Shanti Om.

Meanwhile, Farah reworked the script and now that SRK and she are pleased with it, they have decided to make Happy New Year next. I’m told the duo will start working on it once SRK completes Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan.

Meanwhile, Bachchan saab, who had expressed his willingness to be a part of the movie then, is believed to be pleased with the script and has even allotted his dates for the shoot.

I just hope this puts an end to all speculations of star wars etc etc. After all, I’m such a peace loving girl, no.

SRK touched hearts

Who said, love me or hate me... but you can’t ignore me? Not Shah Rukh Khan, surely.

Though the Bollywood Badshah, home after his successful shoulder surgery, is saying just that about his home production Red Chillies’ last Friday release — Billu. “The film’s sincerity is touching hearts. Whoever has seen this Priyadarshan-directed film, is talking about it. And whoever hasn’t, should go and see it,” said SRK. “I am getting loads of texts. People are liking the film, especially the last bit.”

It is true, the last 15 minutes of Billu, when Shah Rukh tugs at the heartstrings of the audience with a powerful and emotional dialogue, is replacing lost values in people. To that end, Billu reminds audiences of forgotten simplicities and displaced values in society. “It’s a great risk that Shah Rukh Khan has taken. Hats off to him for making a film where the focus is not on himself, and where the story and performances are the stars,” said trade pundit Taran Adarsh, adding that “SRK could have made a hardcore commercial flick like Om Shanti Om and earned pots of money, yet he took a different path because he believed in the story.”
Trade analyst Komal Nahata agreed, “It’s a sincere product, one that doesn’t have to try hard to keep the story and morals straight. It works on it’s own. It has everything going for it, like good music, story and performances, all of which touch your heart.” Taran revealed, “The film has done well overseas, considering the number of prints released was about 200. Family films, which we call socials, always have a slow start... but over a period they become blockbusters. Look at films like Baghban, Vivaah, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Tare Zameen Par. All started on a slow note, but went on to become box office hits. Billu has the potential and there is one more weekend to come. Just give it some time.”

Girish Wankhede, Deputy GM, Cinemax, said, that the film started well with a 50 per cent collection. “It went onto 80 per cent across all our branches on the weekend, which is very good. People walked out appreciating the film... especially the ending.” Taran added, “There was not a single dry eye in theatres. SRK’s dialogue is so powerful. To hold an entire audience with just his words is laudable. Shah Rukh makes you laugh and cry.” While King Khan himself said, “Even my kids cried.”