The Making of Om Shanti Om Book will be Launced in Mumbai Today

"I feel every day with Shah Rukh is a discovery," says the screenplay writer of Om Shanti Om, Mushtaq Shiekh whose book ‘Making of Om Shanti Om’ will be launched amidst grand fanfare in Mumbai today.

Having known SRK for the last 12 years as a journalist, friend, biographer (his book ‘Still Reading Khan’ is a detailed account of Khan’s personality and life) and now as a close associate, Shiekh feels, "if Shah Rukh trusts, then he trusts completely." Shiekh has earlier written ‘Asoka the Book’ and ‘Devdas-The Indian Hamlet’ besides penning several top telly soaps.

Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om is busy tickling a sense of déjà vu amongst audiences worldwide. This ode to seventies embellished with colors of life and rocking superstar six pack abs has had a pied piper effect. How have you tried to chronicle such a film as this? "Those who’ve liked OSO will like the book. There are lots of glamorous photographs taken by a German photographer Jochen Mang. There are a lot of on location shots, candid shots. It’s a very in your face book. There’s a circus happening, Bollywood ishtyle. It’s a handy book. It is not as heavy as ‘Still Reading Khan’. You can take it to bed," says Shiekh.

They who may be unaware, Mushtaq played a cameo in OSO as the street urchin who gives ‘Om Makhija’ (name of SRK’s character in OSO) a piece of his mind. Also you couldn’t have missed him dancing-n-sauntering his way into the camera as the end credits rolled in. “I’ve got an unbelievable response for my cameo. Rekhaji said I was sensational. After this I can retire as an actor,” Mushtaq chuckles. What according to you is the reason for the tremendous success of Om Shanti Om? “I think it’s the magic of unadulterated entertainment. If it puts pudding on your face, it says so. It has an unapologetic outlook. Full blown entertainment never fails.”

The audience response was expected, but were you guys anticipating fantastic reviews from cinema critics? “I have always said why make a critic to be an alien. OSO just proves how cinematic brilliance can be appreciated both by the audience as well as the critics,” Shiekh signs off.

‘The Making of Om Shanti Om’ has been published by Om Books International and is priced at Rs 695/- It will be formally launched at a gala event with the OSO team celebrating in style. It goes without saying that the who’s who of Bollywood would be present at Badshah’s Bash. Do check out the exclusive video and images from this happening event tomorrow on IndiaFM.

IndiaFM

Om Shnati Om Continues its Blockbuster Overseas Run

Farah Khan's OM SHANTI OM continues its record-breaking overseas run, even during the second weekend.

After resetting the first weekend Bollywood record in the US, the film moves on to an astonishing $2,892,773 in just ten days and is now certain to dethrone the top grosser KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA's (2006) $3,275,444. Interesting to note that both the movies have one thing in common, Shah Rukh Khan.

Moving on to UK, OM SHANTI OM is now the top UK grosser of 2007, with $1,997,013. It has moved past the previous record holder, NAMASTEY LONDON's $1,730,000 (approx).

The movie that released with OM SHANTI OM, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ranbir, Sonam, Salman (special appearance) and Rani starrer SAAWARIYA is now way behind, mainly due to a heavy fall in collections. SAAWARIYA has so far grossed $805,054 in the US and $554,271 in the UK.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Saawariya team to attend the Om Shanti Om Book Launch Party tonight

After the success of Om Shanti Om, the film’s cast and crew will be present to launch a book, The making of Om Shanti Om tonight.

The book launch will be followed by a party to celebrate the film’s success. Interestingly, Farah Khan has also invited the entire cast and crew of Saawariya. Given the fact that Saawariya clashed with OSO at the box office, it remains to be seen if Team Saawariya will attend the event.

Mushtaq Sheikh, the co-writer of OSO and also the book says, “I have called all my friends. I want them all to be a part of my celebrations.”

Team Saawariya
When asked that there are reports that he has also called the entire Saawariya team, he refused to confirm the news.

However, a source says, “They have surely invited the Saawariya team. Despite rumours that things are not so well between SRK and Bhansali, the actor has always mentioned that Bhansali has given him one of his biggest hits, Devdas. However, it will be interesting to see if Bhansali comes to the event.”

MumbaiMirror.com

SRK the Best Anchor for Kaun Banega Crorepati

Indian Telly Awards 2007 held amidst telly stars... 7th Indian Telly Awards 2007 was held on 16th November, 2007 at Chitrakoot Grounds, Andheri in Mumbai.

Shah Rukh Khan was announced the Best Anchor for Kaun Banega Crorepati but he was missing to receive the award. Viewers can watch the award ceremony on Sony Entertainment Television on 2 December at 8 pm.

Kkomal Seth & Gautam Seth, smashhits.com

BCCI upset with Shah Rukh Khan

The presence of the reigning superstar of Hindi film industry, ShahRukh Khan at cricket matches in recent times has attracted a lot of attention.

But the organisers of the games, BCCI has not taken too kindly to SRK's constant presence. Shah Rukh was also present at the final of the T20 World Championship and even went onto the field to congratulate the Indian team.

He was also present at the one-off T20 match between India and Australia at the Cricket Club of India (CCI). Quite a few officials are unhappy, claiming the leading man of Hindi cinema is using the platform provided by the matches to promote his latest flick, Om Shanti Om.

"This is a much bigger platform than being on a private television station. A match is watched by the entire country, there is no better way to create recall value. We have to be understand that," said an angry official.

In particular SRK's interview to the host broadcaster during the fifth and final ODI in Jaipur has raised the heckles. Interestingly, during the interview SRK spoke about his latest film. Board secretary Niranjan Shah refused to comment on the matter when contacted by TOI.

There has also been talk of SRK possibly buying a franchise in the soon-to-be launched Indian Premier League (IPL). But the board officials dismiss this as mere speculation.

India Times Cricket