ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Shah Rukh Khan

The man of the millennium has finally finished second best in a poll, but only just. Shah Rukh Khan won the voting for entertainer of the year with 29%, just one percentage point ahead of the Big B's 28%. Akshay Kumar, who has had a string of hits in 2007, was a distant third with 14%.

Shah Rukh led in Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata and Amitabh in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Pune. Rajinikanth not surprisingly was the clear favourite in Chennai with 40% of the votes.

What clinched the race for the top slot in favour of Shah Rukh was the fact that he had impressive leads in big cities Delhi and Bangalore, while Amitabh led very narrowly in Mumbai and the other cities where he topped were relatively small.

Vidya Balan, who like Akshay has had more than one hit this year, was the top female entertainer and fifth in the overall list behind Rajinikanth. Her 6% was just a touch more than Katrina Kaif's 5%.

TNN

Anthony Gonsalves - Shahrukh Khan's story ?

By now film followers are aware that MY NAME IS ANTHONY GONSALVES has Shahrukh Khan's 'Red Chillies Entertainment' as the Line Producers of the film.

However, by looking at the promos, one senses a special reason for Shahrukh to be a part of this project. That's because if one looks closely, the character of the film's lead protagonist Anthony Gonsalves (played by Nikhil Dwivedi) appears to be modeled on Shahrukh Khan from his early days.

Not just this, even the look, mannerisms and profile of Dwivedi have an uncanny resemblance to that of Shahrukh Khan. In the film, Nikhil plays the role of a young man who has dreams of becoming a superstar but is ridiculed by everyone due to his average looks, medium height and built. His dancing skills are questioned too and there are doubts if he was good enough to even play a hero's friend, let alone a hero.

Now if one gets into a comparison mode, even Shahrukh had similar traits in early stages of his career and it was only after a considerable stint in theater, TV serials and small roles in a couple of offbeat films that he got noticed.

Presented by Sahara One Motion Pictures, the film stars Amrita Rao as the leading lady along with Mithun Chakraborty, Mukesh Tiwari, Anupam Kher, Pawan Malhotra and Saurabh Shukla. Directed by E Niwas, the film would be releasing on 11th January.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Dance with SRK

They say the sky is the limit for everything...and Bindass, a UTV venture, which is India's first local 360-degree entertainment youth brand, brings you a Two hour live and entertaining Airtel Bindass India Concert with Shahrukh Khan and other Bollywood stars. The Airtel Bindass India Concert will take place live on 13 January 2008 at the MMRDA grounds, Mumbai and will be telecasted on 26 Jan in a most super, Bindass manner only on BINDASS.

Joining the Badshah of Bollywood will be other top artistes like Boman Irani, Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza, Dino Morea, Rakhi Sawant, Kunal Ganjawala, Ganesh Hegde, Niti Mohan and Mauli Dave. Bindass very own comical Hass Ley India duo Mantra & Anirudh will also be performing at the concert.

'All Indian's are huge fans of Shahrukh Khan, so we are delighted to have him and other Bollywood stars performing at Bindass India Concert' Says Sita Laxmi Narayan Swami - Senior VP Marketing Bindass.

An event by Cineyug, Bindass gives five Indians once in a lifetime opportunity to dance with King Khan. So all you SRK fans across the country who ever dreamt of sharing the stage with the Badshah of Bollywood this is the chance to make your dreams come true.

Mohomed Morani from Cineyug says, "Cineyug is delighted to be working with UTV on Bindass India Concert which is a complete fun filled event with lots of masti, am sure all the people watching it live and on television shall enjoy the concert"

Bindass brings for its viewers - Dance with SRK contest beginning December 28, 2007. For all further information on SRK contest do is keep-watching BINDASS... Moreover, win a chance to dance live with the superstar. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready....

Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz

Om Shanti Om complete 50 days

While OM SHANTI OM has already achieved the BLOCKBUSTER status at the box office, it would also be completing a super successful 50 days run at theaters across the country today.

The film has already crossed 85 crores mark at the box office and looks set to add on some more moolah to it's overall collections in weeks to follow. In the meantime, work is already on in full swing to get the DVDs of the film out on stands in international and national market.

If initial indications are anything to go by, the film's DVDs too are supposed to be extraordinary with ton loads of special features being added to give that extra edge into home entertainment media.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

SRK for Force India

With Shah Rukh Khan lending his presence to their multimedia campaign, Force India is all set to announce its arrival in India, part-owner of the Formula One team Vijay Mallya said on Tuesday.

Force India, the first ever Formula One outfit owned by an Indian, will soon unleash a massive multimedia campaign in the country and Mallya said Shah Rukh was enthused by the idea of associating himself with the team.

"The whole idea was to spread the word that an Indian team has arrived on the Formula One grid and we wanted to evoke a sense of pride among the Indians," Mallya told PTI from Malaysia.

"I went to Shah Rukh seeking a goodwill message and he was at once ready for it. He said 'I'm a proud Indian and I would love to do it for an Indian F1 team.'"

Thanking the actor for agreeing to lend his name to the campaign, Mallya said, "It was very spontaneous on his part and that shows how much excited he is about it. And he did it for free."

Mallya, a motorsport enthusiast for long, became the first Indian owner of an F1 team when he joined hands with the Mol family and bought Spyker for euro 88 million in October.

Mallya insisted on rechristening the team with the country's name in it and International Motorsports Association (FIA) approved the changing the name of the outfit to Force India.

The Hindu

Gear up for CHAK DE YAARA

On this New Year’s Eve STAR Plus is all set to entertain and enthrall its audience with a very special evening. For the first time on India television, STAR has brought together the awesome threesome – ‘master blaster’ of cricket – Sachin Tendulkar, Pakistani ‘tufan express’ – Sohaib Akhtar and ‘Bollywood badshah’ – Shah Rukh Khan on CHAK DE YAARA. Further, the show will bring together cricketers of India and Pakistan, who will dance and sing together all through the evening. The starry night will not only showcase Bollywood glamour queens like Kareena Kapoor, Koena Mitra and Diya Mirza but it will be a union of sorts between the two nations.

The king of fun & laughter, Sajid Khan along with Vidya Malvade, the captain of India’s women hockey team in ‘Chak De India’ will host the spectacular evening. Both the skippers MS Dhoni and Sohaib Mallik along with their teams comprising of Saurav, Sreesanth, Yuvraj, Gambhir, Shewag, Irfan and others will perform a unique Bollywood act on stage. Sreesanth will challenge SRK with his impeccable moves, Bhajji will be forced to mimic Shahrukh and even propose Dia Mirza. The ‘King Khan’ will make Yuvi repeat hit dialogues of ‘Devdas’ in Punjabi while Dhoni will perform the ‘Don’ number with SRK. The star studded show will set the temperatures rising in the cold winter evening as Bollywood’s sizzling sirens Kareena, Dia and Koena shake a leg with Shahrukh Khan on numerous foot-tapping numbers. In addition to that, there will be sweltering performances by the popular choreographers Ganesh Hegde and Neeti Mohan.

This New Year’s Eve, will turn out to be one of the most cherished moments of the year with CHAK DE YAARA, which is not only an effort to entertain the viewers but it is an initiative to bring the two nations together on a platform where fun, laughter & love prevails.

So don’t miss ‘CHAK DE YAARA’ on Sunday, Dec 30th, 10 p.m. only on STAR PLUS!!

Shah Rukh Khan is Nokia Corporate Brand Ambassador

'Nokia mera humsafar, dus saal se mera saathi,' says SRK.

Nokia India has appointed Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) as its corporate brand ambassador. As part of this association, Nokia has launched a TVC created by Bates David Enterprise and is directed by ad filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar.

The TV commercial focuses on the seamless weaving of Nokia in people's lives today and highlights how the brand has become a trusted friend by being with them in the most important moments of their life. The target audience for the commercial is SEC A, B and C segments in the age group of 14-45 years.

Alok Agarwal, Executive Vice-president, Bates David Enterprise, says, "Considering that every three of four owners of mobile phones in India are Nokia owners, there is a need to make them feel comfortable and reassured about the brand of their choice. Shah Rukh, with his mass appeal, cuts across metros, small towns and the interiors of the country."

Devinder Kishore, Marketing director, Nokia India, said, "There is a complete synergy between Nokia and the personification of the Shah Rukh Khan as a brand – both have a youth connect, are trendy, technology savvy and most importantly, symbolise trust. We believe this is the perfect coming together of the two leading brands in entertainment and mobility."

SRK added, "Nokia's very human technology has made it simpler for people to stay connected – with each other and to their passions. I have been a Nokia user for more than a decade and have used various handsets over the years. I am absolutely delighted to work with a brand that I admire."

The TVC begins with SRK talking on his cell phone and walking in his house. As he does so, he says, 'Kuchh khaas baatein sabse pehle kuchh khaas hi jaantein hain'. He opens the door and enters a nursery with a cradle in it. He calls out to his son and says, 'Jaise zindagi mein nayi zindagi ka aana.'

He opens another door and enters a bedroom with photos of his wife and him on the walls. He dusts a photo on a table affectionately and says, 'Har taqraar aur pyaar ka afsana.' Then he opens yet another door and enters a room that looks as if it's ready for a movie launch event. There is a banner of Om Shanti Om in the background and a group of people congratulate him saying, 'Well done, Shah Rukh bhai, mubarak ho.' And SRK says 'Har khushkhabri jo paas laata hain'.

The commercial shows a host of such events that bring out how people use the elements of mobility, voice, imaging, SMS and music in their everyday life. The TVC ends with SRK saying, 'Ek aisa dost jo hain har dil main shaamil. Nokia mera humsafar, dus saal se mera saathi, mera vishwas. Hamara Nokia.'

Televisionpoint.com

SRK is Star Gold's Sabsey Favourite Hero

Star Gold's Idea Sabsey Favourite Kaun 2008 reached its pinnacle as nearly 1.5 million fans voted for their favourite stars across seven categories.

Om Shanti Om has been given the Sabsey Favourite Film award. Shah Rukh Khan has been chosen as the Sabsey Favourite Hero, while Rani Mukherjee and Katrina Kaif shared the Sabsey Favourite Heroine award. Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor have bagged the Sabsey Favourite Nayi Heroine and Sabsey Favourite Nayi Hero, respectively.

Prem Kamath, Vice-president, Marketing and Communications, Star India said, "Idea Sabsey Favourite Kaun has emerged as a true reflection and the only barometer of an actor's popularity as the winners are chosen solely by their fans. Indian Cinema has such an immense impact on the lives of people and that is evident by the overwhelming response that we have received year after year."

The event saw dazzling performances by Katrina Kaif as she performed to the tune of songs from her recent films Partner and Welcome. Shahid Kapoor engrossed the audience with his superb performance which included a medley from his latest hit, Jab We Met and Fool and Final.

Hosted by Shilpa Shukla, Tanya Abrol and Chitrashi Rawat, the finale evening also presented the viewers with their dynamic act from their blockbuster movie, Chak De India.

Televisionpoint.com

Shah Rukh Clears the Air on Aamir

All's well between the two big Khans of Bollywood - atleast according to King Khan Shahrukh who on Sunday (December 23) rested all rumours of tiff between him and Aamir Khan and praised Aamir's directorial debut in film 'Taare Zameen Par'.

Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan are different from each other for more reasons than one; while Aamir is the reclusive actor, SRK is considered a more 'media savvy' entertainer - Aamir's directorial debut got every critic raving about him, while SRK's film 'Om Shanti Om' is the biggest commercial hit of the year.

And just when the rumours of an apparent clash between the two was buzzing in the industry with the news of both Aamir and Shahrukh replacing each other in their respective upcoming films, it looks like the smoke did not exactly arise out of any real fire.

The industry was abuzz with the news of King Khan replacing Aamir in Mani Ratnam's 'Lajjo' and likewise, Aamir's interest in Shankar's 'Robot' ever since Shahrukh walked out of it got the rumour mills running about their alleged clash. But the King Khan himself has made the clarifications.

"No I am not doing Lajjo - I would not know about Aamir - when he SMSed me I did not ask him, "are you doing Robot?" laughed Shahrukh, adding "But whoever does a film that I am not doing, I am happy because I am not doing it so it doesn't make a difference to me, and I wish them the best. And Aamir is a friend - I always believe Aamir will do it better - I just earn a little bit more money at the box office."

And the Badshah doesn't just end there - he went on raving about Aamir's directorial debut - though ironically he hadn't been able to make it to the premiere of 'Taare' due to ill health.

"I felt very bad because I was very bedridden and Aamir kept on sending me SMSes and wanted the kids to come. I have heard it's really, really, really nice. So I am really wanting to see it - as an actor when one becomes a director, it's very important for other actors to see his film."

Now, that should put the rumours to rest for some time!

TimesNow

SRK and Hrithik in third part of Koi Mil Gaya ?

It began a few years ago when Rakesh Roshan decided to bring science fiction to Bollywood and created Koi Mil Gaya, a story of an extraterrestrial character named Jaadoo woven around a love story starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta.

The magic continued with Krrish in 2005 as India's first superhero was born. While Krrish was a step up from Koi Mil Gaya, the Roshan's have already begun planning a final part to the trilogy.

Interestingly enough, Rakesh won't direct this third part himself and has given the job to Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra who has directed Rang De Basanti and is currently working on Dilli 6.

Wait, the best part of it all is that Shahrukh Khan is in talks for the negative role opposite Hrithik Roshan. The two were last seen on-screen together in Kabhi Kushi Kabhie Gham. Apparently SRK is set to 'don' the menacing role of a villain in this third installment which promises to be bigger and better than the last.

Though Rakesh Roshan doesn't confirm the developements, he doesn't deny them either and that's a very good sign. He tells Mumbai Mirror, "We are still working on it and we will make an official announcement as soon as we work out the details."

What a casting coup that would be!

BollySpice

Sorry Shah Rukh, says Anurag Kashyap

Film maker Anurag Kashyap has apologised Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan over his comments on Om Shanti Om.

Anurag had previously said that, “My film Return of Hanuman will break all the records set by Om Shanti Om.”

Return of Hanuman is an animation flick which is bound to hit the theatres very soon.

Radiosargam

Too Old To Give Up Bad Habits

Megastar Shahrukh Khan regaled a wide-eyed audience of fans and media persons in Kolkata on Friday with his characteristic wit and a promise to cut down on smoking.

Though it was a press conference to announce the inauguration of the annexe building of a city hospital, which he endorsed free of cost, the larger than life image of the star prevailed as the soft spoken gentleman charmed everyone with his ready wit.

"The organisers have told me that they are distributing Rs 40 lakh among needy patients because I have just turned 40. I will meet you all again when I turn 100!" the 'King' Khan said as he handed over cheques to poor patients.

Even young women journalists and policemen on duty could not resist taking pictures of the star on their mobile phones.

"I met old ladies in the wards of this hospital. And I met one lady whose nephew had broken his head trying to dance like me...I'm glad she let me go unscathed," he said.

To a question if he thought the law on banning on-screen smoking was any good, he said, "I respect the law. But where does such censorship stop? Creativity needs to be left alone, I feel."

On his own habit of chain smoking, Khan said," It is injurious to health. It is a bad habit. Anybody who doesn't smoke must not get into it ever. As for me, I am too old to give up bad habits!"

Known to smoke as many as 80 cigarettes a day, Khan, however, said he had cut down his smoking and wanted to quit altogether.

SRK, Vidya Balan Get Anandalok Puraskar

Shah Rukh Khan and Vidya Balan bagged ‘Anandalok Puraskar’ for the Best Male and Female actor for their performances in Chak De India and Bhool Bhulaiyaa respectively for the year 2007. Shimit Amin also shared the honour for having been felicitated the Best Director Award for Chak De India.

Vidya Balan has won this award for the second time as it was her first film in Bengali titled Bhalo Theko for which she won the best female actor in ‘Anandalok Puraskar’ in 2005. Vidya says, “‘Anandalok Puraskar’ was the very first award of my career even before I was awarded the Best Debut for Parineeta. Bengali cinema has been very kind to me and winning this award for the second time means a lot to me as an actress.”

Vidya further adds, “This award set as a precedent and a lot of acclamation came my way, inshallah (by the grace of God), this again will set as a precedent and I hope for lot of success coming my way in future as well.”

Vidya’s much awaited film, Halla Bol, is all set to hit the silver screen early next year on Jan 11.

IndiaFM

SRK adds glamour to Nokia ad campaign

It's not normal practice for a brand which is a market leader by a distance to rope in a celebrity and that too for the first time since it entered the Indian market.

But that's exactly what Nokia has done by getting on board Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for its latest brand campaign. The first campaign featuring the actor goes on air with a TV commercial from December 21.

Explains Devinder Kishore, director (marketing), Nokia: "As a brand we have always ranked high on facets such as reliability, authenticity and our image among the youth, something which Shahrukh too stands for."

Other handset majors such as Motorola and Sony Ericsson already have celebrities like Abhishek Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan, respectively, sporting their products.

Kishore feels the campaign is all about telling people the integral role the brand plays in their lives. "Just like in Shahrukh's life, Nokia has been an integral part of so many other people's lives," he adds.

Nokia in the past has used celebrities like Naseeruddin Shah but only for product specific campaigns. Globally too, Nokia has refrained from using any brand ambassadors.

The TV commercial features Khan using various Nokia phones in different circumstances and highlighting their functionality.

For instance, he is shown checking his e-mail on one of the phones while in another frame he is interacting with his fans as they take his pictures on a Nokia handset. The commercial ends with the six-pack Khan declaring that Nokia has been an integral part of his life for the last ten years.

Khan, who already endorses brands such as Hyundai, Hewlett Packard, Tag Heuer, Diageo's Masterstroke, Videocon, Sunfeast, commands close to Rs 5 crore per deal.

While Nokia refused to divulge the ad spend, Kishore says the campaign would be "hard to miss" and one can gauge the magnitude of the spend by watching it. Apart from television, the company will use mediums such as print, outdoor, points of sale and digital media to publicise the campaign.

Nokia's ad campaigns in the recent past have had more of a global look and feel. But Kishore feels that the company's strategy is to pick "horses for courses". For instance, a product like N-series, which targets the high-end segment, will have less local touch due to its global appeal.

So with Shahrukh on board, will the brand alter its communication strategy? "No," says Kishore, "we have always had consumer centric campaigns, which tell the buyers how the phones can simplify their lives."

The mobile handset market in India is pegged around Rs 15,000 crore, with Nokia having a market share of about 70 per cent. While Nokia might be ahead of its rivals as far as market shares are concerned, analysts feel that it's an "interesting move" on the brand's part to use Khan for a brand campaign.

"Though it's not following suit for competition, it would definitely add more spice to the communication aspect in the market," feels a Delhi-based analyst.

Business Standard

Shah Rukh Khan takes on Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan!

Rattled by the increase in the market share of rivals Motorola and Sony Ericsson, brands promoted by Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan respectively, Finnish cell phone giant Nokia has recruited Bollywood heavy weight Shah Rukh Khan to promote their products.

Shah Rukh is the most recognizable face in our country, more so than that of our Prime Minister and, by a much wider margin, than that of our President, who looks so much like a lot of aunties in my neighborhood.

While you may view that as a sad commentary on the state of our political leadership, corporate honchos with deep pockets and stunted imagination see it as an immense opportunity.

Shah Rukh probably rakes in more money through brand endorsements and product promotion these days than he does so by acting in films.

"Shah Rukh Khan represents youth, he is trendy and also tech savvy. He has been a Nokia user for the last ten years and hence, this association," explains Devinder Kishore, Director Marketing, Nokia India.

To begin with Shah Rukh will appear in a television commercial to go on air this week which was shot by Pradeep Sarkar, who directed films such as Parineeta and Laaga Chunari Me Daag.

The promo will show Shah Rukh on and off the sets, balancing his work and life by staying connected through his Nokia.

The television commercial will be followed by print ads.

Interestingly, Shah Rukh is not being immediately designated as the brand ambassador for Nokia. He will just promote the product.

Sawf News

SRK, Karan are confused: 'My Name is Khan' or 'Khan' ?

King Khan gets everything that he wishes for. But there's one thing that he couldn't manage. The title of E Nivas's film My Name is Anthony Gonsolves. It is believed that Shah Rukh was so impressed by the title that he wanted to have a similar title for one of his films. Thus his next film has been titled as My Name is Khan.

At the music launch of My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves, Shah Rukh quipped "My Name is Anthony Gonsolves is a beautiful title. It sounds lyrical and has a little naughtiness to it. I like this title so much that when Nikhil and E Nivas told me about this title, I thought that they should not make this film so that I can take this title. But they worked so hard and made this film."

It is also believed that Karan is having a second thought on the title of My Name Is Khan. Earlier in his interviews filmmaker Karan Johar explained that his film will be called either My Name is Khan or just Khan. If sources are to be believed Shah Rukh Khan has liked My Name is Khan, while Karan who's believes much in the 'K' factor is keen to title his films Khan .

It can be recalled that all of Karan's films - Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna – start with 'K'. In fact, he is currently working on an animation film titled Kuchie Kuchie Hota Hai.

According to an industry insider Karan is superstitious and wants to follow his K factor as it has always turned out well for him. But Shah Rukh who doesn't believe in any fallacy feels the title My name Is Khan is apt for the movie.

As per reports the film is not on terrorism, except for one 9/11 scene. Shah Rukh plays the title role while an actress still has to be finalized. As per the latest Karan is in talks with his current favorite Kareena Kapoor for the female lead, while earlier he had expressed interest to cast his favorite pair Shah Rukh and Kajol once again after Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

Reshma Kelkar, Indiatimes Movies

Shah Rukh fails to make it to summit

New Delhi: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan failed to make it to the 'Focus 2007: Global Summit on Entertainment and Media' here Wednesday, disappointing many invitees.

He was among the special guests and was to address the inaugural session.

Actress Sonali Kulkarni, who anchored the summit proceedings Wednesday, said Shah Rukh could not make it because of the dense fog, due to which he missed his flight, whereas sources at the summit said it was due to his shooting schedule.

The panellists, guests and mediapersons who were waiting for the star were disappointed.

IANS

Year of the King Khan

Shah Rukh Khan’s international and domestic hold on the box-office was further enhanced in 2007. With Chak De! India and Om Shanti Om, the ‘King Khan’ proved that he is firmly entrenched on his throne. In addition to his movies, other events ensured that Khan was always in the spotlight. He was accused of building an illegal extension to his lavish sea-front facing house, smoking in public, partying with the Indian cricket team in order to promote his films and faced a possible lawsuit from a senior filmmaker for making fun of him in OSO. His personal highlight: his own waxwork at London’s Madame Tussaud’s. Khan's insistence on shameless brand endorsements continued with, inter alia, ‘Fair and Handsome’, a skin lightening cream for men.

(Edited)
Times Online, UK

The Night SRK and Abhishek Bonded!

Riteish Deshmukh’s birthday bash on December 16 saw most of his Bollywood friends turn up.

The seniors were not invited so it was basically a gathering of the young and restless. “The oldest in the group, I think, was Shah Rukh Khan. Riteish’s dad was also missing,” our source said.

However, the highlight of the party was the fact that Shah Rukh and wife Gauri were seen bonding with Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. So much so, that the two couples almost spent the whole evening chatting with each other. Just why this comes as a surprise is that SRK and Ash have not really been on great terms and moreover, the entire Bachchan family seemed miffed with King Khan. However, this was a night when all the alleged animosity seemed to have melted away.

Later the same night, Abhishek and Ash burned the dance floor when ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ songs were played and then SRK joined wife Gauri on the dance floor when ‘Om Shanti Om’ songs were being played.

Gauri, however, did not restrict herself to one or two songs — she danced through the night along with designer Sabina Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Neelam Kothari, Bobby Deol and his wife, Tanya. DJ Suketu was spinning at the party. The only couple who stayed away from the dance floor and seemed entirely caught up with each other were Arjun Rampal and Meher Jessia.

DNA India

Gauri Khan, Vogue's cover girl

Shah Rukh Khan has every reason to preen. No, it doesn't have anything to do with his six packs. Rather, it's his wife Gauri Khan who is the center of attention.

The mother of two has been chosen as the cover girl of Vogue India for its January edition.

The pictures were shot against the eight-floor extension of the Khans' sprawling home, Mannat.

'This is not my profession,' Gauri said. 'It has to be something really new and unusual to make me want to do something like this. I did enjoy the shoot but to be honest, I wouldn't do it very often."

"This collaboration between Gauri and Vogue India is a natural fit," says Priya Tanna, Editor Vogue India. "It is her first solo cover and a coup of sorts for Vogue. That she is stylish, enigmatic, and poised is known, but at the shoot we saw another side of her, that of a cover girl. Even in the frames she shares with Shah Rukh, she holds her own impressively. She offers delightful peeks into her life, her wardrobe and her man. Gauri is a true Voguette."

The issue will hit newsstands on December 20.

Rediff News

SRK to do an item song in Krazzy 4

The last we heard, Hrithik would be doing an item number in dad Rakesh Roshan's Krazzy 4. But now it's SRK teaming up with the Roshans for the film. Buzz is that SRK will make a guest appearance in Krazzy 4 and also do an item number. Seems the King Khan is on a roll after his Dard-E-Disco stint in Om Shanti Om.

Although Rakesh Roshan was not available for comment, Shammi from Film Kraft Productions, said, "Yes, talks ore on with Shah Rukh. We will come to know the final details by this weekend. If everything falls into place, this will be a homecoming of sorts for SRK who had also done Rakesh Roshan's Koyla and Karan Arjun.

Krazzy 4 is produced by Film Kraft Productions and directed by Jaideep Sen. The film is apparently a comedy with a social message. A complete family entertainer, it will appeal to young and old alike. The film revolves around four characters played by Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan, Suresh Menon and Rajpal Yadav. Juhi Chawla and Dia Mirza too play significant roles in the film.

Buzz18

SRK, Bachchan better role models than historical figures

London: Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai serve as more influential role models for youngsters than any of the famous figures from history, a new study from the University of Leicester suggests.

The research in the University of Leicester Department of Media and Communication examines interest in celebrities and gossip about them. It was carried out by Charlotte De Backer who sought in her study to explain interest in celebrity culture.

She said: 'Life is about learning, gaining experience and in that process we have a tendency to observe and mimic the actions of others. Ideally we mimic what makes others successful and avoid unsuccessful actions others have trialed (and paid for).

'In reality, humans seem to have the tendency to mimic the overall behaviour pattern of higher status or more successful others.

'This explains why celebrities act as role models for broad ranges of behaviour they display - good or bad.'
De Backer also examined another theory for interest in celebrity, known as the Parasocial Hypothesis.

In this case, the bonds are parasocial or one-way because the celebrity reveals private information (often involuntary), and the audience members respond emotionally to this, but there is no feedback of the private life of the audience going to the celebrity (or hardly ever), and nor do celebrities display emotions towards their audience.

Her study of 800 respondents and over 100 interviews confirmed that younger participants showed greater interest in celebrity gossip, even if it was about celebrities who were a lot older than them and even when they did not know the celebrities. They showed greatest interest in internationally known celebrities, because they considered those as more prestigious.

De Backer study also found that older people were interested in celebrity gossip not because they wanted to learn about the celebrities, but because it helped them to form social networks with other people.

'We did find in the interviews that older people do not gossip about celebrities as much because they want to learn from them or feel befriended with them, but they use celebrity gossip to bond with real life friends and acquaintances.

'Living in scattered societies, we often don't know who to talk about with the many people we know, and celebrities can act as our mutual friends and acquaintances.'

Her research was published in the journal Human Nature.

IANS

Shah Rukh Khan is too handsome to be a politician

Just the other day, SRK walked up to Amitabh Bachchan to congratulate him for getting away with the Barabanki land deal controversy. Many saw this as hardly complimentary to Big B, SRK’s only contender in superstardom. But Bachchan was seemingly much impressed. For SRK, the calculations are simple. Apparently, the need to break ice with the Big B has become essential for the project he has been planning with friend Farhan Akhtar, the director of the remade Don. The two hope to make a sequel to Don, whose cast would include Amitabh as well. Big B, who appears to be moved by SRK’s gesture, is reported to be considering a truce with King Khan.

Telegraph India

Karan Johar's Media Mantra's

One of the nicest — and mutually profitable — friendships here is that of Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar. K Jo may be right up there in the marquee as a film-maker but he is still sporting enough to take care of Shah Rukh’s clothes, without ever feeling that he’s too big to be doing this now.

“I do clothes only for Shah Rukh, nobody else,” Karan is clear about that. “I connect with what Shah Rukh wants. I’ve done his clothes in Main Hoon Na (remember the simple but distinct sweater and scarf look?) and in Om Shanti Om. I always say Yash Uncle and Farah are two makers for whom, whenever they work with Shah Rukh, I will always do the clothes. I do Shah Rukh’s clothes in any case. I’m always shopping for him. I love doing it as a hobby.

“I loved doing the clothes of Om Shanti Om. Farah was so well-researched, she knew just what she wanted. Every time I fought with her — like I’d say, Farah, you want to give him this gold jacket for God’s sake — her answer would be, just shut up and give it, I know what my tones are. And when I saw it on screen the gold jacket looked great. Shah Rukh looked fantastic in the film. In the first half there wasn’t one wrong note. I had great fun doing it. I hope I get another job!”

One might say that today it is a privilege for anybody to do Shah Rukh’s clothes. But Karan is not ‘anybody’; he is a huge celebrity himself. One might think Karan benefits from his association with such a big star but if you really look at their friendship, I for one would say that Shah Rukh has equally gained from having Karan for a friend.

Today, especially after the blockbuster win of Om Shanti Om, a dreary charge against SRK is that he is media-savvy, like it is a gaali. Anybody who can’t get a good press (currently, Rishi Kapoor and most of the Saawariya satellites) sneer over the two words, ‘media savvy’ like it is a flaw in your personality. But the truth is, Shah Rukh was not always media-savvy. When he made his first film, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and flopped on his face, he had got the kind of furious backlash that Sanjay Leela Bhansali got this year. Shah Rukh had no friends in the media, he had an issue with most of them (yours truly included) over laughingly trivial items, and right up to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, it was close friend Karan Johar who spoke warmly to the media on his friend’s behalf.

If Shah Rukh Khan has changed for the better you have to credit buddy Karan for the subtle influence he has had over the actor. Hear Karan’s refreshing views on the media and you’ll get an idea of where Shah Rukh has picked up some important lessons.

Says Karan, “Handling the media is really an art, that too requires a certain course.

“You cannot deny the power of the media, you cannot deny that they are a huge platform you need to be on when you have to promote your film or speak about yourself, you cannot deny that they make you the brand you are and you reap the benefits of that. I work in tandem with the media, I like to be there for them just as they have always been there for me. Yes, there are some bad apples but there are those bad apples in any industry, any profession, why just the media?

“When critics praise you, you’re happy. When they criticise you, you say they’re biased. Why can’t we accept that perhaps they just didn’t like your film? I can, even if it does hurt. If tomorrow you write against my film, I’m not going to be loving you for that second, but the next day I’ll wake up and say, ok, I must respect her opinion, I have so many of my own.

“Yes, the electronic media is in your face, the paparazzi is emerging, it’s annoying when you go to an event and you have a hundred cameras on you. But would you not want those hundred people around you? Would you like it if they ignored you and ran after someone else? No, I wouldn’t. I’m sorry to report, I’d be shattered, upset and want to break my head against the nearest wall! I like the shutterbugs when I walk the red carpet and I like the fact that they’re screaming my name for sound bytes. If they didn’t, I’d wonder what went wrong!

“We need the media,” concludes Karan. And you know just how much Shah Rukh has got from Karan when the film-maker says, “Let’s not pretend that we’re going to go out there and bash them because we sound cool at a party. We don’t.

“Media bashing is really passé!”

Thanks, pal.

CelebrityCircus

Truly King Khan style!

SRK's recent lunch party, where he handed out bonus cheques to all his employees, was a big hit.

While the reason behind the party was no secret, what was not known was the total amount that SRK gave out to his employees who work at his production house and his Mumbai residence, Mannat.

Apparently, SRK gave out over Rs 1.5 crore to his staff that day. Says a source from his production house, “It was nice to see SRK's housemaid, who gets paid Rs 18,000 per year, dressed in her best sari for the do. She couldn't believe her eyes when SRK and Gauri handed over a cheque worth Rs 1 lakh to her. The same happened with his cook, drivers and others who work at his office.”

Bobby Chawla from SRK’s production house says, “Well, it was a get together where Shahrukh personally thanked all his employees.”

When questioned about the total amount distributed and the maid receiving Rs 1 lakh, he laughs and says, “The staff members got a bonus according to their nature of work. It was one of the nicest days of our lives not because of the money that we received but because of the thought behind that party.”

Ashwini Deshmukh, TNN

I am an emotional jester: SRK

A wide variety of adjectives have been used to describe Shah Rukh Khan over the years, but politically correct, apologetic, or overly modest are certainly not amongst them.

The superstar, who asserts that he doesn’t mean to miff anyone, manages to frequently rub a few the wrong way with his repartee and outspokenness. Equally, there’s no dearth of those who feel his frankness of expression and a devil-may-care approach, coupled with the ability to laugh at everything, including himself, make him one of India’s most endearing public figures. We think he’s as irreverent as it gets...

‘We should be able to laugh at ourselves’
There’s no dearth of instances where his sharp and often hugely funny one-liners have left those on the other end squirming, if not fuming. His take? “I feel that it has all been in good fun, in good taste. And for some specific instances, such as the remark that Amar Singh took offence to, I think at the point of time it was made, everyone took it in good spirit. Sometimes people think it over later and take it more seriously. But I have never stepped out of line, nor meant to offend.” Yet, that’s hardly a one-off instance, is it? “See, before I laugh at anyone, I laugh at myself. But I’ve realised that not everyone has a similar sense of humour, and they may take themselves more seriously. When that happens, I apologise, I don’t have any issue with that. I’ve even started sounding off people in the fraternity in advance now when I’m planning something funny, or a funny remark on them, so they don’t feel taken aback!”

What’s his take on those who don’t find his sense of irreverence comfortable? “I truly believe that as a nation, we should be able to laugh at ourselves. If you begin to take things, and yourself, too seriously, it begins to get to you, and slowly shows in your work as well. And humour cannot hurt anyone. My humour in any case is irreverent, not rude.”

And who cracks jokes at his expense? “Oh, the five-seven friends that I have, they do it all the time. Aziz Mirza, Farah, Karan, Juhi, Adi, we all joke about each other all the time, we all have quite a sense of humour. And yes, my kids crack a lot of jokes about me. They find a lot of things about me very funny, including the way I romance on screen!”

‘Take the bad times with a little humour’
But there’s more to the irreverent sense of humour than the gags and the wicked one-liners. That same sense stays with him through the lows and the tough times as well, in more ways than one would think.

“I’ve had tough times. I don’t cry about them. I make light of them instead. I don’t think God does anything to you which is permanent. And if you take it with a little humour, it will be easier to bear while it lasts... When I had my spinal surgery, I was very scared and very depressed to begin with. But most of the time, I would try to think light and funny thoughts. And they stayed with me.”

Probe further, and you realise that SRK’s fundamentals on not keeping a long face and keeping the sense of humour alive stretch a long way. “I believe that is easier to get by the saddest of situations with a sense of humour. The situation is not going to change by being upset. God forbid, but when we lose somebody, that situation is not going to change. It may sound a little mean and unattached, but even that situation will be easier to face if you can see some moments of lightness in that too. When my friends, such as Karan or Juhi, faced tough times or lost people close to them, I wasn’t just there wearing white and looking glum and giving them hugs. I was saying things and reminding them of the fun times and the happiness they shared with those whom they had lost. They later said I made it so much easier for them by being there...”
So, his friends would vouch for his ability to bring moments of lightness in their low moments? “Well, when my friends face emotional stress, they do often call me... I am, so to say, an emotional jester.” That’s not said in jest, for sure? “No. That’s not reducing it to a comic character. Being a jester is an important job. And if you can be a jester in your own life, that’s great. Everybody will see good and bad times. If you can see both of them with a sense of irreverence, play the jester in your life, you will not take yourself too seriously. It works for me, at least.”

‘I know what I don’t know’
An attitude of irreverence needs the confidence to accept what one doesn’t know. Modesty from the superstar? Not quite. “Just because my face is plastered everywhere does not make me more intelligent than others. But I am intelligent, extremely intelligent. That’s because I’m intelligent enough to know what I don’t know.”

Are “I don’t know” the three magic words for him, then? Almost. “The greatest gift I would like to give my children is the ability to turn around and say, ‘I don’t know’, and say it with confidence. I think that today we have the generation which works hard, tries to learn, and tries to achieve, and when they don’t know, they’re not scared to turn around and say, ‘I don’t know!’ That makes me feel good.”

‘I repeat myself, so?’
Talk of the irreverence-SRK connect and you can’t but wonder how many actors would spoof themselves in their own movies, as he recently did. “It is always better to justify the use of humour by using it on yourself first. The joke there is actually not on me. The joke is on everyone who thinks that I act in the same kind of films and smirks. It’s not as if I’m unaware. I find it funny myself, but I still do it! It’s a choice I make. The next time I don’t think those people will come up to me and tell me that I keep doing the same kind of movies, because now I’m telling them, I know it and I laugh at it myself, so?” Now that’s the quintessentially irreverent Shah Rukh ‘Rahul’ Khan for you, we guess!

‘I’m just honest’
There are occasions when he’s made statements about himself that range from the grand to the outrageous. Is it an ego trip, or just for effect, or an index of confident courage? None of these, he says, it’s just honesty. “When I first went up to collect the Filmfare Award for the best debut, Dilip saab had got the Lifetime Achievement Award. And I turned around after taking my award and said, ‘I would like to come here and receive a Lifetime Achievement award too, someday.’ And so many people asked me, how can you say something like that? But if I feel like that, I want that, why shouldn’t I say it? If I can’t do it, it won’t belittle me. There’s nothing wrong in saying what you feel.” None at all, is what we say!

Anshul Chaturvedi, TNN

Karan to announce the SRK-Kajol project soon

Producer director Karan Johar's debut film, KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI (1998), saved his father's banner, Dharma Productions, which was virtually on the brink of bankruptcy. Not only that, the film went on to become one of the biggest hits of the 90's. It also consolidated the super-star power of the SRK-Kajol pair and established Karan as a top-notch director of the Hindi film industry.

Karan's career graph rose further with his next two films, KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM (2001) and KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA (2006). He ranks amongst the topmost Bollywood directors/producers like Yash Chopra, Aditya Chopra, Sooraj Barjatya.

Karan has off late been seen more on television, though news about his next project, obviously featuring close friends Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, has been doing the rounds, for a while. There have also been speculations that the project may not happen, as Kajol is not very keen on doing the film.

However, putting an end to all the canards, Karan says that he will soon be making a formal announcement regarding his next directorial venture, featuring his favourite pair. But before that he wants to have everything on paper.

Well, we are waiting eagerly for the official word about, KHAN or MY NAME IS KHAN or whatever is the actual/final title!

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Yash Chopra at work

Head honchos Aditya and daddy Yash Chopra, who are at present determining their bouquet of films for next year, have called for a high-profile meeting with their ‘lucky mascots’ – Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta.

Shah Rukh is probably the only star who has had the most impressive track record with the banner, starting with Darr . The leading ladies – Rani and Preity – have clearly emerged as the favourites despite their flops.

A reliable source from the production house informs, “We are taking extreme measures to ensure one big hit next year. Shah Rukh is our lucky mascot and after Chak De’s stupendous performance at the box-office he is definitely the best choice. In fact, SRK, Rani and Preity form the ideal cast.”

The agenda is to discuss a few concepts and involve the actors in the ideation process. Aditya has already had a long-drawn discussion with good friend Shah Rukh, and they will finalise the deal in the coming week.

Sandipan Dalal, TNN

SRK enjoying the pleasures of being jobless!

While many actors would have given their left hand to be in some of the projects that Shah Rukh Khan has rejected of late, Bollywood's biggest star is unperturbed. Yes, we are talking about proposals from the likes of Shankar (SIVAJI-THE BOSS), and Rajkumar Hirani (MUNNABHAI series).

SRK jokingly accepts that at present he is jobless and happily sitting at home, enjoying the company of his children, doing normal chores like dropping his kids to school, telling them stories and playing with them. Though this statement might gladden the hearts of his detractors, which is far from the truth.

As per the trade buzz, Shah Rukh is already in negotiations with the premier production house, Yash Raj Films, for a quickie, apart from a request by his KARAN ARJUN director, Rakesh Roshan, for an item number in KRAZZY 4. In addition to that, he is also planning to go in for multiple productions (next year) under his banner, Red Chillies Entertainment, not necessarily starring himself.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Police dismiss reports of extortion call to Shah Rukh Khan

MUMBAI: Police on Wednesday dismissed reports in a section of the media that claimed Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan had received an extortion call for Rs 2 crore from gangster Bunty Pandey.

"Shah Rukh has not received any such call," said a senior officer from the Crime Branch.

Asked about interviews a person, claiming to be Pandey, has been giving to some television news channels since morning, the officer said "may be he is doing it just for cheap publicity...to become big in the gangland. Undue advantage is being taken of the media."

Pandey was earlier aligned with the Chhota Rajan gang but later broke away and reportedly targets Bollywood personalities for extortion.

Pandey's name was in news recently after he gave an interview to a private news channel claiming to be behind the murder of NCP Corporator Devidas Chowgule in the neighbouring satellite city of Navi Mumbai.

Times Of India

King Khan went up to Amitabh when he learnt they were shooting on neighbouring sets

It seems Shah Rukh Khan is tired of the long-standing cold war between him and Amitabh Bachchan. If rumours are to be believed, the younger star walked up to the Big B around 5.30 pm IST on Wednesday.

Amitabh was shooting for Sujoy Ghosh's Alladin on Set No. 3 at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai's Bandra area while Shah Rukh was shooting a commercial on Set No. 2.

Says our source, "When Shah Rukh learnt that Amitji was shooting next door, he walked up to him and both embraced each other. It was surprising and the shoot came to a standstill for almost five minutes."

Bachchan, who was shooting a song sequence with Ritiesh Deshmukh, Saahil Khan and

Jacquiline D'Souza, was just as warm and cordial.

Apparently the reason why Shah Rukh Khan took this step was because he realised that it was because of him Bachchan did not turn up at Smita Thackeray's event last Saturday. Whatever the reason, if this cold war does thaw, it will spell the end of a major chasm that has divided the Bollywood for some years now.

Johnny Vaz, Buzz18

Shah Rukh Khan gets a Rs 2-crore extortion call

The success of Shah Rukh Khan’s Om Shanti Om has an unexpected fallout. After the movie set cash registers ringing, Khan is said to have received extortion calls from gangster Bunty Pandey.

Khan was reportedly told to cough up Rs 2 crore. He received several phone calls in the last few days from Pandey, it’s learnt. Pandey, the police have found out, has sent six goons to “speak” to Khan personally.

Khan informed the Crime Branch of the Mumbai police and its Anti-Terrorist Squad of the calls from the gangster.

The Crime Branch and ATS officers, who heavily rely on wiretap surveillance, have managed to eavesdrop on Pandey’s plans and have put teams on the trail of the gangsters. The police have also discreetly stepped up security around Khan’s bungalow, Mannat, at Bandra’s Band Stand.

When contacted, Khan’s secretary said he was away on a shoot and wouldn’t be available for comment. When specifically asked about the threat, she said, “I am not aware of any threat or increase in security at Mannat”. Senior police officers, too, were not available for comment.

Khan had earlier received threats from Abu Salem while he was returning from Khandala after the shooting of Dil To Pagal Hai. Salem wanted him to act in a movie produced by an acquaintance and was upset over Khan’s refusal.

Narayan Prakash ‘Bunty’ Pandey was with Chhota Rajan before he broke away to set up his own team which includes Bharat Nepali and Ajay Mohite. It targets Bollywood for income, just as Abu Salem did.

Indian Express

'Jobless' Shahrukh Being Sought By Yash Raj Films

After opting out of a number of projects, ShahRukh Khan had proudly stated: “I am jobless”. But he may not remain so for long.

Om Shanti Om was SRK’s last big release. And now a lull has set in after the storm. ShahRukh Khan, the superstar of Bollywood, has no movie commitment to look forward to after walking out of Shankar’s Robot and turning down Raju Hirani’s upcoming film.
On the other hand, industry’s topmost production house Yashraj Films is coming to grips with their dwindling fortunes due to a string of failures their movies have met this year, beginning with Tara Rum Pum , Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag . Even Madhuri Dixit ’s comeback film Aaja Nachle has failed to turn YRF’s fortune around. The only solace for the production house this year was the super success of SRK starrer Chak De India .

Now, Yashraj Films is once again falling back on its luckiest mascot and most reliable star Shah Rukh to take the production house out of the morass of flops.

Reports have it that Aditya Chopra is keen to rope in SRK for a project now that the superstar has dates to spare. Aditya doesn’t want to waste much time and is reportedly going through a number of story ideas, some suggested by Jaideep Sahni , to plan a film with SRK as soon as possible.

It is also being speculated that Aditya himself will direct the film.

Meanwhile, SRK is over the moon after the success of OSO and is spending his free time attending music launches and parties.

On Monday, the superstar and director Farah Khan had a special gathering for the crew of ‘Om Shanti Om’. At the gathering, SRK gave away bonus cheques to everyone who worked in the making of the movie. That is SRK’s way of sharing the profits with the crew.

Apunka Choice

Why Is Shahrukh King?

The man has something that many others don't...the love, respect and support from his peers simply because he loves, respects and supports them in return.

ShahRukh Khan is good with his friends and worst with his competitors. But when it comes to friends, SRK is always willing to give much support and help. Like he lent E Niwas, when he attended the music launch of his film My Name Is Anthony Gonsolves . He also stood by a newcomer like a Nikhil Diwedi, who hails from a non-film background.

When asked about how and why he associated with the film he said, "Everyone including E Niwas, Sahara and T-series thought of making this film and I decided to be part of it. It's not just because they all are my friends but all of them are hardworking people and I like hardworking people. My Red Chillies' team helped them in line production because they all are new. Today films don't need big budgets, they need good talent and people who work hard. I believe in hard work and my company too."
He continues, "E Niwas and his team is very gifted. I feel proud of these people because they worked very hard against all the odds. I am sure My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves will be a very beautiful film and insha allah it will be a big hit."

One more reason for SRK to promote the film is his good relationship with newcomer Nikhil Dwivedi who knows Shah Rukh since he was a Videocon employee. Shah Rukh is a self made man in the industry and without having any film background he made it big. And now when newcomers like Nikhil Dwivedi have similar dreams. SRK is ready to lend his support to the likes of him and Deepika Padukone, who no big and known film family support.

It can be also recalled that when his film was released with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya he said, "Why do they want to come up against my release? Don't they know, I'll finish them?" Saawariya introduced two star kids Rishi and Neetu Kapoor's son Ranbir and Anil Kapoor's daughter Sonam.

Though SRK had no grudges for star kids, he didn't like the way Bhansali promoted the film. King Khan is someone who never underestimates his competitors. He smartly planned promotions of his film OSO , and proved that he is the real king of Bollywood.

Indiatimes

SRK: The King of the Bollywood

MATINEE idol Shah Rukh Khan’s life is well documented and needs no introduction either. This book, presenting thumbnail sketches of his rise in the Bollywood filmdom, is targeted mainly at the Indian diaspora scattered worldwide and not possessing such easy access to reading material about him as we in India have. To quote the author: “When a star of his stature approaches a career milestone of 60 films and gets to a stage where he clearly needs to chart unexplored territory, it is perhaps time for a career assessment”, hence this book.

While Rajesh Khanna was called ‘The Phenomenon’ and Amitabh Bachchan was known as ‘The Supremo’ or ‘Big B’, Shah Rukh Khan took over the crown by being called King Khan and King of Bollywood. And why not, considering the fact that a documentary has been made on his life and work, a perfume carries his name and he has endorsed a number of consumer items. An icon and the most saleable celebrity in India, Shah Rukh is an “ubiquitous presence in the media”, endorsing varied brands including Tag Heur, Pepsi, Hyundai, etc.—ranging from watches to electronics, from cars to noodles. At times, he seems to be present everywhere, particularly if he belongs to the crowd he moves in. He is seen at parties, while performing on stage and giving umpteen interviews, peppered with wit and sarcasm. He seldom fails to make some ascerbic comment at old timers (like Manoj Kumar, nicknamed ‘Bharat’ Kumar) or for instance his immediate senior like Amitabh Bachchan or a contemporary like Hrithik Roshan.

Born on November 2, 1965 at the Talwar Nursing Home in New Delhi as Shah Rukh, who could have known that this “ordinary-looking, not-too-tall, mop-haired young man” would be one of India’s biggest and highest paid superstars. He studied at Delhi’s prestigious St. Columba’s School, was good both at studies and sports and took part in extra-curricular activities, especially theatre. He graduated from Hansraj College but could not complete post-graduation due to shortage of attendance—reason being his involvement in theatre and television (where he started his career by acting in serial Fauji and Dil Dariya). In the meantime he began courting a Hindu girl, Gauri Chibba whom he married after six years of courtship.

On entering the Hindi film industry, Shah Rukh established himself in only a couple of years as one of the top male stars of his time. He says about himself, “I want to be known as a performer. It would be dishonest to say I am an actor who performs…” and perform he does. No doubt, he has such a huge fan following whom “I cannot repay for what they have done for me; they have given me so much love…”

Shah Rukh’s films have become hits one after another, as his career graph shoots up and to quote his first mentor, Aziz Mirza: “He has more potential than a director is able to bring out”. We have to wait and watch him achieve that true greatness, which is yet to come, says the author, critic and screenwriter Deepa Gahlot, who has analysed various phases of Shah Rukh’s life.

Manju Gupta , Organiser.org

Yash Raj's SOS Call To SRK

With four out of their five films flopping at the box office in 2007, Yash Raj Films has sent out an SOS call to their most successful star and the lead of their only super hit film for the year Chak De India, ShahRukh Khan.

Sources inform, "The Hindi film industry's premium banner is keen not to have a repeat of 2007 in the coming year. The King Khan has had a 100% track record with them starting with Darr (1993) to their last release together Chak De India. As the planning for next year's releases is underway, the Yash Raj head honcho Aditya Chopra is extremely keen on casting him in his next which he has been planning for long to direct."

"Presently, the three under production films by Yash Raj that are confirmed for a release by mid 2008 are Tashan and the animated flick Roadside Romeo. There is a Kunal Kohli produced and directed film starring Saif and Rani that they are presenting which shall release in the second half of 2008. None of these star their lucky mascot. Adi, who was very keen to handle the next in the Dhoom series, is keeping that on the back burner and concentrating more on the script which is being written with SRK in mind. The details about its theme are however not known," adds the source.

Shah Rukh is on a break presently and is likely to start work on his next, My Name Is Khan for Karan Johar in May. He has backed out of his commitments for Shankar's Robot and Rajkumar Hirani's next based on Chetan Bhagat's novel Five Point Someone and has no other films on hand. The buzz is strong that the King Khan is about to meet the Yash Raj bosses over the coming days and discuss this project being planned with him.

Amrita Rao Is My Lil Sweetheart: Srk

It was a grand affair at the Sahara Star hotel. ShahRukh Khan was expected any moment for the music launch of E Niwas' film My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves. Although King Khan arrived quite late, he immediately made up for it with his usual charm. While there was a smattering of celebrities, SRK was at his charming best and stole the show with his humility. "I'm basking in the glory of this wonderful film. Inshallah, it may be the biggest hit of the year," said he. He praised the lead actor Nikhil Dwivedi. Ading further he said, "Amrita Rao is my li'l sweetheart. She's a great dancer and a fantastic actor."
Before getting into his BMW, he kissed a little boy on his cheek on the request of his father. Cool!

Buzz18

Srk's Five Point Theory

Though ShahRukh Khan was unwell, nothing stopped him from being his usual charming self. As he took the mike from the anchor, a tall lissom babe, he looked at her and said, “Why are all these girls taller than me? Yeh kaun sa factory hai jo inko produce karta hai ?” Everyone burst out laughing. Then he turned to Nikhil Dwivedi and said, “Always remember Nikhil, there are five stages that you will have to go through as an actor. First: When people will ask ‘Who is Nikhil? Second: They’ll say ‘Get me Nikhil’. Third: ‘Get me a look alike of Nikhil’. Fourth: ‘Get me a younger looking Nikhil’,” and when he said that, he looked at Mithun Chakraborty and said, “Right now, Mithunda and I are in that stage!” This sent everyone into uncontrollable fits of laughter again. SRK continued, “And the fifth and the last stage is when the same people ask ‘Who is Nikhil’?” We are sure Nikhil had had enough of lessons for the day.

Amrita Rao looked pretty and radiant in a peach colour dress. “I had to leave Jaisalmer at 8 am ‘cos it’s a four-hour drive to Jaipur from there and then I had to take a flight to Mumbai,” she said. Another actress who sizzled on the stage was Hrishitaa Bhatt who performed on one of the songs of the film.

Seemanto Roy, Head, Sahara-One Media and Entertainment, played the gracious host. Ritesh Deshmukh was seen having a good time with his buddies and so was Mushtaq Sheikh.

Times Of India

Shah Rukh Khan felicitated at CNBC-TV18's India Business Leader Awards

Shah Rukh Khan was presented the newly instituted Entertainment Business Leader of the year award at India Business Leader Awards Friday, December 7.

Reliance Industries' Mukesh Ambani won the Outstanding Indian Business leader award.

Other award winners included Ratan Tata who won the "Taking India Abroad" Award. For having bagged the Tata-Corus deal and Pepsico Chief Indira Nooyi won the Global Indian Award.

The award to Shah Rukh Khan was a tribute to his consummate marketing skills evident during the promotion of his film Om Shanti Om, Bollywood's biggest grosser ever.

Shah Rukh courage of conviction in first producing a film that stepped way out of the mould and then promoting it aggressively in the face of a competing film from Sony was inspiring.

The 42-year-old actor and filmmaker has great ambitions for his production company - Red Chillies Entertainment

Referring to the Hollywood companies that have stepped into the lucrative market of film production and distribution in India, Shah Rukh the filmmaker says:

"They may have big budgets, big banners but I have Shah Rukh Khan! And I will ensure that Red Chillies never has to give way to any production - whether it's Sony or Columbia."

Sawf News

Dard-e-Disco & Disco Dancer

It was the launch of E Niwas’s My Name is Anthony Gonsalves, starring debutant Nikhil Dwivedi, Amrita Rao and veteran Mithun Chakraborty, scheduled for 8 pm on Friday night.

Mithunda walked in first, followed by the rest of the cast. But there was one person who was yet to make a grand entry, King Khan — he was supposed to unveil the music of the film.

Mithun propped up the bar, chatting with all, drink in hand, smiling for the shutterbugs and trying to pass his time. It was nearing 11 pm when someone announced that Shah Rukh Khan was about to make an entry.

Mithun had by then moved to the first floor of the venue. Going to the balcony, he started bellowing, “Shah Rukh, Shah Rukh, kahan hain tu, yaar?” Moments later, SRK entered escorted by bodyguards. Again, Mithun called out the Bollywood Badshah’s name, this time louder than before to everyone’s surprise. Shah Rukh, unaware of the great presence above him, waved out the way he does to hysterical fans.

“He didn’t see me!” exclaimed Mithun, throwing his hands up in the air. But when SRK stepped out of the lift, the first thing he said was “ Da ,” on seeing Mithun.

The original Disco Dancer forgot his long wait and held open his arms to hug the Dard-e-Disco star. “I was calling out and you waved to me as if I was one of your fans,” complained Mithun. “Oh, was it you Da? I’m so sorry, I really thought it was just another fan calling out my name,” apologised the six-pack Khan. To which Mithun replied in jest, “It’s not your fault, dear, I’m so dark that you wouldn’t be able to see me from that distance anyway.”

Sharin Wader, TNN

SRK's Chak De India To Promote 2010 World Cup

Buoyed by the role played by `Chak De! India` in popularizing hockey in the country, the international hockey federation is contemplating using the blockbuster to promote the 2010 men`s world cup to be held in India.

Bowled over by the ShahRukh Khan-starrer, FIH President Els Van Breda Vriesman said the mega event could be named after the film to woo hockey fans.

"`Chak De` is really a great film, inspiring and highly successful. Indian audiences have received it overwhelmingly and we are thinking of utilising the opportunity it provides for us for the 2010 men`s world cup. In fact, we will name our campaign suitably after the film," Vriesman was quoted as saying by a website.

Vriesman said Shah Rukh could be roped in for publicity of the event and FIH was ready to bear the expenses associated with hiring the star.

"Even he may opt to co-operate with us in the interest of the sport. He is assertive in the film, and very attractive too," she said.

Vriesman became a huge fan of the movie as well as Shah Rukh after watching it with Dutch sub-titles. Recollecting dialogues of the movie, she said the episode when coach Kabir Khan makes the players understand the essence of playing for the country is the best moment in the film.

"Really Bollywood makes good sense. This is really a very good film, picturised in a grand way. But I don`t think any real player is involved, as I know many of the current Indian women hockey team members," she said.

Zee News

SRK is Entertainment Business Leader of the year

CNBC-TV18's India Business Leader Awards salute the spirit of showbiz by announcing for the first time, the Entertainment Business Leader of the year award.

His latest film is one of the film industry's biggest grosser ever. He is known as a marketer par excellence and he is one of India's best-known global brands!

Super star Shah Rukh Khan this year pulled out all stops to ensure the success of his film - Om Shanti Om. The film in its first week grossed Rs 75 crore. His company Red Chillies Entertainment, that has produced films like Paheli and Main Hoon Na has ambitious plans of being an independent production company with a special focus on special effects.

According to Shah Rukh Khan, Actor & Producer, They may have big budgets, big banners but I have Shah Rukh Khan! And I will ensure that Red Chillies never has to give way to any production - whether it's Sony or Columbia.

A first generation film star and producer, Shah Rukh Khan has carved out his success single-handedly. The young man from Delhi came to the Hindi film industry, fifteen years ago armed with just his unflagging energy, grit, talent and charm. Today, he has managed to blaze a trail right to the top of the competitive family oriented industry. The people's star Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most popular brand ambassadors today and as the host of KBC earlier this year; his career came full circle to television where it all started. So what is the secret to his success?

Hunger, you need to do have the hunger to succeed, I always tell. he said.

Join us on December 7th to salute the man who embodies the spirit of entertainment

CNBC-TV18

After hockey, SRK may now promote squash too

Chennai (PTI): In an attempt to revive squash from the dungeons, Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan is willing to promote the game during the 21st World men's Team Championship starting here on Thursday.

India will take on arch-rivals Pakistan tomorrow and Khan is expected to be present during the match.

'King Khan' has expressed his desire to watch the India-Pakistan match, N Ramachandran, Chairman, organising committee and President of the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) today said.

However, the Bollywood star is yet to confirm his appearance at the event.

"It (confirmation) is expected anytime," he said at a press conference here.

After playing the role of a hockey coach in 'Chak De India', Shahrukh Khan's presence at some of the Indo-Pak cricket matches had created a controversy following an allegation by BCCI saying that the star maybe using the occasion to promote his films.

India has Kenya and debutant Bermuda besides Pakistan in their group-G.

Six-time champions Pakistan and the hosts India, who had finished 11th in the last edition of the championship in Islamabad in 2005, are likely to sail through the main draw easily.

The top two teams in each group will make it through to the final 16.

Though Pakistan is seeded seventh as compared to India's 10th seeding, the former's standard has taken a dip on the international scene.

The Hindu

Attention and tension ?

Recently, Amitabh Bachchan stayed away from an AIDS awareness function. Did it have to do with Shah Rukh Khan being the chief guest at the occasion ?

Amitabh Bachchan said that he was unable to attend a function organised by Smita Thakeray’ Mukti Foundation because of the shooting schedule of Aladdin. Later, we found out, that the shooting actually got over by 5 pm. The event was supposed to begin only after 8 pm. What reached in place of Big B was a recorded message that flashed on the screens explaining his absence from the venue. Says Allwyn Roderick from Mukti Foundation, “Mr. Bachchan could not attend the function as he was busy shooting for his film. In fact, through an audio-visual he conveyed that he wouldn’t be able to make it to the event as he was busy shooting for Aladdin and also conveyed his best wishes to the foundation for working for this noble cause.”

Our ever-alert sources report, “Bachchan wound up his shooting much before the event started. A source from the production unit of Aladdin, says, “Mr. Bachchan left the sets by 5 pm.”

The fact that SRK was chief guest at the venue may have had something to do with it. “Maybe Bachchan felt that SRK would get all the attention at the event. Given that, it would be somewhat demeaning for an actor of Big B’s stature to play second fiddle.”

Smita Thackeray started the ‘Mukti’ Foundation in 1997, which works towards the welfare of HIV-AIDS affected patients, organized a star-studded evening last Saturday in Mumbai to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her organisation.

While ´OSO´ Rules The Box-Office, SRK Melts The Hearts!

The 'Diwali' release, 'Om Shanti Om' has netted an unprecedented and unbelieveable 76-crores in just three weeks from India. But what is the producer and the lead actor ShahRukh Khan upto?

Well, he is busy with everyday activities and also taking time-off from his hectic enagagements to do his bit for charity. Very recently, it was touching to see ShahRukh Khan spend time with charitable organisations like the 'Make A Wish Foundation', 'Bal Jeevan Trust', 'Project Crayon', who work for under-priveledged children. He even had a special show of 'Om Shanti Om' for the kids and personally assured that the truckload of kids were carted to and fro from their organisations, spent on their food and gave them gifts, unlike other stars who only look at these events as mere photo options and won't dole out a pie from their pockets.
Some of the nuns from these charitable organisation were moved to tears and blessed King Khan from the bottom of their hearts.
Will our other 'charitable' stars take a leaf out of King Khan's book? We sincerely hope so.

Planet Bollywood

SRK is happy with his back to back hits and plans some more

After teaching some ladies how to play hockey in the capital and catching a flight back to Mumbai to attend a staff worker’s wedding the same evening, ShahRukh Khan still sounds as if he could play a T20 game. "Well I’m never at rest mentally or physically," he says. We bounced some googlies at him, and here’s what SRK had to say

In the news, always: I’ve no complaints about that, for the simple fact that this is the world we’ve created. It’s bound to happen with the increasing demand of movies and the economic boom in the film industry. More the movies, more the money and more the publicity both positive and negative. And honestly, if I want to be private about my life, then it’s for me to take a decision.

BCCI’s accusation: First of all, not everyone in BCCI thought I was promoting my film at the matches. It was just this one gentleman who thought so. But, some of the other officials felt otherwise. And honestly, they’ve always been very kind to me. But, at the same time, it’s a bit disappointing. The other day, I’d gone to see my son’s Taekwon-do, and I don’t think it was for any promotion. I might also practice soccer with my son and his school mates once a week. I used to be a sportsperson in college and I’ve just gone back to my old love. All this is not for any promotion. Well, let me clarify that my films don’t need promotion.

The sexiest man: I think I’m sexy, in a different kind of way. But I’m more sensual than sexy. Sexiness is just a state of the mind. I’m not saying that I’ve not seen people with good bodies who’re sexy, even I have one! Sensuality is an inherent part of all human beings. So, while some say my humour is sexy, others think the way I carry myself is sexy it varies you see!

Salman was called SRK: I think I’ve been mistaken as Salman more than often. Once, at an airport, a girl chased me from one terminal to another, till I finally told her to hand me the paper she was carrying, so that I could autograph it. To which she said, ‘Thanks Akshay!’, so I signed ‘Akshay’. So, I’ve been referred to by a number of names. If someone is called by my name, they too shouldn’t get offended.

Mr Amitabh Bachchan & SRK: I know what my relationship with Mr Bachchan is. Our relationship is wonderful and we don’t have to judge it by reading the tabloids. We work together, we meet, and I’m really fond of Abhishek. Both of them were a part of my film, and I’ve been a part of theirs. People think we’re diplomatic. Even if we have our differences, we’re too well-educated to make them public. But, at the same time, we haven’t really had any differences. In fact, he’s fond of me.

No smoking in public: Smoking is a bad thing, and no one should follow me in this. Also, I wear my hair and clothes in a certain way so! You don’t have to put me on a pedestal. I’m an entertainer and should be taken that way. I pay my taxes and that’s legal. I smoke, which again is legal. I don’t do anything that’s illegal. In fact, I would request photographers not to click me when I’m smoking.

Times Of India

Tag Heur Launches Premium Watch

Tag Heuer's brand ambassadors Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra were present during the launch.

LVMH Watch and Jewellery General Manager Manishi Sanwal said that Tag Heuer is the fourth largest luxury brand in watches in the world and expected to become the biggest brand in the next two-three years.

The watch brand entered India five years back and is now present in 24 cities. The range of Tag Heuer watches start from Rs 33,900.

Tag Heuer President and CEO Jean Christophe Babin said the Indian subcontinent represents one of the most promising markets for Tag Heuer brand globally.

DNA India

Shah Rukh Khan in capital to promote a new brand of watches

From cars to watches, he can sell it all. So when Shah Rukh Khan descended on Delhi to launch a brand of luxury watches, the city was left yearning for more. CNN-IBN's Iram Mirza caught up with the actor to find out more about his marketing skills and a few controversies.

Nothing can define this man except that he's King Khan of Bollywood. SRK is in the Capital for one of his many endorsements, a watch this time. So this one is also going to add to your ever-growing wardrobe?

This is a Calibre-S Chronograph Link watch. Now when I endorse things, I don't think of them professionally. I think of them very personally because the attachment has been for many years.

Is there anything that Shah Rukh Khan cannot sell?

Well, you'll have to ask the people who make the products. I have never been offered anything outlandish. I think there's a car that's nice, clothes that are good. Also, the kind of job I do as an actor lends itself to lot of eyeballs. So if there are companies that come and tell me, "Okay this is an outlandish thing. We want you to sell a rocket," I'll do it if I am good enough for it.

It's been a great year for you Shah Rukh, there was Chak De! and then Om Shanti Om. Have you started preparing your thank you speeches already?

No, I have a thank you speech for life. It's not been a great year, it's been a great life. I have a thank you speech for people and God who've given me this much and I think at every function when I am called to do so, I take the life out of it and put the year in it.

You recently said in an interview that you are jobless. Is that the reason why we are seeing you more on TV shows? You haven't signed any other film.

On TV shows I went for promotion of Om Shanti Om. We had a tie up. I am not being able to get an interesting idea for a film or a story to tell right now. As soon as I get that, I'd be back to work. It might just take a while.

It's also been a year of controversies - first there was the Manoj Kumar controversy and then the BCCI.

Everyone asked me if I'd go to see a match again. I go to see things which I want to see and when I want to see. So I won't say,"No I won't go," and I won't say, "Yes, I will." When I feel like doing something, I'll do it. It's a personal thing. I love Team India and Pakistan. They are personal friends, some of them. They come home, I go visit them. I like their company.

Watch The Video

CNN-IBN

SRK-Priyanka jodi sell watches

When our filmi stars not busy promoting their films, they are busy selling some product or the other.

After his recent aggressive Om Shanti Om campaign, Sunday too was work as usual for Shah Rukh Khan [Images]. And this time it was Priyanka Chopra [Images] giving him company.

Yes, you guessed it right, the two, who are brand ambassadors for watch makers Tag Heuer, were seen in this convertible car arriving for a polo match in New Delhi to launch a range of watches.

Photograph: Manpreet Romana, Getty Images

Source: Rediff News

King Khan gift a book on baby names to Farah Khan

SRK does some name hunting for pregnant Farah.

We have heard of Karan Johar going shopping in London department stores to buy maternity clothes for Farah Khan, but a better gift came the pregnant ace Bollywood choreographer’s way from best friend Shah Rukh Khan. No, it isn’t the new car he recently gifted her, that was to compliment her on the success of Om Shanti Om.

The Bollywood Badshah’s gift for the mother-to-be was a book on baby names! Farah was floored when SRK, the father of Aryan (10) and Suhana (7), came back from one of his London trips with the book. "It’s probably one of his sweetest gestures," said Farah. "But," she cracked up into laughter, "the big joke is the book has only English names like John, George, and James. The book is by a London publisher and would naturally have only English names. When I pointed this out to Shah Rukh, he was confused, and sweetly apologetic. He was like, ‘What to do, I got what I found,’" added Farah.

Their friendship goes back to Dil Se when Farah made SRK dance on top of a moving train to Malaika Arora’s swaying hips and the tune of Chhaiya Chhaiya. And it has grown steadily over the years. Farah and her editor-director husband Shirish Kunder are gearing up for parenthood. And part of it is choosing names for the triplets she is expecting. "I know people are joking about names and I have received suggestions like Om Shanti Om and Amar Akbar Anthony! But we haven’t ascertained the sex of the babies. So it’s futile to zero in on any names as yet as the permutations and combinations of boys and girls can get too messy. We are not religious, so we will choose neutral names, it’s not a big issue," said Farah.

Yes, but John, George and James are ruled out!

Afsana Ahmed, TNN