Shahrukh Khan leaves a peace message

Shah Rukh Khan was part of a peace drive in memory of the 26/11 victims.

Mumbai, which is still trying to recover from the scars of last year's 26/11 terrorist attacks, marked the first anniversary of the horrific incident, by lighting candles outside the Gateway of India and at the Taj Hotel and prayed for tranquility and a brighter hope for the city that saw 166 innocent people killed without reason.

Mumbaikars went around the Taj Hotel; one of the sites attacked by terrorists, chanting slogans of peace and reminiscencing about those who had died last year during a three day siege.

"We want peace. We have come to pay homage to our soldiers who laid their lives for us and for the country," said Shakuntla Devi, a local.

Hundreds of youngsters, men and women, drew paintings, wrote peace messages and put hand impressions on a one-and-a-half-kilometer long wall on Wednesday (November 25) - saying the city stood united against any future attacks on this cosmopolitan fabric.

Some of the peace messages and symbols like red paint symbolising blood, black paint symbolising fear and death and messages like 'we will not forget' featured prominently on the wall.

Shaina NC, a Mumbai-based fashion designer-turned politician, and one of the brains behind the wall, said the wall was an outlet for Mumbai residents to pour out their feelings.

"I think Mumbai is definitely more sensitive, if you take this as a viewing what has happened today in this one-and-half-kilometer you will see how beautifully people envisage a brighter future, a future of unity, and that happens with togetherness," she said.

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan also wrote his own message of peace on the wall.

Ten gunmen had landed on Mumbai shores by boats at sunset on November 26, 2008 and fired randomly inside a railway station, a Jewish settlement, a cafe and two luxury hotels.

Several people were held hostage for the next three days and at least 166 died before commandoes smoked out the last of the terrorists on November 28 last year.

One gunman, Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, who claims to be Pakistani national, was taken alive and is presently, facing trial in a special court in Mumbai. (ANI)

Love, light & prayers: SRK

If you were at Marine Lines late on Wednesday night and saw a frenzy of people and shutterbugs, well, it was because of the presence of King Shah Rukh Khan

But the actor wasn't there for a shoot, nor was he promoting a film; he was there not as Shah Rukh Khan but as a responsible MumbaiLite. The actor drove all the way from his house in Bandra at 11 pm on the eve of 26/11 to write a heartfelt message as a tribute to the victims and martyrs of last year's terror attacks on Mumbai.

Nana Chudasama and Shaina NC's NGOs 'I Love Mumbai' and 'Giants International', along with 'Prism Stand Up and Act', had organised an artistic tribute in the form of a 1.5 km wall (the prominent Chandan Wadi wall opposite Marine Lines station) on which Mumbaiites could sketch, paint or simply write their thoughts and feelings. Hundreds of Mumbaiites added their touch to the Wall through the day, and SRK wanted to put across his personal message too. He chose a part of the wall which was painted a bright red and wrote in prominent black letters: 'Love, light and prayers to all'. His message was amidst hundreds of others that proclaimed their love for Mumbai and hope for a brighter tomorrow. He even appreciated some of the other paintings, was amazed that the entire length of the wall had been covered with messages and drawings and said that it was a "fabulous endeavour!"

The actor reached the venue around 11.30 pm and stayed on till midnight, bringing in 26/11 along with other Mumbaiites. He would have liked to stay for longer, but the gathered crowd didn't let him. He left soon after, but his message is more than just another brick in the wall!

Shah Rukh is funny: Amitabh

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan says Shah Rukh Khan left him in a jovial mood after the latter called him to confirm his presence at the premiere of upcoming film "Paa".

"Shah Rukh has remained with me in the late afternoon. He is a very funny man and shakes me into joviality when I inform him about the premiere and his absolute presence there. He tells me, 'He is already there, black suited and with anticipation of seeing 'Paa'," Amitabh posted on his blog.

"Aamir too communicates today and confirms his presence," he added.

The cast and crew of "Paa" – including Amitabh, Abhishek and director R. Balakrishnan have major plans for the film's premiere Dec 3 in Mumbai.

Amitabh plays a 12-year-old progeria patient in "Paa" and he had to stick on several pieces of specially crafted clay to get the right look for the movie. The disease causes premature ageing among children.

International make-up artist Stephan Dupuis designed Big B's look and the megastar had to sit for five-six hours for the make-up.

The 67-year-old says he is now anxious about how the audience and critics will react to the film.

"Slowly but surely the jig saw puzzle will begin to unfold. The test of all our hours and hours of effort at the film shall now be up for scrutiny. And within two hours and 14 minutes the verdict shall be passed. Once passed, shall remain passed. Such is the destiny of those that participate in this wondrous game of filmmaking," he said.
The film is releasing Dec 4.