Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra at Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hai

"SRK is like family." - Morani

After romancing the western audiences with the Broadway style musical Miss Bollywood starring Shilpa Shetty, the Morani Brothers (Cineyug) are ushering in the first Bollywood musical titled City of Dreams in India with Ashish Gidwani Productions. The musical will premiere on June 13 in Mumbai.

For the project, budgeted above a crore, big names from tinseltown including Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra and Vidya Balan have been roped in.

Co-producer and director Mohammad Morani says, “We’ve been in the industry for 25 years. We’ve taken musical tours abroad. Now, we want to introduce this genre in India.”

According to Nasreen aka Lucky Morani (wife of Mohammed Morani), who is playing the female protagonist; the storyline revolves around the struggles that a small-town aspirant goes through before establishing a foothold in Bollywood. She says, “It is a marriage of theatre and Bollywood. The storyline has
Bollywood as the backdrop. We are weaving it with the best of dance-drama.”

The stars will be acting as narrators. Though they will not perform live, their parts will be presented as audio-visuals. Roping in SRK was easy, admits Morani. He says, “SRK is like family. The script is similar to what he went through during his teething days in Bollywood. Since SRK has a strong theatre background, he will do the starting sequence. The male protagonist in the play is loosely based on SRK and has been named King Kapoor. To represent the Kapoor dynasty we are in talks with Ranbir Kapoor.”

Nasreen also adds, “Bollywood is a world of mystery. A common man wants to know about what goes on behind the scenes. Our musical is a portrayal of that. The big budget for the musical has been primarily channeled into sets and costumes to give it a larger-than-life feel.”

Co-producer Ashwin Gidwani reveals that the musical will go abroad next year. It will tour the Gulf, Far East, Germany, UK and the US. The sets have been designed by Umang Kumar (Saawariya and Black fame).

Sujata Chakrabarti, DnaIndia

“If Shah Rukh is my fan, I am his AC (air-conditioner),” says Lalu

Fan Shah Rukh has met his AC. Lalu Prasad, equally at ease preaching rural brethren on caste issues and lecturing IIM students on the turnaround of Indian Railways, today took the test to see if he was smarter than a fifth-grader during a guest appearance on Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain, the quiz show hosted by King Khan.

The show on STAR Plus has so far had indifferent response, primarily because of the IPL T20 league, which ate into its viewership, but the channel and its producers are banking on the ratings picking up once the tournament gets over on Sunday.

As part of the plan to bolster ratings, the producers have lined up several episodes with celebrity guests, including one with the current hot couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

But the showstopper is expected to be the one featuring Lalu Prasad.

“We have lined up a special episode for the grand finale scheduled on June 20 with Lalu Prasad, Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja,” said Anita Kaul Basu of Synergy Adlabs, which produces Paanchvi.

Lalu Prasad seems to be making a habit of appearing on such shows. Last year, the railway minister wowed audiences with his inspiring speech on music and government systems in an episode of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge on Zee TV.

Today, he charmed Shah Rukh during the shoot.

“This is the first time that I have come to an event on time and it is because of Laluji. As a star, one gets many privileges. One of them is getting to meet people like Lalu Prasad. I am his fan,” said the actor.

The minister, known for his wordplay, was so fast with his repartee that he left even the quick-witted actor speechless. “If Shah Rukh is my fan, I am his AC (air-conditioner),” he replied.

As King Khan played teacher, Lalu Prasad took a crack at questions ranging from geography — the location of Golaghar — to, of course, the railways — how many digits does the railway ticket PNR have.

He also spoke about his student days.

Later, Priyanka and debutant Baweja, who will be seen together in Love Story 2050, shot for the same episode.

Shah Rukh has filmed some episodes with celebrity guests earlier, too. “They will all be telecast after the IPL gets over. We have obviously taken a hit because of that,” said Basu.

The Telegraph India

Shah Rukh's new office coming up on Rs 56-cr plot

The actor zeroed in on the high-profile address in Khar six months ago and construction work is now on in full swing.

The plot, that sources say cost Shah Rukh Rs 56 crore, is a stone’s throw from filmmaker B R Chopra’s office building at the intersection of Ramkrishna Mission Road and 15th Cross Road at Khar (West). “The new office spread over 40,000 square feet of land will be as statuesque as one would associate with Shah Rukh Khan.

His team of graphic designers , experts and technicians will operate from the VFX Studio in this office,” said a source, on condition of anonymity.

Shah Rukh currently conducts business for Red Chillies Entertainment from his offices in his Bandra bungalow and in Lokhandwala, Andheri (W).

Shah Rukh is also taking a keen interest in how his new office is shaping up. According to sources, Shah Rukh regularly visits the property to check the progress on the construction work; he was spotted there at 5 am on Thursday.

“He visits the property at odd hours to check the progress so that he does not attract too much attention,” said a source.

Khan purchased the land from Girish and Nanjibhai Patel of Option Developers. “We were planning to build a residential complex on this plot. But when Shah Rukh Khan approached us, we decided to sell it to him. The deal was sealed around six months ago,” said Girish Patel.

However, construction work on the office began only around a couple of months ago. The property initially belonged to a trust formed by a Catholic Community.

The land, popularly known as ‘Watch Tower’ in the area housed a ground plus two storey prayer hall with a watch tower. It was purchased by Option Developers in 2007.

'Don 2' Plans finally revealed

After speculations, it is finally revealed that Priyanka Chopra has been signed to play the lead again opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Farhan Akhtar's Don 2. Not just Priyanka, even Arjun Rampal and Boman Irani have been signed on to play key roles in the film.

We contacted producer Ritesh Sidhwani, who confirmed the news. He said, "Yes Priyanka has been signed opposite Shah Rukh in Don 2. It is a sequel obviously and when we locked the story and the screenplay, we knew that we needed Priyanka for the film. Similarly, we have also signed on Boman Irani and Arjun Rampal."

However Ritesh is not willing to divulge any further. He added, "The story is indeed ready and everyone is pretty excited about the film. We will start shooting mid next year and we are looking for April 2010 release, so what’s the point talking about the film right now? All I can say is that the film will take off from where Don ended.”

In the final twist in Don, it emerges that the real Don is still alive, and was pretending to be Vijay who he killed and replaced while in the hospital. It was actually Vijay who had died in the hospital. In the end both Don and his girlfriend Anita (Ishaa Koppikar) escape, leaving the police bewildered. Critics believed that this twist was done to setup a possible sequel.

Kunal.M.Shah, Mumbai Mirror

I am waiting for you Shahrukh, says Yash Chopra

Yash Chopra is keen to get behind the camera for his directorial comeback. Accord-ing to rumours, Chopra has a script and wants his two favourites, Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit, to play the lead roles in the film.

A source reveals, “Yashji has been working on a script for quite some time now. The movie has the same tone as all his previous love stories; however, this one has a mature undertone. Beta Aditya has co-written the script. Yashji wanted to start his film before his son’s but Adi started shooting for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, earlier this month. This happened because the actors Chopra Sr wants for the project could give him the dates.”

SRK’s dates were with Karan Johar, but later those dates were given away to Adi .

The source continues, “Madhuri told Yashji to shoot the film in the US, as she wants to be close to her family. She doesn’t want to travel back to India. During the making of Aaja Nachle, Yash Raj Films built a crèche at the studio, so she could have her kids with her at all times. However this time, Madhuri feels that her kids will be happier in their environment rather than in India. That wasn’t possible, and Yashji had to put his plans on hold. He now wants to oversee his next mega film RNBDJ before starting his project.”

A spokesperson for Yash Raj Films says, “Yashji is definitely planning his next film. In all probability, the film will go on the floors next year. We haven’t decided who to cast as the movie is in scripting stages. As far as Madhuri being approached by us to do this film, it’s not true. He didn’t even meet her while she in town a few weeks back.”

Amul Sharma, Mid-Day

The Biggest Clash of the year 2008

Aamir Khan’s long-in-the-making Ghajini has now been further pushed back by two months. The film was initially supposed to hit cinemas by October 3 but will now release on December 12, the same date as Aditya Chopra’s much talked about Rab Ne Banaa Di Jodi, which stars Shah Rukh Khan.

An industry insider reveals, “Aamir Khan’s film has been in the making for over two years now. But it’s far from being complete. Aamir has only recently shaved his head off for the film but he couldn’t complete the schedule as he pulled his hamstring during shooting and was advised complete bed rest for five weeks, which added to the delay. Initially, the film was to be make it to theatres by October and clash with Salman Khan’s Wanted Dead Or Alive. But now because of the delay, the film has finally been pushed to December 12 where Aamir will clash with another Khan: Shah Rukh Khan in Aditya Chopra’s Rab Ne Banaa Di Jodi.”

The source further adds, “Aamir was very keen on releasing Ghajini in December. Last year, Taare Zameen Par was released around the same time. The actor is superstitious about the timing.”

Industry insiders feel that Aamir is just adding more fuel to his supposed feud with Shah Rukh Khan, “Didn’t he just make a dig at Shah Rukh recently on his blog? And now, he’s getting his release date pushed to clash with Shah Rukh. Whatever happens it is going to generate a lot of curiosity for both the projects.”

Ghajini director, A R Murugadoss remained unavailable for a comment.

Amul Sharma, Mid-Day

SRK launches India - The Entertainment and Media Hub 2008

Failures make me more determined to succeed: Shah Rukh Khan

Talking to reporters here, Shah Rukh said, "I did my job with lot of passion. At the end of the day, it is just a sport. At the start of the IPL, it was said that the concept will not succeed. But, as the tournament progressed, the success is all to be seen. I am glad I am part of it. I don't like failures. The more I fail makes me more determined to succeed. I will make sure that I don't lose again," he said.

He said of the 60 odd films that he has done in his entire career, only 20 have succeeded. SRK also said that he will not be part of the three IIFA weekend beginning from June six.

"These are summer holidays for my children. I am keen to spend time with them rather than going to a foreign country for three days. My absence has nothing to do with Mr Amitabh Bachchan as it is being reported in the media in the last few years," he said.

Earlier, he released ASSOCHAM's study on "India: the entertainment and Media hub". His company Red Chilles E Etertainment was enrolled as the member of the ASSOCHAM.

The Hindu

SRK seeks removal of VAT on entertainment industry

MUMBAI:Shah Rukh Khan on Tuesday asked the Centre to remove Value Added Tax (VAT) and service tax on the entertainment industry and sought the conferment of de-facto industry status on it so that it can earn certain tax incentives.

It has become necessary to bring in entertainment industry under the "concurrent list" so that it can be governed by Central rules and enjoy tax concessions announced by the latter from time to time, Khan said in a statement.

At present, the entire entertainment and film industry comes under state governments jurisdiction as a result of which, it has not been able to enjoy the already conferred dejure industry status on it.

Shah Rukh Khan would release a study on the entertainment industry this evening highlighting the need for the removal of VAT and service tax.

The study is done by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

Retaining the industry in the state government list deprives the tax concessions given by the Centre, Assocham said in its study.

Assocham has asked for the enactment of Optic Disc Law to combat piracy, as such a law has been introduced in Malaysia, Hong Kong and the results have been encouraging, it said.

The government has set up five groups on piracy, taxation and custom duties, exports of films, promotion, development and marketing for films.

As per the Finance Act of 2007, the Central Excise department has issued notices for recovery of service tax from the industry in cases of renting, leasing, letting immovable properties, Assocham pointed out.

As the film industry is burdened with various types of taxes and fee imposed by state governments, the Centre should exempt transactions between producers and distributors, Assocham said.

Times of India

SRK's last gift for Knight Riders

Now the recent speculation about a rift in the team-management angered Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan so much that he refused to attend any of Kolkata's home games, and had to be persuaded by the players to attend Sunday's match.

Shah Rukh, who was angry with the media for rumour-mongering, signed off by giving his team gold-plated helmets and promising their fans that the next season will be much better for his Knight Riders.

If Shoaib Akhtar or any of the Knight Riders were ever to be marooned on a deserted island, they'd certainly be able to entertain themselves with their new playstations, laptops, speakers and watches, all thanks to Shah Rukh Khan. And now, adding bling to that treasure are the 24 carat gold plated helmets for the entire team.

"The biggest prize that you can have for trying in life is this golden helmet so you can only desire this helmet if you deserve it and I don't think nobody deserves it more than all the young boys and all the men who have played for Knight Riders. I wish I could also have played and got one but lately I have not been allowed on to the field but I'll still try to make it," Shah Rukh said.

Shah Rukh's noble speech was followed by Shoaib's noble intention, which he announced later in the evening during the game against Kings XI Punjab.

"I'll give it to charity or to Mother Teresa. I'll put it on e-bay, collect lots and lots of money and then give it all to charity," the Pakistan pacer said.

So, SRK and his team are still one big happy family with the actor rubbishing reports of a rift with captain and coach. He was also quite categorical in saying that he's not about to abandon his team.

"I have told the children who've bought the Knight Riders t-shirt that in 6 months this t-shirt is going to be small for you but the t-shirt will never make you feel small ever and that can only happen if I stick to it with my passion and belief so all these talks are quite irrelevant."

Shah Rukh Khan signed off by saying that he will stay connected to the city and come back next year with his knights to give Kolkata more reason to cheer and this failed IPL script has made him even more hungry for success.

NDTV

Shahrukh's Knight Riders Won Final Battle

Skipper Sourav Ganguly (86*) led from the front to beat Kings XI Punjab by three wickets in their Indian Premier League tie at the Eden Gardens.

Chasing 176 runs, Kolkata got off to a good start until Sreesanth rocked Salman Butt and Debabrata Das in his successive deliveries. Butt contributed 24 runs in 18 balls while Das returned without scoring.

David Hussey (12) continued his poor form against the spin bowling. Piyush Chawla rocked his middle stump comprehensively. Laxmi Shukla too did not last long and lost his timber to VRV Singh in the 10th over.

Earlier, Kings XI Punjab rode on rollicking knocks by Kumar Sangakkara (64) and Shaun Marsh (40) to pile up 174 for 6 in their Indian Premier League tie against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.

Coming together after the early loss of James Hopes, Marsh and Sangakkara added a brisk 83 runs of only 57 deliveries to put their side in the drivers' seat before a crowd of 30,000 at the Eden Gardens.

Sangakkara was especially brilliant, letting loose several delicate shots all over the park earning huge applause from the spectators, who relished every minute of his brilliant batting.

Marsh, one of the principal scorers of the tourney, executed some power-packed shots before holing out to long off, giving Sri Lankan off spinner Ajantha Mendis his first wicket of the IPL on his debut.

Umar Gul (4/23), the pick of the Knight Riders bowlers, finally got rid of Sangakkara, as the Sri Lankan played across the line to a delivery that pitched on the good length spot and came further in and rapped the willower on the pad, as the visitors became 133 for 3.

Yuvraj Singh then played a cameo, adding 31 runs with Mahela Jayawardene (11 not out) before the former got run out following a horrible mix up.

The Kings XI seemed well positioned for a 180 plus total, as they reached 170 for 4 after the penultimate over, but Gul's superlative bowling at the death restricted them to a run rate of 8.7 per over. Gul not only conceded only four runs, but also was on a hat-trick, as he picked up Irfan Pathan (7) and Piyush Chawla (0) of back-to-back deliveries. It was left to Tanmay Srivastava to thwart Gul's feat.

Young pacer Ishant Sharma, a find for the Indian team during their tour to Australia earlier this year, once again was lacklustre conceding 49 runs in his quota of four overs.

SRK meets Buddhadeb before Knights' match

KOLKATA: Film star and owner of IPL cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders Shah Rukh Khan called on West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee prior to his team's last match at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.

During his 45-minute meeting with the chief minister in his ante-chamber at the state secretariat, the Bollywood icon, accompanied by his team's co-owner Juhi Chawla, discussed cricket and films in which the two hold common interest.

Shah Rukh, dressed in black trousers, white shirt and steel gray coat and Juhi in hot pink salwar suit, discussed with Bhattacharjee how to develop the film industry in keeping with the rapid change in viewership profile and technology.

Though SRK did not meet the press after the meeting, chief ministers' secretariat sources said that he also discussed development of cricket, particularly its new format T-20. The need for more cricket academies to develop the sport was also a topic.

Only such academies could prepare a new breed of cricketers for the T-20 avatar, SRK is said to have observed while committing himself to strengthen his IPL team next year.

Shah Rukh, accompanied by Juhi and her husband Joy Mehta, arrived at the state secretariat at 12:45 pm in a white Mercedes and went straight to the chief minister's ante-chamber where city police commissioner Goutam Mohan Chakraborty was also present.

While the star presented a golden helmet of his knights to Bhattacharjee, the chief minister in return presented them export quality Darjeeling tea.

"No one can match Shah Rukh," says Priyadarshan

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and director Priyadarshan have hit it off big time, be it cinema or cricket.

'After working with him I understand why he is who he is. No one can match his energy, enthusiasm and passion for cinema. I'm already planning many more films with him,' Priyadarshan told IANS.

Also, ever since Shah Rukh's Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders won a Kolkata match last month that was attended by Priyadarshan, people have started calling him the actor's lucky mascot.

'Yes, they're saying I'm lucky for Shah Rukh. Thank god. Yes, Shah Rukh has asked me to attend more of his matches. But I've been shooting 'Billo Barber' whereas he has completed his work and has made time for the IPL,' Priyadarshan told IANS.

Many people who attended the match were surprised to see Priyadarshan sitting quietly in the audience.

'Even I was surprised to see myself there, but I went for Shah Rukh's sake. Fortunately, the Knight Riders won the match that day when I was there in Kolkata.

'Or people would've said I'm unlucky for Shah Rukh. Can't afford that image while I've cast him in the most unusual role of his career, and that too after four failed attempts to work with him.'

Incidentally, Kolkata Night Riders are out of IPL matches.

Recalling his own passion for cricket, Priyadarshan said: 'I was a mad obsessive cricket player as a student. Then during one local match I nearly lost my eye.'

Recalling the harrowing incident, he shudders, 'I can never forget that day. The ball just slammed against my eye. I had a hairline fracture and I couldn't see. I thought I had lost my eye. Fortunately, the eye is intact. But the nerves on the eyelid were enfeebled. So one eye is half-closed all the time.'

So has that mishap put him off cricket for keeps?

'No way! I love cricket. Thankfully, I didn't make a career out of it. Otherwise today I'd have been working in a bank. The only reason why I don't play is because I'm making films round the clock. There's no time for anything else,' said the director whose recent hit was 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'.

IANS

Kajol has agreed to star opposite Shah Rukh Khan

Kareena Kapoor can put her hopes of being cast in My Name Is Khan to complete rest. For finally Karan Johar’s first choice Kajol has agreed to do the film. Kajol gave the nod to the project on Thursday.

A source close to Kajol’s husband, Ajay Devgan, tells us, “Kajol indeed took a long time to take a call on her participation in Karan Johar’s My Name Is Khan, but the problem was that she had not heard the script in detail. This week, she took a long look at the script and finally said ‘yes’.”

“Karan and Kajol go back a long way. Their dosti is not only friendship but respect for each other as well. Kajol could not have refused the film outright,” the insider further says.

So how will Kajol adjust to the US schedule? Will her daughter Nysa accompany her? Wasn’t that one of the reasons why Kajol took long to give her nod of consent? “Well, that all will be sorted out. Kajol has worked out how to look after Nysa during that period. Whether Nysa will go with Kajol or not is still not known,” our source adds.

We sent a text message to KJo (as Karan is fondly called in the industry), but he did not reply.

My Name Is Khan, directed by Karan Johar, stars Karan’s best buddy, Shah Rukh (who co-produces My Name Is Khan) in the male lead.

The only time Shah Rukh and Kareena have been romantically paired earlier was in Asoka the Great (2001), which too was produced in part by Shah Rukh Khan.

Vickey Lalwani, Mumbai Mirror

'I love being SRK's princess'

Being a part of reality game show Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is the best thing to have happened to her, says 11-year-old child actor Shriya Sharma.

"Shah Rukh is my favourite actor and I love being his princess. Being on Paanchvi Paas has been my best experience," Shriya said on phone from Mumbai.

She is ga-ga over the actor who lovingly calls her his "princess" on the show.

"He is so friendly and sometimes when we don't know an answer on the show, he really encourages us. We have our kids' room at the sets, so he also comes and plays with us there," she said.

SRK takes the blame for Paanchvi Pass failure

A disappointed and mystified Shah Rukh Khan took full responsibility for the poor ratings of 'Kya Aap Panchvi Pass Se Tez Hain,' Star TV's reality quiz show hosted by him.

Admitting that he is the major draw of the show, Shah Rukh told journalists on its set in suburban Mumbai :

"Even in my films, it is said that it will get a good opening because I am there. If I consider the same yardstick, a star of my caliber should have brought enough audiences before the television set. If there is no opening and lack of appeal for the show despite my presence, then I think I am responsible."

"May be the format was not appealing, but we were bound by the original format," he added, referring to a contractual obligation to adhere to the format of the parent show - Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? .

"There are no options for a question on this show. This brings loneliness where as giving options sees involvement of more than one person. Some have not liked that the contestant at the time of dropping out of the contest, being asked to say that 'hum paanchvi pass se tez nahi hain'"

However, Shah Rukh said that both show producers Star TV and he planned to hold the course and see if the end of IPL season buoyed the show's rating.

Some of the other possible reasons for the poor ratings, he said, could be its relatively early airing (8pm) and the perception that it was a children's show.

Asked if he was unnerved by the poor response Shah Rukh joked, "May be next time I may not be signed for a television show paid a much lower fee."

Sawf News

Shahrukh gets a mother from Kolkata

Shah Rukh: A true sportsman

The recent cricket season proved that Shah Rukh Khan is a true sportsman.

His team may have let him down, but there was never a frown on his forehead. The actor was there cheering his team all the way through, like true sportsman. In fact, after every defeat, SRK made it a point to party with the players just as he would when they won a match. The players may not have got the trophy for the owner but Shah Rukh made sure they went home with a neat packet and loads of gifts.

In fact his message box is full of smses from the players not only of his team but even other teams praising him as a human being and a sportsman. Now who can blame him for his rising popularity? In fact, his colleagues should learn a lesson or two from King Khan on sportsmanship!

'I have paid my players to win. Will I pay them now to lose'

The defeat of his Knights in the Indian Premier League seems to have left the team owner King Khan with a bitter aftertaste. The first season of the Indian Premier League will be now remembered for Shahrukh Khan's tirades, which show no sign of easing.

Still apparently in a fit of sulks, Khan has lashed at the IPL, saying on Thursday (May 22) that he hadn't paid his team to lose, but to win.

Khan had felt quite at home among his Knights - so much so he wouldn't budge an inch from their side. But then one fine evening he was asked by the authorities to keep his beloved team at arm's length - the actor was miffed, and swift came the first salvo in these words:

"My hanging around in the dressing room, is apparently 'anti-Anti-Corruption'. I'm like, listen, don't tell me that I am corrupt...let CBI, ICC Code of Conduct team - anybody - dare try to stop me from meeting my team for every match."

Khan was then provided with a solution - following the tradition of handing out purple and orange caps to the players, IPL announced a red, all-area accreditation badge to one member of each of the eight franchisees, to be given by the ICC's Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) which gave them access to the team dugout and dressing room as well.

But Khan did not take the bait provided by the officials and was absent from the very next match.

Subsequently the Kolkata Knight Riders were knocked out of the IPL, and afterwards the Kolkata team came under some battery. The egotist in the showman came out and the second salvo hit when it mattered; Khan's supposed SMS to his team, which took another dig at the IPL, has become a public dossier.

The message comes close to ridiculing the IPL governing body. Khan says he has again decided not to come on the ground till he figures out the "headmaster's rules".

"I am still trying to understand the code of conduct expected of me at the matches of the IPL.... ICC... Etc.... After I understand it, I will decide whether to accept it or not.... Till such time, I will be with you guys at the hotel... in the meetings etc., but won't come for the matches.... So, please don't ever feel it is anything to do with us as a team," read the SMS which was published by The Telegraph.

What is more, Khan has since been crying foul wherever he goes. The latest was outside the studio of his popular TV show.

Reiterating that he was not corrupt, SRK lashed out at the governing body saying he has paid his players to win and not to lose.

"I have paid my players to win. Will I pay them now to lose? This is illogical," he said yesterday (May 22). He added, "Why pick me? Other team owners are seen near their players. Is it because I am a celebrity and vulnerable?"

All in all, it's a joy that has gone haywire, a tale that was scripted, hit an incredible high only to turn a damp squib within two weeks.

Times Now

“SRK is not my backslapping buddy,”says Karan Johar

You go all out for Shah Rukh Khan. Recently, you came back all the way from Miami to attend his first IPL match and postponed your own film to accommodate Aditya Chopra's film with SRK.
Yes. But isn't that a given in any friendship? Shah Rukh is like family for me. I'm quite petrified of Shah Rukh and he knows it. He is not my backslapping buddy. His wife Gauri is the one who is more of a friend. She's the one I can say, ‘Oh, Shut up!’ to but even in my wildest dreams, I can't imagine telling SRK to shut up.

But, will SRK do as much for you as you do for him?
I want to reach a point where I don't expect anything in return. I have full faith in my relationships and believe that they will never disappoint me.

So, no more formula-based films from you?
My Name Is Khan is an exciting project. For the first time, I'm directing a film that has characters and situations I'm not familiar with. I think I'm the wrong man to direct this film.

So who do think should be directing My Name Is Khan?
Mani Ratnam, Rakeysh Mehra or Raju Hirani but certainly not me. But, I'm hundred per cent sure I can pull it off.

Can you ever make a film without Shah Rukh Khan?
I wouldn't like to think about it. Of course it can happen. One can never predict where life will take us...

SRK on Different Roles!

For those who think that Shah Rukh Khan cannot play anything beyond stereotypical characters, think again.

Shah Rukh’s close buddy Karan Johar has challenged Shah Rukh’s acting abilities by asking him to play an autistic in his next, My Name is Khan. No doubt SRK will take inspiration from Dustin Hoffman, who played an autistic in Rain Man, a 1988 film by Barry Levinson, which tells the story of an abrasive, selfish yuppie, Charlie Babbitt, who discovers that his father has left all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his brother, Raymond, a savant, whom he never knew existed.

Shah Rukh did not take long to say ‘yes’ to Karan. Our well-placed source in Bollywood says, “SRK can’t wait for the film to begin. He is very excited about playing this different
character.” Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder, which starts off in childhood. It is characterised by impaired communication, excessive rigidity, and emotional detachment.
“However, he will have to wait since My Name Is Khan has been delayed. Karan had allowed Aditya Chopra to start Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi first, so SRK will first free himself from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and then get on to this challenging role,” our source adds.

A source close to Shah Rukh says, “He’s adventurous and dares to take risks, he dares to be different, and break all rules. It is a misconception that he is repetitive and does not like to play different characters. His performances in Swades and Chak De! India are the best examples to prove this point. My Name Is Khan will be a trump card in SRK’s repertoire. Playing an autistic person will be challenging. Shah Rukh will have to do a lot of homework.”

Shah Rukh Khan's Blog

Shah Rukh writes:

We had started with two outstanding victories to set the pace for IPL 20-20 cricket. Then, four times in a row, we have seen the match being given away at the last minute. The critics were quick to comment, but our war cry has never been silenced. If anything, the thirst for victory is now stronger in us. And our motto is strengthened by the faithful fans who chant along with us, even in our weakest moments, ''Korbo! Lorbo! Jeetbo Re!''

We then bounced back with three great victories. After that, we were beaten in Mumbai and then were unlucky with the rain at our beloved Eden Gardens. Now, we are in a position where we can still bounce back and do well in the tournament.

It is you, fans, and your generous wishes and comments that have always driven the passion in us. For that, I am thankful. I know that even when we lose a wicket, you will be there to cheer us on so that the batsman heading to the pavilion can walk with head raised, so that the batsman coming in to play can feel encouraged, and so that the opponent knows what incredible force they are up against.

And the fact that we are a force to be reckoned with cannot be denied. We may have had a few bad days on the field, but the game is still on. We are prepared. I have faith in the invaluable experience of our senior players, and in the endless potential and talent of our younger Knight Riders like Ashok Dinda and Ishant Sharma. They are gems in the rough, raring to show the opponent what they are made of. It is an unbeatable mix.

Our captain, Sourav, has been quick to draw attention from critics who think he is not well suited to the 20-20 format. A few outstanding performances, not just with bat and ball but sharp captaincy as well, should answer all those questions. It was a proud moment when he was adjudged Man of the Match. My faith in him and the team cannot be shaken.

Also, Shoaib is finally here with the team, and won a match for us against Delhi. His injury is a worry, but I am sure he will recover and play a part in the forthcoming matches.

Some big games are coming up, and we need your support. We have had a good start, and a bad patch down the line. But, like in the movies, can you have a truly happy ending without some rough competition in the middle?

Lets wait for the happy ending!!

Shah Rukh Khan, KolkataKnightRiders.com

'We have nothing to lose now, except our character'

The Kolkata Knight Riders owner, Shah Rukh Khan, may not attend the team’s next (and last) match at home, against Kings XI Punjab on Sunday, too. He was not present at the Eden last night either.

Shah Rukh has, among other things, conveyed that to the team via an emotional, highly motivational and lengthy SMS this afternoon. He also dismissed talk of differences between him and captain Sourav Ganguly and coach John Buchanan.

The team is in the capital for tomorrow’s Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against the Delhi DareDevils.

The following is the SMS, forwarded to The Telegraph by a member of the Knight Riders squad:

“Story time boys... I told you if you keep losing you have to bear with my long, boring msgs.... This is your punishment.... Many times I have made movies which don’t do well.... When I’m doing them, of course, I don’t know they won’t do well.... The story is written by somebody else and I just do my bit as an actor. But I have a way of dealing with flop stories..., I try my best to keep my character in the film at a level that it makes a failed story also special for me....

“I enjoy the work.... I make jokes about the failure.... And, of course, feel awful about it too.... So, right now, all of us have become part of a failed script... A bad IPL script.... Let’s try and keep our characters worthy of still looking back at this story and remembering it as a special story becos we all worked very hard at this....

“So, chin up and don’t spoil yr character in the next two games.... Let’s go out with a bang and not a whimper.... In films, we say u r only as good as yr last film.... So let’s make the whole world know how good we r in the last (maybe not) two games...

“Also, do ignore all this bit about Dada, me and John having issues.... It’s a normal thing in the world.... People like to hit you when u r down.... So, we will be hit.... No stress.... It will make us stronger.... The only way to avoid this is to win.... That’s one of the reasons why everybody likes to be a winner....

“On the other hand, the beauty of failure is that it brings people together.... So, let’s stick this out together.... You know me well enuff to know I am not the kind of owner who has issues with the team ’cos of losses... I am too much of a sport myself to get beaten by defeats.... Like you guys are.... Like Dada and John....

“I am still trying to understand the code of conduct expected of me at the matches of the IPL.... ICC... Etc.... After I understand it, I will decide whether to accept it or not.... Till such time, I will be with you guys at the hotel... in the meetings etc., but won’t come for the matches.... So, please don’t ever feel it is anything to do with us as a team....

“I am as dedicated to my Knights as I am to my kids.... Only, I won’t be coming to the class room till the headmaster’s rules are understood by me.... I am a bit anti-Establishment kind of a guy, so I apologise for this quirk to u all.... So, head’s up.... Have a good match and let’s make 200 runs tomorrow.... This 150 seems to not work any more....

“We have nothing to lose now, except our character.... Let’s not lose that.... Lov... SRK.”

Aamir says sorry Shah Rukh

Bollywood star Aamir Khan on Tuesday offered "sincere apology" for posting on his blog that he had named his pet dog after actor Shah Rukh Khan.

"To those people who were uncomfortable with that part or disturbed, my sincere apologies because I didn't mean to upset anybody or that wasn't my intention", Aamir told reporters here.

He said his intention was "just in good humour and if someone has been really upset, any fan has been upset, my fan, Shah Rukh's fan, my sincere apologies. I didn't mean to do that at all".

"Shah Rukh is a very dear friend of mine. And I have the highest respect and regard for him", Aamir said adding "that blog was in good humour. All people have found it really funny".

However, "some people didn't find it funny. Some of my fans felt I should not have said that," the actor said.

No rift between Shah Rukh and Ganguly: Knight Riders

New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders management on Wednesday denied reports of a rift between team owner Shah Rukh Khan and captain Sourav Ganguly over team composition and tactical matters.

A top source in the team rubbished media reports, which had claimed that Shah Rukh was not happy with some of Ganguly's decisions in crunch matches while the skipper himself was unhappy for not having enough say in team composition.

The source insisted Shah Rukh and Ganguly were in the best of relationships and said, "All these reports of rift are false and baseless. We don't have any problem in the team."

"It is only that our performance had not been to what we had expected. Because we are losing, people are imagining things that we are having problems in running the team," he added.

He said Shah Rukh himself would soon be issuing a statement in Mumbai to clarify the matter.

After their loss to Rajasthan Royals in Kolkata on Tuesday, Knight Riders are virtually out of reckoning for a semifinal berth save for a miracle. They play Delhi Daredevils here on Thursday in their penultimate match.

The Hindu

Shahrukh Khan donates Rs 3 lakhs to KP family

The Famous actor Shahrukh Khan has donated three lakh rupees to the migrant Kashmiri Pandit (KP) family who met with an accident at Mukrain, Punjab on April 21, Sunday, while travelling from Jammu to Delhi.

The family of Deepak Raina, who met with the accident, is originally from Anantnag in Kashmir but has been putting up in Jammu after migration. Raina’s mother expired on the spot while other members of the family got seriously injured. Raina’s wife, Neenu, is still in Apollo hospital and is in critical condition. His two-year-old daughter, Diya, has almost lost senses in the lower part of her body. Deepak got discharged from the hospital few days back.

While confirming the news, filmmaker and well-known social activist, Ashoke Pandit, confirmed the news that he has received a cheque from Shahrukh Khan for Deepak Raina’s family. He said that the cheque would be sent to the family soon.

Pandit also added that when he heard of the accident, he immediately messaged Shahrukh about the family’s condition and within two days, the cheque was sent by Khan for Raina’s family. “It is not for the first time that Shahrukh has responded to my call, earlier also he volunteered to help in a treatment of a 10-year-old suffering from cancer but unfortunately, the child passed away before the treatment,” Pandit stated.

Pandit is himself a Kashmiri pandit hailing from a village called Murran in Kashmir. His films ’Sheen’ and ’And the world remained silent’ are landmark in the history of Kashmiri pandits.

The family members of Raina thanked Pandit, Shahrukh Khan and the other Kashmiri pandit community members and individuals who supported them at this bad phase of life.

“I was really surprised when Ashoke Pandit called me from Mumbai and told me about the cheque and offered us for any more help if required and I was more happy when Pandit’s mother Nirmala Pandit also spoke to me on phone and prayed for two-year-old Diya and her mother, Neenu,” said Ramesh Raina, the brother-in-law of Deepak Raina.

He further said, “It is not a matter of help by money only, it is more of a moral support also to middle-class family people like us.”

Rockey Pandita, Meri News

Don’t mind my business, mind yours: SRK

Shah Rukh Khan’s message to the officials who have a problem with his presence in the dug-out area

It’s not easy being a celebrity. Shah Rukh Khan is living proof of that. The actor rarely gets upset, but when his authority is challenged, King Khan roars loudly.

On Sunday, the actor was told to keep a safe distance from his team. The Anti-Corruption Unit of the ICC told the KKR owner that he should not be in the players’ dressing room and their dug-out was out of bounds too.

Yesterday, IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi briefed the media on allowing owners of IPL teams access to dug-out area for unlimited time, there was a rumour that Shah Rukh and other owners would have only fifteen minutes of time in the specified area.

When asked about the controversy Shah Rukh says, “I have no issue with them. Nor do I need to ask for 15 minutes etc to meet with the team I own. Only IPL or IMG or whoever is in charge of stuff on grounds should inform their officials from ICC or whatever other agency they are from, about the rules before they question someone who has all the accreditations, passes or permissions with him/her and incidentally, happens to be the owner of the team too.”

The actor feels he is being targetted because he is a celebrity, “It’s quite prevalent now to take on a known personality and behave high-handedly so that one gains some form of personal importance. It’s happened a few times before, during the matches too.

I decided to be civilised about it, in the larger interest of my team’s morale and state of mind especially when they were down. Someone sent me a message yesterday if you want to lead the orchestra you have to learn to turn your back to the crowds.

I guess I will turn my back on this one too and keep trying to make the music that makes sense to me and that gives me very little time to answer to these loud regulatory noises around me don’t walk here, don’t enter the dressing room, don’t dance there, don’t meet players! Hey!

How about don’t mind my business, try and mind yours more efficiently for a change that will be more helpful. Now if I want to meet my team I will do so at my house, or in their hotel, not on the grounds for 15 minutes!”

Shah Rukh can cheer from dugout

A day after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was barred entry to his team's dressing room, the Indian Premier League authorities on Monday issued fresh guidelines which has cleared the deck for the presence of a franchise owner in the team dug-out for the Twenty20 matches.

IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi announced that the organisers would issue an all-area accreditation badge to one member of each of the eight team franchisees, following the ejection of Shah Rukh from the dug-out by the Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) officials of the International Cricket Council.

While defending the decision of the ACSU officials to ask the film star to vacate the dug-out during the IPL tie against Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens, Modi said suitable measures would be taken to avoid repeatation of this kind of incidents.

"There have been reports in the media about denial of a team owner access to the dug out and dressing room. The IPL is conducted as per the rules and regulations of the ICC whose ACSU officials were just doing the job entrusted," Modi said.

"They go strictly by the colour code. A red badge issued by the ACSU, on approval of the team manager, will help the person holding it access to all areas," he said. ( Watch )

"This is what we intend to do by giving each of the team owners one such badge each. They do have the right to sit with the players in the dug outs and dressing rooms," Modi said.

Shah Rukh was visibly dejected after being denied an entry into the dressing room and the actor said, "I like to hang around with the boys. I am very energetic. I am very disappointed that the ICC has stopped me," he said.

"I don't know the ICC rules. I'll tell only one thing. Nobody dare stop me from coming to Kolkata. I'll be here whenever my team plays a match at the Eden," Khan said.

Knight Riders CEO Joy Bhattacharya said ICC rules were meant to stop bookies entering the dressing room but it did not apply in a domestic tournament like IPL.

"When these rules were framed, the concept of franchisee owners' domestic tournament didn't even come, the law was not framed to stop people like Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Mukesh Ambani or Vijay Mallya from walking into the dressing room," he said.

"According to even ICC regulations, there is a system of visitor's pass, the manager and team management sign it. The person can be allowed in the dressing room as long as it is signed by. So there is no way to stop Shah Rukh from entering the dressing room," Bhattacharya added.

BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, meanwhile, asserted that Shah Rukh has to go by ICC rules, even though he felt nothing could really stop the actor from entering the dressing room.

"He should take permission from IPL's anti-corruption officer before entering into the dressing room," Shah said.

Times Of India

Monday, May 19, 2008

Shah Rukh Khan The Good Samaritan

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Shah Rukh Khan is playing Good Samaritan again.

The actor has rushed to financially help a Kashmiri Pandit refugee family, the Rainas. The family met with a dangerous car accident while travelling from Jammu to Delhi.

The eldest member of the Raina family died on the spot, while her son Deepak Raina, daughter-in-law Neenu Raina and their two-year-old daughter were seriously injured. The family is admitted in Delhi's Apollo Hospital. Neenu is currently in coma, while Deepak is critical and the child has almost lost all senses in the lower half of her body.

Social activist cum film director Ashoke Pandit learnt about Raina's misery and immediately sent a text message to Shah Rukh. Pandit confirms and says, "When I came to know about the predicament of the Raina family, I immediately messaged Shah Rukh about the sorry financial status of this family. Raina is a middle class family, and the cost of their treatment is going to be enormous."

Pandit says, "Shah Rukh promptly called me up and offered to help in whatever way possible. Within two days, I received a cheque from Gauri Khan (Shah Rukh's wife) pledging their support to the family."

When asked about the amount that Shah Rukh contributed to help the Raina family recover, Pandit says that he would not like to disclose the amount. "Let's not talk about that. Shah Rukh has helped enough. His moral and financial support does not need numbers," Pandit says.

Incidentally, this is not the first time Shah Rukh has responded to Pandit's call. Pandit says, "A few months ago, I sent him a similar message to help me with the treatment of a 10-year-old suffering from cancer. The child's single mother could not afford the medical expenses. Even though Shah Rukh was not in India that time, he immediately volunteered to help. Unfortunately, the child passed away before the treatment. Later, Shah Rukh himself called me to ask about the child. When I told him that the child was no more, he was terribly disheartened that he could do nothing to save the child."

“This gesture by Shah Rukh is an inspiration for me to continue helping people in distress. I must add here that the NGOs who are objecting to Shah Rukh's smoking in public are wasting their time. Instead, they should appeal to the government to ban cigarettes and liquor," Pandit adds.

We sent a text message to Shah Rukh, but he chose to remain silent.

Vickey Lalwani & Kunal.M.Shah, Mumbai Mirror

'No one can stop me'

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Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan Sunday expressed disappointment at the ICC Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) barring him from going to the team dugout and dressing room in the remaining matches.

“I like to hang around with the boys. I am very energetic. I am very disappointed that the ICC has stopped me. I don’t know the rules. I’ll tell only one thing. Nobody dare stop me from coming to Calcutta. I’ll be here whenever my team plays a match at the Eden,” he said.

The ACU officials had cautioned the superstar about going into the dressing room and the team dugout. He was, however, present there during the match and also sat for some time in the visitors’ dugout.

The Telegraph India

Sunday, May 18, 2008

SRK all set to recreate DDLJ magic in RNBDJ

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The debutant actress Anushka Sharma and the Bollywood superstar, Shahrukh Khan, faced the camera for the mahurat shoot of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi at Filmcity in suburban Mumbai. Expressing her excitement, Anushka said that working with SRK was her dream, which had just begun. She also said that she was eagerly looking forward to shooting with the King Khan.

Khan had a good run in 2007 and gave two of the biggest hits of the year, Chak De India and Om Shanti Om (OSO). The latter featured Deepika Padukone, another Banglorean, who made her debut in the film and is one of the most sought after actresses now.

Despite having a hectic and tight schedule with his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the television show ’Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain’, the actor was full of energy at the mahurat.

Interacting with the media persons, he said that the first day of shooting still gave him goose bumps. Yash Chopra, the veteran filmmaker, was also present during the shoot. SRK added that to make films with Yash Raj, that too when Aditya Chopra was directing, was an experience one shouldn’t miss. “Yash Raj Films, is, was, and will remain a home for me,” Khan was quoted as saying.

When asked about the movie and the role he would be playing, King Khan said that Yash Chopra and Adi had always given him roles that suited him, did justice to him and were appreciated and loved by the fans all over the globe. He further added that in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, the character he would be playing would become as beloved as Raj of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (DDLJ).

SRK declined to divulge further details of his new role in the film. But one thing is for sure, the movie is all set to recreate the DDLJ magic.

Gloria D Souza, Meri News

SRK - Knight Riders Threaten Legal Action

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The Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday threatened to take “all possible action, including legal”, against Pakistani newspaper The Nation for its report that Shoaib Akhtar was questioned at the Karachi airport for allegedly carrying a large number of syringes.

In a press statement on Saturday night, the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise threw their full support behind the beleaguered speedster and said this was a “clear attempt at slander”.

“We are talking to our lawyers… We want to see how we can build up a case and we would take necessary action at the earliest,” a member of the team management said.

The statement carried four-point clarifications, refuting the report carried by the Pakistani daily.

“1. Shoaib Akhtar travelled to India from Lahore, not Karachi. 2. He travelled to Calcutta via Delhi, not Mumbai, as claimed by the report. 3. He did not travel with any hand baggage and therefore the question of syringes does not arise. 4. He was not stopped or questioned by any official of the Indian or Pakistani customs,” the statement read.

The Telegraph India

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Time to look ahead, says Shah Rukh

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Going by the numbers on the shirts of thousands of fans, Friday’s IPL contest here was between (Sachin) Tendulkar’s No.10 and (Shah Rukh) Khan’s No.12.

It turned out to be a no-contest with the Mumbai Indians thrashing the Kolkata Knight Riders before a packed and delirious Wankhede.

The massive defeat, though, didn’t dishearten owner Shah Rukh.

“A bad defeat, yes, but the way forward is to forget about today and look ahead to Sunday and the match against the Chennai Super Kings,” Shah Rukh told The Telegraph.

As is customary for him, Shah Rukh went to the Mumbai Indians’ dressing room and congratulated the winners. In fact, he left the Wankhede after the teams.

Shah Rukh, by the way, said that there would be no party in the hours immediately after the match.

“Not because we lost, but because John (Buchanan, coach) didn’t want one tonight... As tomorrow (Saturday) is a day of travel, he made this request a couple of days ago. That’s why, for a change, we had a party on the eve of the match...”

Incidentally, Shah Rukh may rush back to Mumbai after Sunday’s match at the Eden as he has plenty of non-IPL commitments to keep.

A handsome Knight Riders’ win could, however, hold him back.

The Telegraph India