EXCLUSIVE: SRK welcomed the popular R&B singer Akon

In a warm gesture, Shah Rukh Khan welcomed the popular R&B singer Akon in Mumbai in presence of the media on Tuesday afternoon. The singer is in the country on a short visit to record a song for SRK's super hero flick, Ra.One.

After making the media wait for almost 2 hours, Khan finally appeared on stage without Akon, much to the surprise of everyone. The actor chose to first speak a few words about the rapper and in a grand welcome, also played one of Akon's most popular numbers 'Smack That' for the media. And while all indulged in enjoying the super number, SRK couldn't help but do a little foot tapping and head banging on the song.

Soon after, Akon appeared on stage and sent the crowd ooh-ooing. What followed next was a traditional welcome where Shah Rukh's 'Ra.One' co-star Kareena Kapoor put the tikka on Akon's forehead and an Orchid garland around his neck. Just then, SRK in his funny style said, "When an actress of a film garlands you, you are married to the hero. So now Akon and I are married." Akon was also presented with a Lord Krishna memento and the sacred Bhagwad Gita.

Taking the credit for inviting Akon to sing for Ra.One SRK said that getting the international star on board 'Ra.One' was director Anubhav Sinha and music director duo Vishal and Shekhar's idea. Talking about Akon, Shah Rukh said, "I love his songs and the number 'Smack That' is my favourite. Akon is very gracious, I am not. I charge for everything but he's a great guy and his singing for my film is not a business deal but a friendly gesture."

Talking more about the film Khan said, "I can't give away much information as we still don't know what we are making," but on a more serious note he added, "It's a film about a good guy, a bad guy, a beautiful actress, a wonderful singer. It's a super hero flick and kids would love the film. But...," Shah Rukh quickly added, "It's not a kiddie film."

Akon will be singing and composing the song for Ra.One. Letting us in on what he plans for this special song Akon said, "Music in Africa and India is quite similar as artists from both the places believe in exploring and are open to experimentation. For the song in 'Ra.One' I plan to blend my style with some Bollywood style music."

Making their mutual admiration public, Akon and SRK took turns to sing a few lines of the hit track 'Smack That'. Akon also recited a few lines of 'Beautiful' and dedicated it to the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor, with King Khan playing an air guitar to everyone's amusement.

When a journalist asked SRK if he was following the trend started by Akshay Kumar of getting international singers to sing for Bollywood projects, SRK very sarcastically replied, "Yes yes, I always follow other actors. I have never done anything original." But later SRK turned into his peppy self and said that he always wanted to be a rockstar, "If you can sing and you look good, all girls like you," Khan said.

Kareena, who was meeting Akon for the first time said, "I am really happy about being able to sing with Akon. And I am looking forward to the party tonight at Mannat. It will be great fun."

After the press meet Akon was headed to Yash Raj studios where music director duo Vishal and Shekhar were waiting for him to record the song. But before leaving, the trio – SRK, Akon and Kareena, happily posed for the shutterbugs.