WATCH: Akon sings for SRK

The Grammy Award winner Akon has come to Mumbai to record for Shah Rukh khan's forthcoming film Ra.one.

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.

SRK throws a party for Akon

Shah Rukh Khan and American singer-songwriter Akon are snapped at Mumbai's JW Marriot hotel on Monday. Shah Rukh hosted a party for the singer at the hotel.

The singer arrived in Mumbai to record a song for Shah Rukh's next film Ra 1. Akon will be in Mumbai for two days.

Akon, 36, and Shah Rukh recently met in Los Angeles. Akon, besides one song, will reportedly also form part of the cast. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the science-fiction superhero hi-tech film is written by David Benullo (Shadow Man), cinematography by Ueli Steiger (The Maiden Heist), and music by Vishal-Shekhar.

Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi are also said to be a part of the film.

Shah Rukh reportedly plays a Miami software engineer Shekhar in the film, who as a video-game hero takes on his self-created techno-monster Ra 1. Shooting locations include Miami.

Grammy nominated Akon of Senegal background, born as Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam, has 40 Billboard Hot 100 songs.

Superhero film Ra.One for my kids: Shah Rukh

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is excited about his first superhero film Ra.One, which will also see him flying. And he says he is doing it for his children and hopes to succeed at the box office.

"The film Ra.One is a superhero film. There is a good guy, there is a bad guy, there is a beautiful girl, there is a wonderful singer and a fantastic director," Shah Rukh told reporters at a press conference organised to welcome the international R&B singer Akon at Sahara Star hotel Tuesday.

"It's a kind of film, a genre we guys haven't tried at 'Red Chilies'. On behalf of the whole team, I would like to try and I hope we succeed. It's a new thing for all of us, so we are giving it our best shot. Hopefully, we will be able to do what we are set out to do. I am doing it for my kids," he added.

The film is being directed by Anubhav Sinha and Kareena Kapoor plays Shah Rukh's love interest in it.

He said: "My superhero character is called Jeeva and he can solidify electricity. It's a concept we are trying to work on. Hopefully, visually it will be understandable too. It is a superhero film and I am going to fly in it."

Shah Rukh confirmed Akon will record a number for the film, but clarified that the R&B singer won't sing for the promotional song for his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

"No, he is actually here to do a song for Ra.One. We would love him to do a lot of songs. We haven't developed the song for KKR, but if I do, I would obviously request him to do that.

"No, there is not any business deal with Akon. He has just been very gracious. You know, he is unlike me - I charge for everything. I will be really honest. When you see an artist or a singer, you truly realise that they want to do it for the sake of art. And what I love about him is that he only loves to work," said Shah Rukh.

Kareena was also present and welcomed Akon by putting tilak on his forehead and a garland around his neck.