Shahrukh's olive branch to Shiv Sena

He's sent birthday wishes to Uddhav Thackeray even after being targeted by the party.

Of all the greetings that Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray received on his 50th birthday today (July 27), one stood out - "best compliments" from none other than Shah Rukh Khan who had been targeted by the party this year.

The birthday wishes were conveyed not through a traditional greeting card, but in a half-page advertisement released in Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna. It said, "With Best Compliments From...Red Chillies Entertainment", the film company owned by Shah Rukh.

Coming as it did just a few months after the Sena had launched an all-out campaign against the superstar, the impact of the ad (Page 20, left hand side) was not lost on either readers or Uddhav.

"I am accepting best wishes from everybody," is all that Uddhav chose to say when asked about the ad this afternoon.

The olive branch extended by Shah Rukh - in the form of the advertisement - comes nearly six months after the Sena had launched an all-out campaign against the superstar following the release of his blockbuster, 'My Name Is Khan', in February this year. The party was angry with him for speaking in favour of Pakistani cricketers for the Indian Premier League.

The issue had pitted the state government and the Shiv Sena against each other in a controversy that raged for nearly 10 days and prompted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to make a visit to Mumbai on Feb 5 and thumb the saffron party in its bastion.

My name is Karan and I am not directing 'RA.One'

SRK's buddy may be directing scenes and songs in the sci-fi flick but insists he isn't at the helm of affairs

Even though over the last few days, Karan Johar has tweeted that he is away on a holiday in London, the truth is, he is there to assist good friend Shah Rukh Khan with the direction of his home production RA.One, currently being shot there. The film is being directed by Anubhav Sinha (of Cash infamy).

There have been reports of arguments between King Khan and Sinha since they began filming. But in all fairness, the problem is that the absence of Juhi Chawla's brother (and Red Chillies CEO) Bobby is making all the difference in the smooth sailing of the shoot. Bobby's expertise is being missed at planning and executing, resulting in stress for everyone. In a telling move, Anubhav has been forbidden from using his mobile phone till shots have been okayed on the monitor.

This is Shah Rukh's most expensive film to date and he didn't want to waste any days, and so he made an SOS call to Karan, whose judgement and cinematic sensibilities he has high regard for. Now some songs and scenes are being shot separately on two different sets.

The unit was divided and they shot at two locations with Khan, Kareena and KJo at one and Anubhav at the other. Karan has directed some action scenes and even shot a song on Bebo and SRK. However, the My Name Is Khan director is very clear that he's just helping out and doesn't want to take the credit away from Anubhav in any way.

Karan Johar was unavailable for comment.

"Really sweet to see Karan on an action film shoot. Should blow the cars to kal ho na ho music. kajol in a guest role in the flying cars ha ha. Rains... shooting action & montages together. 2 units... location demands etc. Karan assisting us for a day. hopefully we will make the schedule."

Shahrukh Khan Tweets from the Set of 'Ra.One'

Shahrukh Khan can't stop tweeting about his upcoming movie Ra.One! The Anubhav Sinha directed flick also stars Kareena Kapoor and the two actors are currently busy shooting one action scene after the other. So why is SRK so excited about this movie?

"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," SRK told reporters during a press conference with his costars Bebo "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," he added.

And now the popular actor is sharing some inside details from the photo shoot via Twitter!

"very tired today...must be cos didnt do too much work. must start working out soon...feeling unhealthy & 'oily'. abs getting extinct," the excited superstar told followers.

"now heading to bed..early morning shoot...have a few more cars to blow up..what a life...kars & kareena...chat with u all tom. Goodnite." Better get some sleep before those action scenes!

"oh god..forgot the picture with kareena.she was preoccupied learning her tough lines for the scene...she had to say "chinese today"? ha ha."

"Rains...shooting action & montages together.2 units...location demands etc.Karan assisting us for a day.hopefully we will make the schedule." Always good to have the support of your favorite director, KJo!

"really sweet to see Karan on an action film shoot.should blow the cars to kal ho na ho music. kajol in a guest role in the flying cars ha ha."

Sounds like Shahrukh is having a good time on the set of Ra.One! Are you looking forward to the movie? Drop us a line.