Shah Rukh to inaugurate IFFI 2007

After much debate and discussion, SRK has also finally agreed to participate and be the chief guest for the inaugural function of the 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which is to be held in Goa on November 23.

This decision was announced on Wednesday by the Information and Broadcast ministry. Actor Mamooty will be amongst those attending the inaugural function alongwith actresses Ramya Krishna, Mira Jasmine, and also Lenin Rajendran. Celebrated filmmaker Buddhadeb Dasgupta will be chief guest of the closing ceremony.

4 Months 3 Weeks 2 Days, a film by the Romanian film maker Cristian Mungiun, which had been awarded at the Cannes festival this year, will be the opening film at Goa. There are big speculations about Amitabh Bachchan’s film, The Last Lear to be premiered during the fest.

In all, 21 feature and 15 non-feature films have been short-listed for the Indian panorama by the jury.

IndiaFM

'Khan' or 'My Name Is Khan' ?

So what is Karan Johar’s next venture called? Is it KING KHAN? Or is it KHAN? Or has it been re-titled MY NAME IS KHAN? Reports in the media suggest it’s called MY NAME IS KHAN. In fact, Karan is breaking away from the ‘K’ factor this time [all his films start with the alphabet ‘K’].

“I haven’t zeroed on any title yet,” Karan confides, “It could be MY NAME IS KHAN or just KHAN. But it’s not KING KHAN. Where did that one come from?” Reportedly, the film is based on terrorism. “It’s not! That’s another rumour. There’s no terrorism angle in my film. Yes, there’s a mention of the 9/11 episode, but nothing beyond that,” he clears the air.

The film has been delayed slightly. It was expected to start before the year came to a close, but will now roll in second quarter of 2008 and will hit the screens in April 2009. And yes, the film teams the golden combo – SRK and Kajol – after a hiatus. “I can’t confirm on Kajol’s presence till I talk to her. I’ve shifted my film ahead and need to sit with her on the fresh dates,” Karan reveals.

Meanwhile, Karan has started work on the animation version of KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, called KOOCHIE KOOCHIE HOTA HAI. Also, the Tarun Mansukhani-directed film, starring Abhishek, Priyanka and John, is expected to roll shortly.

Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

Om Shanti Om is the biggest opening week grosser in history of Indian cinema

The film opened to rave reviews and advance bookings on the 9th November and has since grossed over US$19mn worldwide in its first week making it the most successful opening in Indian cinema history.

Eros International, the leading integrated company within the Indian media & entertainment sector announces an unprecedented opening of Shah Rukh Khan’s Om Shanti Om, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Farah Khan. The film opened to rave reviews and advance bookings on the 9th November and has since grossed over US$19mn worldwide in its first week making it the most successful opening in Indian cinema history.

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Shah Rukh in Catch - 22 over Film Festival

If the Federation of Western India Cine Employees has its way, Shah Rukh Khan may not be present at the inaugural function of the film festival in Goa on November 23.

The federation workers are smarting over what they refer to as the "insulting attitude" of the I&B ministry by not inviting its office bearers.

"We cannot tolerate this insult to our leaders and workers and have decided to boycott the event. We have written to Shah Rukh Khan requesting him to stay away from the function," said Dinesh Chaturvedi, general secretary of the federation.

Industry sources say this could put the actor in an awkward position. "If he backs out, he may invite the ministry's ire and if he ignores the federation's wishes, he is bound to face an industry boycott," said a senior film producer.

Shah Rukh was not available for comment but his secretary confirmed he had got the federation letter by fax.

DNAindia.com

"God has given me enough. I don't crave publicity," SRK

...after a senior Cricket Board official alluded that cricket matches were being used by stars to promote films but the superstar hit back saying he does not have to depend on other's platforms to push his films.

Khan said he was sad and disappointed over the remarks by Ratnakar Shetty that use of the platform of cricket for promoting films by stars is "slightly debatable" in the wake of his latest film Om Shanti Om coming up for discussion during a chat with TV commentator Rameez Raja at the recent Jaipur ODI cricket match between India and Pakistan.

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SRK upset with BCCI official's comment

Shah Rukh Khan and controversies seem to be going hand in hand off late. After the Manoj Kumar episode, it is now the BCCI, who did not take SRK’s appearance for cricket matches in ‘the right sense’.

The senior Cricket board officials commented that stars are using cricket matches to promote films. However, the superstar hits back saying that he does not have to depend on other's platforms to push his films. He was upset over the annotations made by Ratnakar Shetty that use of the platform of cricket for promoting films by celebrities is "slightly debatable" in the wake of his latest film, Om Shanti Om as it came up for discussion during a chat with TV commentator, Rameez Raja at the recent Jaipur ODI cricket match between India and Pakistan.

SRK further added that he went to watch the match as a sports lover. It is because his children are fans of Sachin, Dhoni, and Sourav. Meanwhile BCCI Vice President, Rajiv Shukla said that the Board has no objection to SRK or any other celebrity coming to watch the matches.

Shah Rukh has been appearing in matches connecting the Indian team. He was present to cheer the team at the final of the Twenty 20 World Cup in South Africa and also at the Twenty20 match against Australia in Mumbai, where Deepika Padukone, his co-star in Om Shanti Om was also present.

IndiaFM

Amitabh and Shah Rukh Khan bonded well on the sets of Bhootnath

Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan hit it off well on the sets of Bhootnath. They would be often seen together, playing cards, etc.

A source from the sets says, "Big B and SRK spent a lot of time on the sets, playing card games in between their shots. They bonded really well on the sets."

When contacted Vivek Sharma, director of Bhoothnath, confirmed, "It was a sight to watch SRK and Big B together. The two had fun over games and general conversations.

There were several occasions when SRK dropped by on the sets even when he was not shooting. Big B showed interest in everything ranging from SRK's pony tail to his six- pack abs.

They would often play an interesting game called Trivial Pursuit." Not just that, SRK gifted AB many DVDs of latest video games available.

Vivek adds, "The two competing teams comprised Big B and I, and Raviji (Ravi Chopra) and Juhi Chawla respectively.

SRK would be the official quizmaster. We discovered that Big B's general knowledge is really good, he knew answers to almost every question."

Rajiv Dutta, IndiaTarget