Shah Rukh's unwell

The star is down with fever and cold

We're so used to seeing Shah Rukh Khan light up rooms with his energy that it's a bit hard to believe that he ever falls ill. But that's just what's happened. SRK is not feeling well. He just posted on his Twitter account, "Down with fever & cold. words are floating & melting as i touch them with the heat & cold. strange v call cold a cold, while the body is warm."

Well, we hope SRK gets all better soon. He does have his 'Ra.One' shoot to get back to. But if you're waiting over eagerly for the release, it's not going to happen any time soon. SRK also posted, "Just so that all know...my new films will take a bit to hit the screens. visual effects take very long in post production.

He added later, "Have to stop. writing feverishly. must be getting delirious. doc waiting with injection. must take a shot as i have a shoot tom. love u all."

I will remain Shah Rukh's friend till I die: Farah Khan

Farah Khan had surprised many by casting Akshay Kumar in 'Tees Maar Khan' instead of favourite Shah Rukh Khan but the director says contrary to rumours her friendship with King Khan continues to be strong.

"So many things have been written since Akshay's name was announced. People do enjoy such things. I guess it is more entertaining. But there is nothing wrong with our friendship.

I will remain Shah Rukh's friend till I die and I hope this is the case with him as well," Farah told PTI in an interview.

The choreographer-turned-director, who returns behind the camera after a gap of almost three years for 'Tees Maar Khan', says she could not wait for a year to start the movie with Shah Rukh being busy with home production 'Ra.One'.

"We had this amazing script. We could not wait for a year.

Barbara Mori wants to romance Shahrukh Khan

Last week, we heard the news and saw the picture in one of our tabloid newspapers of Barbara Mori along with her new close friends Sussanne Roshan and Hrithik Roshan partying in Mumbai. Well, it was now confession time for the beautiful Barbara Mori when we met her at the Oakwood serviced apartment in Juhu yesterday.

Yes, the Mexican actress revealed for the first time her wish list and how it is to be such great friends with Sussanne than Hrithik. On asking her the question, Mori was quick to respond, "My best friend in India is Sussanne Roshan. I am good friends with Hrithik too. But Sussanne really gets a bit personal when it comes to taking care of me. She will keep me at bay from the 'do not do that' or 'do not go for that' list."

Barbara also has her wish list ready when it comes to work and friendship. Just four days ago, Hrithik and Sussanne took Barbara to meet Shahrukh Khan. The rest, well, Barbara will tell you, "I met Shahrukh Khan because Sussanne insisted me to meet Gauri and her husband. She told me that Shahrukh Khan and Gauri Khan are the nicest people I will ever come across in India."

The leading lady of Kites has now seen the palace like mammoth Mannat. But what about the 'king' living in there? What about him? To which Mori answers, "Shahrukh Khan was really nice as a host on that day and as a person. Shahrukh has got a very big heart. He takes care of his guests a lot."

And on asking her whether she would want to work with the 'king' in the near future, she replies, "Yes, I'd love to work with Shahrukh Khan. I haven't seen any films of his but I can say he is a great actor from what I hear and have been told by Sussanne and Hrithik."

One thing's for sure; Barbara Mori isn't a one trip pony. And with a wish list to work with Shahrukh Khan, you just can't say when you'll be seeing this belleza Barbara soon in her second Hindi feature film, unless our very own SRK does a Mexican film. You never know. Fingers crossed.

‘Ra.1 means Random Access Version One’- Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan who has always seen in cool and calm characters in his films will now be seen flying as a super hero. SRK’s home production Ra.1 that talks about gizmos and gadgets has always been guessed for its title’s meaning.

Finally it has been revealed by the actor himself that the title Ra.1 is the acronym for ‘Random Access-Version One’. SRK tweeted on his blog, “Ra.1 means random access version one, will understand when u see the film. Ra.1 site will be up soon/have no film with Kajol or Yashji right now/don’t dance too well, I just try hard/I am the hero in Ra.1.”

While his friend and CEO of Red Chillies Entertainment- Bobby Chawla is still hospitalized, SRK needs to manage acting as well as production work. SRK further tweets, “Yes…wish Bobby my friend gets well sooner than soon. He is still in the hospital & the film is so difficult in terms of production.”

Shah Rukh has dedicated this film to his lovely children who must be keenly waiting to watch their father’s super hero acts.

Post IPL, SRK busies himself with home production

Even as the brouhaha surrounding IPL continues, superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan has busied himself in the shooting of his home production 'Ra.One' and has taken up all the additional responsibilities after close friend Bobby Chawla took ill.

"Whole day gone in meetings for production etc... So many things happening.. Sometimes don't even realise how the day comes to the end," SRK said in his latest tweet.

"Wish, Bobby my friend gets well sooner than soon. He is still in the hospital and the film is so difficult in terms of production," Khan said adding that due to the stunts he performed in the film his knee is hurting too much.

Due to ill health and hospitalisation of close associate and Red Chillies CEO Bobby Chawla, SRK had to shoulder the additional burden of overseeing the production part handled by his friend besides being the film's lead actor.

SRK's (Ra.)One man army

The past few days have made it amply evident that Shah Rukh Khan believes that the show must go on.

Despite being very upset after his close associate, Red Chillies CEO Bobby Chawla (Juhi Chawla’s brother), was admitted to a suburban hospital on April 4 after suffering a brain hemorrhage, SRK has decided to take care of every little thing in his production house.

Since Bobby Chawla’s hospitalisation has thrown the entire shooting schedule of Ra.One in a complete mess, Shah Rukh has decided to lead from the front to ensure that everything is quickly put back on track.

“A few of Bobby Chawla’s duties have been taken up by Ra.One director Anubhav Sinha too, but it is Shah Rukh who is now holding the reins of Ra.One,” says a source close to the film.

Commenting on what exactly Shah Rukh is doing to get things back on track, the source says that Shah Rukh has taken up all duties which were earlier being handled by Bobby Chawla.

“SRK is mainly taking care of four jobs: calling up every actor of Ra.One and coordinating their dates, discussing their remuneration, making sure that they get their payments on time and talking to technicians (including those coming from abroad) for every single production detail, including the special effects involved in the film,” says the source.

“Come to think of it, SRK is holding the whole film together. There is production related work, which SRK would have never done otherwise.

With Bobby taking care of everything at Red Chillies for all these years, all SRK had to concentrate on was acting.

He completely relies on Bobby and is definitely missing him very much. But SRK has decided that he will not give anybody involved with the film a chance to complain about anything,” adds the source.

Shah Rukh has a tough job ahead but he has gladly taken on additional responsibilities...both as a friend and a boss.

‘I will never make a film without Shah Rukh’- Karan Johar

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has always been lucky charm for director Karan Johar. Its not the normal friendship seen between the two as KJo never even think of making any film without SRK.

Recently, in an interview when he was asked about the lead male actor in his next film, the director said, “I will never make a film without Shah Rukh. He is the most important part of my life.”

Karan added, “I have had enough of heavy-duty filmmaking for now. I want to make a fresh, funny film. In fact, I am feeling very light-hearted these days. I don’t know when it will be ready. It could be six months or even a couple of years. I’ll come back and decide.”

The director also appreciated the success of ‘My Name is Khan’ turned out. He said, “It opened a lot of new markets. I am very glad that I made this film. In fact, the main agenda of my trip to the US is Phase 2 of ‘My Name Is Khan’ (the international release). Mulling over my next film will happen later.”

SRK's been busy with flying jumps

But now he's back from the 'Ra.One' shoot to do some 'earthly chores'

Shah Rukh Khan's been quite on the Twitter from these past few days. Ever since he tweeted about the IPL controversy being fast and furious like T20 we haven't heard much from SRK. But now he's back and telling us what he's been doing. And it sounds like he was on an adventure.

"Sorry been out of touch...kinda hard typing when hanging 40 feet in the air. finally over...nice to have my feet back on the ground."

40 feet in the air? We're thinking this was one of those superhero stunts for 'Ra.One'. And by the way, the picture you see here is the first look from the film, posted by SRK himself.

Shah Rukh added later, "Why all this...the jumps..the flying...the risks. is it to prove something...no.i do it cos i believe i can fly. u all made me believe it so."

But the star was truly back on the ground when he posted this, "have to rush for earthly chores. family came to see the shoot...the son gave me a pack of his favourite gum for a job well done."

How cute is that! Let's see what other stunts SRK gets up to, and what gifts he gets in return for them.

European summer for SRK's MNIK

Karan Johar is working doubly hard for the European release of his blockbuster, My Name Is Khan, which starred Shah Rukh Khan. "We are entering the second phase of the release of My Name is Khan. The film will be released in markets such as Poland and Germany in a week.

After that, we will also go ahead with a more mainstream release in the US around May 7," says the director, calling his film India's "first truly global movie". Karan had earlier said he would be deleting most of the Wilhelmina flood part from the movie for the Western audience.

But now, he reveals that he had actually shot much more of that but had cut out a sizeable portion of it even for the Indian prints.

"So, if you thought that part bored you, be thankful we didn't show all that we shot originally," he quips.

We wonder if MNIK manages to smash records in Europe as well.

Shahrukh and Hrithik to shake a leg together at IIFA

Best buddies Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan have committed to shake a leg on stage at an International Awards Function in Colombo later this year.

What is interesting is the news that Hrithik may also have his Kites co-star Barbara Mori joining him for an act on the same stage.

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong features Shahrukh

Shahrukh Khan, or rather his wax likeness, is making a special appearance at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, while Khan himself is on location in India filming his latest movie RA One.

On loan for three months from London, Shahrukh Khan will take his place at the attraction alongside other movie stars and film producers such as Jackie Chan, Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp.

Bret Pidgeon, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and Shanghai said, “Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has been receiving many more tourists from India in the last two years.

While these guests enjoy meeting our unique collection of over 100 international celebrities and world leaders, we are delighted to have Khan join our attraction as his temporary home. We will continue to look for other opportunities in bringing celebrities from other backgrounds to enhance the experience at the attraction for our international guests.”

Was Yuvi behind SRK early exit at IPL awards

It can now be told that Shah Rukh Khan almost skipped the IPL award show last Friday.

Following Income Tax department raids on the offices of his team Kolkata Knight Riders as well his production house Red Chillies, the actor wasn't sure he would be able to make time for the award function. Also, the actor known for his clean reputation, wanted to distance himself from all the muck-raking IPL scandal.

Says a source close to the actor, "He didn't want to ditch the organisers at the last moment. He told them to look for a replacement, as he felt he might not be able to keep his commitment. The panic-stricken organisers then approached Shahid Kapur, who refused saying he was busy."

The organisers -- the Morani Brothers (also good friends of Shah Rukh) -- pleaded with the actor to bail them out. "They kept trying to convince him to agree to honour his commitment Thursday night through Friday morning. The actor finally relented. But on the condition that the act would be trimmed down. SRK was to host a segment in the middle of the show, but he arrived at the venue, almost close to curtains-down time at 9.30 pm. The show ended with his act.

Khan was to host a segment with eight cricketers: Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Yusuf Pathan, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Adam Gilchrist and Virendra Sehwag. After a break of 15 minutes, he was to repeat the same act with eight more players. But his act eventually was without a break. And with just the first lot.

An eyewitness reveals, "Even though his act was last minute, it was the best. He got Sourav, Dravid and Bhajji to dance to Love Mera Hit-Hit and his other hit songs.

However there was a hitch in the end, following which the actor left. The source continues, "SRK teased Yuvi about his female fan following and said they only stuck to him because of his Casanova image. Yuvi retaliated by saying that women ran after him (and not Khan) because he was stuck to Karan. There was a hush in the audience at this comment but Shah Rukh being a good sport, handled the situation well. But he made his displeasure known backstage and staged a walkout."

The final act was to have the IPL team owners come on stage with their teams. While everyone came on stage, SRK was missing. The general assumption was that he had walked out as he was upset with Yuvi's crack.

However Shah Rukh maintains, "I had made a commitment as a professional -- I would do my job. And I did. I left post show because I had a shoot waiting. I had to finish it."

WATCH EPISODE 09: Living with a Supertstar - Shahrukh Khan

PART 01

PART 02

Shah Rukh is a 'problem child'

That's what his friends call him because he's always in trouble

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says his friends have started calling him a "problem child" for his constant brush with controversies.

"My friend just called me a 'problem child'... always in trouble. I think it is true...it would be so boring to be a 'solution adult'," Shah Rukh posted on his Twitter page.

In wake of allegations of financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League (IPL), income tax officials had visited Shah Rukh's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) office in Kolkata and claimed to have unearthed vital clues.

The superstar is hoping that clouds of suspicion and uncertainty will soon be over.

"IPL controversy: fast,furious and too much noise. Like the T20 itself. Hope it gets resolved as fast too for our friend Lalit & franchises," added the actor.

Check Out: SRK in a shot from Ra.One

One of the most anticipated films of the year is Shah Rukh Khan's home production Ra.One. The sci-fi film, directed by Anubhav Sinha, has the Superstar playing a super-hero kind of a character while Arjun Rampal plays his nemesis. Kareena Kapoor plays the female lead in the film.

Shooting of Ra.One has already begun and while SRK fans are eagerly awaiting the first look of the film, there's still time for that. Meanwhile, King Khan has posted a picture of a shot from Ra.One on Twitter for all his fans. In Khan's own words, "Director allowed only this pic from Ra.One. Hope you like it."

With Shah Rukh looking super cool in those dark glares, there is no reason why his fans won't like it. What say?

DVD REVIEW: My Name is Khan

MOVIE DETAILS

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Soniya Jehan, Jimmy Sheirgill, Zarina Wahab, Tanay Chheda, Yuvaan Makar

Director: Karan Johar

Producer: Gauri Khan, Hiroo Johar

Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy

Lyrics: Niranjan Iyengar

THE FILM

Their names are Khan and Johar. And they are no more just candy floss filmmakers.

This statement pretty much describes the effort that has gone into making My Name Is Khan and the best part is that within no time, it is obvious that the 'effort' isn't made visible just for the sake of it. First and foremost the film is a complete turnaround for Karan Johar brand of cinema because he leaves his troupe of 500 group dancers somewhere far behind and settles for a world where the only dance step performed by Shah Rukh Khan is an awkward 'two left feet and one forward move'. Thankfully, this is not the only factor that makes My Name Is Khan entirely different from all the films that Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan have made so far. There is more. Actually, a lot more.

Credit must be given to Karan Johar and Co. for letting know their audience what's in store in the opening reel itself. Within a restricted space of the credit rolls, the picture is completely clear that it is not going to be an easy journey for Rizwan Khan (Rizwan Khan) who is off on a road journey to meet the President of America. His mission? To tell him and then the entire world that 'His name is Khan and he is not a terrorist'. In a way this could well be Bollywood's own take on The Motorcycle Diaries and though the conflict is far more different and serious here, it nonetheless is a tale which is one of its own kinds.

Still, it does take time to settle into the world of Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) with the narrative taking turns to delve into three different times in his life - his growing up years, his past with Mandira (Kajol) and the current times. Though the opening portions are equally endearing, what with some of the sweetest moments with his mother (Zarina Wahab) being brought to fore, My Name Is Khan becomes a lot interesting once Rizwan's love story with Mandira begins.

This is where Karan Johar brings in his maturity as a film maker because neither does he take a melodramatic route where Rizwan's issues with Asperger's syndrome starts taking centre stage nor does he make it all look all so light that it takes a fake or frivolous connotation. Instead, he uses this syndrome to very strongly establish the character of Rizwan who takes things on face value, calls a spade a spade and is still left untouched by the negativities of the world.

This is why even when he is arrested as a suspect terrorist; he doesn't blame the Government of any religion in particular. He continues his journey of goodness and unwittingly kick-starts a movement that takes a much broader meaning. Even around this juncture, Karan Johar risked taking a route that many of his contemporaries (and his own students) have taken in films like Shoot on Sight, New York, Kurbaan or Khuda Ke Liye. However, he plays it all different, in fact very different, and comes up with a euphoric outing that picks up momentum at the interval point and never once looses pace (and focus) right till the end credits title roll.

There are quite a few moments that audiences take home and after avoiding the spoilers, the ones that can be revealed are where Shah Rukh proposes marriage to Mandira, his bonding with their son, the turning point in the film where he is forced to take the road journey, the sequence where he spots the President for the first time and is caught on camera and the point when his movement picks up heat.

From performance perspective, Shah Rukh Khan is simply outstanding. There is no second thought about it and after Chak De India, this one would now stand out as the most definitive performance of his career. Mark my words; this is a National Award winning performance. His dialogue delivery, body language, mannerisms - everything just makes you connect to Rizwan Khan, not Shah Rukh Khan. Though Kajol has a lesser screen time, she occupies her place with authority and is completely and truly natural, something which is expected from the actor of her stature. Yuvaan Makkar, who plays their son, is quite believable as well.

There are number of other supporting actors but the ones who make the best impression are Soniya Jahan, Zarina Wahab, Arjun Mathur and Vinay Pathak. Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, come up with a good soundtrack though at places one would have expected the background score to be a little more euphoric. Cinematography is perfect, especially in the scenes set at San Francisco.

PACKAGING

DVD of My Name Is Khan comes in a regular plastic case. Now that's a surprise because one expected the packaging to be far more elaborate and lavish considering the fact that this is the biggest release of the year so far.

DURATION

The film's duration is 155 minutes

SPECIAL FEATURES

- The Making

- Unseen Footage with Karan Johar

As expected, there is a definite quality feel to the way the entire 'making' segment is presented. One can see an upmarket treatment to this entire segment and though to begin with there is usual introduction about the movie and the casting decisions, the pace picks up once Karan, Shah Rukh and Co. begin to talk about the actual 'making' of the film. It makes for a good watch to see how the entire floods set came into existence. Also, what makes this segment special is to see 'action director' Shah Rukh Khan coming to fore and giving instructing from behind the camera for key action sequences in the film.

There are quite a few deleted scenes that find a place in this additional DVD. Lasting 45 minutes, they were (well to put it mildly) best left out of the final cut. Most of them only end up extending the length of the movie while a couple of them are quite clichéd as well as definitely unnecessarily. For example, a scene involving Kajol talking to her parents about her marriage with Shah Rukh Khan is a plain no-no as it only ends up belonging to cinema of the 90s. However, what is shocking is to know that there was actually an extended version of the hurricane sequence, something for which Karan Johar had got quite some flak already. At the time when the international version of the film is said to be doing away with the entire sequence, it is surprising to see that the DVD here carries an extended version of the same.

Of course there are some beautiful moments as well but then not the kind that were a must to be present in the final cut. These are the alternate cuts of songs like 'Tere Naina', 'Sajda' and 'Noor E Khuda' which do not make for a bad watch at all. However, other than these, there is not much to look forward to in this 'unseen' footage segment except for the commentary by Karan Johar which precedes each of the scenes.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

- 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation

- Subtitles in English

- Dolby Digital 5.1 and Stereo

PRICE

Rs. 399/=

CONCLUSION

So much has been seen, heard, read, speculated and gossiped about the religion and terrorism angle in My Name Is Khan. The fact is that all of this is just at a peripheral level and though its presence is felt right through the film, especially during the second half, it is never too imposing to take over the narrative. And thankfully, there are no debates around 'jihaad' and its relevance (or the lack of it). Really, audience have had enough of it and a subject like this is best left untouched in a mainstream yet meaningful film like My Name Is Khan.

Go, bring home this DVD.

Rating: 4/5

Shah Rukh Khan in Yash Chopra’s next

Christmas has come early for us this year. Or shall we say Diwali. We are drunk with joy after hearing that Yash Chopra will be taking the baton once more. And the icing on the cake or the kishmish on the gulabjamun is that Shah Rukh Khan will be the leading man in this romantic extravaganza. Rumour has it that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been sent feelers to appear as the leading lady. We like, we like.

SRK chooses Arjun Rampal over Riteish

They say three is a crowd. And going by this recent incident, the commonly held belief seems to be true. The close friendship between Shah Rukh Khan, Ritesh Deshmukh and Arjun Rampal has now reached an impasse. The cosy bond now only involves SRK and Arjun while Ritesh has been left to fend for himself.

Buzz is that Shah Rukh chose Arjun over Ritesh to play the villain in his home production Ra.One . Despite Ritesh being the original choice, Shah Rukh eventually brought in Arjun to play the same role.

A source says, “Ritesh and not Arjun was the first choice to play a baddie in Ra.One. Director Anubhav Sinha also wanted Ritesh as the film’s villain as he had worked with the actor in Cash. Everything was going fine and Ritesh was very excited about the project as his look and remuneration was also decided. But the next thing Ritesh read in the papers is that Arjun is playing the bad man in Ra.One.”

“Even when Arjun was suffering from a back problem for a brief period and he was not too sure if he would play the role, SRK didn’t ask Ritesh to step in. Ritesh’s sudden ouster was so unprofessional,” says the source. Even though Ritesh was shocked at the unfair treatment, he didn’t confront Shah Rukh. “Ritesh is a very mild-mannered guy. He undoubtedly felt very disappointed but he didn’t express his displeasure to SRK. He only talked about it to a few of his close friends. Shah Rukh or Anubhav should have at least informed him that he is no longer in the film,” adds the source.

While Shah Rukh’s character in Ra.One is of a super-hero, buzz is that Arjun will be playing his nemesis. The sci-fi film, which went on the floors early this month, has Kareena Kapoor playing the female lead. The film is based on gaming, bad guys and super heroes. We sent text messages to Shah Rukh, Anubhav Sinha but they remained unavailable for comment.

However, Ritesh says that he was never offered the film.

Karan Johar releases 'My Name Is Khan' home video on Reliance BIG Home Video at CROSSWORD

Reliance BIG Home Video continues its endeavor of providing the finest quality in home entertainment and has released the much awaited home video of 'MY NAME IS KHAN'. A special release function in Crossword Juhu, saw Karan Johar and Sweta Agnihotri, Chief Operating Officer of Reliance BIG Home Video releasing the DVD & VCD of 2010's biggest global hit.

Mumbai, Maharashtra, April 22, 2010 /India PRwire/ -- Reliance BIG Home Video continues its endeavor of providing the finest quality in home entertainment and has released the much awaited home video of 'MY NAME IS KHAN'. A special release function in Crossword Juhu, saw Karan Johar and Sweta Agnihotri, Chief Operating Officer of Reliance BIG Home Video releasing the DVD & VCD of 2010's biggest global hit.

The movie has created box-office history, with the trio of Karan Johar, Shahrukh Khan & Kajol coming together after a long time. A Dharma Productions and Red Chillies Entertainment presentation, this is Karan Johar's fourth directorial venture. 'My Name is Khan' is the triumphant story of an unconventional hero overcoming obstacles to regain the love of his life. The film holds the record for the highest opening day & also the highest grosser overseas for a Bollywood film.

Keeping the excitement and wide appreciation that the films has received, Reliance BIG Home Video has launched a premium collector's edition - a 2-DVD pack. Apart from the film, the 'Special Features' disc has exclusive, never- before-seen content. The disc contains specials like 'Making of the Movie', 'Unseen Footage with a special commentary by Karan Johar' & the 'Theatrical Trailer' as well. The DVD pack has been released at Rs. 399 and 2 VCD pack at Rs. 149. The Blu-ray will also be released soon.

Sweta Agnihotri, Chief Operating Officer, Reliance BIG Home Video says, "We have always believed in the power of great quality cinema. My Name is Khan is a great example of coming together of highly creative and talented people along with a novel subject which made this film a global success and now a must own DVD."

Vijay Singh. Chief Executive Office, Fox Star Studios says "MNIK is a landmark film that touched millions of audiences and broken Box Office records across the globe. With its superb direction & extraordinary performances by the starcast, DVD offering by Reliance Big Home Video will enable MNIK lovers to relive the experience and know more about their favourite film."

Karan Johar, Director say, "I'm really thrilled that the Home Video of MNIK is being released because this film is very, very special to me. Initially, a few people close to me were nervous when I set out to make the film but today I can happily say that amongst all my films, it is not only the biggest hit worldwide but it has also got more critical acclaim than any of my previous films. I'm really pleased that the DVD gives all those who loved the film a chance to see the many years of effort that went behind making it. And also I have added a very special section on the deleted sequences in the film, including an alternative edit for the hurricane sequence and alternate song edits for the Tere Naina & Sajda. That should be a real treat for fans of the film."

The launch will be supported by an all encompassing marketing campaign across Radio, Internet along with a strong focus on Retail activation and on-ground promotion. Various innovations like a 'Peace Wall' is being set up in retail stores, where people can leave their messages for the 'My Name Is Khan' team. These walls be presented to the cast of the film. Apart from that various retail branding sites have been booked for display across 10 cities. Contests as well as paid promotions will ensure reach and frequency optimization. The organisation is also looking at partnering key brands for marketing and corporate gifting tie-ups.

We are sure that all movies aficionados will be waiting to take this extraordinary journey again. For all of them, 'My Name Is Khan' DVD will be worth the wait.

How about an SRK-Akki Jodi?

The comedian-turned-actor, Sajid Khan guarantees a full paisa-vasool movie for his audience. So, as the man is ready with his Housefull, he plans to get Akshay Kumar and Shahrukh Khan in one of his forthcoming films. Terrific pair, isn’t it?

But, hold your horses. Till now, Sajid hasn’t planned what will be his next move. And to cast SRK, Akshay together is not less than a dream. So, it’s a make-believe situation, and why not when Akshay and Shahrukh didn’t say no to the hopeful director.

As Sajid discloses to a daily, “Well, when I had told both the stars about my desire to direct them, they didn’t say no. So there’s always a possibility.”

Fingers crossed!

My Name is Khan coming to DVD soon!

It was one of the biggest hits of this year and starred two of the biggest actors in Bollywood. We are of course talking about My Name is Khan, with Karan Johar in the director's chair and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. About the film Johar told us, "It is great because it enters a new terrain and speaks about new issue. It's nothing I've done before and yet somewhere lies me in the film, so it's brave for me." He also spoke about SRK's performance, "Shah Rukh's performance came as a pleasant surprise. The way he understood his character as a man with a non-neurotypical condition with Asperger's, who has high functioning autism. I think the way he grasped his character was really fantastic."

If you missed seeing the film in theaters well soon you will be able experience the magic on the DVD. In fact, there is a DVD release event tomorrow the 21st so get ready to get your hands on a the DVD of the blockbuster My Name is Khan!

IPL 2010: Knight Riders signs off with consolation win

McCullum and Ganguly guide their team home with a steady opening stand

A steady 97-run opening-wicket stand between skipper Sourav Ganguly and Brendon McCullum gave Kolkata Knight Riders a launching pad for its comfortable nine-wicket win against Mumbai Indians in the final league match of the DLF IPL-III at the Eden Gardens here on Monday. It was KKR's first win against MI in six meetings.

Set a target of 134, KKR reached 135 for one in 17.3 overs to register its biggest victory in terms of wickets. McCullum remained unbeaten on 57 (56b, 8x4) and David Hussey was not out on 20. Ganguly, the lone man dismissed, scored 42 (36b, 4x4, 2x6).

Mumbai Indians rested five of its regulars, including Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh.

Opting to bat, it found the going rather difficult on a slow pitch as Shane Bond struck two early blows, removing Aditya Tare and Shikhar Dhawan cheaply. The third wicket pair of Saurabh Tiwary and J.P. Duminy played sensibly to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The pair was separated when Duminy played across to left-arm pacer Jaidev Unadkat and was bowled for 19.

Saurabh and Duminy added 63 in 60 balls. Tiwary too left at the same score, taken by McCullum at long-on off Kartik for a well compiled 46 (37b, 4x4, 1x6).

KKR conceded only 20 runs in the six overs from 10th to 15th that put the brakes on MI's efforts to accelerate the scoring.

Thereafter, captain Dwayne Bravo, Rajagopal Sathish and Stuart Binny left in quick succession trying to force the pace.

Late charge

A late charge by Ambati Rayudu for a 15-ball 27 livened up play and also enabled MI to reach 133 for eight wickets in 20 overs — its lowest against KKR.

Kartik, who was the pick of the bowlers with figures of two for 20, was adjudged the Man-Of- the-Match.

Shane Bond also got two wickets for 24 runs. Dinda, Unadkat and Tiwary claimed a wicket apiece.

The scores:

Mumbai Indians: A. Tare c Kartik b Bond 1 (3b), S. Dhawan c Saha b Bond 10 (11b, 1x4), S. Tiwary c McCullum b Kartik 46 (37b, 4x4, 1x6), J.P. Duminy b Unadkat 19 (27b, 2x4), R. Sathish c Kartik b Tiwary 11 (11b, 1x4), D. Bravo st Saha b Kartik 5 (9b), A. Rayudu (run out) 27 (15b, 3x4, 1x6), S. Binny c Ganguly b Dinda 8 (5b, 1x4), R. McLaren (not out) 0 (2b); Extras (b-2, lb-2, w-2) 6. Total (for eight wkts., in 20 overs) 133.

Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-14, 3-77, 4-77, 5-89, 6-111, 7-126, 8-133.

Kolkata Knight Riders bowling: Bond 4-0-24-2, Dinda 4-0-20-1, Unadkat 4-0-27-1, Ganguly 1-0-13-0, Kartik 4-0-20-2, Hussey 2-0-14-0, Tiwary 1-0-11-1.

Kolkata Knight Riders: S. Ganguly c Bravo b Sathish 42 (36b, 4x4, 2x6), B. McCullum (not out) 57 (56b, 8x4), D. Hussey (not out) 20 (14b, 1x4, 1x6); Extras: (lb-2, nb-5, w-9) 16. Total: (for one wkt., in 17.3 overs) 135.

Fall of wicket: 1-97.

Mumbai Indians bowling: Murtaza 4-0-27-0, Fernando 3-0-31-0, McLaren 3-0-26-0, Bravo 2-0-7-0, Binny 1-0-9-0, Duminy 2.3-0-22-0, Sathish 2-0-11-1 .

When Big B was mistaken as Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was in for a surprise at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport recently when an uniformed officer mistook him for actor Shah Rukh Khan.

The 67-year-old actor was on his way back to the country when he was mobbed at the airport and had to oblige them with autographs. But he was in for a shock when he was mistaken for King Khan.

Recounting his experience, Bachchan wrote in his blog, "Airports are strange places. KLIA is no different from any airport where the staff would immediately recognize any celebrity, except a few exceptions. They mob and ask for pictures and stuff... I oblige... it makes them happy.

"They seem to be obsessed with our cinema and with our artists. One today, uniformed and medalled, walked past me in the crowded duty free, turned back after expressing some recognition and smiled - 'hello .. Mr ShahRukh Khan'," Bachchan wrote.

The veteran actor, one of the most famous Bollywood faces abroad, did not know how to react and is still in two minds whether he should take it as a compliment or not.

"I am still debating in my head whether I should take this as a compliment or not. For the official to find absolute dedication in his name giving, sends me a healthy feeling. I shall remain with it...," he wrote.

Shahrukh Khan showered with flowery words by Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra, the 2000 Miss World and one of the leading ladies of the present Bollywood recently received the National Award for her stellar performance in Madhur Bhandarkar’s film ‘Fashion’. And her co-star from ‘Don’ Shahrukh Khan had lavished bucketfuls of praise on Piggy Chops.

And, the suave and super hot actress whose killer looks in ‘Pyaar Impossible’ failed to draw in the audience, showers flowery words for the King Khan. She says in his eulogy,

“I have been very vocal about my feelings for Shah Rukh Khan. I can’t tell you how proud, excited and humbled I am that he called me a ‘Shero’. Especially since he is someone I have admired from a very young age. Praise coming from someone I idolise means a lot more to me. It feels even better because when you are self made, you are constantly looking for someone to say that you are doing the right thing. The fear factor is huge, you keep asking yourself, ‘Am I going the right way?’ I have no formal training. I don’t know films up, close and personal. My schooling has been my career. When compliments like this and awards happen, it just gives me the signal that I am headed in the right direction. I’m going to find my feet soon”

Well, the Shero looks really sultry in a golden swimsuit near the blue sea. And besides SRK, even Aishwarya’s hubby Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham would vouch for that. What say folks?

Shahrukh Khan, Karan Johar, Priyanka, Hrithik-Raining of Bollywood stars at IPL 3 Award show

The Badshah of Bollywood-Shahrukh Khan and his alleged best friend cum brother Karan Johar will come together to host the IPL Awards night.

Shahrukh’s team Kolkata Knight Riders failed to give good performance in IPL 3, even after consulting astrologers and changing jersey colors. Hopefully this awards show will help the Khan to forget his not so old wounds.

Since Shahrukh is famous for poking fun at even himself which is indeed a rare quality, we are watching with bated breathe if he makes any mention of the dismal performance of his team at the awards.

According to latest reports, the category of awards will include IPL Jury Awards, Viewers Choice Awards, Statistical Awards, The IPL Captain’s Award, Best Commentator, Most stylish player, then the Winner’s Awards and Awards for best batting and bowling, etc.

The judges will include people who have established themselves in the arena of sports and will include Sunil Gavaskar, Harsha Bhogle, Lalit Modi, Brian Lara, Javagal Srinath and the umpire Samuel Taufel.

If Shahrukh is there, can the Bollywood brigade be left far behind? Bollywood will unleash its star power with powerpacked and energetic performances by celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Shilpa Shetty, Hrithik Roshan etc.

A.R.Rahman will also woo the audience with a magical live performance.

For a professional, there’s never a challenge: Shah Rukh Khan

The No. 1 superstar on life away from cricket

Shah Rukh Khan’s tweets have been giving an insight into what he feels, emotionally and otherwise, about the Kolkata Knight Riders’ performance in IPL III.

Moving away from cricket, the numero uno superstar spoke to The Telegraph. The one-on-one covered films, challenges and whether he’s the sort to envy.

The following are excerpts:

Critically, where would you rate your performance in your last release, My Name Is Khan?

A I never see my films... I mean, you just do what you think is good at that point in time... You don’t assess your state of mind and say that this is nice... I don’t even know how to rate the film... What I do look at is just the technical things. I don’t see films in the hall with people... I see it, technically, five-seven days before we take the final call... See how it’s going to look. The process of making art is enjoyable to you, the process of enjoying art is for the others. It’s a very strange dichotomy in art, that it is not yours. You can ask any artist, whether it be a singer, a painter or a designer... It is very strange that your work is only yours till you are making it. Post that, it is everybody else’s to enjoy. So, I feel the same sense of detachment. I do feel very happy when people say it (a film) has turned out well, I can’t deny that I love that... On a Monday (after the opening weekend), though, the film is not mine. It’s like a daughter you marry off and hope she’s happy with her husband and that her husband’s happy with her. And that she spreads love like she did in your life... So, in any work of art, the artist will have a different connotation... I want people to enjoy my films and it’s not only about the number of people who come to the halls. Of course, if a lot of people come, then a lot of money also comes, but I can’t sit and talk critically... I don’t even remember what I’ve done in the film, to be honest with you...

What’s your reaction when fans praise a particular scene or scenes?

See, when you are doing it, you don’t even know which one is going to be liked by the people. You may like a particular shot, but others could find some other shot nice and 20 more may just hate it all. To me, the process of creating each film is as important as my life itself. And, then, you just leave it and get on to the next one.

Talking of challenges, how challenging was your role in My Name is Khan?

(Passionately) For a professional, there’s never a challenge... It would be a challenge for someone who is not a professional actor. This is what I deliver... This is what I do... This is what I live by... When my director tells me to do something, I don’t take it as a challenge at all. I work very hard on it... I’ve worked for 20 years and, if after 20 years, I take it as a challenge, then you know (something is wrong)... I’d be disappointed if one of my KKR players says he finds the role assigned to him challenging.

As an actor, what for you is the next level?

I don’t think like that. I just do the films my friends like, or, I feel like doing... It becomes more important when people like it. The appreciation belongs to the viewers, I have no ownership over it. I don’t know how it will pan out... I just do my job and have a great time doing it. Like I’m doing Ra.One now... I’m really thrilled.

Is there an actor or a person you envy?

I don’t have any reason to envy anyone.

Or, appreciate highly...

I appreciate everyone. I enjoy everybody’s work... I don’t belittle anyone, I’m humble. Indeed, I accept everybody’s excellence with a lot of humility, graciousness and appreciation. However, I don’t want to be like anyone else. I want to be me. I like (best buddy) Vivek (Khushalani) for what he is... But, there’s no point in my becoming him... Vivek is good individually for what he does and I have to appreciate it. However, I want to be who I am and I hope people appreciate that... There has never been any envy in my life, never. I have no negative or dark shades and am always transparent.

Do you have long-term plans? Do you actually plan ahead or do you plan for the moment?

(Laughs) I do what I like doing at the moment in question... Like giving you this interview.

But you don’t really come across as being disorganised, so to say?

I’m very disorganised.

The final one... Disorganised at home?

Everywhere.

My Name Is Khan joins IFFLA line-up

Fox International’s director’s cut of My Name Is Khan has been added to the line-up at the 8th annual Indian Film Festival Of Los Angeles (IFFLA), which runs from April 20-25.

Shahrukh Khan won’t disown KKR

Unlike the reports that the owners of Kings XI Punjab are gearing up to sell off the outfit after the team’s dismal performance in this year’s IPL T20 tournament, Shahrukh Khan is sticking by his team Kolkata Knight Riders despite a poor show put up by skipper Saurav Ganguly’s team.

In the first two years of IPL, KKR could not make it to the semifinals and this year too it is all but out of the race for the semis though just a slight theoretical chance (if other teams lose and the run rate is favourable) still exists for them to make it to the semis this year.

Meanwhile, rumours have been afloat that Shahrukh Khan, who owns a large chunk of the team, is thinking of disowning the KKR.

“Everyone jumps to silly conclusions as soon as we lose. Idiots who don't know perseverance and passion make me who I am,” SRK wrote on his Twitter page.

“KKR is my team and I will never ever leave it, said millions of times before,” he made it absolutely clear.

Shah Rukh Khan MNIK cut 35 minutes for US, releasing May 7!

Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer Karan Johar’s blockbuster flick ‘My Name Is Khan’, which is due for a US release on May 7, has become 35 minutes shorter after Hollywood editor Alan Edward Bell of ‘500 Days of Summer’ fame edited it of hurricane sequence for the US audience.

The reputed editor of Hollywood considered the hurricane sequence unnecessary addition but kept the Hindi song and dance numbers in the film intact. In fact, he took the view that these song and dance numbers should be kept in the film as they highlighted the uniqueness of bollywood flicks.

Sources close to production house say that Alan Bell felt that the hurricane sequences of Wilhelmina town in the US would only irritate the American audience who were fully aware of the reality and would instantly recognize that it was not their town. In fact, Karan Johar had shot that particular sequence not in the US but in the Film City studio in Mumbai, and he knew from the very beginning that it was not up to the mark

Karan Johar roped in Allan Beal to edit the American version of ‘My Name Is Khan,’ as he wanted it to be finalized from the US audience’s point of view without any interference from any quarters.

‘My Name Is Khan’ in its new US avatar will have subtitles and voiceover in English for the benefit of audiences there. However, the flick will continue to be in Hindi language, as the original was, to keep its magic intact.

Shah Rukh Khan plays the character of Rizwan Khan, who is suffering from the Asperger’s syndrome. The US authorities mistook his condition and arrest him for being a Khan. The movie shows the trauma of being a Muslim in the US after the bombing of New York by suspected terrorists.

WATCH EPISODE 08: Living with a Superstar - Shahrukh Khan

PART 01

PART 02

Will never leave KKR, says Shah Rukh

Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan said he will never leave the outfit despite its lacklustre performance in all three editions of the Indian Premier League.

The KKR could not make it to the semifinals in the first two editions and the trend is almost certain to continue this year as well with the Sourav Ganguly-led side languishing at the seventh place with just a theoretical chance of making it to the last four.

Shah Rukh, however, insisted he was not washing his hands of the beleaguered outfit.

"Everyone jumps to silly conclusions as soon as we lose. Idiots who don't know perseverance and passion make me who I am," wrote the Bollywood actor on his Twitter page.

"KKR is my team and I will never ever leave it, said million of times before," he said.

Interestingly, Shah Rukh got a word of consolation from Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne, whose team like KKR, also needs a miracle to reach the semifinals.

"Hey buddy, you're a champion and your charisma is something I'm sure inspires a lot of people. Hang in there, sport is cruel sometimes," wrote the spin great who led the Royals to a fairytale triumph in the inaugural IPL.

The shah of Bollywood

Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan

April 18, 10 p.m.

Discovery Channel

The worldwide box-office and critical success of 2009 Oscar best picture winner Slumdog Millionaire -- an American production but with an Indian story and cast -- has demonstrated India’s growing influence on the contemporary global cinema industry.

India’s Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai -- informally referred to as Bollywood -- is one of the most prolific in the world, churning out around 800 films in a year. And because of the Indian diaspora, these films find an audience worldwide. With the success of Slumdog, more non-Indians are becoming interested in Indian films and performers.

One of Bollywood’s biggest superstars -- actor Shah Rukh Khan -- is the focus of a special program of Discovery Channel called Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan.

The one-hour program presents an intimate portrait of a hardworking self-made man who has conquered Bollywood and whose popularity is manifested wherever Bollywood films are seen. Nicknamed "King Khan," Shah Rukh Khan has ruled Bollywood for almost two decades. In 2008, he was even listed among Newsweek’s "50 Most Powerful People of the World."

Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan traces his humble beginnings -- from a struggling director-wanna-be to successful entrepreneur and Bollywood’s most bankable star. The program deconstructs Mr. Khan’s appeal at the cusp of his possible transition to international success via his latest blockbuster, My Name Is Khan.

Fans will also get a peek into the private life of this devoted family man (he is a Muslim married to a Hindu woman).

Discovery Channel recently arranged a phone interview between members of the Philippine media and Indian film and TV producer Samar Khan, who directed the TV special about the Bollywood superstar. Here are excerpts of the interview.

BusinessWorld (BW): Did it take any convincing on your part to do the documentary?

Samar Khan (SK): I think it took a little bit of convincing... [Shah Rukh Khan] understood the camera could get intrusive at times. It took convincing for his family also, especially his wife, who had to be convinced that we would not get too intrusive into their lives.

[There was] the fact that I have been working with Shah Rukh and I know him for the past 15 years. So the family was familiar with my face... Also the fact that it was being co-produced by his own company, which is Red Chillies Entertainment, and the fact that it was Discovery (Channel) and it was not any other network, that finally convinced him to let the cameras follow him for about 60 days.

So it was completely unadulterated access. There was no restriction on what we could shoot or what we could not shoot. And there was no censorship from his side on any of the episodes or anything that we had shot.

BW: What are the three most surprising things you found out about Shah Rukh Khan while working with him? You said you’ve known him for 15 years, but I’m sure following him for 60 days, there were some things about him that definitely still surprised you and what were they?

SK: I think the first thing that surprised me about the man [was] how he manages his time. He manages to meet so many people in a day. He manages to do work and he still manages to find time for his children... He meets directors. He does [so much] businesses. He owns a cricket team. He makes films. He does advertising. He meets other people, so there’s so much he packs into a day and he still has time for his family, which is so amazingly super human to find time for his family.

The other thing that surprised me was that as a human being, he’s a very private person. He likes his solitude. He likes to be left alone. He likes to be in quiet places, while outwardly, he seems like an extroverted person. There is somewhere within him that he’s such a quiet person who does not have to many friends in the world.

He’s very personal with his friends and he keeps his friends very limited. He does not make friends very easily. He will meet acquaintances. He will have great working relationships. But to be called a "friend" of Shah Rukh Khan, is extremely tough, because he chooses his friends with a lot of care.

And the third thing which I found out about him, was that he does not eat at all. He just eats the bare minimum, which is required. And he’s so nonchalant about the kind of car he drives or the food he’s eating or the fact that he’s staying in a hotel. He’s just so nonchalant about it. That it’s quite amazing, keeping in mind that he’s such a big superstar, but he really doesn’t care about these things.

BW: What car does he drive?

SK: He drives a BMW. That’s the car that he has for his personal use. That’s the only car he actually owns. He does not own a fleet of cars. He had this BMW car, which is a 7 Series, for the last couple of years and that’s the only car that he drives. That’s the only car that he has.

BW: You mentioned he eats very little -- what food does he eat?

SK: ... he himself says in the documentary that he has the most unhealthy eating habits. His diet contains protein, which is chicken. He only eats chicken. Caffeine, because he only drinks coffee -- he drinks about 10 cups of coffee a day -- and nicotine, because he smokes a lot. So his diet is caffeine, nicotine, and protein.

BW: From what you have said, are you presenting a balanced picture of him? Are you showing his weaknesses as a human being or as an actor?

SK: I don’t think we have tried to show Shah Rukh as a perfect human being. He has frailties. He has shortcomings that he has in his life. He has shortcomings as an actor. We have tried to show his life. So the documentary is not a judgment on him. The documentary is not judging him as a human being, whether he’s a good human being or a bad human being, or a successful human being, or an unsuccessful human being. We’re trying to be as objective as possible for people to make an opinion.

He has spoken about his own insecurities. He has spoken about his own shortcomings as an actor. He has spoken about his own shortcomings as a human being. He has spoken about his own shortcomings as a father.

So we have tried to present to you a balanced picture of a human being and not just the actor or the star that you have been seeing so long... It’s pretty balanced... It’s a pretty exhaustive look at the man.

BW: What are the biggest challenges you faced in putting this documentary together?

SK: The biggest challenge I think was to be as objective as possible, I guess, because there is a feel that you can get for the man. So the challenge was to remain as objective as possible.

BW: How did you remain objective?

SK: I think we all like him... But my job as a director was to be as objective as possible. I think that I have been that objective because I have a journalist’s background. I have been a journalist for most of my career..... I think what helps me is the fact that Discovery (Channel) itself is a very, very objective network...

BW: What are the interesting facts in your documentary?

SK: Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan presents the changing face of India. India has gone through a lot of change from 1990s onward, where we have become a liberal country. Our economy has opened up. We have become a part of the world, more than we were pre the ’90s.

There is no part of the world that you can travel [to] that you will not hear about Bollywood and you would not hear about Shah Rukh Khan... you will not go any part of the world where you would have not meet someone who is interested in coming to India, or investing in India, or wanting to be a part of India, or being part of the Indian success story. So he represents, in a way, the success story that India is post the ’90s.

BW: To what do you attribute the popularity of Shah Rukh Khan or what is it about him that appeals to the public the most?

SK: Actually, you’ll have to see the documentary because the documentary is exactly about that.... Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan is a documentary special that is not so much about Shah Rukh, but it’s more about the success of Shah Rukh. So we’ll try and dissect for the audience to know what the reason why Shah Rukh Khan is successful and what makes him such a global icon. So for the audiences, they will come to see why or what makes his success or what makes audiences love him.

BW: What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about Shah Rukh Khan?

SK: I think one of the misconceptions people have about him is that he’s very out of it. I don’t think he’s out of it at all, or he has any kind of air about him -- he doesn’t let his success go to his head. A lot of people I meet many times think he is very arrogant and expect him to be very brash. I don’t think he’s arrogant. I think he’s just the way he is. Even if he were not successful, he would still be the same way, because that’s his personality. But I haven’t met somebody who is so easy and so cool about his success and about what he’s achieved in his career.

BW: Why do you think India’s entertainment industry in general is attracting global audiences?

SK: I think because of the novelty of the entertainment industry of India or I think India’s entertainment industry is very unique in its storytelling. It’s very unique in the way we make our films. And our emotions are the mainstay of our stories.

We don’t razzmatazz with technology. We tell stories with deep human emotions and deep human emotions cut across all countries, and cut across all languages, and people are able to associate with those emotions. So I guess that’s one of the main reasons why people connect with Indian cinema.

And also because there are Indians today all over the world. There are Indians everywhere. They travel around the globe and those Indians have taken Indian culture and have made people all over the world familiar with Indian culture. So [film is] a reflection or I would say a glamorization of that Indian culture.

BW: Is it true that Slumdog Millionaire was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan?

SK: That I would not know. That either would be known by Shah Rukh or would be known by the team of Slumdog Millionaire or by [its director] Danny Boyle. I know it was not offered to me, so that I can tell you.

Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan premieres on April 18, 10 p.m., on Discovery Channel. The show will be replayed on April 19 at 1 a.m., 9 a.m., and 3 p.m., and on April 25 at 5 a.m., and 9 a.m. Discovery Channel is Channel 39 in SkyCable, Channel 22 in Cablelink, Channel 24 in Global Destiny Cable, and Channel 19 in Dream Satellite.

Shah Rukh Khan to host First ever IPL Awards

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his close friend filmmaker Karan Johar will be hosting the Indian Premiere League (IPL) Awards night to honour best players and performances of the T20 tournament at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai April 23.

The evening, to be telecast on Colors in May, will be a fusion of cricket and entertainment - to be called Cricketainment - with some of India’s biggest entertainers - including Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, Shilpa Shetty, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Hrithik Roshan - set to perform.

“This star-studded award ceremony will see the superstars of Bollywood and cricket get together to make it the Oscars of the cricketing world. Celebrating sportsmanship, the viewers will be in for colourful treat as IPL champions get felicitated for their performance through the series,” Ashvini Yardi, programming head, Colors, said.

“It will be one of its kind and fitting celebration with lots of exciting performances and brilliant surprises to conclude this year’s IPL action,” Yardi said in a press release.

The awards will be given in 22 categories including batting, bowling, fielding, most stylish player, best stadium and commentator etc.

There are also categories like IPL Jury Awards, Viewers’ Choice Awards, Statistical Awards, IPL Captain’s Awards and IPL Winners Award.

“IPL has evolved into a uniting force in world cricket and signalled a new era in sports entertainment over the past three seasons. The IPL Awards is the crowning jewel and a fitting event to recognise the best of this season’s breathtaking tournament,” said IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi.

The critics’ choice awards will be adjudged by the IPL Awards Jury, comprising Lalit Modi, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara and Javagal Srinath, well-known umpire Simon Taufel, and cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle.

For the Viewers’ Choice Awards categories, fans can vote by visiting IPLT20.com or IPLAwards.com.

3 reasons why SRK picked Shahana Goswami for Ra.One

Shahrukh ‘King’ Khan is pretty pumped up about his next home production in which he dives into the superhero genre playing a superhero who can solidify electricity (an out of the box idea). And, as per the latest buzz, he has roped in the talented Shahana Goswami (who got noticed in ‘Rock On’) for a pivotal role of a video gamer. Here are the 5 reasons why SRK picked Shahana for the role:

1. Shahrukh and the director Anubhav Sinha were on the hunt for a young and vivacious maiden and Shahana fits the bill perfectly. “SRK and director Anubhav Sinha were looking for a young, cheerful girl to play SRK’s colleague. They were considering various names for the role, until they finally zeroed in on her. She is young, lively and suits the character to a T. She will be sporting a completely new look for the film.”

2. Secondly, Sahana is a relatively fresh face and hence, has an edge over the other over-exposed actresses. Plus, she, herself, is very gung ho about experimenting with different films.

3. A beautiful face is of no use until it is backed by a powerful performance. And Sahana has proved her mettle in films like ‘Rock On’ and ‘Firaaq’. Hence, Shahrukh had no qualms about casting her for the role of a videogame designer. After all, she is beauty with brains.

Shahana signs up for Ra.One

Will play videogame designer and colleague of SRK

Shahana Goswami is the latest addition to Shah Rukh Khan's ambitious superhero project, Ra.One. The actress, who was first noticed in Rock On!!! and then appreciated in Firaaq, will play a videogame designer like Shah Rukh. Her character helps out Shah Rukh's when a gaming character causes problems for him. Apparently, Ra.One's director Anubhav Sinha and Shah Rukh were looking for a young, cheerful actress to play Shah Rukh's colleague. They considered various names before they thought of Shahana.

Of course, Shahana is excited about the role and the fact that she will be sporting a completely new look in the film.

IPL 2010: Is SRK tweeting his way out of Kolkata Knight Riders?

Kolkata is down in the dumps. First you have the Knight Riders virtually bowing out of the IPL and then you have the star owner Shahrukh Khan almost suggesting he may cut his ties with the team. Giving rise to the latter, tweets that talk about final thanks to Kolkata and worse. Kolkata is now holding its breath to see if SRK actually walks out on the Knights.

Final thanks to Kolkata audience...says an ominous Sharukh tweet. You make us proud...couldn't do the same...and can't make promises for future either...have lost the right...

And there is worse... can't do anymore for KKR, says SRK. Sorry can't sound fakely uppity about next season.

For KKR fans in Kolkata, this is a double blow.. KKR now virtually out of the IPL and its star owner also making similar noises...

"It is very unfortunate for him...he has given lot of time and energy for KKR but what can he do he is not a technical man and he tried his best. It's bad luck, his team couldn't do well. I feel for SRK, he has tried really hard," said Sambaran Banerjee.

Others are keeping their fingers crossed.

"If you are a diehard KKR fan, then you have reason to be a little concerned because none of his tweets till last night were as emotional and he seemed devastated. If you read between the lines, it probably suggests...but I will be surprised if he washes his hands off the franchiese straightaway," said Lokendra Pratap Sahi, Sports Editor, The Telegraph.

KKR captain Sourav Ganguly is not helping things.

"Well I do not mind losing but we were pathetic on the field, let's be honest. I can talk, I can lift them up but they have to lift themselves up as well...I can't field for them, I can't bowl for them," said Sourav Ganguly.

SRK in his tweet seems to agree... "outbatted, outbowled, outclassed...out of semis," says he...

If the captain is throwing in the towel, can SRK be far behind? Kolkata is holding its breath.

IPL 2010: Shahrukh Khan dealing with disappointments

After his team KKR’s exit from IPL 3

It was a do-or-die game for Shahrukh Khan’s team Kolkata Knight Riders but they were soundly and emphatically beaten by the dominant opposition from Chennai Super Kings by 9 wickets on Tuesday.

And the man who’s most disappointed is Shahrukh Khan who apologised to the team’s loyal fans for yet another embarrassingly poor season of IPL. Last year, their team was last in the points table; this year it’s second last.

“Outbatted, outbowled, outclassed...out of semis. Never lost so much, so often, so consistently. Apologies to all who supported us,” SRK tweeted after the team’s defeat on Tuesday.

Instead of blaming anyone, SRK took all blame upon himself.

“I completely take the blame for not putting up a good enough show...so much love for KKR & I couldn’t reciprocate,” he wrote.

SRK added that he can’t promise good performances from his team in the future.

“Bye all. I am off now to deal with disappointments in the way I know best. You find your poison. Love u all. Unconditional apologies to all,” he posted.

Our heart goes out to him.

SRK earned his first pay by ushering for Pankaj Udhas concert

He maybe a superstar now but the first ever pay that Shah Rukh Khan received was a mere fifty rupees for ushering a concert of ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas.

The 44-year-old actor used the money to visit 'Taj Mahal', the monument of love.

"Asked so telling. i earned my first salary ushering for a pankaj udhas concert in delhi Rs.50. took a train & saw Taj Mahal with the money (sic)," Shah Rukh wrote on his Twitter page.

Khan made his acting debut in 1988 with television series Fauji, where he played the role of Commando Abhimanyu Rai. His first Bollywood film was Deewana in 1992.

Khan is currently working on his upcoming film Ra.One. where he will play a superhero for the first time in his career.

"Red chillies v/fx & jeff from america. also a few other studios involved to complete work on ra.one. its quite a task for an indian film,(sic)," Khan wrote in a post on the micro-blogging website.

SRK completes 100 days of tweeting

Shah Rukh Khan today completed 100 days of being on the micro blogging site Twitter. The actor, who goes by the handle @iamsrk, tweeted his happiness on the occasion saying, "100 days on twitter. thanks everyone. saw a 3 month old baby yesterday...seems like i am one on the twitter now. its been a good life so far."

Shah Rukh had created a record of sorts when he joined the site, as he got 10,000 followers within 24 hours of joining. He also drew mild criticism when he joined the site before the release of his film My Name Is Khan, with naysayers claiming it was a publicity stunt for the film and he would not continue tweeting after the film released. But with IPL3 following soon after his film's release, Shah Rukh had much to share about his experiences and his hopes for his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders.

Hrithik does a special screening for SRK

Few days back Hrithik openly said that he wants marketing suggestions from Shahrukh and Aamir both. Both Aamir’s 3 Idiots and Shahrukh’s ‘ My name is Khan’ is a hit and marketing plays a major role in the success of any movie.

Recently Hrithik did a special screening of his upcoming movie’ Kites’ for Shahrukh Khan’. Nobody has seen the full movie, but Hrithik was desperate to have Shahrukh’s feedback. Shahrukh has definitely given him some valuable suggestions.

Hrithik-starrer Kites releases on May 21. The film has two versions, one for India and a racier version for West.

But the question still remains, when will Hrithik hold a special screening of Kites for Aamir?