Exclusive Report: Shah Rukh Khan To Sell Knight Riders

After dropping “Kolkata” from Indian Premier League team (IPL) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), actor Shah Rukh Khan has started discussions with Nokia, Sahara, the Anil Ambani group, and several other companies to sell the team he bought just over a year ago for Rs 300 crore, and exit the business.

According to sources in Red Chillies Entertainment, KKR’s holding company, “Shah Rukh Khan has been trying to sell a stake in KKR for some time now. But since most companies he approached also wanted management control, Khan is now talking to Nokia, Sahara, Anil Ambani and others to sell his entire shareholding.”

Khan’s public relations officer, however, said she would not be able to confirm the development because she had not met the actor.

None of those who have reportedly been approached confirmed the development. Sahara India’s communications director Abhijit Sarkar said: “We have not been approached by Shah Rukh Khan yet. But if he does, we would be happy to buy the team.”

D Shivakumar, vice-president and managing director (markets), Nokia India, sent a text message saying: “Shah Rukh Khan will keep the team.”

A Reliance Communications spokesperson declined to comment. “A lot of people negotiate with Anil Ambani. I cannot comment unless there is something concrete on table.”

According to the Red Chillies official, Khan wants to exit, owing to the team’s poor performance — so far the team has won only one rain-curtailed game under the Duckworth Lewis method — and rising costs.

“If the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) does not increase the number of teams for next year, Khan could get double what he paid,” said the Red Chillies official.

Khan is supposed to pay Rs 30 crore per year for the next 10 years. The total annual cost for the team is about Rs 75 crore.

Khan had earlier said that KKR was easily the most successful IPL franchise, making a Rs 13 crore profit last year. However, his costs trebled last year owing to interventions from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Cricket Association of Bengal.

According to initial calculations, Red Chillies had to pay Rs 90 lakh per match and was supposed to earn Rs 3 crore if all stadium tickets were sold at Eden Gardens. Red Chillies had to pay Rs 20 lakh to the police and municipal tax of Rs 5 lakh. So its expenses per match would have been over Rs 1 crore. But this figure had trebled.

Last year, however, Kolkata Police demanded Rs 2 crore as security fees, against Rs 50 lakh that the organisers of the IPL offered. Then, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) demanded Rs 25 lakh from Red Chillies as amusement tax for holding IPL matches at Eden Gardens.

To settle the dispute between Kolkata Police and the IPL organisers over the cost of security arrangements at Eden Gardens, Red Chillies Entertainment had to agree to pay Rs 75 lakh as security fees.

About 5,500 uniformed personnel and about 1,500 sleuths were deployed to secure the stadium and its surrounding areas, since many celebrities were expected to watch the IPL matches at Eden Gardens.

We need to change ourselves first: Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan, who flew back from South Africa to Mumbai to cast his vote today, shares his personal vision for India.

Need for direction
"We need to channelize the youth energy in the right way. We also need to be secure with our language and religion. If my religion is good, that doesn't mean I will make fun of a different religion."

Be the best to deserve the best
To change things around us, we need to change ourselves first. We have to see if we can be the best law abiding citizens of the country. And also take action and exercise your choice. Only then we can have the right to criticize or support someone who is aiming to lead the country.

One at a time please
We have to support the voting system, and give one best party a chance. Let it rule for five years and be accountable to us. Coalitions and alliances don't work. If they are insecure, it doesn't work.

A young India
I believe in the youth. I am a very positive thinker and I believe in the power and sensitivity of young people. I think the youth is going to be very sensitive to the changing scenario around the globe and will put their best foot forward in making the whole planet a better place.

Heart and soul
I am glad that our country is not yet mechanized and plastic like a lot of other countries around the world. We need to be proud of our country, in spite of the bad roads, potholes etc. Lets be proud of what we have, as there is a lot to be proud of.

Get the ideology right
The whole ideology of governance should be economic development and achievement of security and education. There is no other ideology or agenda - there's no relevance of Islam, Hinduism or Christianity here.

I will go to SA only if KKR wins: Shahrukh Khan

After a string of defeats suffered by Kolkata Knight Riders, team owner and Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan has decided not to go back to South Africa unless KKR starts winning.

The actor, who flew down to the city to cast his vote in the general elections, said that he will stay in Mumbai as he doesn't want to be a part of the "sadness" which follows every defeat.

"If they are doing well, I will go back otherwise, I don't like going back and feeling sad for the boys because there is a lot of talent in the team and a lot of hardwork," said Shahrukh.

The Kolkata Knight Riders have played fives matches out of which they managed to win only one match in the second season of Indian Premiere League.

"I feel very bad when we are not winning. I don't want to participate in that sadness with them," Shahrukh said.

His team has been dogged by controversies since the very beginning, be it the multiple-captaincy issue, or a clash with cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, or the tell-all blog written by an alleged team insider.

Shahrukh's latest comments are quite contrary to the sentiments expressed by him in his official blog, titled 'Keep the Faith' a few days ago.

"I don't know if the path we have chosen is correct or not...It's just a path we the Knight Riders have chosen to walk on and will stick to it, till the very end," Shahrukh had said in his blog.

SRK returns to India after KKR's dismal show - Video

SRK returns to India after KKR's dismal show

Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan returned to India from South Africa Wednesday morning and the visibly upset Bollywood actor said that he won't go back to cheer his team unless they win games in the second season of the IPL.

Speaking exclusively to TIMES NOW Shah Rukh mentioned that he won't go back to South Africa unless his team starts winning. He said, "If they do well I will go back. I am feeling sad for the boys because there is a lot of talent in the team. There is a lot of hard work to be done."

On the current skipper Brendon McCullum's run in this season King Khan said, "Brendon McCullum is fantastic. I just think he needs to get cracking with the bat. He needs to get out this bad run and come back into form. But then I think he will get back and get out of it."

Praising Sourav Ganguly's performance in South Africa, he added, "As always Dada is doing fantastic and very well. But the team needs to click together so as soon as they do that then they will win."

Knight Riders are having a lacklustre tournament so far with just one victory in their hands from 5 games. There have been talks of growing frustrations among the team members apart from a series of off-field controversies.

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For the love of my son! - Shahrukh Khan

There is now a boxing ring at Shah Rukh Khan's home, Mannat. No, he isn't practising boxing for a film or preparing for a match with arch rival Aamir Khan.

King Khan, who is into all kinds of sports activities, had a boxing ring especially constructed for his 12-year-old son, Aryan.

The boxing ring at the Khan abode has been made by the 144-year-old sports shop Wagle & Co at Dhobi Talao near Metro cinema. Owner Manohar Wagle says, "We have constructed a children's boxing ring on the play floor in Mannat. It was challenging because we have never done something like this for an individual before. We are used to constructing for schools and clubs. The space was smaller. We had to reduce the dimensions and the height of the ring at Mannat but I think we did a good job."

Wagle says that Shah Rukh's people contacted him and they had specific instructions of their requirement, "Actually Aryan wanted a WWF wrestling ring where the ropes are more flexible but at the time, we didn't have the stretchable ropes. We finally used a substitute that isn't as stretchable."

Now Wagle, who has lost contact with the actor, says he has managed to get his hands on the flexible ropes that Aryan wanted. "If Shah Rukh wants, I can put that in for him. I also want to Aryan's name printed and put on the four corners of the ring."

About Wagle & Co

The shop was founded by Manohar's great-grandpa, Raghunath G Wagle in 1865. It specialises in all kinds of sports goods and stuff like scuba diving, boomerangs, fishing rods, trampolines, as well as camping and mountaineering equipment. Wagle adds, "We heard that Shah Rukh was asking for a sports shop to put up a boxing ring but no one could do it. Then someone told him about us."

Wagle has photocopied and laminated the cheque given to him by the actor.

Exclusive: SRK sends back his Indian cheerleaders

Shah Rukh Khan has sent back the six girls he picked as cheerleaders, saying they could not cheerlead his team in South Africa.

The heartbroken girls, who won a much-hyped reality show, are back in India without cheerleading even once.

"We were told that people only wanted South Africans cheerleaders on the field," Sunanda, one of the six cheerleaders told Star Box Office.

The girls flew to South Africa on April 15 and say that they they were told beforehand that they will not be given the opportunity to cheer for the team on the field.

So were the girls given any money for their trouble? Not yet, but they're hopeful.

Rupali, another cheerleader said about the contract: “We were made to sign a one year contract which said that financial help would be considered only after Shah Rukh was back from South Africa, and that is on April 30.”

To promote his team Kolkata Knight Riders, SRK had staged the massive reality show called ‘Knights and Angels’ (NDTV Imagine). The purpose of the show was to pick six Indian girls who would cheer his team during the IPL matches.

The winners were: Sanna, Samyukta, Ritika, Ananya, Sunanda and Rupali.

The girls don't believe the reality show was just a stunt. “I don’t think that these people will spend so much money in a reality just like that. I am sure if IPL would have happened in India, we would have surely been on the field,” Sunanda said.

The six cheer leaders attended three matches which were held in Capetown. Sunanda says the experience, “was great… We were not on the field but we were continuously cheering for SRK’s team as audience. We were obviously disappointed but we also know that SRK tried very hard but things couldn’t work…”

Priyanka's boyfriend at SRK's bash

Everyone knows Shah Rukh Khan plans to return to Mumbai on April 30 to cast his vote. But a little birdie tells me that along with his wife, SRK has been planning to throw a party for Hollywood actor Gerard Butler.

Gerard who? Er... Remember that guy from 300 who has suddenly become Priyanka Chopra's 'good friend'? Yup! That's him!

Buzz is that Piggy Chops is also hosting a party for him at her Versova apartment on April 30. SRK's party will be the very next day.

It seems that Shah Rukh intends to invite his closest friends via SMS and hopes to keep this do rather exclusive. Butler is currently in Jaipur and is dying to meet King Khan again after having bumped into him in Dubai and LA. Well, who wouldn't!

Feroz ji was like a father to me: SRK

Bollywood is in a state of shock at the sad demise of veteran actor Feroz Khan. Calling his death a big blow to the industry, the film fraternity has paid tribute to his remarkable contributions.

Many actors have flown to Banglore from various parts of the country to attend the last rites of this legendary figure.

His brother Sanjay Khan, who reached Bangalore after his death, said, "He was a lion. He was a wonderful, passionate man. His contribution to the film industry is immense. It's a deep loss to the family. I can say that there was a lion who used to roar but today he is no more."

Even King Khan expressed grief and said that he was like a father to him. Shah Rukh said, "I miss Feroz saab a lot. His death is a personal loss. Fardeen had told me about his illness. I was emotionally attached to him because my father too died of the same illness. I still remember when I met him for the first time and he kissed and hugged me. Whenever I met him after that he always showered his love on me and treated me like his son. He is one of the most beautiful people I have met in the film industry."

Bollywood actor Arbaz Khan too said that he was shocked when he came to know about Feroz Khan's death through an SMS. "I convey my condolences to the entire family. It's a very difficult time for Fardeen and other family members. I am so disturbed after hearing this sad news."

Other actors like Celina Jaitely, Malaika Arora Khan, and Zeenat Aman have expressed their condolences on his death. Zeenat Aman has reportedly said that she remembers Feroz Khan as a legendary actor for his memorable and inspiring work in the film industry.

Will SRK return to IPL in SA

Shah Rukh Khan will take a break the IPL being played in South Africa to cast his vote.

Having politely declined earlier offers to join political rallies of any South African parties in the run-up to the elections there (it was won by the African National Congress), Khan will head back to India on Wednesday, with his family, wife Gauri and children Aryan and Suhana.

Khan had reportedly been approached by ANC leaders in Durban prior to the first IPL games there. SRK said he had warned his team that if they did well in his absence, he would return; if not, he would be shouting at them from India.

SRK's first ever blog on Knight Riders' official website

Shah Rukh Khan is the latest Bollywood superstar to enter the webspace with the launch of his personal blog on the official website of his IPL team - 'Knight Riders'. The following is Shah Rukh's first ever blog that he wrote after 'Knight Riders' were defeated by 'Rajasthan Royals' in their last match on April 23:

The beginning of a new day!

When the season started, I thought I would write every couple of days to all our fans that visit our site.

Firstly, thanks for doing so and a special thanks to all who believe in the Knight Riders and support us as a team. Apologies for not being a regular at my blog or actually not even writing the first entry with the start of the season. So here is the first one.

I thought I would start the first write up by detailing the threshold and culture of this franchise. That would have been apt if we hadn't started playing. Right now, as I write at 5 a.m. in Cape Town, having lost yet another game, which we could have won, the heart is heavy and the mind is numb. Full marks to Rajasthan Royals for proving that a true champion team does not choke at the finish line. Congratulations guys.

Since the commencement of this season, we have a trail of one win out of three, which is not a good position to be in. So at this time I will not get into why the franchise was started and what dreams we all have as far as our ambitions are concerned. All ambitions finally will get fulfilled only when the team wins and keeps true to the faith that all our fans have invested in us. Till such time, I am going to talk a bit about the game as I understand, which needless to say is quite limited. I will also talk about the role that I choose to play as part of the Knight Riders.

I treat this team as I treat my own children. I am quite a doting father and perhaps a bit too emotionally involved with all the things my team goes through. I feel like crying when they lose and go wild with happiness when they win. Throughout the tournament last year, my only concern was that the team members should not in any way feel sad or bad after the losses we suffered. If I could, I would want to take all the disappointments they face with every loss or a bad performance onto myself. As much as I try, I now realise that it is not possible.

This is a set of professional players and they seem to understand one rule that most of us cannot understand. And the rule is that this is a game, and one team will lose while the other will win.

If either the success or the defeat of the last match lingers beyond a day, it would be impossible for them to face a new match and a new challenge the next time round, with full steam and gusto. They gather the broken pieces, try and understand what could be done better and start afresh. Like a father learns from his children, I am beginning to understand this lesson too. Earlier I used to pep talk our team before and after every match, so that their morale would remain positive. As the year has passed into another, I now realise that these boys actually walk the talk; and I need to do the same. I am learning from this whole experience that the more I practice, the easier things seem.

The harder I run, the farther I can go. The more I pray, the less I feel the burden of performance. Also I am learning that after doing all this, there is no guarantee of winning everyday. So all one can do is to give it your best shot and leave the rest.

In attempting to give it our best, our team has taken lots of unpopular decisions. Starting with, the multiple captains to choices of whom we play in which match. A truckload of criticism from all quarters has been dumped at our doorsteps. Every time I go and sit in the stadium, I feel the weight of all the choices made. If we come out winners through this tournament, will I feel vindicated? The answer is no. If we don't perform as well as we should, would I feel we did the wrong thing? Again the answer is no.

The decisions we take in life, need not always lead to a black and white solution as in mathematics. The decisions are guidelines and beliefs we chalk down our path towards a goal. Sometimes we get to the goal inspite of the decisions and sometimes because of them. And there are times when all goes wrong. The strength lies in sticking to a path that you chose to begin with. As the journey progresses, whether that path turns out to be tough or easy, you have to follow it because therein lies your principles and beliefs.

Assessing how a ball should be played after seeing it at 1500 frames per second on your television sets is one thing…but to take that split millisecond decision, when the ball tears down at you, at 150 kilometers per hour, is another ballgame altogether. In retrospect things can be explained and faults and genius can be torn apart or praised, but in the moment that you have to live and deliver, a path has to be chosen and walked on, with complete belief that it will work out fine.

I don't know if the path we have chosen is correct or not…and that's why we won't feel vindicated in victory and neither will we feel ashamed in defeat. It's just a path we the Knight Riders have chosen to walk on and will stick to it, till the very end. I hope all those who believe in this team will walk along with us.

This is getting as long as a Test Match, and I need to end it. I can feel the first rays of the Sun beginning to break through. A new day is about to begin. The defeat still lingers thick in my mind…so I will try and sleep it off and start afresh again. I know my boys will do the same. We will face our disappointments head on with a smile and a prayer. I close my eyes with these thoughts from Theodore Roosevelt:

It is not the critic who counts;

Not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles,

Or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,

Whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;

Who strives valiantly;

Who errs, who comes short again and again,

Because there is no effort without error and shortcoming;

But who does actually strive to do deeds;

Who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions;

Who spends himself in a worthy cause;

Who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,

And who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly,

So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who

neither know

Victory nor Defeat.

King Khan blogs his heart out, defends team's decisions

Kolkata Knight Riders owner and Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, who debuted as a blogger on KKR's official website, has justified his team's "unpopular decisions".

The actor talks at length about the disappointment after his team's defeat at the hands of fellow Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty's Rajasthan Royals.

"Right now, as I write at 5 a.m. in Cape Town, having lost yet another game, which we could have won, the heart is heavy and the mind is numb.

"...Since the commencement of this season, we have a trail of one win out of three, which is not a good position to be in," the actor wrote in his first blog entry, which was posted soon after Kolkata Knight Riders lost the match to Rajasthan Royals on April 23.

Shahrukh, also known as 'King Khan', took the opportunity to talk about the multiple captain controversies, which has alienated some of the team's supporters with the actor himself accepting that he was receiving hate mails.

"In attempting to give it our best, our team has taken lots of unpopular decisions. Starting with, the multiple captains to choices of whom we play in which match. A truckload of criticism from all quarters has been dumped at our doorsteps. Every time I go and sit in the stadium, I feel the weight of all the choices made," said Shahrukh.

Shahrukh goes back to India to vote

Kolkata Knight Riders on their own because Indian law prohibits voting outside country

Bollywood star Shah-rukh Khan, who has caused a stir in South Africa while attending the Indian Premier League cricket tournament, will head back home this week to vote in India’s general election.

Khan, the owner of IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, will leave South Africa on Wednesday with his wife, Gauri, and children Aryan and Su- hana, to cast his vote on April 30.

IPL: Open letter to Shah Rukh Khan!

Hello Mr. Shah Rukh Khan
I have to say I always respected you as an actor as an individual what, I have seen of you. I also respect you involvement in you team but as am management student I have learnt that management control should be in different hands.

I have been your greatest fan even though I don’t have your hundreds pictures nor I have watched your movies 10 times each. But at the same time dada (Saurav Ganguly)has been a legend 4 me and your behaviour over it has been very petronaid.

Sachin himself said that Dada is the greatest captain ever India ever had(with limited resources),other than that his credentials as an player,he had yet again proved by making an comeback in the Indian national team after all the odds against him at the same time he was highest scorer in IPL-1, what else do you want?

I have heard your statements that its a team decision, but let me tell you that by your so called team decision you have disapointed all your fans, I am not a Kolkatan nor a Bengali. I stay in Mumbai and i am Sikh, I was your die hearted fan but not more.

Even if you win the IPL you have lost the respect, by digrading a legend. You have always been a politacilly right person and that what you all about. I want to ask you that why don’t you revert to Mr. Aamir khan’s statements, but when it comes to Sunil Gavesker you are up there. How can u do that when u know that you have zero knowledge of cricket when it is compared to Mr. Gavaskar.

In all I just have to say you one thing (as u call its going like a test match) respect a legend. give him great send off at Eden Gardens that all I want from you. At the same time, I guess that will make against all your decisions. Don’t mind bad of all what I have said, I still respect you as an actor, but not as an individual.

Thanks & Regards!
Inderdeep
Mumbai.

Inderdeep is a reader of DuniyaLive.com and above written views are his own and not of DuniyaLive.com. Inderdeep has raised some questions regarding SRK’s decision over Saurav Ganguly.

NGO protests Shahrukh smoking at IPL

The National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE), has protested against filmstar Shahrukh Khan who was shown on the TV screen smoking during an IPL match on April 21 in South Africa.

NOTE has asked the South African National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) to consider the issue seriously and stop smoking in the stadium during Indian Premier League matches.

"I chatted with them and sent details and motivation to the supersport. They are the broadcasters. I am soliciting an agreement that they will not show anyone smoking," Peter Ucko from NCAS has informed NOTE.

NOTE General Secretary Shekhar Salkar told PTI that they had contected NCAS to explore possible advocacy that can be coordinated in South Africa after King Khan was shown puffing on a television screen.

The NCAS in their reply has said that the Act which will ban smoking in sport stadium is not yet in force.

He said that smoking is not permitted in an enclosed area and if Khan does it again I am asking management to tell him that if he fails to comply they will remove him from the grounds, he said.

SRK's Dulha Mil Gaya in 'BIG' trouble

Vivek Vaswani's Dulha Mil Gaya seems to be jinxed, after the much delayed shooting thanks to Shahrukh Khan the movie is financial trouble now. Anil Ambani's BIG Pictures which had brought the rights of the movie has given up on the deal due to the financial losses the company suffered in wake of the ongoing recession.

Vaswani on his part plans to re-offer the movie to BIG Pictures and if doesn't work out look for another potential buyer. The film stars fardeen khan and Sushmita in the lead and has a Special role by Shahrukh. Sources close to Vaswani say that some of the sequences with Shahrukh are still pending as King Khan is in South Africa promoting his team in the ongoing Indian Premiere League.

Dada is a dude for Knight Riders: Shah Rukh

Durban: Sourav Ganguly may no longer be the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, but team owner Shah Rukh Khan feels the former Indian skipper is still a "dude" and pivotal in the side's scheme of things in the on-going IPL.

"Dada is fantastic and there is no two ways about it. He does not need to prove it to anyone how great as a player he is. We know it in KKR. He's the main cog of our team. He's the guy the team centres around," Shah Rukh said in praise of Ganguly.

"(Brendon) McCullum, (Chris) Gayle, Brad (Hodge), David (Hussey), Ishant (Sharma), (Ashok) Dinda, Laxmi Ratan (Shukla) all feel the support from him, feel his intelligence, feel his winning ways. Dada is a dude," said the Bollywood superstar.

Shah Rukh also felt that Ganguly's two wickets for 24 runs tilted the match in his team's favour against Kings XI Punjab.

"Against Kings XI Punjab he was amazing with those couple of wickets. When Dada came on and got those two early wickets it changed the match in our favour and after that also he sort of kept them quiet and scared. I think that made a lot of difference," he was quoted as saying by IPL official website.

Shah Rukh said it was too early to start celebrating after his team posted its first win in two games by beating Kings XI Punjab.

"It's good for the team that it has started coming together. Our top-order whether it's Ishant Sharma (in bowling) or Sourav Ganguly, Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle (batting) all are coming good together. We did not play too hot on the first day. I think the first match would be considered as a practice match and we are working on the mistakes committed on day one. The team is working together and that's what makes me feel a little more firm and good. But there is still a long way to go," he said.

Shah Rukh had a tough choice when asked who he thinks is bigger hitter between Chris Gayle or Brendon McCullum. "It is very difficult to say that. With Gayle we have a bet that he has to send one ball from South Africa to Kolkata and with McCullum we have that he has to send one back to New Zealand. We'll find out who is going to win. "I think both have their different strengths. Gayle has this timing and strength, McCullum has all timing and bliss.

McCullum is more like (Virender) Sehwag who times the ball whereas Gayle has got this strength like Yuvraj Singh. You can't really choose between them, they are both fantastic and when they both get going it is fantastic to watch."

All's fair in love and cricket, says Shilpa

But match against friend Shah Rukh's team will be emotionally difficult for her

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty whose co-owned Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals faces her friend and superstar Shah Rukh Khan's team Knight Riders in Cape Town on Thursday (April 23), says "all's fair in love and cricket" despite it being a "difficult" match emotionally.

"We play on the 23rd in Cape Town against the Knight Riders, that will be a difficult one, not the match but the emotion... it's terrible to play against a friend's (Shah Rukh Khan) team but all's fair in love and cricket, I guess," Shilpa posted on her blog on Wednesday (April 22) from South Africa.

"Hope we have luck on our side this time... I've realised winning in this format (Twenty20) of the game has a lot to do with luck as well," she added.

Knight Riders hit by mental blog

CAPE TOWN: Shah Rukh Khan has spent a lot of money building up PR for Kolkata Knight Riders. He’s hired the right firms, been out there in the public just about all the time; there’ve been parties, press conferences, cheerleaders, music and almost all the right kind of bytes given by the superstar himself.

Yet, he’s a troubled man. That’s not just because KKR got off to bad start or that relations between ex-captain Sourav Ganguly and coach John Buchanan continue to be strained. It’s mainly got to do with an unknown blogger - who claims to be a KKR team member - bent on letting the cat out of the bag all the time.

The blogger - calling himself Fake IPL Player - is sure he’ll never be a part of the playing XI. "But, there’s one thing I do very well. Serve drinks. And that’s what I am expecting do in South Africa," he writes.

Evidently, he’s doing much more. The day begins with posts on what KKR did at the breakfast table to what Khan had to say to his team, who listened, who smirked, what the coach did the whole day, how’s Ganguly coping with lost captaincy and of course, what the rest of the teams and their players have been up to.

The blogger uses names coined by him to refer to these people. So the pieces are about "our megalomaniac owner", Badshah d****, Coachie, Skipper (Brendon McCullum), Calypso King (Chris Gayle), Lord Almighty or Lordie (a former skipper) and fast bowlers Kaan Moolo and Little John.

Then there are non-KKR personalities like a commentator, Kishen Kanhaiyya, a star batsman, Prince of Patiala and a pacer, Appam Ch*****, among others.

KKR camp slams ‘poison-pen’ blog

An unknown blogger who claims to be a Kolkata Knight Riders team member is letting out what he claims to be KKR team news, giving co-owner Shah Rukh Khan a big headache.

The blogger claims to bring "news" straight from the dressing room. Sample: "Lordie ( a former skipper) took over the match briefing, and boy, was he charged up or what. He just let loose, telling the boys what is expected of them - imagine the slowest member of the team chastizing guys twice as fast on matters such as agility, speed and throwing."

The blog has become such a rage that almost all players in the tournament are clued in, wanting to know who partied where the last night, who went out with whom, and so on.

There’s more. The blogger claims that there’s now a ‘witch-hunt’ to nab him within the next 24 hours and he’s convinced that that will just not be possible.

The team seems to be rattled. Kolkata Knight Riders arrived in Cape Town on Thursday morning for their match against Team Jaipur on Friday.

However, on Thursday, at least till late afternoon, there wasn’t a clue what the team was up to. No training session, no press conference. None of the players or officials were seen moving out of their hotel rooms. Phones were either switched off or put on voice mail.

There was just a buzz that there’d be a team meeting presided over by SRK. But that remained a buzz till the time of going to press.

KKR CEO Joy Bhattacharya has called the blog "poison-pen writing of the dirtiest variety". According to him, there are far too many factual errors and far too little information or insight for the writer to successfully pretend to be a KKR member.

The KKR management’s response itself has provoked several pieces. Like this one: "In Cape Town. Laptops hv bn banned. I’net removed fm rooms. But posts wl continue thru SMS, relayed by my bro in India."

There’s serious gossip doing the rounds not just within the KKR camp but among other teams as well.
There are rumours that there’s quite a bit of infighting inside the team and that a few players and coach and the owner don’t see eye to eye. One of the blogs says how Ganguly is waiting for that one big knock to get back at SRK.

The latest one also talks about senior players being questioned about the blog.

So, who’s Fake IPL Player? That’s now a subject of intense speculation. Is he actually a KKR member or just faking it? The blogger describes himself as a "perennial no hoper" Ranji cricketer who bowls and bats a bit, and fields "like a maniac". There are several personal references - but these could well be red herrings.

SRK defends his Knight Riders!

Passion could well be Shah Rukh Khan’s middle name.

Be it his films or his IPL franchisee Knight Riders, SRK puts his mouth where his heart is. Like in this interview to BT hours after the Knight Riders scored their first points in IPL-II on Tuesday, after winning against Kings XI Punjab courtesy the Duckworth-Lewis method.

The turning point in that match, feels SRK, was that the entire team got into the act. “Dada getting quick wickets, Ishant Sharma doing his bit, and then Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum coming out and batting like that, it was heartening to see the team supporting one another,” says SRK. But even as he states that the Knight Riders were “deserving winners”, he admits that the Knights are also “spirited losers”. “We were cold at the start of the tournament,” SRK says it as it is, when asked about the team’s dismal first performance against Team Hyderabad, “but the first few matches are all about team building and team strengthening, and we’re getting there.”

Over to the team. Is there additional pressure on the Knights to perform, considering the team has been mired in controversies from the start? “What everyone says need not always be true. We have a thought process behind our decisions, be it the multi-captain theory or the change of captain. We aren’t bothered by controversy, in fact, it brings us closer, binds us more, when the world puts us down, we find confidence and support in each other. We stick to what we believe in, we Knights are married to each other,” says the ever-positive Khan.

The Knights will play against last year’s champs Team Rajasthan today, tough match? “Each match is tough, because the pitches are unknown to us. But we’ll give Shane Warne and his team an entertaining fight!” promises SRK.
But the Bollywood star has a peculiar dilemma — he was born in Delhi, works in Mumbai and owns a Kolkata franchisee — how does he balance his loyalties?

“Kolkata is my playground, Mumbai, my home. It just shows I’m a true Indian, a walking, talking epitome of being a true Indian!” he laughs. But despite being the owner of the team, SRK knows when to step back and let others do the talking.

“When it comes to cricket, I am also an outsider. I let those who know the game make the decisions. I don’t know if a decision is good or bad, but I will support it nonetheless. I treat my team like I treat my children, and fans should support us in good times and bad. It should be from the heart...”

No wonder, then, that King Khan is their Knight in shining armour!

Insider leaks KKR information on blog

Shah Rukh Khan is not going to be a happy person for too long; especially since an anonymous blogger seems to be telling the world what’s happening in the green room.

The blogger is penning down details of team strategy, happenings at the team meeting and gossip in the dressing rooms and other private circles.

The blog’s authenticity hasn’t been proven yet. The writer writes using either code names for the players (Lord Almighty for Saurav Ganguly, Sheikh of the Tweak for Shane Warne).

The management has condemned the poison pen writer and hopes to bring a stop to his posts soon.

I cry when KKR loses: SRK

Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Rider co-owner Shah Rukh Khan says his involvement with the Knight Riders team is intense and that he cries on nights when they lose.

"I feel disturbed when things go wrong, I cry when my films go wrong, and even here at the IPL I cry very, very often," King Khan said.

He said his fans in Kolkata should realise that "compared to movies, more things can go wrong in cricket." He asked for their patience, saying that "my dream is to come to Kolkata on a barge and bring the cup with me."

For that to happen, he said, the team needed "ten crore positive sentiments from all the Bongs and Bengalis out there."

He said he would even give new steps for his team's 'Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo' war cry. But "along the way if we go wrong, please pray for us," he said.

SRK said that he received "strange hate mail for decisions that he took for the team," and that he would like at some point to "go to each house and explain" what he was doing. He said "it's not unfair for fans to expect that, as professionals, we do well all the time," but they must also understand that there would be win and loss in a sport, "much more than in a movie."

Of the emotional nature of Kolkata's people he said: "Kolkatans are lovers one night and angry men on others."

Having dropped Sourav as his captain, SRK batted for him by saying that "Dada was always hot."

"Instead of bad-ass, I'm going to rename him Dad-ass" he quipped.

"I want everyone who has derided him to know that he's the greatest player in the country and the greatest player in the team," said SRK. He praised his other star batsman Chris
Gayle, saying that he had a deal with him to lose as many balls as he could outside the park.

Talking of the Bollywood babes in the IPL, Preity and now also Shilpa, SRK said that he loved women and would not fight them. "My son does that because he's young enough to do that," he said. "but if they were guys I would set them right. I don't fight with girls."

He pointed out that both Shilpa and Preity had debuted in Bollywood opposite him.

Exclusive: Shah Rukh Khan on his Knights

Kolkata Knight Riders have registered their first win in IPL season 2 and team owner Shah Rukh Khan now wants to put all the controversies behind and concentrate on cricket. He spoke to Vimal Kumar after the victory celebrations.

SRK: It's going to be difficult at times. People are not going to understand from outside. All I can tell you is: "You can love us, you can hate us, but you can't ignore us. We will try our best as humbly as possible. We will try and entertain everyone. We are open to be talking about the team the way we wish to. We love you and we are going to try our best. Whichever the part of the country you are in, make sure you are proud of Kolkata Knight Riders."

Q: IPL is shifted to South Africa. Rain is playing spoilsport. Your take on that

SRK: Weather is not something that even I can control or, you can control. It's unfortunate. But apparently, it is not seasonal rain here, either. So things happen like this. When the moment is big, the occasion is really important, small things can spoil it. But the idea was the IPL2 should be held. So forget the rain. Whenever it rains we just sing a good rain song. But beyond that, yes it's unfortunate. I feel sad that some of the matches are getting curtailed because of rain.

Q: You must be feeling happy that your team has started winning.

SRK: I don't think we have started winning. We have twelve more matches to go. I can't be happy so soon. But I am very happy that the team has started playing together. And inshe allah... as we go along the next twelve matches we will play together. As long as we play together, winning or losing is not important. I think if we are able to bring the spirit of the Kolkata Knight Riders into this, that is more important. So I am happy for the kids. I think they were very depressed after losing the first match. I am happy that they are happy now. But a long way to go.

SRK's KKR '09 Sprite Ad Shoot

King Khan’s children get special IPL chutti

As we put on our TV sets to watch the Indian Premiere League season 2’s matches of Shah Rukh Khan owned Kolkata Knight Riders we can also see Khan’s two kids Aryan (11) and Suhana (8) cheering for their team in South Africa. But it is learnt that they have been given special exemption to attend these matches and bunk the special classes of their school - Dhirubhai Ambani School.

Our source reveals, "Last IPL, the King Khan’s children, especially son Aryan was a regular feature in most of the KKR matches. But since the matches were held in India it was easily possible for their superstar dad to take them to the match venues. This year as the venue has shifted to South Africa, it seemed difficult that SRK would manage to take them along. Also since their school was holding special classes delaying their summer vacation. But Shah Rukh apparently applied for a special permission and the school gave his kids five days of holiday as a special case.”

In Pics: Shahrukh Khan in Durban

SRK and Aamir in Coke ad

Even though they are in regular war of words and have no plans of doing films together Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan could soon be seen together endorsing Coca Cola. Pepsi had recently dumped Shahrukh after a decade long association as it thought SRK being at the wrong side of 40 did not appeal to the youth. In its last 'Youngistan' campaign SRK was given a small role as compared to that of love birds Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.

Shahrukh however isn't the star to sit home and look for an endorsement deal. Pepsi's biggest rival Coca Cola saw this as a huge opportunity and pounced on King Khan. Shahrukh even roped in Kolkata Knight Riders's star Saurav Ganguly and his team to endorse Sprite which is a Coke product. Aamir on has been associated with Coke for quite some time. Now the Cola giant has plans to cast both Aamir and Shahrukh in the same commercial.

“SRK is the biggest star we have on planet earth”- Mushtaq

Mushtaq Shiekh needs no introduction, the journalist turned author has already penned books like Still Reading Khan, The Making of Ashoka and The Making of Om Shanti Om. He has also written the screenplay for movies like Om Shanti Om and Billu and television scripts for soaps like Kahin Toh Hoga, K Street Pali Hill, Kya Haadsa Kya Haqeeqat. In an exclusive interview with Oneindia's Subhadeep Bhattacharjee, Mushtaq talks about his latest book Shah Rukh Can and his future plans.

You have earlier worked on Shahruk's life in 'Still Reading Khan', 'The Making of Ashoka' and 'The Making of Om Shanti Om'. Why Shahrukh Khan again?
Why not Shahrukh Khan again? That is a more important question. He is the biggest star we have on planet earth…the there is an unquenchable appetite to know more about him. With every passing day the number of his fans is increasing. Not to mention the other important fact that my proximity or access to the man makes things much easier and possible to do. So when all these factors come to together you get the magic formula of writing books and books on Shahrukh Khan and doing it successfully.

What is the main theme behind this book. Is it a sequel to Still Reading Khan?
Shah Rukh Can is a revised updated version of Still Reading Khan. There are a thousand things plus one that he has managed to do between after the first edition was published which have been added to this particular edition.

Besides the earlier one was a huge coffee table book, that weighed heavily on one's bookshelves (4 kgs) and purse too. Therefore, the decision to bring out the book in a paperback format, so that every fan of his would be able to buy one. This version is my offering to the youth of this country who complained to me after my first book was released that I was being unfair to them and they could not afford to read my earlier book and that it was way past their pocket money. This would reach them all and more at a affordable price of Rs 399. Certainly a throw away price to take Shahrukh Khan home.

What do you think is one part of Shahrukh's life this book focuses which none of your earlier books did?
The other books were about the movies Asoka, OSO, they were movie-specific and not necessarily just about Shahrukh. In our movie industry we never had anyone recording history so that the coming generations know what happened to the making of these movies. Like today when I want to know how Kagaz Ke Phool was made I find it next to impossible to get the details. We have scant respect for our movie history. I began the whole culture of catching contemporary cinema in pages so that we have the information stored forever. The response from readers has been over whelming and I intend to keep doing it. Shah Rukh Can is a biography which covers every part of Shahrukh's life, personal and professional with lesser known facts about the man, that everyone seems to have missed over the years.

You have known Shahrukh for a long time. What is the difference you find between the Shahrukh you met for the first time and today's King Khan?
I have always maintained that stardom and super stardom has an unsaid factor of corrupting people. But when it fails to do so, the person who passes the litmus test becomes extraordinary. Shahrukh Khan is one such person. In fact the super success has gone the other way to his head. He has become far more mellow and responsible with the super success. He is no longer audacious and irresponsible. He is far more in control and saner I must add. Why do you think he is my muse for almost all my books?

A tabloid carried a story on that you and Shahrukh had fallen apart. How did you react to that?
I do not react to tabloids. I however did write on my blog http://www.shiekhspear.blogspot.com/ so that readers and friends who were concerned got to know the truth. Tabloids are better left doing their job...they are great as toilet paper but when the whole fourth estate gets a bad name because of some inept people I get disturbed because after all even I started my career as a journalist …Anyway peace be on all who write such tripe…after all they will have to pop pills to sleep at nights to…for as mischief mongers burn in hell.

Do you think there runs a conspiracy in Bollywood to defame successful stars like Shahrukh Khan?
There is no conspiracy in Bollywood. Like in any other profession there are minor differences in thought and attitude which is played up the media because quite frankly, that is how they reel in their readers and viewers. It’s all part of the Circus. After all is there is a price of fame that this is it. This is it. This is it.

You had penned the screenplay of Om Shanti Om and Billu. What is happing with your career as a screenplay writer?
Right now I working on Shahrukh Khan’s next film Ra.One with director Anubhav Sinha. It’s a film on a very huge canvas. Cinema as big as it can get. I am very thrilled about. With the television serials, the biggest film of the next year, and two fiction novels, I can’t be asking for more work. Totally tied up till 2013…ha ha.

Do you plan to write on any other Bollywood star?
At this moment I am more interested in fiction and not on any particular film star. But yes if there is anyone who I could try to visit in pages after Shahrukh Khan then it would be Hrithik Roshan. He is the only one who really fascinates me, there lies a life tale that needs to be told. His journey has been quite incredible.

Lastly do you again plan to write a book on Shahrukh?
I could write hundreds in spite of having written exhaustively on the man, I still feel that there are reams left, words still waiting to be printed, ideas will to be expressed. But am I planning anything right now...no. I can't promise the same about the future. Till then one can wait for my next fiction offering…

Shah Rukh Khan's Angels miss chance to cheer KKR

Shah Rukh Khan's cheerleaders, who were found after a nationwide contest - Knights & Angels on NDTV Imagine, may have not been seen at the Kolkata Knight Riders match against the Deccan Chargers in Cape Town on Sunday, but they were very much present at all the important functions of the Indian Premier League in South Africa.

King Khan flew out his Angels irrespective of the fact that they could not participate in this edition of the IPL as the cheerleaders of all the teams are being centrally provided by the organizers. They witnessed the grand spectacle of the opening ceremony after being a part of the two kilometer carnival, two days prior to the start of the IPL.

And now news is that the girls are going to be part of the advertising campaign to promote Kolkata Knight Riders. An appliance company will be using photographs of the girls as part of the co-branded promotion.

And as for the Angels, they may have missed out on the big occasion this year, but with promises of the IPL returning to India next year, these girls will still get their opportunity to swing and dance in front of KKR fans.

Shah Rukh getting hate mails from KKR fans

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan said he has been receiving 'hate' mails since the multiple-captaincy controversy brewed up a storm.

'I am getting strange hate mails from people for taking decision for the team's sake. But is is okay, I'm saving them all so that I can go to each house and say 'Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo,' Shah Rukh said after KKR beat Kings XI Punjab by 11 runs in an Indian Premier League match.

KKR coach John Buchanan's multiple-captaincy theory has raised a debate, specially in former captain Sourav Ganguly's city Kolkata.

Ganguly's removal from the captaincy has left his fan indignant.

The Bollywood star asked Ganguly's fans to send positive responses.

'Along the way if we go wrong, please feel for us and send us positive energies.'

Shah Rukh also admitted the team is under a lot of pressure after the multiple captaincy theory.

'I know the team is under a lot of pressure after the multiple captains, the choice of captain and all that. At the moment the team is under a bit of a disarray, but we will stick together. We have started doing it,' Shah Rukh said.

'My team is under more pressure because it is owned by a film star and then you have such fan following, the backing of a city that supports you one night and gets angry the next night.'

Sallu is out to get SRK again

The duo won’t be face to face here again but they sure do know how to irk each other!

Sallu will be backing Preity Zinta and her IPL team, Kings XI Punjab. If the grapevine is to be believed, his entire family will be there to show their support.

Shah Rukh is not going to take this lying down. He has roped in the biggies in Bollywood to support his team, Kolkatta Knight Riders.

We just hope there is no war of words at the cricket field between the Khans. More so, there shouldn’t be rivalry between SRK and Preity!

In Pics: SRK at IPL - Day 2

In Pics: SRK with The Great Khali

Fans miss Bollywood at IPL opening

Where was the Bollywood entertainment or "taste of India" that the Indian Premier League had promised repeatedly in the run-up to the official opening of the tournament in Cape Town on Saturday (April 18) night?

That was the question on the lips of many Bollywood fans at the colourful ceremony at a packed Sahara Newlands Stadium here, as a host of artists entertained the crowd with items as diverse as traditional drums from both countries and circus acts from Europe entertained them.

But the closest sign of anything Bollywood or Indian on the field, besides the teams, was a tabla being played by a South African artist accompanying the traditional African dancers on their drums.

Even the music featured in all the entertainment items did not have any Bollywood music in it.

Fans did get repeated glimpses of Bollywood stars and team owners Shah Rukh Khan and Shilpa Shetty on the big screens during the two matches, including the disappointment on Shilpa's face as she watched, together with her mother and sister from the suites, how the chances of her Rajasthani Royals team defending its title slipped away from the Bangalore Royal Challengers.

Shah Rukh was shown with his wife Gauri and their two children, at times Shah Rukh doting over his son as the latter made comments about the game.

But that was the closest that the fans got to see of Bollywood.

Off the field, there were very short interviews on television with the first two winners in the search to find the next new face of Bollywood from among South African girls.

The young women, identified by the interviewer only as Raeesa and Tasneem, both from Cape Town, just gave monosyllabic answers to the questions posed by him as they admitted to being Shah Rukh Khan fans and being "nervous" or "wow" about the possibility of starring in a movie with him.

A total of 50 winners will be chosen from the crowds at every one of the eight venues around the country that are to host IPL matches.

One finalist from each venue will be chosen, leaving eight winners to be hosted and feted at The Wanderers in Johannesburg at the final of the IPL 2009 tournament on May 24. The ultimate winner will be announced during the final.

IPL fans worldwide will also be able to cast their votes for the winner via the IPL website.

Shah Rukh Khan: The 12th man for Kolkata Knight Riders

Shah Rukh Khan is in Bloemfontein in South Africa and the City of Roses is now home for his IPL franchisee, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The actor who left from Mumbai on 14 April will be in South Africa for at least two weeks. Prior to his departure, the actor spoke at length to Businessofcinema.com about his plans for KKR.

Not many know that SRK is a registered player in the KKR team. He confirms, "Yes, I am a registered player and had it not been for the injury on my shoulder this year, I would have definitely volunteered to be a part of the team."

SRK's electrifying presence happens to be that catalyst, which team KKR needs. Players like Sourav Ganguly, Murali Kartik and Ajit Agarkar all swear by the actor's energy and what it translates for the team.

SRK adds, "If need be, I will be the 12th man for my team and carry drinks to the ground. I am here in any capacity that my team needs me to be. I am the grand daddy of my company and I help out in marketing decisions, administrative rulings and of course, all entertainment related dealings."

With SRK in their midst, much of the mis-communication amongst the team members and the press will be ironed out, because if there is one man who can smoothen ruffled feathers, it is the King Khan himself.

Stripping captaincy from Ganguly 'cricketing decision': Shah Rukh

Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan termed stripping of captaincy from Sourav Ganguly as a "cricketing decision taken for the betterment of the team" and the former India captain was also involved in the decision making.

"It was a cricketing decision. People who have cricketing head and mind -- Dada (Ganguly), (John) Buchanan and team management -- had taken the decision. I hope it is for the betterment of the team," Shah Rukh said.

New Zealander Brendon McCullum was appointed captain in place last season skipper Ganguly on Friday, which set to rest weeks of speculation after KKR Director of Cricket Buchanan kicked up a controversy with his multiple captaincy idea.

Ganguly, on his part, said he "would not mind" with the decision and now the focus should be on every team member performing well.

"It was a team decision. I don't mind with that. Now everybody will have to perform if the team wants to do well in the tournament," he said.

Knight Riders - Wallpaper

SRK eyes an Oscar now

Shah Rukh Khan had earlier claimed to the media that he did not feel bad about rejecting “Slumdog Millionaire”, which later went to Anil Kapoor, but he is dejected about the Oscar glory that came the film’s way.

Now it seems that he has changed his mind for the better and wants to do cinema which potential to make it big internationally.

And good friend Preity Zinta has got a good advice for him. It seems Preity told SRK that she will be teaming up with Indian-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta for her next film.

SRK immediately told Preity to invite her to South Africa for the IPL matches, as he could not meet her when Deepa was in Mumbai. He wants to make up for it and also wants to discuss movies that will reach him to the Oscars!

If we win, I'll fly: SRK

Shah Rukh Khan is indefatigable.

He’s in South Africa to cheer the ‘boys’; injured shoulder notwithstanding. But he spoke to BT minutes before departure, not without his usual brand of positivity and humour. And he intends to hold the IPL trophy aloft with his Knightriders this time — but that’s something he’s not telling ‘how’!

So SRK, all set for South Africa? India will miss you!

Hey. Don’t make it sound so bad. I will miss India. Especially Kolkata. It was intended this way. But I’m so emotional about this that I intend to dash back in May, assuming we’re doing well, Inshallah, and doing something special in Kolkata with the people.

Still, a tournament that’s primarily ‘Indian-owned’, will it fly in Arica?

Look, it may be a foreign country, but the passion for cricket is common. And cricket is an international passion. The cricketers are international, too. So they’re recognisable faces. And though no one can match the craze that Indians have for the game, which is something I’ll miss and something that makes the Indian board the best in the world, it’s still cricket. Also, I think that people in South Africa love me, my films and my shows there, so I should have an advantage.

African beats seem to be pulsating through your new music video too?

Yes. We took Vishal Shekhar’s composition and infused some wildness into it. At first, I thought I wouldn’t be part of it with my injured shoulder, but I couldn’t resist. This one has some naughty, nasty, wicked lyrics and beats added. It’s ‘cool’ like the youngsters say.

How confident are you about your team this time? Last time you were disappointed...

Not disappointed, I was sad. I wished success for the boys who stuck it out with us. It wasn’t as much SRK’s team as it was their own. I was sad because my son was sad about it. We hope to raise the standard this time. Now that the venue has shifted, losing is NOT an option. But NOT learning to be losers is an option that’s always with us.

Today IPL season is considered ‘no release’ zone for movies. Do you feel a sense of guilt when movies don’t fare well or do not release at all?

You know, I’ve always been passionate about sports. I want to promote it in every which way. And I’m an entertainer. I love the big stage. I do movies, TV, stage-shows, sports – whatever it takes. Yes, IPL did affect some last year, it hit my TV show too. But we’ve tried to work around exams, holidays and made it easier. It’s just another entertainment platform and more and more like Bollywood what with Preity, Juhi, Shilpa and many more joining in.

Last year, you wrapped your legs around Shoaib Akhtar in excitement? This year?

This year, post surgery, I can’t even raise my hand to signal ‘sixes’. I can only signal ‘fours’. No leg wrapping around this time. I will refrain. But if we win, then leave alone jumping, I’ll fly.

And now that you’ve shaken hands with Aamir, will another Khan be next?

Like I’ve said before, I don’t plan so far ahead as to how my day will unfold, or who I have to shake hands with. I don’t strategize about those things. I simply strategize about how to win on the field and in the movie theatres.”