Shahrukh Khan to play desi Indiana Jones

If things go as planned, we might see Shahrukh Khan digging into the past and hunting for treasure in a film inspired from the famous Indiana Jones series from Hollywood.

Acclaimed director Santosh Sivan is set to make a fantasy film on the lines of Indiana Jones. Earlier, in an interview, he mentioned his desire to make an adventure-cum-fantasy film.

In the movie, we will see SRK in hunt of treasures a la Indiana Jones through mystic lands and jungles. According to a source, this film is going to be a big-budget movie with a touch of romance and comedy. Moreover, it might also star John Abraham .

The movie details are not yet out, but Sivan has clearly said about his interest to direct a fantasy film. Locales are yet to be finalized.

This is the second time Shahrukh would team up with Sivan after a long gap of seven years. Previously, they worked together in Asoka . Sources said that Shahrukh will start shooting once he has finished working for other projects.

In the meantime, Sivan’s movie Tahaan is releasing next week which boasts of a bunch of talented actors like Sarika Rahul Bose and newcomer Purab.

SRK's Many looks

Recovering from a back injury, Shah Rukh Khan is back at work.
Spotted at Yash Raj studios trying to wrap up Aditya Chopra’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, sources close to the actor told us more about SRK’s role in the film and his choc-o-bloc schedule.

“In between he took off for about a week. As a result he is now working round the clock to get back on track. In the film SRK will be seen in a double role. In the first half he will play this complete simpleton… almost like a village bumpkin. And then to impress Anushka who plays the leading lady he turns into this slick city guy,” says the source.

In fact Khan has been donning wigs and changing his looks in the film to ensure that both characters look completely different.

We spotted him on the sets in Yash Raj studio wearing a wig and having put on some weight for the role he almost walked away without us realizing it was King Khan. In fact his look makes him unrecognizable and sources from YRF tell us that more often than not he gets away in the studio without being recognized at all because of his wig and clothes.

Playing a geek in the first half, SRK has donned various looks including that of Charlie Chaplin. “Shah Rukh has already shot with many get ups. There is one scene where he plays a geek and his hair is all plastered down. He also sports a small moustache ala Charlie Chaplin with half pants and everything,” says a source from the set, “Similarly for another look his clothes are all flashy and over the top. Then in another look he plays the NRI who is visiting India.”

The source tells us that the various looks of the actor are a part of the script. “It’s all been done very well. They aren’t taking the mickey out of anyone else in the industry like the current trend in other films. When Shah Rukh heard about it he was all game but he was quite clear he wanted it done tastefully as he didn’t want to rake any controversy.”

We also spotted the elusive director Aditya Chopra on the set floor as he waited for King Khan to get into his garb for the shot. But as soon as he saw other media who were present for some media interviews make their way towards the main building, Chopra quickly walked away into the studio shutting the door firmly behind him.

"I have tried to capture the magic of Shah Rukh Khan" - Mustaq Sheikh

Having started his career as a journalist, Mushtaq Shiekh has indeed come a long way. From writing exclusive columns in film magazines to writing scripts for popular K-serials to writing the story of one of the country's biggest blockbusters Om Shanti Om, Mushtaq has indeed done it all. However, Mushtaq is still best known as the author of Shah Rukh Khan's biography- 'Still Reading Khan'. His proximity with the country's biggest superstar is something that's known to one and all. He even wrote the coffee-table book on 'The Making of Asoka' and 'The Making of Om Shanti Om'. Now after having already penned a book on the life of SRK, Mushtaq is ready to release yet another book on the superstar and this time it's called 'Shah Rukh Can'. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, this talented writer speaks about what readers can expect from his new book, his proximity with SRK and his future plans.

Is it true that you have written yet another book on SRK called 'Shah Rukh Can'?
Yes, the book will be released in a month's time. The exact date has yet not been finalized.

You had earlier penned his biography 'Still Reading Khan', what is different this time around?
'Shah Rukh Can' is the paperback version of 'Still Reading Khan'. This book is an updated version of my coffee table book. Shah Rukh is a non-stop machine, he does hundred things each day, to keep up, it's next to impossible but I am trying to do so in the form of my book. The other aspect was that many people had complained to me that reading my earlier biography in the form of a 4 kg coffee table book took a toll on their backbone so I decided to make things easy for many. So this book will be easy on your eyes, your back bone and your wallet (laughs). So in a nutshell, 'Shah Rukh Can' is all things good condensed into one compact book. I have tried to capture the magic of Shah Rukh Khan between the covers of my book. And I sincerely hope and pray to Allah that I have succeeded, because dealing with someone else's life story and telling it as honestly as possible is a huge task.

What made you come up with this idea?
Lots of my fans have been writing in to say that my coffee table book is too cumbersome to handle. In fact, I have complaints from women who say they could not even take my book to bed with them. (Laughs) So this idea came to me. There was a lot to add. A year has passed since I released the coffee table. It's already done exceptionally well and now I thought that I should push the envelope and make the book available to a larger chunk of people.

You are known to be very close to Shah Rukh Khan...How did you first get to know him?
I met Shah Rukh more than a decade ago when I was a journalist. I met him up for an interview and the rest is publishing history as they say.

How much has SRK cooperated during the making of this book?
The book would have been impossible without his cooperation. The only care I took was to curb my temptation and not ask too many questions and irritate him. The advantage you have when you know someone well is that you don't have to re-check many issues. You already know most things. What I had to be careful about is that I didn't take advantage of my friendship with the man. And that's always a tough one. It becomes unfair to harrow someone too much and more so if it's a man who's every second has been pre-booked for the next five years.

Is there a grand function for the release?
I have made a habit of releasing my book as if it's a film premiere. Every launch party seems to take a toll on me. They seem to tire me more than the whole process of writing and putting together a book. So this time I am going the more conventional route of having a book reading session, the details of which are not really planned as of now…

Heard this time over, you are targeting the cyber space in a big way?
Yes, I am because I have always realized the potential of the net and the way the world reaches out to you here on cyber space. The same process takes time in the brick and mortar land. But it happens in an instant on the web. My publisher, OM Books International, is going hammer and tongs on the net simply because the whole book loving clan seems to be surfing the net these days. The day my publisher www.om-books.com opened pre-orders on their site there has already been a thunderous response. Be it Russia, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong or Japan, I am getting pre-orders from everywhere. As an author I don't think I can ask for more. Can I?

How much is it priced at and who is it targeted at?
As I said earlier, this time I am keeping it very affordable and easy on your wallet. It's a modest 395 rupees. Shah Rukh's life has to be devoured by anyone who wants to make a difference. Who does not want to make it big? Who does not want to question destiny and demand more from it? We all do. Shah Rukh is one such exemplary example and anybody who aspires to get more from life should read this book. So my target audience is anyone who wants to be inspired.

And finally the last question…You also co-wrote the story /screenplay of OSO, what else are you working on now with regards to films?
I am currently working on Priyadarshan's next film Billo Barber starring Irrfan Khan and Shah Rukh and I am having the blast of a life time. I am today working with people who I have always looked upto and admired. Could not ask for more from life...actually hold that thought; let's hope for the super success of Om Shanti Om for every film I write (laughs).

Shahrukh set for time off

Shah Rukh Khan is getting ready for some quiet time away from film sets so that he can spend some time with his family before he heads off to the US for three months to film for Karan Johar's Khan.

"Right now he is on the last schedule of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. We have a couple of days left in Mumbai after which we are going to Amritsar and that will wrap up the whole film. After that Shah Rukh will be doing promotional rounds for Billo Barber. He won't be filming for anything," informs a source.

Priyadarshan's Billo Barber is being produced by SRK's Red Chillies Entertainment and the actor is hoping to use his star power to push the film that also stars Irrfan Khan along with the King Khan.

"SRK has cleared his diary for all of September and October. Other than some promotion for the interviews, he has asked his manager to clear up his diary so he can be with his family. He is going to be away from the family for a long duration because Karan's film is going to be shot from start to finish in the US and in one non stop schedule," says the source.

"He plans to go away with Gauri and the kids for a week before he jets off to the US. He may not be home this year for Diwali so he wants to spend as much time before that at home. In fact he is hoping that Karan shuts shop in between around that time as Aryan and Suhana really enjoy Diwali. Lots of firecrackers are bought to the house by the Moranis for the kids to play with. So with Khan's schedule being planned for that time, SRK is making up for that before he takes off again," says the source.

Shah Rukh's Temptation Plans

While many forgettable things are being said about the Bachchan's Unforgettable tour, Shah Rukh Khan is doing his bit of taking his world shows – Temptations Reloaded – to another level altogether. With him having already performed in various cities in the US and Europe, the actor we hear has bigger plans.

We are told: "These shows are just teasers of the main show that'll happen next year in 2009. They are sporadic shows and it's not the world tour. Shah Rukh will be taking a few actors next to Frankfurt and then to Dubai."

Besides organizing the shows, Shah Rukh is also busy shooting for Billoo Barber directed by Priyadarshan. The film will release on November 14.

Imran Khan going the Shahrukh way

That's the kind of sentiment which is prevailing amongst those who have seen him becoming an instant heartthrob with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa and donning a different hat altogether for his upcoming release Kidnap. Reason? From a chocolate boy who played the character of a holier-than-thou college pass out in Jtyjn, Imran Khan would be seen in a villainous role in his very second film Kidnap. Of course, there would be write-ups around how he is a young man with shades-of-gray (a much abused phrase, just like 'we are just good friends') but one look at the promos and you know that Imran is all set to give some serious heart burn to none less than Sanjay Dutt in this Sanjay Gadhvi directed film.

So where does Shahrukh Khan come into picture here?

Well, if one goes down the memory lane, even King Khan too started off with light roles (Deewana, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, King Uncle) before he shocked the Industry with his hat-trick of villainous performances in Baazigar, Darr and Anjaam. As an anti-hero, his only justifiable act of being a gray character was in Baazigar though he continued to play the central protagonist in the remaining two films as well.

Raam Jaane followed soon and just when it seemed that playing a man with evil traits was getting a little too predictable, he turned all naughty and mushy with films like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge and Yes Boss, hence doing the balancing act remarkably well. It is a different story though post the success of these films, he became a quintessential Raj/Rahul for the entire world that included his millions of NRI fans and followers.

Now Imran Khan too seems to be following the same trend with an anti-hero role soon after a film like Jtyjn which has turned out to be the biggest ever grosser for a newcomer. Kidnap should only make things further interesting for this young man!

Karan Johar and Farah discuss SRK on ‘Sajid’s Superstars’

What happens when two filmmakers who have shared an entire overseas and Indian market between themselves come together on ‘Sajid’s Superstars’? Well, it is time for some ‘masti’, ‘maza’, ‘dhoom’ and lots of humor, all on the same platform, as Karan Johar and Farah Khan get chatting with Sajid Khan.

Going by the tradition, we at Bollywood Hungama bring to you some Exclusive tidbits on what to expect from this weekend’s episode.

- When it comes to Karan Johar and Farah Khan, it is inevitable to leave Shah Rukh Khan out of the discussion. Both have always made movies with Shah Rukh Khan, their respective projects (My Name Is Khan, Happy New Year) which would soon go on floors are with King Khan as well while it is quite obvious that their future projects would feature him too. No wonder, Sajid goes ahead and quizzes both Karan and Farah on how well they both know their favorite actor and thick friend! And by the way, Farah goes on to win the quiz!

- In fact, apart from Shah Rukh Khan, Karan and Farah are also quizzed about each other. An interesting segment revolving around ‘how well do you know each other’, this one has resulted in some lighthearted banter as well.

- Both Karan and Farah have worked with a prominent film personality and then disassociated with them in recent times. While Nikhil Advani assisted Karan in his films before being given a chance to direct Kal Ho Na Ho, Anu Malik gave a chartbuster musical score for Main Hoon Naa. However, Karan and Nikhil split soon after while Farah looked at A.R. Rahman before finalizing Vishal-Shekhar for Om Shanti Om. What led to thick friends like Karan and Nikhil becoming bitter enemies? Why didn’t Farah have Anu Malik as her first choice for Om Shanti Om? KJo and Farah explain!

- Apparently Karan wasn’t too fond of Om Shanti Om while for Farah Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna didn’t really work! On being asked if this was the truth, both film makers, in their uncharacteristic humor, went on to oath on each other (in light humor of course) that they did actually love each other’s cinema!

- The favorite section of ‘Sajid’s Superstars’, the one on the worst scenes in the careers of the celebrity on the show, brings with it quite some fun in the Karan-Farah episode. Though it is expected that Sajid would grill them on their worst directed scenes, it is not quite the case as the prankster instead chooses to showcase their worst ‘acted’ scenes. So be prepared to see how Karan goofed it up in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge while Farah wasn’t quite her best in her Om Shanti Om cameo.

- Talking about the acting careers of India’s two most successful directors, there are also some little known facts revealed. Not many know that before facing the camera for Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge, Karan Johar had also applied greasepaint as an actor for television on DD Metro years back. Watch the episode to know more about this piece of history!

- Finally, when it comes to Sajid (especially with sibling Farah around), it is imperative that comparisons between the two filmmakers are made. This is why Arbaaz Khan goes on to put Karan in a tricky situation. He asks him - ‘Who in his opinion is a better director - Farah or Sajid?’

What was Karan’s reply? Well, tune in to Sajid’s Superstars at 8:00 PM (note the revised timings), Saturday on the newly launched channel Colors to find about this and a lot more!

SRK and Sushmita Sen in Dulha Mil Gaya

Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen's chemistry set the screen on fire the last time they were paired opposite each other in Farah Khan's Main Hoon Na. That was a long time back, 2004 to be precise. Now the duo would once again be seen together in Viveck Vaswani's film Dulha Mil Gaya.

This film has been long in the making due to various reasons. However, Viveck had earlier announced right here that the film is now 90% complete. The makers are even eyeing a release sometime around January next year. The film, directed by Mudassar Aziz also stars Fardeen Khan in a prominent role. Dulha Mil Gaya, apart from a stellar cast, also has some beautiful scenes shot aboard a luxury liner and in the Carribean islands. So that's one more reason to check out this film when it opens across cinema halls early next year.

SRK goes house-hunting

Shooting for Billoo Barber in Pollachi was not easy for Lara Dutta. The actress, who has returned from Delhi after receiving the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial award, says it was one of the most difficult schedules of her life.

We actors are quite spoilt as far as basic comforts go. Forget luxury hotels, there were no decent accommodations in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. It was just very basic."

Billoo producer Shah Rukh Khan is obliged to Lara for stepping in for the project when every leading lady from Bipasha to Ameesha turned him down. The actress reveals that he took charge of Lara's accommodation.

"When Shah Rukh got to know there were no proper hotels in Pollachi, he personally made inquiries about where I could stay. He found out about this super old plantation-styled South Indian home where we'd be comfortable. SRK himself scouted around personally for this place. He then went to the house and checked it out before we moved there. It was really sweet. No producer would do this. They'd make you stay in whatever was available. SRK was fabulous."

To add to her woes, Lara also found a huge poisonous snake in her room one day. "I'm not really scared of snakes. I've come across some in my time. But the whole surprise and excitement of finding one was quite something."

The worst was yet to come. Says Lara, "We couldn't travel by car or bus. We had to travel on a tractor. The locals had a field day watching me and Shah Rukh swish by, in a tractor. It was quite an experience for me to travel in a tractor in a sari, an entertainment beyond the screen," Lara laughs heartily.

All this roughing out was just what Lara's role required. "These things keep you on your toes as an actor." Billoo Barber was a first for Lara on many counts, "I had never worked with Shah Rukh or Irrfan Khan. It's essentially Irrfan's film. He's such a subtle actor, I had to change my acting style completely."

No clash between BILLOO BARBER and DOSTANA!

Off late there has been a lot of speculation about Shah Rukh Khan's home production, the Priyadarshan directed BILLOO BARBAR, releasing alongside Karan Johar's Tarun Mansukhani directed DOSTANA. However, as per our reliable trade and distribution sources, there is not even an ounce of truth in that.
Those who have been following our regular release updates will know that DOSTANA, starring Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra, is releasing on November 14th, Children's Day, while BILLOO BARBER (featuring Irfaan Khan in the title role) is coming on Diwali (24th October). And that is precisely how things stand as of this moment. So, there is no question of a clash between good friends, Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan's projects.

While on the Diwali week releases, the line up (BILLOO BARBER, HEROES and ROADSIDE ROMEO) no longer has the GOLMAAL sequel, GOLMAAL RETURNS, as it will now hit the screens on 29th/31st October.

SRK's back at it again

Shah Rukh Khan has been busy shooting for Rab Ne Bana De Jodi in Mumbai for the past week. But the King Khan's back is troubling him again so he could not shoot today.

A source close to actor says, "His back pain is giving him trouble again. He has been continuously shooting for Rab Ne… in Mumbai from 11th of this month. Today, we had a morning shift and he informed us that he could not shoot as he is suffering from a severe back pain."

Adds the source, "Last month he was hurt by a wrestler during the Billo Barber shoot down south. That time too he had to stop the shoot and took a massage treatment. He was advised to have rest after last month's incident. Next month we have to go to Amritsar for the next schedule of this film and then to US for Karan Johar's film for two months. So let's see what happens."

Shah Rukh landed in Mumbai a week back after finishing shooting for his home production Billo Barber. A two-day schedule of the film is still pending which is expected to take place on Aug 28 and 29.

In 2003, SRK was operated for a spinal injury in London and his disk was replaced. His back problem started in 2001 during an action sequence which he did for Shakti, where he did a cameo. He had taken many therapies in meantime which did not prove beneficial for him, so finally doctors advised him to go through this surgery. SRK recovered quickly and was back in action.

Both Rab Ne… and Billo Barber are expected to release at the end of the year.

The reason behind SRK's dignified silence

Much has been written about the Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan fight on the night of Katrina Kaif’s birthday party. While Salman has gone about town talking about their differences, SRK has strangely maintained a silence on the issue.

It was said that SRK chose to remain quiet because he was deeply hurt by Salman’s outbursts. However, the truth is that he has been nursing a back injury that he suffered during the shooting of his home production Billoo Barber.

A few years back (2003), SRK had suffered from major back problems and had to go through a life threatening operation for the same. Reportedly, had he not undergone the surgery, there would have been chances of his left hand getting paralysed. During the surgery there was also a possibility of irreparable nerve damage. Thankfully, the operation was successful. But he was asked not to indulge in any kind of exercise.

So when Farah Khan wanted him to do a topless item song for Main Hoon Na, SRK had to turn her down as he was not in the best of shape. But later, he made up for it by flaunting his six-packs in the song, Dard-e-Disco in their next film Om Shanti Om. SRK says, “Yes, I have a bit of an injury in the back.”

About his recent misunderstanding with Salman, he says, “I’ve nothing much to say on the issue than what has already been written. I have too much work to finish—Billoo Barber and Yash Raj Films’ Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.”

Shubha Shetty Saha, DNA India

King Khan in White House

Karan Johar, the producer-director of My Name is Khan was recently in the US location hunting. And also to apply for permission to shoot at the White House, the residence of US president George Bush; and other presidents before him.

If KJo pulls it off, it will be the first time an Indian movie will be shot on what's easily the only location in the world with the tightest security.

An industry source reveals, "Bollywood producers want to offer something new to the audiences. Snoop Dogg was seen in Singh Is Kinng, Sajid Nadiadwala has roped in Holly star Sylvester Stallone for his next, and Ajay Devgan brought in an action director from the US for Toonpur Ka Superhero. The makers want to bring the two cultures and cinematic sensibilities together for the better. However, in My Name Is Khan, the White House is not merely a decoration but an integral part of the script. The film is based on the problems faced by a Muslim man (played by Shah Rukh Khan) living in America."

Karan has applied for permission to shoot in and around the area. Even big Hollywood makers don't really get this level of permission easily. And if Johar pulls this off for this shoot, it will be quite an achievement.

The director, who just returned from the US a couple of days back, admits, "I'm currently working on pre- production. The story of my film takes the lead actors from San Francisco to LA and eventually to Washington DC. I am trying to figure out permissions including locations in and around Washington. I still have a lot of time till I achieve these permissions as I only start the shoot of the movie from February next year."

The spokesperson for the Nation Security Unit in the US says, "It's next to impossible to shoot anything in the White House. Especially if you are not a US citizen. One cannot shoot on the grounds. But various people have shot their movies outside the grounds (outside the gates of the White House) to which we have no control over."

Amul Sharma, Mid-Day

SRK - Ravi Chopra's new KOHINOOR

SRK didn't have enough occasions to make his presence felt in Ravi Chopra's BHOOTHNATH. But now SRK will be seen in a full fledged role in Ravi's forthcoming venture KOHINOOR.

As per the latest buzz in B-town, King Khan has been approached by the veteran filmmaker Ravi Chopra for KOHINOOR. Apparently Abhay Chopra and Kapil Chopra, sons of director/producer Ravi Chopra are planning to make their debut with this film. Kapil the elder son will make his acting debut while younger brother Abhay will make his directorial debut with KOHINOOR by directing him. The story of this action-pack flick would revolve around the famous Kohinoor Diamond.

Though nothing seems to be confirmed as yet from King Khan's side but if everything goes accordingly, than the film will have 2 lead characters of which one will be played by Kapil Chopra and the other one obviously by Shah Rukh Khan.

Now SRK Vs KJO

The hottest buzz doing the rounds in tinsel town is that Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar will soon turn foes, when their films clash with each other at the box-office later this year. Khan's Billoo Barber and Karan's Dostana, may release on the same day, November 14, 2008.

Our source informs that earlier, Shah Rukh had planned to release his film during the Diwali weekend. But for reasons unknown, he has postponed it by over 10 days after the festival gets over, colliding with his director friend's film.

Karan was looking for a good bumper opening for his production, being a solo release on that day. But SRK's announcement to release Billoo on the same day has raised many eyebrows in KJo's camp.

Billoo Barber, which has the same story as Rajinikanth's Kuselan, is based on two friends – one a superstar and the other a barber in a village. It has Shah Rukh and Irrfan Khan in the lead. While Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor romance SRK on screen, Lara Dutta plays Irrfan's wife. Billo has one item song featuring Kareena and Shah Rukh. The film is being produced under Shah Rukh's banner Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Priyadarshan.

Dostana is also based on two friends, played by Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. Priyanka Chopra and Bobby Deol are also a part of the lead star cast. The film has Shilpa Shetty's item number on Miami's beaches along with John and Abhishek. Dostana is being produced under the Dharma Productions banner and directed by his assistant Tarun Mansukhani.

King Khan Unplugged!

Shah Rukh Khan's hurt his back again and as he sat at home, he spoke at length about his health problem, and his life and times in general. Excerpts…

You have hurt your back again?
Yes, I am not doing too well. I am currently bed ridden as you can see. I forget I am 43 and I tried to do a fight scene and got hurt very badly. I hurt my back and my neck. The doctor is coming every two hours to check my state and monitor me closely.

You are still going on and on… aren't you scared of a burnout?
I truly believe that even after so many years I feel like every film is my first and last film. I feel that if this doesn't work out then I won't get another film to work on. So I do it with that desperation, that intensity and that passion. I want to die doing a film.

I think I should not be working so hard. But then I have been made to do something which has been written in my destiny and hence I continue working.

A lot of my friends tell me, 'We've been telling you for the past 15 years that you'll burn out.' But I feel I will not burn out because I am still very excited to wear make-up. In my life I feel that picture abhi baki hai mere dost. I have not completed the most beautiful film of my life yet and I hope the last shot I give is the best.

You try and give a message through your films… like picture abhi baki hai mere dost…
Whenever I produce movies, I always try to give a message.

When I was in college I used to play cricket and football and wanted to represent India in the national team. When I injured my back it seemed like the end of my career. For two years I was depressed but that was the reason why I joined the film industry.

Once I joined the film industry my life changed for the better. Whatever I am today is only because of what happened then.

Like a few years ago both of us - you and me, were young. You wrote something negative about me and I got very angry with you. We fought as you printed something about me because maybe you didn't like me and after which I didn't like you. But now you're making a documentary on me and I feel you must have seen something good in me. In the end we're sitting together after 10 years since that happened. Hence "picture abhi baki hai mere dost".

You haven't been giving time to a lot of your friends who are now angry with you?
There are those who think that I only work and there are some friends who feel that I don't get the time to meet them.

I do 2-3 films and it takes 200 days. I also do around 15 endorsements with an average of 3 days per endorsement, which takes up 50 days.

I also manage to do some 20-25 live shows - whether it's the Filmfare awards or the rehearsals, which take about 40 days.

I also spend two months on my television shows and their promotions. I take about 1 and ½ months break from work to spend with my kids.

So I run short of 70 days in a year and hence I have to work a lot more. In the end, I don't get to meet a lot of people. There are a lot of friends, a lot of people whom I can't give time.

How has your journey been from Deewana to Dard-e-Disco?
Actually to tell you the truth, when I think about my journey from theatre to television to where I am today it doesn't seem so long.

I was watching ‘Chak De’ right now and it just doesn't feel like it's been two years since we shot the film in Australia. Sometimes the children also pull out old DVDs and tell me 'look at how you used to look before'!

Recently I was watching ‘Yes Boss’ because my son felt that I can't do somersaults in the air. So I showed the film to him to because I had done a somersault in it. In the film I had somersaulted into the car like Jackie Chan does in his films. So I showed him that I could do it when I was young. But when I was watching the film it didn't feel like it was a long time ago, it felt like it happened just yesterday or the day before.

A few days ago when Juhi (Chawla) had come over with her kids I was just telling her that it doesn't feel like it's been such a long time since we did this film together. I wanted to ask her also if she feels like that.

What is the feeling after so many years of work?
I'll be a 43-year-old man in few months and I still wear make-up in the morning, so how silly is that? I do a silly job, but well, that's the job I love doing. I adore it.

Do your children like your films?
My son's favourite film is ‘Baadshah’. When he watches it he tells me that 'the special effects are really bad, Papa'. So now I have to make a Baadshah that my son will like.

You have also acted in remakes of films like Devdas and Don… Trying to prove a point?
When I did ‘Devdas’, I wanted to say something to the people but everyone had a different take on it. Some said it was ostentatious while some said I was copying Dilip Kumar, etc. The film belonged to another generation but as an actor it's my duty to bring it to the notice of the people of today. They must know that ‘Devdas’ was a great film.

See my ‘Don’ and know what a great actor Amitabh Bachchan was.

A writer has alleged that you lifted his story idea to make Om Shanti Om. Comment.
Farah Khan narrated the script of ‘Om Shanti Om’ many years ago when I was shooting for Mani Rathnam's ‘Dil Se’. I did not do the film then. Farah and I then worked on the script of ‘Happy New Year’ with Amitabh Bachchan. But Amitji fell ill and was hospitalised and we knew that film could not be made because Amitji had a lot of scenes in the film.

I told Farah to bring over the script of ‘Om Shanti Om’ that she had narrated to me earlier and said that we can make it. So there was no way how we could have taken the script from anyone else as the said person has claimed.

Even the Manoj Kumar issue became big and you had to erase a few scenes.
Manojji is a veteran film person and we respect everyone from the industry. We will do what he wants as long as it makes him happy. There was no intention to hurt him in the first place.

SRK-Farah's 'Happy New Year' in 2009

Farah Khan just can’t seem to get enough of leading a busy life. After directing Om Shanti Om and delivering triplets, she is ready to make her next film, Happy New Year. When she had made Om Shanti Om, the buzz was that she had only changed the film’s title from Happy New Year to Om Shanti Om.

But those were just rumours, as Farah is now ready to finally make Happy New Year. The film is likely to go on the floors in 2009 and will be produced by Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. Red Chillies recently re-registered the title, Happy New Year.

Farah confirmed and said, “Yes, I am finally going ahead with Happy New Year. We have made some changes in the earlier script. The truth is, I wanted to make Happy New Year before Om Shanti Om, but I wasn’t ready with the script then. Om Shanti Om’s script fell into place and things started to roll. So we made Om Shanti Om first.”

Needless to say, Shah Rukh will play the central character in the film. However, Farah did not reveal any more names for the film’s star cast. “I plan to have an interesting cast along with Shah Rukh. But, I still haven’t decided how many of the actors will be established and how many will be newcomers,” said Farah.

Farah added, “The first half of the script for Happy New Year is ready. Shirish (her husband) has helped me a lot with the film’s script.”

So what is Happy New Year about? “Oh well, I can’t say much about the film at this point of time. But yes, it will be my kind of cinema. I don’t want to prove a point to anybody. Happy New Year will be a commercial entertainer,” she said.

Farah is currently busy completing the script in her sprawling house at Seven Bungalows, Versova. “I am not going to exotic places to write the story. And while I am busy with the script, I am concentrating on my babies too,” Farah laughed and added.

Talking about her routine after she gave birth to triplets - Anya, Diva, Czar- six months ago, Farah says that she has not alienated herself from friends and relatives.

“I catch up with Shah Rukh and Karan (Johar) often. Recently, Shah Rukh was shooting at Yash Raj Studios and I dropped by to visit him with Anya, Diva and Czar in tow. Of course, I had also taken three of my maids, who I have for my kids. It was good fun,” said Farah.

Later this week, Farah will choreograph a dance number featuring Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and John Abraham for Karan Johar’s upcoming film, Dostana. She said, “Karan wanted me to do a song in Dostana. Moreover, I had promised Tarun Mansukhani (Dostana’s director) that I will choreograph a song in the first film which he will direct.”

The shoot will last for five-six days. “In fact, Karan made a very sweet offer to have a huge vanity van for me, with all the facilities, so that I can take my babies along with me. But they’ll remain at home. I’ll reach the sets by 10.30 am and leave by 6 pm every day,” added Farah.

Vickey Lalwani, Mumbai Mirror

SRK plays a simpleton and a casanova in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Shah Rukh Khan will be seen in not one but two different avatars in Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Sources reveal that SRK has two different looks throughout the film.

One role has him play a casanova while the other has him play a simpleton. The role is very similar to that of Amol Palekar in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Golmaal.

A source reveals, "The film is a romantic comedy and very light hearted. The first half has Shah Rukh as the casanova who's very stylish. He falls in love with the girl played by newbie Anushka Sharma.

However, after realising that she's a simple girl who likes basic things in life, Shah Rukh takes on the role of a simpleton. He tries to convince Anushka that he's a simple guy and cons her into believing that. She falls for him, and later he has to struggle to reveal his true identity to her."

However, this isn't the first time Shah Rukh will essay two different roles in a film. He's done double roles in Duplicate and even in Om Shanti Om.

The film marks the return of Aditya Chopra to direction after a hiatus. Recently, Shah Rukh had injured himself while shooting a scene where he was fighting a wrestler. It is learnt that Yash Chopra is also taking an active interesting the making of the film and is often spotted on the sets during various schedules.

'Still Reading Khan' becomes 'Shah Rukh Can'!

He is probably one of the most written about actor of the Hindi film industry. Yes, we are talking about Shah Rukh Khan, whose biography, 'Still Reading Khan', by good friend Mushtaq Shiekh, hit the stores in 2006 and generated phenomenal sales. In fact, the online orders were one of the highest ever for any category.

Well, for the fans of Bollywood's global superstar, who are craving for more, we have some good news. An updated version of 'Still Reading Khan', titled 'Shah Rukh Can', once again by Mushtaq Shiekh, is all set to hit the stands next month. As per Shiekh himself, there are going to be exclusive never before details about King Khan's personality, fears and dislikes.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book a copy in advance!

SRK goes Saif's way...

B-Town's biggest stars are determined to let the cold war rage on.

So while Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, Karan Johar and Kajal Anand went to Saif Ali Khan's birthday bash (with girlfriend Kareena Kapoor playing hostess) at Four Seasons in Worli, Salman Khan and his family headed in the opposite direction towards Subhash Ghai's party (celebrating his wife Rehana's birthday) at the Marriott, Juhu.

Says a guest present at the party, "The war between Salman and Shah Rukh is definitely on and so are the camps (check guest lists for Saif's and Ghai's parties). While Shah Rukh drove in with Sussanne Roshan (Hrithik's wife), Gauri and Farah Aqueel Ali (Zayed Khan's sister); Salman's brother Arbaaz Khan, who had initially gone for Subhashji's party, came to Saif and Kareena's party too, but much later.

When Arbaaz and Malaika walked in they sat in separate groups along with Amrita Arora and her boyfriend Shakeel Ladak, Atul and Alvira Agnihotri, Dino Morea and Lara Dutta while SRK, Karan, Gauri, Sussanne, Farah, SRK's sister, Shenaz sat in another with Kareena and Saif dividing their time between both."

The source adds, "It was a small, intimate get-together for friends and family with Saif and Kareena calling up people personally. It was a drinks-and-dinner party and everybody who attended had a rocking time! Kareena wanted to make it a special evening for Saif. It was definitely more organised and better than Katrina's birthday party, marred by the infamous SRK-Salman fight."

Adds the source, "Though Salman was invited by both Kareena (she's acting in his home production Main Aur Mrs Khanna) and Saif, he chose to stay away as did his sister Arpita and brother Sohail Khan and his wife Seema.

They attended Ghai's party instead. Kareena's best friend Amrita Arora went public for the first time with her new boyfriend, Shakeel Ladak as did Dino and Lara who came together. Kareena had also invited her Kambakht Ishq producer Sajid Nadiadwala but he was down with viral fever and couldn't come."

Here's who trooped in...
Imtiaz Ali, Karan Johar, Karisma and Sanjay Kapur, Sanjay and Maheep Kapur, Konkona and Ranvir Shorey, Kunal Kohli, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Soha Ali Khan Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Raju Hirani, Shabina Khan, Kajal Anand, Malaika and Arbaaz Khan, Sunny Dewan, Tanishaa.

UpalaKBR, Mid-Day

Shah Rukh Rocks Pollachi!

The sleepy small town of Pollachi, 40 kilometres from Coimbatore, has become one of the biggest tourist spots in Tamil Nadu.

Reason: The Baadshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan is shooting for his home production Billoo Barber in the picture postcard village, which has now become Kollywood's favourite location.

The Priyadarshan-directed film is a remake of Katha Parayumbol, which was recently made as Kuselan in Tamil. The buzz created by Shah Rukh, who plays the role of a superstar in the film, is unbelievable.

It's fan frenzy never seen before in Pollachi, where most of Tamil cinema's village scenes and Koothu songs are regularly picturised. People in fancy cars and mini- buses from Kochi, Trichur, Bangalore and Coimbatore have been coming to catch a glimpse of King Khan. “SRK has been overwhelmed by the kind of reception he has been getting from fans in Pollachi. In Billoo Barber, Irfan Khan is the hero while Shah Rukh makes an appearance only towards the climax and his scenes with Irfan are going to be the highlight of the film,” says a visibly excited Priyadarshan.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the entire area of Pollachi. SRK is at the top on the hit lists of terrorists and has been getting death threats. Nearly 100 policemen and a dozen of his personal security men are providing him security. The entire top floor of Sakthi hotel, where he is staying, has been converted into his personal suite, with special state-of-the-art security gadgets being used. Twenty bullet proof vehicles have been flown in from Mumbai for the star and his personal entourage.

And the introduction scene of King Khan in Billoo Barber is equally spectacular. As per the storyline, the superstar he plays in the film comes down to a small village for a shoot and subsequently meets his childhood buddy. To show grandeur and richness, Priyadarshan has flown in one of the most expensive limousines, an oak white Maybach, which only a handful of people in India have as it costs around Rs 5 crore! SRK will be shown moving around in the Maybach, which itself is drawing crowds.

Times Of India

It's SRK vs Khans again, as they skip Rani's party

The line of distinction between the Khans has further broadened after Salman, Saif and Aamir decided to skip Rani Mukerji's house-warming party recently as it was to be attended by Shah Rukh Khan.

Rani had recently thrown a party at her newly renovated bungalow but the Khan gang chose to stay away from the bash and only the King Khan was seen making an appearance. Speculations are rife that this has more to do with the Shah Rukh-Salman Khan spat, since Rani is known to be at good terms with all the Khans, namely - Aamir, Salman and Saif.

The bubbly actress has recently moved into a spacious new home which has been beautified by Sussanne Khan Roshan and Twinkle Khanna in the upscale Juhu neighbourhood and had been planning a house-warming party since long but had a tough time fixing it up all thanks to the busy schedules of all the stars Rani wanted at the party. But guess all that planning has gone into the drain with most of them snubbing her do.

Those who made it to the party were- SRK, Gauri, Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar and Twinkle, Farah Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Anil and Sunita Kapoor, and Sussanne Roshan.

Zee News

Akshay v/s Shah Rukh - The war has just begun

Those who thought that SINGH IS KINNG taking over an all time opening record set by OM SHANTI OM was THE war in the happening need to sit tight for some more time. And that's because this is just a beginning. Just a tip of the iceberg which could well be termed as a battle, the months to come would be a witness to a full blow war. And that's because between Akshay and Shah Rukh Khan, there are as many as four films lined up for release in next 6 months.
First to come is BILLO BARBER where Irrfan Khan is the central protagonist. In a role where his screen duration is believed to be lower than that of Irrfan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan could well call BILLO BARBER as a film where he is seen in a special appearance. However, Akshay wouldn't be letting off any steam in months to come since his CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is all set to arrive on full throttle before 2008 comes to an end.

Shah Rukh too would see some exciting months ahead since his much-in-news film RAB NE BANA DE JODI would bring him back with Aditya Chopra, who is handling directorial reins once more after DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE and MOHABBATEIN. Of course, the project becomes a major biggie just with these two names involved which would ensure that Khan and Kumar would have a 'kaante ki takkar' with the release of their respective films.

However, Akshay is expected to continue his winning streak with KAMBAKTH ISHQ, a project which brings Bollywood closer to Hollywood. A lavish affair by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film's shooting is currently on in full swing with the release timeline being the first quarter of 2009. Again, that won't be an end to the war since Khan's DULHA MIL GAYA is all set to release in the same period as well.

No wonder, it is going to be one intensely fought war over the next 6 months.

Billoo Barber's Assured Victory!

The race between superstars Rajnikant and Shah Rukh Khan to reach the theatres first has been won by the Tamil veteran. And now, there are fears that the makers of Kuselan will dub it in Hindi and release it before SRK's Billoo Barber, the Hindi remake of the same story.

But Priyadarshan, who is busy finishing the Hindi version with Shah Rukh, is unperturbed.

Kuselan, the Tamil version of the Malayalam super hit Katha Parayumpol about the relationship between a superstar and a barber, has made it to the top of the box office charts.

According to Priyadarshan, the original Malayalam film, written by Sreenivasan, is very different from both Kuselan and Billoo Barbar.

"Sreenivasan gave the Tamil rights to the producers after consulting me. Since they were very keen to make it with Rajnikant, we relented. But the contract clearly says that Kuselan cannot be dubbed into any other language. Likewise, my Hindi version cannot be dubbed in any other language," Priyadarshan told IANS.

"We have clearly put all this in the contract to avoid the kind of overlapping that was attempted when I remade the Malayalam film Manichithrathazhu as Bhool Bhulaiyaa in Hindi, and Rajni's Tamil film Chandramukhi from the same source was also attempted to be released in a dubbed Hindi version. I'll avoid this kind of clash of interests at any cost," the director maintained.

But the question is: Would the contract prevent the makers of Kuselan from finding loopholes in it to release the film in a dubbed Hindi version? If they do, would it affect Billoo Barbar?

According to a source, a dubbed Hindi version of Kuselan is being released around the same time as Billoo Barber.

"Not at all," asserted Priyadarshan confidently. "Only the climax of Kuselan and Billoo Barber are the same. Otherwise, they are two different films.

"See, like all Rajnikant starrers, Kuselan has been made to spotlight Rajni as a larger-than-life icon. I believe he enters the film riding a winged horse. Though my film also stars a superstar (Shah Rukh) as a superstar, I've nowhere tried to increase his role or heighten the impact of his presence. I'm not that kind of filmmaker.

"In Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Akshay Kumar made his entry at interval point. I'm making it very clear that Irrfan Khan and not Shah Rukh has the main role in Billoo Barber. My film isn't a platform to glorify the mega-star.

"We'd have wrapped up Billoo Barber much earlier. But Shah Rukh got busy with the IPL (Indian Premier League). Never mind. It makes no difference to our film."

Billoo Barber is scheduled for a Diwali release.

"If I wanted I could've rushed the release. But we're not in competition with anyone. And, like I said, the Kuselan makers are bound by the contract. They can't dub the film into Hindi or any other language," said Priyadarshan confidently.

Hindustan Times

Ministry dumps SRK, ropes in Aamir to promote tourism

The tourism ministry has dumped actor Shah Rukh Khan in favour of Aamir Khan for their advertising campaign to discourage vandalization of monuments. SRK was part of the campaign film but the ministry — which recently signed Aamir as a brand ambassador — will shoot new films with the latter.

Tourism joint secretary Leena Nandan said: "The film with SRK is two years old. We will be creating two new films directed by Rakeysh Mehra that will have Aamir Khan promoting our logo of Atithi Devo Bhava."

While one film will focus on the anti-graffiti campaign on the country's monuments, the other will be a behavioural guide for tourists.

Nandan added that the aim was to create mass awareness and the ministry will conduct out-reach programmes in schools, colleges, institutions and amongst citizens groups. The formal launch is likely to be in November and Aamir will be an integral part of the promotional drive.

SRK: The Politician

Two categories of people who dominate the newspapers and news channels happen to be politicians and film celebrities. Though there is no correlation between the two, on the eve of Independence Day we try to draw parallels between the two. What would happen if film celebrities enter politics? Who would qualify for which ministerial position? We give you a rundown.

Shah Rukh Khan – Finance Minister
Everyone knows how good Shah Rukh is at managing finances and minting money. Whether it is producing a film or getting the best from his movies and brand endorsements, SRK is the best. Even as all the teams at IPL lost money, SRK’s Kolkata Knight Riders rode awar with a profit of 80 crores in spite of not reaching the finals. He could best qualify to manage the finances of the country and change its fortunes overnight.

John Abraham – Sports Minister
One of the most athletic actors of present times, John has a penchant for outdoor games and will make it his ‘goal’ to encourage sports in the country. Rest assured we can expect India to be sporty enough at the Olympics in John’s guidance.

Aamir Khan – Education Minister
From being a considerate teacher in Taare Zameen Par to taking up the noble cause of ‘Teach India’, Aamir qualifies the best to handle the post of the Education Minister.

Sunny Deol – Defense Minister
The most convincing punches on Indian screen come from him. He has been saving the nation from external attacks in most of his films. Sunny can defend our country while fighting with the enemy single-handedly.

Riteish Deshmukh – Infrastructure Minister
Now there is no such post as a Humour Minister else Riteish would have been the unanimous choice. But not many might be aware that he is also a qualified architect. Jr Deshmukh could handle the Infrastructure of our country.

Shilpa Shetty – External Affairs Minister
Mrs Raj Kundra would vote for her first.

Mallika Sherawat – Information & Broadcasting Minister
We are not very sure about the information aspect but when it comes to broadcasting anything from her assets to her sexual appeal to her publicity gimmicks, Mallika Sherawat is a pro. Dressed in a burkha or not promoting her films, the actress grabs headlines without uttering a word.

Salman Khan – Health Minister
The man will make sure that every male has a well-toned physique. We just hope the country doesn’t go topless.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – Home Minister
Ever since she has entered the Bachchan parivaar, she has been managing the homely affairs with complete responsibility. She has also been making up for the absence of Amitabh or Abhishek at several social gatherings. Home Ministry is where she can show her political prowess.

Amitabh Bachchan – Prime Minister
The man ruling supreme above all ministers, Big B is the natural choice.

Amar Singh – President
In India, the President is not as much popular as the Prime Minister but is closely associated to him. Amar Singh is doing the same.

Gaurav Malani, India times Movies

Manoj Kumar continues his demented drive against SRK

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar wants his pound of flesh.

On Tuesday, Kumar filed two more cases, one for defamation and the other for cheating, against actor Shah Rukh Khan, his production house director and wife Gauri Khan and film director Farah Khan for ridiculing him in Om Shanti Om, which released last year.

On August 8, the veteran actor won his first battle when a sessions court imposed a conditional stay on telecast of the film saying it would not be shown on television unless the scene that Kumar had objected to is deleted.

Kumar’s advocate Ashok Sarogi said they have demanded Re 1 as damages in the defamation suit as “the reputation of Kumar is invaluable and priceless”.

In the application, Kumar had stated that he objected to the manner in which he was portrayed in Om Shanti Om. He had contented that a scene in which a character allegedly modeled on him — shown trying to enter a theatre but thrashed and driven away by the security personnel — had undermined his public image.

The defamation suit will come up for hearing before the Dindoshi sessions court on August 18, while the cheating case will be heard on August 22.

Kumar had filed the suit against Shah Rukh-owned Red Chillies Productions and Gauri for not keeping their promise of deleting the scene, despite assurances at the time of its release that the said scene would be deleted.

Kumar’s application had stated that after its release, when he had raised objections, filmmaker Yash Chopra — who was mediating between Farah and Kumar — had tendered an apology on their behalf and assured that the scene would be deleted.

Kumar, in his application, said the telecast of the movie would harm his reputation greatly as more people watched films at home then in cinema halls.

Besides, Kumar had also sought the court’s intervention to remove the ‘offensive’ scenes from the VCDs and DVDs.

Vignesh Iyer, Hindustan Times

Shah Rukh in the Witness box

The prosecution yesterday filed a list of 205 witnesses for the 11-year-old murder case of music producer Gulshan Kumar.

The list includes actors Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aditya Pancholi, Jackie Shroff, Chunky Pandey and Pooja Bhatt.

As per the prosecution's case, these actors had gone to Dubai to perform in a show organised by Shaikh Sarjahan.

But while preparing for the show, they came to know about the conspiracy to kill Gulshan Kumar. However, the key witness, Chunky alias Suyash Sharad Pandey, in his testimony denied the prosecution's case and was hence declared hostile.

After recording Chunky's statement, the prosecution did not examine the other actors. As a result of this, the prosecution failed to prove the conspiracy charges and the court acquitted 18 of the 19 accused in April 2002. Only a sharpshooter, Rauf Merchant, was given lifetime imprisonment.

The case has been adjourned till August 25, when the court will decide whether to examine all witnesses again or recall those who have already deposed.

Gulshan Kumar died on August 12, 1997, after three hitmen pumped 12 bullets into him outside Andheri's Shiv temple.

Charul Shah, Mid-Day

Sumo wrestler injures SRK

Shah Rukh Khan has sprained his neck after shooting with a Sumo wrestler for "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi".

SRK has been asked to take rest and that's why he has been at home for a few days.
Shah Rukh Khan would sport not just one but several different looks in "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi".

According to sources in the industry, King Khan has already shot for "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi"sporting different looks. One of the looks included a Charlie Chaplin style moustache.

SRK = Vivek, says Salman

When Salman Khan summons, you show up. His PR man wants me to come to Bandra for a quick chat with the actor. I rush to the suburban studio though I am warned of a long wait as Salman is shooting for his newly launched film. After what seems like an eternity, I am invited into his vanity van.

I take a seat opposite Salman, who is bare-chested... and smoking. He gets up abruptly and asks his boy to fetch him a tea. After he clothes himself, we settle down for a chat about his upcoming film God Tussi Great Ho, his girlfriend Katrina Kaif, his fight with SRK.

Excerpts from the interview:

Let's talk about your fight with Shah Rukh.
There is nothing to talk about, bro. Have I spoken about Vivek Oberoi? Why should I speak about him, then?
I see Shah Rukh and his situation with me in the same light as I see my situation with Vivek.

But if you bump into SRK, will you greet him?
I used to like him a lot at one point of time. But now things have changed. We have grown up. Now, we don't see eye to eye. I don't see any reason to keep in touch with him. If I am not fond of anyone, I will not pretend to be friends with him and then stab him in the back. I will simply tell a person like that to stay away.

Buzz is that you got Aamir and SRK together after the dog blog incident! Is Aamir doing the same for you? Also Sanjay Dutt says he wants to sit you and SRK down and sort it out.
Why would Aamir or for that matter, Sanjay, want to help me? Why would I want to help Aamir sort out his issues with Shah Rukh? I'm not a two-year-old kid, you know. It is our situation SRK's and mine. I think it is better the way things are. It is better to not pretend and act like close friends. I will not do anything to harm him as that is not in my nature. I will not bitch him out either. It's just that everyone is talking about it! Shah Rukh himself hasn't spoken about the fight and what went down but a lot of his close associates are giving stupid stories and leads to the media. Since the fight, I have been reading very, very negative articles on me.

What actually happened at Katrina's birthday?
Till now, what you've heard is only Shah Rukh's side of the story. When I see the situation getting out of hand, I will come out with my side of what really happened. There are too many people involved and as far as I am concerned, it was a private conversation. That is still one side of the story. I don't think that anybody should be disrespectful or vindictive; everybody has their own lives and their own destinies.

Amul Sharma, Mid-Day

SRK: The Master of Dumb Charades

Bonding big time on the Coimbatore sets of Shah Rukh Khan’s Billo Barber with the Bollywood Badshah, has been actor Irrfan Khan.

A kind of 'hatke' friendship has developed between the two Khans that traces its origins back to Delhi in 1986, when both were into theatre.

In Billo Barber, SRK plays a filmstar and Irrfan the barber. And Irrfan, whose run of films includes international exposure in Mira Nair’s Namesake and Brad Pitt’s A Mighty Heart, has come away from Coimbatore mighty impressed with Shah Rukh. “His humility is noteworthy, he doesn’t have any air of stardom, and he’s so much like any other ordinary guy that it’s an absolute treat to be his co-star,” said Irrfan.

Nights, after the pack-up had been ordered, was party time off the sets. And SRK, a game freak, taught Irrfan how to play Dumb Charade. “He’s a champion at it, I’m a buddhu, and even though I was sloshed, SRK took it upon himself to teach me this game,” recalled Irrfan. “In the beginning, I was an embarrassment, a total disaster, but by the third round I could do it right.”

He remembers seeing SRK for the first time at a play rehearsal in Delhi in 1986. “I was an NSD student and he was with Barry John. Somehow, even though it was dark in the auditorium, his face stayed on in my mind,” added Irrfan pensively.

Afsana Ahmed, Times Of India

I cannot be friends with Shah Rukh: Salman

Actor Salman Khan has had it with his on-again, off-again friendship with Shah Rukh Khan. Talking, for the first time about their public spat a few weeks ago, Salman says he can never be friends with SRK again. “I cannot really tell you what happened at the party,” Khan said when DNA caught up with him on the sets of his film Veer on Saturday. “But I won’t deny that there is a problem between us. There has been this kind of animosity between us for a long time. In fact, this is the third time we have fought. We have tried being friends, but it just doesn’t seem possible. We are different people.”

Asked if he would like to sort things out with Shah Rukh this time, Salman said: “No, why should I? Not interested. We are two different individuals. He may be a great person, but his values and scruples are not the same as mine. I can’t continue being a buddy to someone I don’t get along with. I am not the kind who would pretend to be great friends with someone and then back-bite about the person.”

The incident took place on July 16, at a party Salman had organised for girlfriend Katrina Kaif’s birthday at Olive restaurant in Bandra. Almost the entire industry was there, including Shah Rukh and Aamir Khan.

Towards the end of the party, when most guests had left, an altercation broke out between Salman and Shah Rukh, allegedly over their respective television shows, Dus ka Dum and Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass se tez Hain? SRK apparently stormed out of the party, with wife Gauri and friend Karan Johar in tow. According to sources, Aamir tried to intervene, but the two Khans were in no mood to make up.

Sources added that Salman allegedly compared his show to SRK’s and said despite his (Shah Rukh’s) being a superstar, Paanchvi Pass was not doing well. Apparently enraged by this, SRK passed a snide remark about Salman’s love life.

On Saturday it became clear the fight was indeed over TV shows. Salman was overheard comparing his show to SRK’s earlier show, and saying: “My show is not like Dus Karod (referring to SRK’s Kaun Banega Crorepati?) where there may be some ghapla. People end up winning phenomenal amounts. I would be the last person to support something like this. People in my show get out after having won just about a lakh, but it’s genuine...

Asked further about his misunderstanding with SRK, Salman added: “It’s sad but that’s how life goes. His way of thinking is totally different from mine. Doesn’t look like we can be friends.”

Shubha Shetty Saha, DNA India

SRK hires Security Guards

Indian Mujahideen, the organisation that claimed responsibility for the Bangalore and Ahmedabad serial blasts, had issued a threat recently to the four Khans of Bollywood — Shah Rukh, Aamir, Salman and Saif Ali — and that warning certainly made King Khan a little cautious as he had got at least 20 policemen and security guards to guard the premises of the hotel where he was staying as well as the location where they were shooting for Billoo Barber.

The cast and crew of the film, SRK’s next production venture, was shooting in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu for some sequences of the film when the threat was issued and SRK was not ready to take it lightly. Our well placed source from the crew says,
“There was a tight security cover where we were staying. There was a threat issued by a terrorist outfit then asking the Khans to stop acting in Bollywood films or face severe consequences and we were breathing a little sigh of relief looking at the protection around us.”

We got to know that choreographer Pony Verma (who has choreographed in more than 15 movies) was at Pollachi shooting some dance sequences for the film and we quizzed her about this.

She says, “There was security but I don’t know for what purpose.” Pony also shared with us some details about the location where the crew is shooting the film.

“The entire cast (SRK, Lara, Priyadarshan) were staying at a place which was not glamourous at all. It was a motel kind of a thing. Its name was Shakti Lodge. SRK had the option of staying at the place where Rajnikanth was staying during Kuselan’s shooting but he chose to stay with all of us. He said we’ll all stay together. We all were like the family,” Pony adds.

'OSO' on the chopping block

Court asks 'OSO' maker to delete scene on Manoj Kumar.

A sessions court today directed 'Om Shanti Om' producer Shah Rukh Khan and director Farah Khan to delete the scene ridiculing veteran actor Manoj Kumar before telecasting the film on Sony Entertainment Television on August 10.

Court upheld Kumar's application seeking either a stay to the telecast or deletion of the scene in which Shah Rukh had played a spoof on him.

Sahara Samay

Khiladi Challenges The King

At the press meet for Singh Is Kinng on Wednesday, Akshay Kumar when asked about the title 'king' made a crack at Shah Rukh Khan, who is better known as King Khan.

The Khiladi said, "I don't know why people call themselves King, because there has only been one King in the industry in the last 30 years, and that is Amitabh Bachchan. There is no other." This is one of the many potshots that Akki has taken at SRK in recent times.

It appears that Akshay, who has always been politically correct, is deliberately taking panga with SRK. Not just in his interviews but in SIK, which releases today, there are nasty comments aimed at Shah Rukh.

Says an insider, "There is a sequence in the movie where Kiron Kher asks Singh, 'Is King the one who has 10 countries' cops behind him?' (the famous dialogue from SRK's Don). To which Akki's character replies, "These dons are nobodies, the King is the one who is made out of 10-12 fake dons put together.'

There are other digs too aimed at Khan. In another scene, a guy is wearing a cardboard mask of SRK's face and gets thrashed by a crowd!

It's interesting to note how in the last few months Akshay has been bonding more with SRK's rival camps Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan. Kumar has become close to Big B in the last few months, and was part of their The Unforgettable tour in Canada. On Wednesday night, Akshay Kumar also shot for Salman Khan's show, 10 Ka Dum.

An industrywalla adds, "Salman and Akki share share cold vibes to say the least. They have tried to outdo each other when it comes to picking up movies and quoting their market price and not to mention their issues over Katrina. Which is why their coming together especially after the SRK-Sallu fight has added significance."

It is believed that Vipul Shah is responsible in getting the two actors together. The producer-director who is close to Akki, is also directing Salman in London Dreams. He was the one who convinced Kat and Akki to be on Salman's show.

The Akki-SRK war will get more interesting in the coming months when Akshay's Chandni Chowk To China releases in the same month as Shah Rukh's home production Billoo Barber.

Watch this space for more.

Amul Sharma, Mid-Day

Shah Rukh's Knights' Training in Queensland

In his effort to fine-tune the squad ahead of the second edition of the Indian Premier League, coach John Buchanan has planned a two-week training camp for the Kolkata Knight Riders at his home state Queensland next month.

Beginning September 20, the Shah Rukh Khan-owned team will take 16 promising players to Queensland in Australia, though the final list is yet to be finalised.

The Kolkata IPL team will play the Queensland first XI and a Queensland Academy of Sport team in a five-match series.

The Kolkata franchise, however, will be without its international stars like Australia captain Ricky Ponting and West Indian Chris Gayle, Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar and New Zealand's Brendon McCullum, team director Joy Bhattacharya told PTI.

"This is an initiative of Kolkata Knight Riders to give useful practice to its players ahead of the season. With Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence located there, we thought it's the best place to fine tune our players. The boys will undergo fitness regime under the supervision of coach John Buchanan," Bhattacharya added.

Asked whether team captain Sourav Ganguly would be a part of the touring squad, Bhattacharya said, "He's a busy player, we've to see all the international players availability. A detailed list of players will be released soon."

The Kolkata Knight Riders finished sixth in the eight-team inaugural IPL tournament earlier this year.

MSN - Sports

Now SRK's Mannat courts trouble

Another court battle is on the cards for actor Shah Rukh Khan. A PIL alleging 32 violations of law in the construction of his bungalow in Bandra was filed in Bombay High Court on Thursday.

The PIL, filed by social activist Simpreet Singh, sought the disconnection of water and electric supply to Mannat — Khan’s home, which is a landmark in Bandra Bandstand. It stated that the construction behind Mannat had been carried out by merging 12 flats, originally meant to house the poor. The PIL also alleged that the construction on the open space inside the premises was not permissible under law.

It was alleged that Khan was bringing up the structure in a space originally reserved for an art gallery. Also, as per the PIL, the land Khan’s property stands on had been wrongly notified as a liberal Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)-II, even though it fell within the highly restrictive CRZ-I.

The petition stated that it “stems from the grievance of the petitioners, whereby people holding substantial power and sway in the society are able to mould and then flout the laws meant for the society’s benefit for their own pecuniary gain.”

YP Singh, advocate for the petitioner said, “We will mention the PIL before a division bench next week and it will be heard subsequently.”

The PIL also contended that Khan, who purchased the property from Nariman Dubash in 2000, wrote a letter to the Chief Minister in 2003, seeking dereservation of the land earmarked for an art gallery within the premises of Mannat. Khan, the PIL stated, wrote in his letter, “Art galleries are not required in suburbs, and the same should be in the city.” He had also mentioned in the letter that a ‘Public Art Gallery’ on his bungalow compound would “disturb his privacy and affect his security.” In September 2003, the government accepted Khan’s letter and directed BMC to start the process of deletion of the reservation, the PIL added.

In 2004, Khan sought permission from the heritage committee to construct a ground plus six-storey structure on the land behind his existing bungalow, which was marked heritage property. The PIL alleged that the actor never told the panel that he had illegally demolished two heritage structures, which stood there.

The PIL further alleged that party respondents, including the ministry of environment and forests, state government, BMC, have all failed to exercise their powers and allowed the violation of Development Control Regulation, CRZ notifications, Environment Protection Act, 1986, and other laws.

Mayura Janwalkar, DNA India

Scriptwriter moves Bombay HC against Shah Rukh, Farah

A scriptwriter has moved the Bombay High Court against actor Shah Rukh Khan, director Farah Khan and others alleging that the script of film 'Om Shanti Om' is a copy of the one he wrote.
Ajay Monga, scriptwriter of films like 'Corporate' and 'Fashion,' has alleged that his copyright has been infringed.

Monga claimed he had given a copy of the script to Shah Rukh Khan-owned Red Chillies Entertainment in December 2005 and wanted Khan to play the lead role in his film, but did not get any response.

After the film was released in November last year, Monga filed a complaint with the Cine Writers' Association (CWA) in December, he said. But his application was rejected by the Association.

However, when he learnt that the film will be telecast on television on August 10, he decided to move the High Court.

On Wednesday, Monga's lawyer sought an injunction from the court to stop the telecast of the film on Sony Entertainment Television on August 10.

He pointed out that the satellite release of the film amounts to a fresh act of piracy and infringement of Monga's copyright.

Justice V M Kanade, however, has not stayed the telecast of the film but asked the parties to file their reply within four weeks.

Monga's story was that of a junior film artist falling in love with a superstar, who was engaged with another actor. At a point he saves her life. Later there is a rift between her and her fiance and the junior actor wins her over in the end, the suit says.

Press Trust of India

I can never say no to Shah Rukh, says Farah

Yesterday, director Priyadarshan confirmed to a newspaper that Farah Khan will choreograph a song for Shah Rukh Khan's home production, Billoo Barber.

It was especially surprising because Farah Khan bid adieu to choreography after Om Shanti Om. She announced that she'd not direct song sequences thereafter. Not even for brother Sajid Khan's films.

The new mom was shocked to learn that Priyan had confirmed that she was doing a song for Billoo Barber featuring Deepika Padukone and SRK. Says a source, "Nobody has even approached Farah to choreograph the song as yet neither SRK nor Priyan. Currently, the only song Farah is choreographing is Karan Johar's Dostana which was a long- time commitment given to director Tarun Mansukhani.

Another source adds, "Farah was approached but she excused herself citing her triplets as the reason. But the real reason she refused is Deepika Padukone. Khan doesn't want to work with her. Farah gave the newcomer a big break with Om Shanti Om but the actress hasn't kept in touch beyond a few SMSes. Farah doesn't like Deepika's attitude and being a very straightforward person, it would be difficult for her to work with her for 10 days and pretend all was well, so Farah passed up on the offer."

Although it is believed that if her good friend SRK asks her to work for his home production, she won't refuse.

Says Farah, "I can never say no to Shah Rukh but the truth is that he hasn't asked me yet. As for being upset with Deepika, I am too happy to be upset with anyone. If SRK asks me, I will do it and just for him. The heroine, director or music director don't matter. I haven't spoken to Priyan since the release of Viraasat though I appreciate what the film did for me. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander was my first film and Viraasat got me my first award. Right now, I am only shooting for Tarun's song. I want to spend as much time with my babies as possible."

Upala KBR, Mid-Day

SRK denies 'NO SMOKING' Rumuors

Asked whether he would give up cigarettes, King Khan replied with a terse “No”.The actor even declined to respond to a query whether the decision to quit cigarettes would come after a couple of months as stated in his interview.

Shah Rukh had reportedly told the leading Kerala daily Malayala Manorama that he thought of quitting smoking while he travelled 17 hours on a flight without lighting a cigarette.

“The idea of quitting cropped up during a 17-hour flight,” Shah Rukh was quoted as saying. “So if I can do without smoking in flight, I am sure I can do without it on land too.”

The Bollywood icon had also reportedly said that he planned to kick the habit for his children's sake. The interview was conducted at Pollachi in Tamil Nadu where the actor is shooting for Priyadarshan's Billoo Barber.

Shah Rukh also revealed that he had started smoking when he was 22. The star has often been ticked off by Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss for smoking in public as it would set a bad example for youngsters.

Times Of India

Manoj Kumar drags SRK to court

Yesteryear actor Manoj Kumar on Tuesday filed a case against actor Shah Rukh Khan, Producer and Director Farah Khan and Sony Entertainment Television seeking to delete a scene from the movie Om Shanti Om .

Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan had earlier assured Kumar that the scene, which makes fun of him, would be deleted from the movie.

However, this did not happen and the movie was screened in all theatres without the deletion of the scene.

Kumar has now approached the Sessions Court seeking a stay on the telecast of the movie, which is to be aired on August 10 on Sony Entertainment Television.

The matter will come up for hearing on Wednesday.

SRK-Farah-Deepika Come Together, Again...

The Om Shanti Om team - Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Farah Khan - will work together in a song for Priyadarshan’s forthcoming film Billoo Barber. Only this time, Farah will adorn the choreographer’s hat.

The idea was instigated by none other but Priyadarshan himself. “Although Farah started her career choreographing for me I never worked with her after Virasat. And now I want to bring her back from maternity leave and choreograph the SRK-Deepika number. Call it a lucky charm.

The Deepika-SRK song is special on many counts. It’s first song that Gulzarsaab has written for my cinema. I’ve been a lifelong fan of his work. My films are deeply influenced by him. To have him write one of my songs is a big honour for me,” said Priyan.

The song that Farah choreographed for Virasat (‘Dhol bajane laga’) has a strange history. As the lyrics for the song were not ready, Farah choreographed the number to another song from the same film. “This time, the lyrics and the tune are ready for Farah,” says Priyan.

If Farah’s smashing debut was courtesy Priyan, Deepika too was supposed to start her career with him in a film on music piracy. “But that never materialised. I’m glad Deepika debuted with Shah Rukh. Now I can use the hit pair to create some magic in Billoo Barbar.” The item song will be shot on September 14.

The race between Rajnikant and Shah Rukh Khan to reach the theatres first has been won by Rajnikant. Now the Bollywood trade circles fear that Rajnikant’s Tamil film Kuselan will be dubbed in Hindi and be released before Billoo Barber, which features Shah Rukh Khan.

But director Priyadarshan is quite confident about his film’s success and says, “We’re not in competition with anyone. Kuselan filmmakers are bound by contract and hence can’t dub the film into any other language.”

But will the Kuselan filmmakers not find loopholes in the contract to dub the film in Hindi? According to a source a dubbed Hindi version of Kuselan is being released during Diwali too.

The presence of a poisonous snake and heavy showers disrupted the shoot of Billoo Barber in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu recently. A snake entered Lara Dutta's room late in the night, but she managed to handle the situation and is safe.

Recounts her co-star Irrfan Khan, "Had the snake bitten Lara, it would've been disastrous. But Lara was sensible and brave enough to come out unharmed."

Apart from this episode, heavy showers have disrupted the shooting schedule too. Recalling the shoot, Irrfan says, "Shah Rukh simply had to leave for Mumbai and the rains just wouldn't stop.

And since Priyadarshan had to wrap up the shoot, we had no choice but to shoot in the rain, which was quite harrowing."

Subhash. K. Jha, Mumbai Mirror

Shah Rukh injures himself

Shah Rukh has hurt his neck on the sets of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, while doing a stunt scene. He’s taking a break now and isn’t sure when he will get back to work.

He has sent messages to Adi Chopra and Priyadrashan that he will get back to work when his health is okay.

When Mumbai Mirror contacted SRK regarding his smoking issues, he said, “Someone from the press asked me if I plan to quit smoking and I said ‘I want to’, like most people do. But, it’s not national news! It’s something that I have been intending to do for a very long time. My wife (Gauri) and children have always been against my smoking and I too want to quit. But it’s not that easy after all.

It’s definitely not like I have given up smoking yet, but I am certainly trying. Now if people see me smoking they will only think that I have gone back to smoking after giving it up, which is not the case at all.”

“I hope I quit smoking soon as I’d love to see myself acting with my grandchildren,” added SRK.
Earlier, when Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss asked SRK to learn from Aamir Khan and quit smoking, the actor had defended on-screen smoking saying it was a creative liberty.

SRK’s decision is bound to make Ramadoss happy. “The fact that one more person is going to be happy because of my decision to quit smoking makes me more happy,’’ added SRK in the interview.

SRK, who is in Pollachi for the shooting of Billoo Barber, being directed by Priyadarshan said he had taken the decision to quit smoking during a recent foreign trip. He said that he did not feel like smoking during the 17 hours he spent in the flight, nor did he feel restless without a cigarette.

SRK had started smoking when he was 22 years old. He has been smoking for almost 20 years now. Although old habits die hard, SRK hopes that he will soon quit smoking even though it’s difficult.

Ashwini Deshmukh & Gladwin Emmanuel, Mumbai Mirror

SRK to appear on Rakhi Sawant's show

Rakhi has managed to get a verbal commitment from Shah Rukh to appear on her chat show.

A source reveals that Rakhi bumped into Shah Rukh at Yash Raj studios where she was shooting for her film with Rani Mukerji and approached him.

It is believed that Khan immediately said yes to the actress. Rakhi knows the actor as she worked in SRK's home production Main Hoon Naa.

A insider says, "Shah was on Rakhi's wishlist from the very beginning and she sent him several text messages asking him to be a guest on her show but the actor ignored all her SMSes. But when Sawant pinned SRK at the studio, he agreed to be on her show. Rakhi confirms, "Yes Shah Rukh has agreed to shoot for me.

I am thrilled because I always wanted him to be a guest on The Rakhi Sawant Showz. Since he has been so busy with his films and other work, I wasn't sure if he would agree. But he did, and I am very excited that he finally said yes!"

Rakhi reveals that Shah Rukh later confirmed his presence on her show via SMS. "Shah Rukh even sent me a message accepting my invitation. I don't know the exact date, but I will shoot with him whenever he tells me he's free."

Now that she's got both Aamir and Shah Rukh on the show, will she also get Salman? "Definitely, why not? I would love to have all the three big Khans on my show. It's an honour to have them on the show."

Tushar Joshi, Mid-Day

King Khan Decides to Quit Smoking

Health minister Anbumani Ramdadoss might have failed to inspire Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan to quit smoking, but his children have certainly done that.

Talking to the Malayalam daily from his latest location in Pollachi in Tamil Nadu, where he is shooting for a new film directed by Priyadarshan, the Bollywood superstar has said, that he is all set to completely quit smoking in the next two-months for the sake of his children.

“I am going to quit smoking for the sake of my children,” a Malayalam daily quoted him as saying.

He added, “They hate me smoking. I find that as a blessing in disguise. If they had no problems, I would have continued smoking.”

Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss had earlier appealed to Shah Rukh Khan and other actors to quit smoking onscreen.

However, King Khan chose creative liberty to 'no smoking'.

“I agree with what Mr Ramadoss said. Having said that as filmmakers we should have creative liberties because cinema is all about make believe,” Shah Rukh Khan said.

Ramadoss had also said, that Shah Rukh should not have smoked in the stands while watching a cricket match in Mumbai.

“I think minister Anbumani Ramadoss will also be happy to hear that I am going to quit smoking. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see one more person happy because of my actions,” Shah Rukh said.

IBN Live

Shah Rukh Khan is the Best

Shah Rukh Khan wasn't joking when he sang 'I am the best'. Take the recent case which happened on the sets of his home production, Billoo Barber.

A source present on the sets said, "The film's director Priyadarshan was chatting with SRK when he casually mentioned about the dedication and discipline of some lead actors like Akshay Kumar, Govinda and Salman Khan.

Priyan also cited some examples about their professionalism and how they always report early to the sets. That's when SRK took up the challenge to follow suit."

When contacted, Priyadarshan, who is currently shooting in Pollachi, laughed and said, "I was casually telling SRK that Akshay, Govinda and Salman always come earlier than the scheduled reporting time to the sets.

At times they are on the sets even before me. That's when SRK took up the challenge of reaching the sets earlier than me."

And guess what! The very next morning, SRK who used to generally report to the sets by 9 am, was there at 7 am. Priyadarshan added, "I was on my way to the location when I saw Shah Rukh's car speed past mine. He reported to the sets even before 7 am."

Billoo Barber also stars Lara Dutta, Om Puri and Irrfan Khan.

Sallu reacts to his spat with SRK

The new concept of connecting to the audience through blog is becoming extremely popular amongst our Bollywood celebrities.

And the latest star to join the Bollywood bloggers is none other than Salman Khan. He started with writing about his show Dus Ka Dum and now he has once again resorted to blogging to express his feelings on his fallout with Baadshah Khan.

Post the fight, Salman had clearly told his fans not to believe in reports that will keep flowing in about him. Salman is one candid actor and so is his girl friend Katrina who is no more part of Shah Rukh’s Temptation Reloaded Tour. Needless to say, the decision to opt out of the show comes after the Khan war on her 24th birthday bash.

Apparently, Salman’s new blog explains that these things don’t matter to him. He laughs, “Ha ha ha... I told you...didn’t I? Ki Farak Painda Hai (How does it matter)...You keep whacking a stick in water, what will happen to the water? Nothing. If the person doing this does not know that, then what does one do? Laugh because it’s funny or feel sad because it’s sad?” He signs off.

Needless to say that Salman, who is a King of entertainment by himself, doesn’t care about SRK’s King Khan Status and is not bothered about all that’s being said and written about him. That’s what we call Salman’s Just Chill attitude!

India Times Movies

Shah Rukh's new Mannat

A few months ago, all the Delhiites were only talking about the palatial bungalow which Shah Rukh was planning to build at No 1, Jor Bagh.

Once the construction began in earnest, and the Mannat board came up, crowds were constantly milling around the bungalow. But SRK's spokesperson denied that he was building the house and around two months back the Mannat board was taken off and replaced with a new nameplate that says 'Sarins'. Goes without saying that the crowds dissipated in no time.

But the Delhi grapevine insists Shah Rukh has not abandoned his plans for a dream home in the city. Apparently, SRK has bought a huge plot of land in Panscheel Park adjacent to the plot where his in-laws, the Chibbs reside. It's not on a main road, so Shah Rukh feels it should be easier to keep the crowds at bay unlike the scene at Mannat in Mumbai.

I can't help feeling SRK is being a wee bit optimistic. Wherever in the world he builds a home, people are going to gape at it. Guess, there is a huge price to be paid for fame. Right, SRK?

Buzz18

SRK is the Highest Tax Payer again

Shah Rukh Khan will be the highest income-tax payer from Bollywood for the second year in a row.

He has paid advance taxes of Rs 27 crore till December 15, 2007, said sources, putting his income for 2007-08 at over Rs 100 crore. It is a glittering jump from the money he made the previous fiscal when he paid a modest Rs 18 crore in tax.

2007 has been a particularly prosperous year for Shah Rukh Khan, who has often called himself “priceless’’. He has not only had two mega hits under his belt - Chak De, India and Om Shanti Om , which he also produced - but also earned Rs 1 crore for every episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati .

In the income-tax stakes, SRK is far ahead of the competition. Hrithik Roshan, who paid Rs 15 crore last year, had no releases in 2007 though his endorsement list has grown longer. Aamir Khan, who paid Rs 6 crore last year, released only one film, Taare Zameen Par , and is known to have taken the distribution rights as part of his remuneration. He has paid advance taxes worth Rs 3 crore.

While Amitabh Bachchan paid Rs 8 crore in income tax last year, his advance tax payment until December 15, 2007 was only Rs 1.8 crore. Bachchan, who is said to have upped his fee in 2008, is no more among the highest paid actors but his endorsement roster is still a blue-chip one.

Among those who have paid a high advance tax this fiscal are Akshay Kumar (Rs 7 crore, although there have been media reports in the recent about the actor paying tax of Rs 26 crore) and Himesh Reshammiya (Rs 2.5 crore). The singer charges Rs 5.5 crore as a composer and actor. Abhishek Bachchan has paid Rs 3.7 crore (much higher than his returns the previous year) while his wife Aishwarya Rai has paid Rs 1.6 crore. Close behind Rai is actor Kareena Kapoor with Rs 1 crore in advance tax.

On the corporate entertainment front, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Pvt Ltd paid advance taxes worth Rs 70 crore. They have done the maximum buying of films in 2007 including hits like Om Shanti Om and Taare Zameen Par . Hindustan Thompson was next (Rs 6 crore) followed by Balaji Telefilms (Rs 4.5 crore), Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies (Rs 3 crore) and Amitabh Bachchan’s company AB Corporation (Rs 2.4 crore).

Eros Entertainment, which bought the worldwide distribution rights of Om Shanti Om for a whopping Rs 70 crore from Shah Rukh Khan, had deducted Rs 7 crore in tax deducted at source in this transaction alone.

Times Of India