SRK - Aamir meet up

All those who think that after their high profile meet to resolve the producers-distributors’ ongoing strike against the multiplex lobby Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan haven’t come together again; here’s a piece of news.

The two actors who sent flashbulbs into a tizzy on April 7 at a hotel in Mumbai, met again at a suburban studio a few days ago to catch up with the producers and check what exactly is the status on the strike.

However, this time the media was deliberately kept away because both the Bollywood biggies didn’t wish to take away the focus from the main issue.

A producer said, “The last time, the papers, the news channels and internet sites focussed only on the Aamir-SRK grand union, they completely ignored the cause.

The stars themselves realised this and made it a point to keep their second meeting a completely low-key affair. The multiplex strike still continues despite efforts from every big name in Bollywood to put an end to it. And, Aamir and SRK are very concerned.”

Shahrukh Khan in talks to play an anti-hero in Dhoom 3

After the super-success of the villain (John Abraham in Dhoom, and Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2), the part of the anti- hero has become the most coveted role in B-Town.

Every now and then, big names are being tossed around as being nearly signed for this role and now the latest rumour is that Shah Rukh Khan will feature in the role in this action thriller.

A source who claims to be in the know swears, "Yash Raj Films have been going through a lull period as none of their on-the-floor movies or their completed ones are generating any curiosity from the buyers as well as the audiences. SRK has always been a quick-fix solution for the Chopras.

When- ever their mega boat is rocked, good friend Adi Chopra calls on SRK and the actor steps in to bail out his dost." This last happened with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

Now an insider claims claim that SRK has been approached by the banner to play the main villain in Dhoom 3, "Last week, SRK was called in for a tentative one-line narration; he was impressed and agreed to be part of the film."

Although one wonders when SRK will find the time to finish this film, which reportedly starts some time next year. SRK is very charged about his superhero flick and Don 2, which he wants to finish in 2010, along with his home production Happy New Year, to be directed by Farah Khan, so where is the time to fit in Dhoom 3? It is also not clear who will direct D:3 as Sanjay Gadhvi has had a fallout with YRF."

The curtain to come down sans SRK

The finals for the IPL season 2009 happened at Wanderers’ stadium in Johannesburg. Like last time this time too there was festivities and artists from across the globe perform. But this time Indians has missed the presence of King Khan who did attending the function.

The reason for King Khan’s absence has been pointed on him not having free dates to attend the event. But there are also a few people who are suggesting that SRK’s absence would be because for the below-the-average performance of his team Kolkata Knight Riders.

Though sources close to King Khan reveal that his absence is related to his shoulder injury, there are a lot of comparisons being made when the Khan performed in a wedding recently, during the end of April. Yet a few other sources close to SRK reveal that he is busy completing his film and hence not having time for events.

Whatever be the reason the fans of Shah Rukh Khan will miss him terribly this year, with just a few celebrities of Bollywood making their appearances felt.

Yesterday witnessed the semifinals of Deccan Chargers and Delhi Dare Devils, with Deccan Chargers winning the match. Today sees the match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers. So which ever team wins today’s match will clash with Deccan Chargers tomorrow.

King Khan's upcoming schedule

Shah Rukh Khan is off to work again, leaving wife Gauri home with the kids during their vacation.

The star is leaving for the United States on June 3, to shoot for My Name Is Khan. He had planned an extended vacation with family but it will be interrupted by the shoot.

Sources close to him said that he had wanted to take the family along but this was not possible, though it might happen later.

My Name Is Khan is being made by Karan Johar and also stars Kajol, a regular with SRK and KJo. SRK hasn’t gone to London this year with his family, as he does usually. His summer was spent in South Africa, at the IPL.
And what is SRK doing next week?

If the director of Kal Kissne Dekha, Vivek Sharma, is to be believed, the star will promote his movie, which stars Jackky Bhagnani and Vaishali Desai.

Kareena Kapoor has done stage shows with Jackky to boost the movie, but Sharma said that while SRK would not do stage shows, he would do his bit. "When I met him last week he said I will ask audiences to go to the single screens and watch the movie," Sharma said, referring to the limited release the film is likely to get because of the strike against multiplexes.

World music in Shah Rukh's next

After the success of Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om, there's tremendous curiosity around Farah Khan's third project Happy New Year. While not much is known about the plot - except for the fact that it stars Shah Rukh Khan – Farah is looking to pull off a first of sorts with the music of the film.

At a a recent event when Farah Khan launched a new reality show, her co-judge and Main Hoon Na music director Anu Malik dropped hints about composing music for Happy New Year. "I have to laugh at Farah's jibes since I have to do the soundtrack for her next," Anu said. But this time Farah doesn't intend to stick only to the songs that feature in the film.

When we asked the director if Vishal-Shekhar have a reason to worry despite scoring a chartbusting album in OSO, she said, "I am looking at a completely different style of music for Happy New Year".

Farah added, "The movie requires a variety of sounds – which is why I don't intend on sticking to one composer. I hope Vishal-Shekhar, Anu and all the people I approach will help me on the music of the film". Farah added, "Bhangra Pop artiste Sukhbir might also do a special track for the film."

Speaking on the film's music, Farah further revealed, "I plan to go the World Music way for Happy New Year, as the script demands an international sound. The album will be more of an OST comprising a compilation of original and purchased tracks - as they do for motion picture scores in Hollywood".

Prior to Farah, Sanjay Gupta has experimented with the idea of having multiple composers in one film.

SRK won't shake a leg at IPL 2 finale

While Shah Rukh Khan insists it's because of his shoulder injury, the pathetic performance of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is possibly the main reason

There's bad news for Shah Rukh Khan fans across the globe.

They'll miss King Khan in action, as he won't be performing at the grand finale of the IPL season 2, which will be held at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg tomorrow.

The finale will have a grand show put up by Cineyug's Morani Brothers and Development Network Africa.

Says a source from South Africa, "The Morani Brothers are very close to Shah Rukh and are scripting and directing the event.

It's strange that Shah Rukh, who performs in almost every show of the Morani's, won't be performing this time. In fact he's not even going t o south Africa for the finals."

Commenting on SRK not performing at the finals, Mohammed Morani, says, "Shah Rukh has been a part of most of our shows and it's sad not to have him this time. Actually, he's busy shooting and didn't have dates for the event."

Besides, a source adds that people had expected SRK to come for the IPL finals and cheer his team but apparently he's keeping a low profile, as KKR failed miserably in the tournament.

"Hence, Shah Rukh just wants to keep away from all the controversies and concentrate on his work," he says.

Speaking to MiD DAY, Shah Rukh said, "I won't be able to perform at the IPL finals this time as my shoulder is till healing."

A source close to Shah Rukh, dismissing the gossip, says, "Shah Rukh is busy completing his shooting commitments and hence, he's unable to attend the event.

Also, he's not keeping a low profile – it's just that there are no parties or social events for him to attend right now."

But a source from South Africa perseveres, "Shah Rukh performed at builder Kanti Govani's nephew's wedding, which was held on April 30. If he could perform then, why not now?" he questions.

Apart from Katrina Kaif and Shilpa Shetty, the IPL finals won't have any big tinsel town stars performing this year.

However, Morani says, "As IPL is a global event, it will witness performances by Eddy Grant, percussionist Sivamani with 100 drummers, Akon, Miss Bollywood (South Africa) and quite a few internationals acts."

SRK gets IPL gyan

Shah Rukh Khan’s Knight Riders may have failed to create magic, yet again, but King Khan takes it all in his stride.

In fact, he cites his team’s ouster from IPL 2 as a life lesson. He has no plans of giving gyaan like a guru; nevertheless, he did a good job when he pep-talked the audience at the Delhi chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organisation here on Thursday.

Talking about the event, a source present at the function says, “YPO has members in almost 85 countries. Every year, they invite people from different walks of life to interact with the members. This year, it was Shah Rukh, since he’s been very successful in his life and the members were all ears when he spoke on what success meant to him.”

Talking on his favourite subject – success – SRK says, “Success is never final, just like failure is never fatal. Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you’re scared. Fear failure so much that you get the courage to succeed. Talking about how I became successful is a waste. Success comes by chance. My first few films failed. My IPL team failed in the first and second seasons. But I’m not giving up – I want to win next year.”

When we spoke to SRK after the event, he sounded happy about the improvement in his health. “I’m much better,” he said, adding, “I’ll soon leave for the USA to shoot for My Name Is Khan. It’s a month-and-a-half long schedule.”

A source close to SRK reveals, “He felt dejected when his team wasn’t playing well initially. However, he’s reconciled to it now but is not going to South Africa for the finals. In fact, he returned after leaving Gauri’s brother there to take care of the team.” Well, the Badshah knows best!

Khan's Fashion

We have our very own Mannat-ke-deewar-ke-kaan who's buzzing about how Karan Johar and SRK just luuurve Belgian designer Martin Margiela's creations.

The designer's outfits and scarves are extravagantly expensive as they can't be duplicated and are known for their comfort.

Shah Rukh has apparently bought up all the six scarves Margiela designed a few months ago so nobody else could wear it! So now you know.

I don't have as much money as Shah Rukh: Amitabh

Bollywood megastar Amitbah Bachchan says he couldn't bid for an Indian Premier League (IPL) team because he doesn't have 'as much money as (Kolkata Knight Riders owner) Shah Rukh Khan'.

'I don't have as much money as Shah Rukh. He has money and so he owns a team,' Amitabh said on Zee News' celebrity chat show 'Kahiye Janab' to be aired on Saturday.

Shah Rukh Khan's KKR strongest IPL brand; worth Rs 104 crores

Despite their poor cricket performance, the Kolkata Knight Riders have emerged as the strongest IPL brand. UK based brand valuation company Intangible Business, in collaboration with MTI Consulting, have just released the IPL Brand Value Scoreboard 2009 - a valuation aimed at measuring the strengths of the right IPL Franchises

Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with a brand value of $22 million (approximately Rs 104 crores) tops the Brand Value Table, closely followed by Delhi Daredevils, which is valued at $19 million, Chennai Super Kings at $18 million and Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai Indians at $17 million. Last year's winners Rajasthan Royals are at the bottom of the table with a value of $10 million.

Intangible Business international director Richard Yoxon says, "Winning games is not enough to build a successful sports brand. Teams need to engage the local community, attract star players who inspire a wide audience and develop a strong marketing communications programme."

Further explaining the rationale and methodology, MTI Consulting CEO Hilmy Cader says, "Brand values are a reflection of a brand's ability to generate future income. It is a forward looking study that uses historic performance and future trends to predict future activity. 2008 publicly available sales data was gathered for each franchise. To determine the strength of the brands, each brand was scored on a series attributes that underpin the power and reach of the each brand. These attributes are a mixture of hard measures and soft measures of brand strength sourced from publically available information and from a qualitative panel of cricket fans from each test playing nation. Using this data, each brand was then valued using the relief-from-royalty methodology."

Significant sums have been invested in acquiring the team franchises and the race is on to capture the hearts and minds of cricket fans to develop a strong club culture modelled on the success of the world's most popular sports brands. While the playing squads will change and the success of each team will fluctuate over time, the brand is the constant that unites supporters and is ultimately responsible for driving the long-term commercial sustainability and success of the IPL franchises.