MNIK first truly global Bollywood film, say distributors

Having earned around Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion/$35 million) worldwide in 10 days, distributors Fox STAR Studios say they are extremely happy with the "truly global" response to Shah Rukh Khan-starrer My Name Is Khan (MNIK). They now plan to increase the Bollywood presence in the Middle East through the film and also release it in countries like Germany, Poland and Egypt.

"We genuinely believe that My Name Is Khan is the first truly global Bollywood film. It has received an exhilarating response in India and the 40 countries that we released it on Feb 12 and we are expecting the same in other countries," Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox STAR Studios, told IANS.

Singh said it has been doing extremely well in the US, Canada, Britain and the Middle East.

Fox STAR, which is the Indian arm of US-based 20th Century Fox International, has planned the distribution of MNIK in a unique way - by releasing it in phases in 25 more countries over the next six months.

"We have planned to increase the Bollywood presence in the Middle East with this film. We have also decided to release it in Germany, Poland and in new markets like Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon because it is a very globally appealing film," said Singh.

My Name Is Khan, directed by Karan Johar, co-stars actress Kajol. Exploring lives in the post-9/11 period in the US, the movie also has Shah Rukh playing a man with Asperger's Syndrome.

It was even promoted at international platforms like on Britain's Jonathan Ross Show and at the world's biggest stock exchange NASDAQ. It is being released with a record number of prints in many countries.

"In Germany, we are releasing it on 40 screens and we have released it in eight screens in Egypt - which has never happened before. In Syria, we will be releasing it in nine theatres," he said.

To increase the reach of the film, the company has also planned to dub it in German and Turkish as well as subtitle it in Polish.

As for the movie's collections dipping after the opening weekend, Singh said: "Comparing My Name Is Khan with the collections of 3 Idiots won't be fine.

"One needs to understand that December (when 3 Idiots was released) is a holiday period and February is an exam period. While a lot of people don't mind going to watch a movie on December weekdays, it isn't possible during this period."

HISTORIC: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge completes 750 weeks

Just like old wine, SRK and Kajol's blockbuster film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) keeps getting better and better with each passing year. This month- February 2010, DDLJ has set yet another record by completing 750 weeks of continuous play. In a feat perhaps unmatched anywhere in the world, the magic of the evergreen romance keeps pulling audiences back to the Maratha Mandir theatre in Mumbai.

Directed by Aditya Chopra, DDLJ opened to full houses and rave reviews all over the world way back on 20th October 1995.

This evergreen Yash Raj Film remains the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema, as it passes one milestone after another, and is presently running in its 15th year of running.

Shah Rukh to sing, dance for KKR during IPL

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday said he would sing and dance to cheer his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team during all the seven matches at Eden Gardens in the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) next month.

"I will sing, I will dance, I will be there to cheer up the boys," KKR co-owner King Khan told reporters via video-conference.

SRK, as Shah Rukh is popularly known, had gone to South Africa to encourage his side during the first five matches of the IPL last year.

He said KKR, in association with Nokia, will host Para (neighbourhood) cricket to create a platform for a new generation of cricketers.

SRK TWITTER UPDATES

Message: sitting to study...mind elsewhere....

Message: trying for a tarantino kind of film poster. instead of studying. wife will shout at us any second now.

The making of 'Living with a Superstar: Shah Rukh Khan'

Raj K Gopalakrishnan of Blue Mango Films talks exclusively to CNNGo about scoring the gig of a lifetime, producing Shah Rukh Khan’s new all-access behind-the-scenes reality TV show premiered yesterday, February 26

Official promo video courtesy Discovery Travel & Living.

This week Discovery Travel & Living are releasing "Living with a Superstar: Shah Rukh Khan" a 10-part prime time reality television series on the unseen life of one of India's most influential contemporary icons.

Bollywood fans book your rehab session now, this is one slickly produced piece of celebrity voyeurism. Millions are expected to tune in across the nation and abroad to ogle at the enviable lifestyle of one of the planet's biggest superstars.

To do this the producers shadowed Shah Rukh accross four continents to film episodes that cover vacationing with him in London, one of his favorite cities; a personal tour of Mannat, his Mumbai castle and meeting the people who form the backbone of his day-to-day life; access to his home in Dubai; private time spent with his family; first-hand disclosures on the controversies, decisions and game plan for his Indian Premier League cricket team the Kolkata Knight Riders; an exclusive acting master class, where Khan deconstructs the art and technique of performance, as he sees it, and a whole lot of extra 'Shahrukhisms' that cover the actor's views on "living, loving, creating and letting go."

You can bet Indians ranging from social anthropologists, to filmmakers, contemporary culture scholars to Bollywood critics and lifestyle commentators will be tuning in along with the fans in the hope of basking in the incredible success and fathoming the insane popularity of this Indian celebrity.

On the eve of the televison premier, Raj K Gopalakrishnan of Blue Mango films (the boutique film production house which co-produced the series with Red Chillies Idiot Box) shares his personal and professional experience filming one of the most important Bollywood documentaries that's ever been made.

CNNGo: Following Shah Rukh Khan for a year is a job for producers with marathon stamina. Truth or dare?

Raj K Gopalakrishnan: This is a reality series, and true to the spirit of reality, we did not pre script or stage scenarios so the important thing was not to miss a moment. This meant long hours of shooting. No breaks. No rest. With SRK, it becomes exponential as he packs what feels like 36 hours into one day. We had to always be ready, alert and at peak performance levels. No matter how much we planned, six out of 10 times the plan would change with 10 minutes to two minutes notice. Like one time when we were shooting in London SRK was walking around and suddenly decided to hop on to a rickshaw. We had to quickly find another one for the camera (and pay a ridiculous amount to the driver) as the rest of the crew ran through busy London traffic without any prior intimation…but it was such a wonderful moment. Nothing was staged and there was this super duper star just roaming about in a rickshaw without a care in the world.

CNNGo: 'Living with a Superstar' was an ambitious project to conceptualize. How have you structured the episodes to cover this many aspects of SRK’s life?

Gopalakrishnan: He gave us unlimited access, like nobody has ever been given before. So we decided to follow him across four continents and literally let the story tell itself. We shot with him in South Africa, Europe, America, UAE and India. We were with him, recording the trials and tribulations of the IPL. We were with him during the shooting of "My Name is Khan". We were also with him when he was vacationing in London with his family. We were in Mumbai. In his home. At his office. On his Birthday. We were everywhere he was. Literally living with the superstar… and that’s why we named the series that.

As for structuring the episodes a lot of the crafting happened during the post shoot brainstorming, on the edit table. Footage was brought to the table as soon as it was shot and this way we could keep a tight control over the quality and content as well as start iterations. It’s here that we decided to make the series structure thematic, instead of chronological, so that even if you see just one episode it would be one complete chapter from SRK’s life. Some of the themes are 'private vacation' from his time in London or 'Shah Rukh 24X7' the total workaholic and through these themes viewers will, for the first time, get an insider’s look at every facet of SRK -- actor, father, husband, friend, businessman and more.

CNNGo: How did your perception of your subject change during the making of this show?

Gopalakrishnan: SRK is such a good human being --- he has admirable integrity, is honest, straightforward, witty, very, very intelligent, professional, a thorough gentleman and a real family man. He’s been a revelation. He is also a workaholic, has an unflinching commitment to his work and does not see failure as an option. His charm and eloquence add to his persona. Contrary to popular belief, he is not pompous. I have seen him on the sets of movies and shoots. He immediately puts everyone at ease, and is a complete team player. I have never seen him lose his cool, but he does call a spade a spade. He is very quick to adapt to his surroundings and changes in the world at large. That is one of the reasons for his longevity as an economically viable investment for any producer.

But then you suddenly realise that his attitude towards life and work define him as a super-achiever not just a superstar. So, instead of being an actor, if he was in finance or sports or software I believe he would be at the zenith and that is my biggest perception change.

CNNGo: Tell us what happened behind-the-scenes.

Gopalakrishnan: Some of the craziest moments involved fans. No matter which part of the world we were in, fans managed to track down all our crew’s so called "secret spots". Once a bunch of 10 odd teenagers had travelled from another city to meet SRK. They surrounded our crew and refused to let us go. We had to keep talking to security and devise almost 10 exits from where we could get him out. It was like a cat and mouse game. Finally, we split the team in half and made a dummy team with an empty camera seem like they were the right crew. While we managed to get the shot and SRK out safely, the other crew actually came back with a few scratches and buttons ripped from their clothing trying to escape the fans.

Another time, we had fans reaching places with fake IDs, claiming that they were perimeter security assigned by fictitious local authorities and stating that they would have to confiscate the cameras or be with the crew to ensure SRK's safety! There were such incidents almost on a daily basis throughout the shoot.

CNNGo: What is your understanding of what it's like to be Shah Rukh Khan?

Gopalakrishnan: It’s got to be tough. High pressure. Very demanding. Everybody has something to say about you. Even people who don’t know you have an opinion about you. And those who want to know you, perhaps have an ulterior motive or are simply star struck. Life is forever under the scanner and in a territory so fertile for rumours and slandering, there is a reputation to protect. More importantly, there is a family to protect. And given all this, I think he manages beautifully.

I think his family keeps him really balanced (he carries their pictures with him everywhere and they are the first things to inhabit his hotel room). He also has very acute business acumen. He has razor sharp intellect. Great oratory skills. He has charisma. He is savvy. He has vision. I think other than being a great entertainer, SRK would make a great leader for our country. That’s one role I would love to see him in…in real not reel life!

"Living with a Superstar: Shah Rukh Khan" premiers February 26 on Discovery Travel & Living, airing every Friday at 9pm IST.

Shahrukh has big dreams on Twitter

Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan has made a wish. He wants to be the most popular Indian on micro-blogging site Twitter and overtake Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor. Shahrukh who had taken to Twitter ahead of the release of his movie My Name Is Khan has close to 170000 followers compared to that of Tharoor who has more than 660000 followers and has landed in many controversies due to his tweets.

Speaking at NDTV Indian of the Year Awards, Shahrukh said "In few months I am going to overtake Shahi Tharoor (on twitter). I am going for him. He is our god." Tharoor was generous enough to Shahrukh's statement and replied "I had predicted this the day Shahrukh joined twitter. I will be happy rather than regret it," the politician said. Well seems like from being the Baadshah of Bollywood, Shahrukh wants to be Baadshah of the internet.

SRK, KJo's moment of history

That My Name is Khan is one of the biggest Bollywood global grossers ever is not just a professional triumph for two of the Hindi film industry’s most powerful names — Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar; it’s also a personal victory for them.

“Every time we have come together, something special has happened,” says the Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan. SRK, who has witnessed Karan’s graph rise with each of their films — be it Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho or Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and now My Name is Khan, smiles affectionately as he remembers their first meeting. “He was very young when he came to me to make Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. But even then, he was crystal clear in what he wanted to say,” he remembers.

“With each passing film I have seen him grow in stature as a person and as a film-maker. Karan is family. Gauri and my kids — Aryan and Suhana — love him. And I feel a personal pride in seeing him scale the heights he has,” he adds.

For Karan, the journey of Khan is an emotional high. “Well, I’m ecstatic that the film has become the global phenomenon that it has. It has broken records,’’ says Karan. “But for me, what is of even more significance is the fact that SRK and I have an emotional connect. This makes our professional triumph even more special.” He admits that giving five-record-breaking films together is the result of “great synergy between the both of us. And, what makes this record even more meaningful for me is the fact that Shah Rukh and I share an emotional bond.”

If SRK has seen Karan mature from a boy to a man, Karan has also seen Bollywood biggest brand rise right in front of his eyes. “Professionally Shah Rukh is the biggest, most widely accepted Bollywood brand across the globe. And personally I have seen him grow from a husband to a father. The birth of his children changed him forever. He is now more restrained as a person. As far as his celluloid growth is concerned, well I don’t need to say it. Even those remotely connected to the movies will stand testimony for the fact that Shah Rukh is indeed King.’’

WATCH: SRK sings to Priyanka Chopra

Shah Rukh Khan sang to Priyanka Chopra at the NDTV Indian of the Year awards.

WATCH: SRK wants his Twitter account verified

Lighter moments from NDTV Indian of the Year Awards.

NDTV AWARDS: Shahrukh Khan the Icon of 21 years of Entertainment

Megastars Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan were among those honoured with the NDTV's Indian of the Year 2009 awards at a glittering function.

Bachchan, who first gained popularity in the early 1970s as the angry young man of Bollywood cinema and has since become one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian cinema, was presented with the Icon of 21 years of
Entertainment award.

Khan, who had recently got embroiled into a controversy over his comment on non-inclusion of Pakistani players in IPL, also got the Icon of 21 years of Entertainment award along with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who established herself as one of the leading contemporary actresses in the Indian film industry.

Presenting the award to Khan, Home Minister P Chidambaram said, "I would love to watch SRK-starrer My Name is Khan...I am waiting for the English subtitles...It was great the way Khan brought out Mumbai's solidarity...The attack on the movie (by Shiv Sena) was not an attack on the film, it was an attack on the idea of India."

Director Karan Johar got Social Networking Icon of the Year award for introducing Bollywood to tweeter.

Johar, who made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai starring Sharukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukherjee in 1998, had given a slew of romantic hits like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehana.

His latest flick My Name Is Khan has raked in Rs 150 crore during the first week of its release.

Watch out for Shahrukh & Saif

Last to last year, when Shahrukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan took the stage to host the Filmfare Awards dressed in mere towels on their torsos and face-packs on their mugs, they pulled up everyone from their peers, colleagues and even critics.

The swashbuckling duo returns this month as the leg-pulling hosts once again for the 55th Filmfare Awards, slated for February 27, at the Yash Raj Studios in Andheri.

We hear that this time also SRK-Saif are going to take funny potshots and jabs at many a film celeb. Will they also give out the Na-real awards, a la the Razzies, this year?

A source says SRK and Saif are coming up with an entirely fresh skit this year. Expect the unexpected.

Well, we don’t mind as long as they stay within their clothes.

SRK back as Filmfare host

The 55th Filmfare Awards are round the corner and Shah Rukh Khan who has been busy promoting his film My Name Is Khan of late, will now step into the shoes of host for the night on Saturday night.

The actor has been working on his monologue for the past couple of days with his writers.

“He has been so busy that he hasn’t had any time to prepare for the award night. Normally by now his sessions with the writers is done and he is well on his way to memorizing his monologue and stuff. But he only had the first session with his writers last night,” says our source.

And like every year this year too we can be ready for a whole lot of laughs in true King Khan style.

“Shah Rukh is very clear that he will poke fun at people present there. But it is never nasty or personal. And this year too, he is adding his own gags and one liners to the act,” adds the source.

The person behind the script this year is Vir Das. The standup comedian has worked with Khan earlier too and is aware of his likes and dislikes.

“The two sat together last evening to go through what Vir had come up with so far. Vir had been working on the script for over a fortnight now. SRK was satisfied with most of what was there. However, knowing SRK he will make some additions as he goes along,” adds the source.

The Filmfare Awards are this weekend at the Yash Raj studios. Expected to perform on the night are Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor. 3Idiots and Paa are expected to walk away with the most honours as well.

WATCH: Shah Rukh Khan interviewed by Etihad Airways

Shah Rukh Khan interviewed at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi before the worldwide premiere of "My Name is Khan"

BOXOFFICE UPDATE: My Name Is Khan Grosses Rs. 150 Cr. In Just 10 Days

MY Name Is KHAN 150 Cr. gross in 10 days. The breakup :- India gross 90 cr. [share: 35 cr.], Overseas gross 60 cr. [share: 30 cr.]. Total share: 65 Cr.

My Name Is Khan has grossed Rs 150 crore worldwide in the first 10 days after its release, the film’s producers said today.

Trade analysts expected it to become, within the coming week, the highest grossing Shah Rukh Khan film ever.

MNIK, a love story set against the backdrop of racial discrimination post 9/11, had raked in Rs 90.2 crore ($ 19 million) worldwide in its first three days, the biggest ever three-day collection worldwide in the history of Indian cinema.

The makers of the film are happy that MNIK has achieved all this in February, rather than in the summer holidays or the festive October-December period. Traditionally, February is not considered a strong period for a major film release because of the cold weather in many parts of the country and the world and school examinations in some parts of India. Besides, MNIK had to contend with controversies as well as the situation arising out of the bomb blast in Pune on February 13.

According to the release, the business done by MNIK in ten days in February was twice that achieved by any other Bollywood film ever released in this month in the past.

The release said MNIK was the biggest Bollywood film of all time within ten days in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, East and West Africa, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Mauritius.

Mr Mario Haddad, Head of Empire International Middle East, said that due to the demand they were opening the film in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria on March 10.

In the United Kingdom, MNIK has become the fastest film to cross GBP 2 million, managing the feat in just 11 days. The producers said that in the United States and Canada, MNIK was already the highest grossing Shah Rukh film of all time, within just ten days of release.

"We are delighted to be entering this elite group with our first major Bollywood venture. The film was created for a global audience and continues to break records worldwide. It is truly proving to be India’s first global Bollywood film," Mr Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios, added.

The making of a Bollywood King - Shahrukh Khan

He came, he saw and he conquered the world, he is none other than our very own King Khan of Bollywood- Shahrukh Khan. The man certainly needs no introduction as his every move becomes breaking news. Besides his magnetic presence on screen, his personal life too has been equally appealing to his fans. Mr and Mrs Khan’s immortal love-story is the Rome Juliet of modern age, albeit with a happy ending. His love-filled real life is probably the secret of the eternal love stories that he creates on reel.

Deewana: Made us Deewana
After his tele-stints he happened to Bollywood with the film Deewana. His un-groomed personality with lanky body and weird hairdo though were uncool, but his unconventional acting charmed the audience. Barring the lumberjack dancing moves of Badshah Khan, the song Aisi Deewangi… sure struck a chord with the audience. Though the stardom was unforeseen the then promising actor with his circussomersaults was certainly “different’.

Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman: Made Shahrukh a gentleman
As Raju, Shahrukh became the most empathized actor on celluloid. He was no larger than life hero in the film who jumps off the cliff and brushes off 10-15 goons at once with his muscular arms. In fact he showed up as a very ordinary guy who is battling within himself to make choices in life. The youth of 90s could identify with Raju who becomes “Gentleman’ at the cost of love and relations. Dil hai mera Deewana showcased the innocent charms of a young boy with big ambitions. He gave a whole new meaning to the heroism in the Hindi cinema with this film, not to say a new disease Loveria too!

Baazigar: Baazigar Badshah
Romancing two heroines on the screen only to ruin them later… An impossible idea of anti-love clicked big time for SRK. The audience showered their love on him, that’s the magic of being Mr. Khan. Apparently audience loved Shahrukh above everything, so much so, that pushing innocent Shilpa from the building terrace was excusable as after all he was the prince charming on a white horse for Kajol, as she sways singing Baazigar.

Darr: Charismatic K…K…King Khan
Love him, or hate him, you just can’t ignore him, the acceptance of SRK as a bad-boy in the film Darr confirms the very fact. He became an obsession of Bollywood after his obsessed lover act in the film. His fond-style of addressing his lady love K…K…Kiran became a rage. Jaadu Teri Nazar became a cult classic with the innocent Juhi being led on by her silent admirer. Wishes are fulfilled in Tu Mere Samnewhich sees Shahrukh not believing his luck that he is actually with his love.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: Raj is still ruling!
The magic of “Raj’ on celluloid is still running high. The love story of Raj and Simran is among the few immortal stories of Hindi cinema that will liven up the silver screen and several hearts for many decades to come. Raj- a directionless brat of Indian origin on foreign land, when comes to India following his love, imparts all the desi-morals so convincingly that not only several Simran’s, but also their mother across the globe fell in love with him. There are generations of Simrans awaiting Raj humming the romantic track “Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jana Sanam…’ SRK with his naughty smile, strumming mandolin made many a heart say Ruk Ja O Dil.

Pardes: Issi Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil
Every time he loved his women, he loved them unconditionally but portrayed them differently onscreen. In Pardes he falls in love with Ganga’s simplicity at the very first sight but contained himself till the end. His love-filled eyes peeping through the arc of guitar conveyed his unspoken state so strongly that Ganga ultimately finds solace in his arm. His rage at not being able to express his love is eloquently expressed in Yeh Dil Deewana. Thus he etched out yet another definition to love – If you love her so dearly no matter where she is, she will come back to you.

Yes Boss: Bas Itna Sa Kwaab Hai
In the song Chand tara….undeniably SRK was very much in his element. It looked like he is once again living the time when his dreams sounded hazy to others. He was all raring to go and catch the stars above, meant only for him. The madness he portrays makes it evident that he could go to any length to achieve his treasured dream. Whereas in Main Koi Aisa Geet he returns to his sweet lover boy image and woos a confused Juhi with his darling antics and brings the magic out of the hat!

Dil Se…
The unbeatable groovy number Chhaiyya Chhaiyya rocked the music charts that very year. The song became popular for its unconventionality - SRK and Malaika Arora Khan danced full-throttle on the top of a moving train. Apart from SRK’s adventurous performance on this Sufi number, he also stupendously performed a formation dance with Manisha Koirala on Satrangi Re…his every expression conveyed that a selfless love is to get destroyed with her!

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai: Kuch Kuch happened all over
He won million hearts when he sheepishly lost the basketball match against Anjali or when he failed to realize his underlying love for her in the presence of the glazing beauty of sensuous Tina. We all experienced the strange “Kuch Kuch’ feeling watching Anjali and Rahul accidentally realizing their long buried feelings for each other while dancing under umbrella all drenched in rain. As Rahul, he distinctly re-defined friendship and love in the film.

Asoka: King as King
King Khan in his late 30s pushed all his hair back, put the raj-tilak on his bare forehead and donned the attire of the brave emperor Asoka. The most reminiscing song sequence Chhuke Bole Chhunana Mujhe…a love making duet with the very young and lovely Kareena Kapoor exemplifies the most elegant period-romance in the history of Hindi cinema.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Ghum: All in the family
SRK played the elder son in the star studded family in the film K3G where the Shehanshan and the Badshah of Bollywood shared screen space as father and son. Besides the film being heavy duty emotional drama SRK-Kajol romantic pair did its share of magic. Their dream sequence in the song Sooraj Hua Madham… manifested the beauty of their onscreen togetherness once again.

Veer-Zaara: Old is still gold
Veer and his captivating poetry in the end of the film left us awed for the perspective that he gave towards love - for that we all have to rise far above the regional boundaries. In the court when he recites the poetry, his voice certainly conveyed the ignorance that one develops towards the material world when in love. Giving solace, Shahrukh convinces Preity Main Yahaan Hoon and makes her realize he is only for her in Tere Liye.

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: SRK glorifying act
We have only looked down upon the extramarital relations, considering it scurrilous but watching SRK falling for a married woman in the song Mitwa looked very convincing. May be only because he is SRK! His open arm act in the middle of the stadium manifests the sheer incompleteness in his life without his “soul’ mate. Though the film faced flaks on moral grounds, but SRK’s unfolding dilemma in the film exposed several facets that were previously overlooked.

Don - The Chase Begins Again
Who else could have matched the demure of Big B, in the remake version of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer cult classic “Don’! Matching the steps of Big B, Shahrukh effortlessly steeped into his shoes and song in Khaike Paan Banaraswala. Shahrukh Khan gave his panache to the stylish track Main Hoon Don and made bad boys look tasteful like never before, he gave a class to Bollywood mafia.

Om Shanti Om
Only King Khan could have done this, rehashing a 70ish concept to multiplex audience was a Herculean task, but Shahrukh can! He made the audience of realistic-cinema believe in the tale of re-births. Audience who were scoffing at SRK’s retro-side, dropped jaws with the drop of his shirt, to all our surprise his “Dard-e-disco’ six-packs baring act was a killer rage. It made girls drool over his bare cuts and made men go green with envy. Ahem! A lot of Bollywood biggies reworked their fitness regime to match up to the king and his abs.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
SRK played a recluse officer in the film but disguises himself to keep his high flier wife happy. Juggling between the geek and the hunk act he made the audience and finally his onscreen wife fall for him. His geeky look may not have appealed to his wife, but the audience Haule Haule fell in love with him, and found his dorky look “cute’! It was a delight for them to see him in a changed avatar - simple trouser and shirt with curt moustache. Whereas Dance Pe Chance was a faint revisit to the Rahul days of Kuch Kuch!

'My Name is Khan' makes Bollywood history

'My Name is Khan' has made cinema history by becoming the first ever Bollywood film to be released in cinemas with audio description (AD). Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) worked with 20th Century Fox to achieve this milestone after its research among blind or partially sighted people of Asian origin found that over 55 per cent of respondents were more likely to watch Bollywood films if AD was provided.

AD is as important to blind and partially sighted people as subtitles are to those with hearing problems. It is an additional narration that fits between passages of dialogue to describe action sequences, body language, costume and scenery, allowing the viewer to understand exactly what is happening on screen. 'My Name is Khan' is also the first film to feature AD in Hindi, the language of the film.

Martin Bromfield, Executive Director at Twentieth Century Fox says: "20th Century Fox is proud to offer, for the first time ever, a Hindi AD track on 'My Name is Khan'. English speaking AD has been available on all our films for some time now, so we felt it was natural to progress and offer Hindi AD on our first collaboration with Bollywood. With help from RNIB and Deluxe Digital Studios we worked hard to create an English audio descriptive track which was then translated before being recorded by a Hindi speaking audio describer, in time for the second week of release."

Fazilet Hadi, Director Inclusive Society, RNIB says: "Around 700 films are produced by Bollywood every year, and our research tells us that blind and partially sighted fans want AD on these films. So we're delighted that Fox have worked with us to allow blind and partially sighted people to enjoy this much-anticipated release along with their sighted family and friends. We hope other studios will follow Fox's lead making 'My Name is Khan' the first of many audio described Bollywood films."

Film fan, Bhanu Ben, from Coventry says: "I love watching Bollywood films on DVD at home- if my daughter's here she tells me what's happening on screen, but I stopped going to the cinema because it was too difficult to follow the action. I'm really excited because I can actually go and see 'My Name is Khan' at the cinema with my family and we enjoy it together with AD in Hindi."

'My Name is Khan' from Fox STAR Studios and 20th Century Fox is directed by Karan Johar and stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. It opened in the UK on 11 February and will be available with English AD & Subs and Hindi AD in cinemas from 19 February 2010. Cineworld and Vue cinemas have confirmed they are using the Hindi AD and details of which cinemas around the country are showing the film are available on their respective websites.

RNIB's campaign for AD has resulted in more than 300 cinemas in the UK equipped with systems to facilitate it, and the majority of Hollywood and UK films released in this country have an AD track on them. Many DVDs also include AD on mainstream UK releases.

Shahrukh Khan's 'My Name is Khan' Breaks New Worldwide Records!

Holy Bollywood! As if Shahrukh Khan couldn’t become more popular than he already is, his latest movie "My Name is Khan" has already earned a whopping $32 500 000 worldwide!

Talk about box-office hit! The drama is now slated to become SRK’s highest grossing movie ever!

Despite all the controversies surrounding the flick and King Khan himself, "My Name is Khan" has been a huge success and keeps setting one record after the other.

It is currently the most successful B-town movie within ten days in countries like the UAE, South Africa, Holland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand!

The only movie to hold that type of record in the Middle East was "Slumdog Millionaire" and that says a lot considering the 2008 Academy Award winning’s global appeal.

But that was before "My Name is Khan" came along and robbed it of its record! What do you think of Shahrukh Khan’s box-office success? Drop us a line!

Shahrukh Khan evokes sympathy for the disrespected Indian Hockey players

‘My Name is Khan’ star Shahrukh Khan has expressed his agony over the pathetic condition of the Indian hockey players and especially over the poor treatment meted out to the Indian players. Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ who is an avid sports follower has posted in his twitter page his feelings and has taken a stance in favour of the Indian hockey players.

It’s a known fact that the Indian Hockey is in a dismal state and the hockey players are neither given their due respect nor are they being paid by the officials concerned. This has disheartened the Bollywood star who in his film ‘Chak De India’ has glorified the women’s hockey and the slogan of the popular flick ‘Chak De’ has become synonymous with the national song, especially, when a sports (read Cricket) is being played. But, the sorrowful state of our hockey remains in the gutters and the authorities are to be held responsible for plunging India’s national game to such a sorry and wretched state.

SRK, sympathising with the unpaid hockey players, tweets, “(I) feel awful for the Indian hockey team. To play for the country…national sport and have to ask for salary and we complain we don’t win gold (medals).”

Hopefully, SRK’S initiative will echo out some awareness or else, before long, the sports will meet its fateful death.

SRK cancels deal with Lux Cozy

SRK's team pulls the plug on controversial sponsor

Actor Shah Rukh Khan has sought an end to another off-screen controversy.

His IPL team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has suspended its association with underwear-brand Lux Cozi after public criticism.

Logos for the brand, owned by Kolkata businessman Ashok Todi, will be removed from the uniforms of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Lux Cozi will no longer be a sponsor for the team.

Todi has been accused of abetment of suicide for Rizwanur Rahman, who died in September 2007, a month after he married Todi's daughter, who had eloped with him. Investigations into Rahman's death show that Todi asked the city's powerful and influential politicians and police officers to end the marriage on various pretexts. Several top policemen, including the city's then police commissioner, have been suspended for their alleged role in the case.

Rahman's death shocked Kolkata and seared its conscience. Rahman's family, politicians, and social activists have been urging Shah Rukh to break ties with Todi and his company.

WATCH: Shah Rukh's repair shop

Michael Jackson may have sung "Heal The World", but SRK seems to be coming up with a new anthem. And it's called "Repair The World" instead.

SRK all set to step into the shoes of 'Don' again

Audiences can get ready for Bollywood villain Don's next chase with director-actor Farhan Akhtar all ready to start shooting the sequel to his hit film "Don" from October this year.

"The next 'Don' is coming up really well. At the moment, we are into heavy pre-production for that. We would start shooting on Oct 1 or Oct 2... that's the scheduled date to start shooting for now. So we are getting there... slowly but surely. (I am) very excited about it. And I am quite certain that I'll have a great time making it and that the audience will surely enjoy it," Farhan told reporters here.

"Don - The Chase Begins" was a remake of 1978 movie "Don" that had megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the gangster. The film received a cult status and is still etched in the minds of many movie buffs.

In 2007, Farhan came out with the "Don - The Chase Begins" with Shah Rukh Khan in the title role. Now the director is set to make part two of the movie and says he will retain most of the star cast from the first instalment.

"There will be a lot of people from my previous 'Don' itself. So there will be Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, Arjun Rampal and Om Puri. There are also new characters added to the script this time but they are currently being cast," he said.

Farhan was in the capital Monday to promote his movie "Karthik Calling Karthik", a thriller releasing on 500 screens Friday.

The movie is his third as an actor but Farhan says he will never give up direction.

"I would love to have a combination of both (acting and directing) in my life. I don't plan on giving up direction. I love it too much. I am getting back to it with 'Don' towards the end of this year. So it will be a combination of both things always," he said.

For the moment, Farhan can't stop praising his "Karthik Calling Karthik" co-star Deepika Padukone.

"Deepika is extremely professional which I respect a lot. She is prepared about what she needs to do through the day in advance. At the same time, she is not stubborn about having practised and visualised a scene in a certain way and then adapting it differently if asked to.

"I think as an actor, who is evolving and still growing, it's important to be a good listener. She has the ability to listen and not just be made to say the dialogues. I feel that's great."

Akon to Take on Bollywood with Role in Shahrukh Khan Starrer ‘RA One’

Talk about a Bollywood debut with a bang!

International hip-hop star Akon is set to appear in Shahrukh Khan’s and Kareena Kapoor’s upcoming sci-fi action flick "RA One."

Akon and SRK reportedly met while the King of Bollywood was in the U.S. to promote his latest movie "My Name is Khan" and the meeting went so well that Akon secured a role in the movie that is sure to be a box-office hit!

We can’t wait to see SRK, Kareena Kapoor and Akon star in the same movie! How about you? Drop us a line.

Shahrukh Khan Bonds With Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese At Berlin

Shahrukh Khan doesn’t sleep. Or so it seems. He landed in Mumbai on Thursday from Dubai after a show, but shows no sign of strain or jetlag. Just before Dubai the mega-star was in Berlin for the film festival negotiating the attention of hundreds of screaming fans.

What we don’t know is that Shahrukh met and bonded in Berlin with American auteur director Martin Scorsese and his favorite actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Says Shahrukh, “Leonardo, Martin and I spent some time together. Martin was gracious enough to remember that he had met me in Cannes way back in 2002 when I was there for Devdas. He wants to watch Devdas and I’ve promised to send it to him. I’ll do so right way.”

After the glorious performance in My Name Is Khan as a physically-disabled underdog journeying across America on a whimsical mission, Shahrukh Khan is all set to play the super-hero flying across the sky to save humanity.

True to its mythological title Ra.1 which starts shooting next month in Mumbai followed by Goa and London, will have Shahrukh combating 10 villains. Raavan according to Hindu mythology was a ten-headed demon whom Ram vanquished single-handedly.

In Ra.1 the modern-day Raavan has been turned into ten different villains whom super-hero Shahrukh, the modern-day Ram will annihilate one after another.

Shahrukh Khan seemed remarkably relaxed in Berlin on the day after his film My Name Is Khan opened in Mumbai accompanied by violent protests by the Shiv Sena.

Said Shahrukh from Berlin, “I missed the opening in Mumbai. But I believe people have liked the film. I’m being told I’m in character. That’s good to hear. Give me a character to be in, and I’m right there.”

The SRK brand of humor was intact when told that My Name Is Khan doesn’t look like a Karan Johar film. At his deadliest deadpan best SRK retorted, “Yeah, even I felt like that when I first saw it. I told Karan, ‘Arrey yaar yeh tum ne kaisi picture banayee hai?’ Actually the three ladies in our lives Hiroo Aunty (Karan’s mother Hiroo Johar), Kajol and Gauri have made this film.”

Getting serious SRK said, “I thought it would take audiences a little time to come to terms with the film. But I am glad it was well-received.”

After playing the under-dog in two successive films Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and My Name Is Khan (we aren’t counting his guest appearance in Dulha Mil Gaya) Shahrukh will be flying across the sky in Ra.1. The estimated budget of the film to be produced by Shahrukh Khan’s Red Chillies, is Rs 100 crores. And no, Kareena Kapoor won’t be joining him in midair.

She plays Shahrukh’s grounded wife and not a super-woman.

Says a source close to Ra.1, “Kareena was keen to attempt the hi-jinks with Shahrukh, especially since Agent Vinod where she had a lot of stunts has again been postponed, but in Ra.1 all the conflict involves Shahrukh and the ten villains.”

Shahrukh along with the film’s director Anubhav Sinha and journalist-writer Mushtaq Sheikh has co-written Ra.1 and will be credited as one of the writers.

The film will be in Hindi.

Says a source, “He was advised to make the film in English. But Shahrukh decided to make it in Hindi. Why should he pitch his super-hero film to the Western audience when they already have their Superman and Spiderman? Shahrukh has no aspirations of cracking Hollywood on their terms.”

The film requires the star to perform never-before heart-in-the-mouth stunts, which he’s gearing to do.

Zee Aflam Honors the Superstar Shahrukh Khan with the "Most Popular Actor Award 2010"

It was a pleasure for Zee Aflam honoring the great Bollywood superstar as the "Most Popular Actor Award 2010" in the Arab world.

Through its 1st Bollywood poll in the Arab world called "Nojoom Bollywood" Shahrukh Khan was nominated as the most popular actor by Arab audiences for the month of January 2010 conducted by Zee Aflam.

Zee Aflam is a Bollywood channel packaged in Arabic for the Arab Audience

"Nojoom Bollywood" is one of the biggest SMS driven Bollywood Poll across GCC.

The Poll was well received with over 5000 SMS votes. Shahrukh Khan was votes as the popular choice for the Arab audience.

For this purpose Zee Aflam welcomed the Bollywood superstar and our Business Head of Zee Aflam Mr. Eli Kanaan offered him the trophy of the "Most Popular Actor".

Shahrukh Khan was very happy to receive the awards and said that he is very thankful to Zee Aflam and the Arab viewers who have voted for him and shown their love for him.

SRK’s position on IPL and defence of Islam in MNIK has made him an icon in Pakistan

Inside Nishat theatre, one of Karachi’s very oldest, on the first-day-first-show of My Name is Khan, the atmosphere is electric. Ten minutes into the film, as soon as Shahrukh Khan speaks those now-famous lines, “My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist”, the clapping and cheering begins. And it doesn’t stop. Every gesture by Shahrukh’s character, Rizwan, unselfconsciously affirming his Muslim identity on American soil, whether it’s his habit of always saying salaam, rather than the more neutral “hi” or “hello”, praying in public or reciting verses from the Quran identifying Islam as a religion of peace, gets them cheering. The scene where he pelts an Islamic jehadi with stones for misleading the public—an echo of a Haj ritual, in which pilgrims throw stones at the “shaitan”—gets a standing ovation. And when he declares, towards the end of the film, that Khans never go back on their word, applause rings out again. It is pretty safe to conclude there are many here, among them bearded Pathans and veiled women, whose name is Khan!

MNIK, easily the biggest Indian film to release here, has taken the Pakistani engagement with Bollywood to a new level. While the elite may throng the swank Lahore multiplexes for the whole experience of the film, including the Shahrukh-Kajol dream team, and a soundtrack that boasts three Pakistani vocalists, for the masses, a protagonist unapologetic about being a Muslim, and the positive portrayal of Islam as a religion of peace are easily the main attractions. Most Pakistanis have received MNIK as they did the Pakistani-made Khuda Kay Liye—a film that stands up for Muslims when they are being victimised across the world, in the aftermath of 9/11.

"Shahrukh has washed away the sins of all films that portrayed Muslims as thugs and dons in Bollywood."

Their approval is registering at the box office. Released here on February 13, the film raked in 13.6 million Pakistani rupees in the opening weekend alone, beating the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar and 3 Idiots. Cinema owners, who feared going out of business until Pervez Musharraf agreed to allow Bollywood films to be released here, could not be more delighted. “There is only one way to describe the response to MNIK in Pakistan,” says Nadeem Mandviwalla, the beaming Nishat Cinema owner, “Unprecedented!” His company, Mandviwalla Entertainment, has bought 25 prints of the film, which are busy making money across the country. (MNIK’s box-office success will not be long-lived however, since cable operators and DVD stores are already putting out pirated copies.)

For most viewers, Shahrukh, whose popularity has soared here after he spoke up in favour of Pakistani cricketers, is the be-all and end-all of the film, and with some, his Pathan ancestry clearly helps. “I would not have expected anything less than this from Shahrukh,” said Sher Afzal Khan, a burly, bearded member of the audience, exactly the sort of man who tends to be socially ostracised in the West, and even at times in Pakistan, for looking like somebody on the FBI’s most wanted list. “Shahrukh toh original Khan hai,” he added.

Mention the fact that Shahrukh’s character in the film marries Mandira (Kajol), a Hindu and one who has clearly not been converted to Islam, something the faith disallows, and he reacts as if he has not heard. With no mention of sindoor, pheras or even a court marriage, the Muslim-Hindu marriage seems to have been dismissed as mere trivia, and has not stopped many from being deeply affected by the tale MNIK spins. “It was such a superb film,” said a middle-aged woman at the theatre, in between sniffs. Since she was veiled from head to toe, one could only see her eyes, and those red, wet eyes said it all.

Taking no chances, however, the Pakistani censor board has used its scissors on the film. Nishat’s management confirms that three scenes were snipped. One showed a caricature of Osama bin Laden falling out of a locker—apparently put there to taunt Sam (Mandira’s son) for having Khan as a surname. Mandira’s emotional outburst after the death of her son, on the price she has paid for marrying a Muslim, has been censored in parts, and finally, there’s a beep in place of the word Islam when Sam’s class teacher talks about Islam being a religion that spreads violence and terrorism. “It’s ironic,” laughs Mandviwalla, “that a film like New York that portrayed a Muslim as a terrorist was passed uncut while this one was snipped here and there. But that is Pakistan for you: completely unpredictable”. But one thing is predictable, nothing elicits more of a response from the Pakistani public than a religious theme, and with this definitive portrayal of the moderate Muslim, Shahrukh has not just washed away the sins of all of those Bollywood films that portrayed Muslims as thugs or underworld dons, but won himself a permanent place in Pakistani hearts. Being an Indian is no impediment.

Shahrukh Khan ,a king overseas

That he is a bigger draw than Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise with the diaspora in the UK and the USA, is an earlier-known fact. This time Shah Rukh Khan has gone a step ahead. His latest film, Karan Johar’s My Name Is Khan, has become a global phenomenon.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, “It has taken the biggest opening ever for a Bollywood film in the UK, and also in USA. This reiterates the fact that Shah Rukh is King in the overseas market.’’ The film has also taken several other foreign markets by storm. It has broken the record for the biggest initial for a Bollywood movie in the UAE. And is the first Hindi film to release in Egypt across eight theatres. Then, in the first week of March, the film will also release in nine theatres across Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

High on the praise he has received from the Indian and foreign media, an ecstatic Karan says, “MNIK is the first global film that has actually come from Bollywood. It has penetrated far deeper than the parameters of the diaspora markets and has found patronage in countries like Poland, German and Russia where no Bollywood films have found such a huge favour. We have already added 25 odd prints across the Middle East — Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, heartened by the phenomenal first week collections in UAE.’’

Currently Fox Star Studios, Red Chillies and Dharma Productions are smiling their way to the bank because in the Middle East countries, the print counts that stood at 61 will go up to 71 by the first week of March. This is almost double the print tally for most Hindi films. In Singapore alone, the film has done phenomenal business at the ticket windows which is a record for Hindi film. And the great word of mouth continues to keep it on top, says the local distributor. Australia and New Zealand have ended their first week collections with record ticket sales. In Hong Kong the film is running to packed houses.

What has warmed the cockles of Karan’s heart, though, is his recent trip to the prestigious Berlin Film Festival where SRK, Kajol and he walked down the red carpet. Reports say there were 3,000 ecstatic fans braving the minus 10 degrees temperature to participate in their moment of glory. Sources say that when Shah Rukh got the 1,800 lucky viewers who finally made it into the auditorium to dance to the Sajda number, he won these Germans over for life.

But Khan has a long journey ahead. Karan and Shah Rukh still have a couple of aces up their sleeve. “We will be releasing the film in many other countries across Europe and America right till the month of June,’’ says Karan. “The actual assessment can therefore be made only after July, when the real numbers of the film start showing.’’ Karan is right. The film is being dubbed in German and Polish also so that the non-Hindi speaking SRK fans also get to enjoy MNIK.

WATCH TRAILERS: Discovery Travel & Living "Living with Superstar Shahrukh Khan"

INTRODUCTION


FRIENDS


MONEY


KIDS

B'wood support would've fuelled Sena issue: SRK

Many Bollywood stars had remained tight-lipped during the recent row between Shah Rukh Khan and the Shiv Sena. But the superstar said on Saturday it was for the good as their reactions would have only aggravated matters.

The actor's remarks about the inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had sparked negative reactions from the Shiv Sena in Mumbai. The party even threatened to ban his latest film My Name Is Khan in India's entertainment capital, but Shah Rukh emerged unscathed.

Asked about how he felt when most industry members stayed away from commenting about the issue even though some did so on microblogging site Twitter, Shah Rukh told reporters: "It wouldn't have subsided the issue. Rather it would have fuelled it."

Shah Rukh visited Cinemax theatre in Versova and Fun Republic in Andheri here for promoting his film. He has put two graffiti walls there and asked the people to write about the changes that they would like to see in the world.

My Name Is Khan released worldwide Feb 12 and has been garnering a positive response ever since. Directed by Karan Johar, it also features Kajol.

SRK in middle of controversy once again, courtesy Lux Cozy

No sooner that the controversy around SRK's comments on Pakistani cricket players has settled down, the actor finds himself in yet another controversy related to the IPL.

This time round, it's the courtesy of inner wear brand Lux Cozy, of which, SRK is the recently appointed brand ambassador. The story goes that, since SRK is the brand ambassador of the said brand, it was rest understood as to they will be sponsoring the uniforms for Khan's T-20 team Kolkata Knight Riders, besides a monetary angle of course. All was well so far. Now the twist in the tale is that the Lux Company is owned by the Todi brothers (Ashok and Pradip). They are the same Todi brothers who were charged with apparently leading to the suicide of computer graphics designer Rizwanur Rehman, a Muslim, after he married Ashok Todi's daughter Priyanka, who was a Hindu by religion.

This news had made it to the national headlines and remained atop for quite sometime. This 'sponsorship' move by SRK for KKR with the said brand has not been taken kindly by many. That's the reason why it has sparked anger in many people's heart. Not just that, since it has a religious pinch to it, a few religious bodies too have come in the forefront to express their opposition. In the lieu of all this, there has been a meeting that has been arranged which will include artistes, actors, dancers, writers, performers and also a few prominent names express solid opposition to the controversial tie-up.

Watch this space for further development on this issue.

Discovery Channel Feels Shahrukh Still Worth Discovering, After All These Years!

There is little that has not been revealed about Shah Rukh Khan but Discovery Channel feels otherwise. The channel is bringing a one-hour programme, 'Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan', this evening detailing how SRK's insatiable ambition combined with the overall socio-political changes during the last two decades and the country's globalisation path transformed an industry- outsider to an icon of contemporary India.

Rahul Johri of Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific says, "Discovery Channel's unique strength is in uncovering the unexplained phenomenon. This time it will examine. one of the biggest success stories of contemporary India - Shah Rukh Khan."

Controversy left me numb says Shah Rukh Khan, refuses to apologise

"Numb" was the word actor Shah Rukh Khan used to describe his state of mind during the raging controversy over the release of his latest film My Name is Khan, following Shiv Sena protests here.

The 44-year-old superstar said that what hurt him the most was the fact that his "Indianness" was questioned again and again.

The actor said that he would have apologised to the Shiv Sena if it was the content of his film that they found offensive, but did not do so because he didn't understand the "logic" behind their anger.

"If they had a problem with my film, I would have apologised. I have done so earlier because I do not want to offend anyone with my films, my aim is to entertain. But this was about who I am as a person and my Indianness and I was hurt that I had to clarify it again and again," said Shahrukh in an interaction with Star News.

The Shiv Sena had launched an attack on the actor after he supported the inclusion of Pakistani players in the IPL and threatened to disrupt MNIK's release in Mumbai.

The actor was on a whirlwind world tour when the controversy escalated and lead to violence in Mumbai.

"I just wanted to rush back home....It was like living in a bad dream and I was constantly worried that someone might get hurt, because I want my film to make people happy, that is all I want," said Shah Rukh.

The film had a limited release in Mumbai and Gujarat last Friday, but opened to full houses across the rest of the country and received positive reviews.

The actor said that he has "great respect" for the Sena leaders who attacked him over his IPL comments, but feels that politics and patriotism should not have been mixed with entertainment.

"They are much older than me and I have great respect for them. But I did not understand why was the film dragged in between. I am one of those who believe that entertainment and politics should not be mixed.

"I did not understand why was my Indianness questioned. My father is a freedom fighter and I am proud of that," said the actor.

Shah Rukh who thanked his fans for supporting him and his film, said that he often unwittingly courts controversy.

"Controversy seems to have become my middle name. My wife has advised me to steer clear of any dialogues written by myself," he said.

It was wife Gauri Khan, who along with daughter Suhana went out to theatres to gauge the public's reaction on the film's release day, that kept the actor posted on all the developments.

"I was in constant touch with Guari and she told me that my fans were coming out to watch the film and were liking it. I have to thank my fans for it all," said the actor.

Shahrukh Khan the wittiest actor in Bollywood

‘My name is Khan’ star Shahrukh Khan, as everyone knows, is always filled to the brim with his witty one-liners and impromptu jokes. And while he does take an occasional dig at others (e.g. ‘My dog refuses to be named Aamir’), he even takes swipes at himself and his near ones (read Karan Johar).

Recently, the King Khan graced the stage at the IIPM Marketing and Business Quiz at Bangalore (now named as Bengaluru) and he once again yielded his wand to its utmost magical effect.

So impressed and stupefied was Arindham Chaudhari (Dean of Centre for Economic Research and Advanced Studies, IIPM), that he lavished bucketfuls of praise in applause of the maverick man SRK. “Even though, he (SRK) was stressed backstage, it took him seconds to leave his thoughts behind and transform into a magician on stage. He made people laugh for four and a half hours with his instant wit and admirable intelligence. And to imagine what he was going through all along made it all the more special. It was without doubt the grandest SRK show I have ever seen,” quips an awe-struck Arindham.

Even, in Oscars 2009, when SRK climbed on to the stage to make an announcement, he mouthed a few words that left a lasting impression to the spectators even though SRK was on stage for barely a couple of minutes.

Whenever, you go through any of his interviews in magazines or newspapers, you will always find your lips taking an upward curve every few seconds. Overflowing with intelligence, this man also is a proud possessor of an elephantine memory and once his tongue starts wagging, our bellies start wobbling…….

Shortened version of 'MNIK' to release in US

This summer, My Name Is Khan (MNIK) will be playing for a non-NRI audience in theatres across the US. The version of MNIK that American audiences will get to see will be different from the one released so far in India and overseas for NRI audiences.

Confirms Shah Rukh Khan, “Yes, we are cutting down the length of the film for the American audience. Their requirements are different from the traditional audience for Hindi cinema. We’re in this way extending the life span of a Hindi film with first a worldwide release for Indian audiences and then phased out releases for non-Indian audiences.”

Says the film director Karan Johar, “Yes, the version for Americans will be shorter though not radically different. We’ve left the American version’s editing to the film’s editor Deepa Bhatia. She understands what would be palatable to American audiences. She has edited films for everyone, from me to Govind Nihalani.”

Karan admits it’s not the songs nor the length that will determine the shape and size of the American version of MNIK. “The first thing we heard from the American market is that they love the songs. So the songs stay. Deepa Bhatia is looking at what to remove.”

WATCH: Karan Johar on a high post MNIK

Bollywood's most successful commerical director Karan Johar maybe riding high on the success of My Name Is Khan but it is not just the box office that has him beaming.

For the filmmaker My Name Is Khan has been his biggest challenge, one that has clearly paid off since it has garnered the kind of critical acclaim he hasn't seen before this.

"You can say it's my best reviewed film, and how heartening it is," said Karan.

And after the roller coaster ride that's been the last few years and most notably the last week he has big plans.

"Right now I'm going on a long holiday and throwing my phone away, my audio says good luck with that," said Karan.

WATCH THE VIDEO

'My Name Is Khan' soundtrack good intro to Bollywood music

My Name Is Khan may go down as the most controversial movie of the year that most Americans have never heard of. The Indian Bollywood film, about a Muslim man in San Francisco with Asperger's syndrome whose behavior is mistaken for that of a terrorist, sparked angry protests in Mumbai. Simultaneously, it has been drawing packed houses in India and cities around the world with a significant South Asian population. Fox Searchlight is distributing the film in the U.S. (The film opened in North Texas last week and continues its run at the FunAsia theaters in Richardson and Irving, and the MacArthur Marketplace in Irving.)

Generating far less outrage is the soundtrack, being released here through Sony in an elaborate package (including a 24-page booklet) and retailing for only $9.98. With music composed by the trio of Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa, and featuring Pakistani qawwali vocalist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (the nephew of the late, great Sufi and devotional singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan), the My Name Is Khan soundtrack covers the Bollywood spectrum from lush symphonic music to love songs and saccharin pop-rock.

But the best material -- and what makes this set a nice introduction to Bollywood music for those who know little about it -- are the infectious up-tempo tracks such as Sajdaa, Tere Naina, and Allah Hi Reham. These slickly produced tracks are guaranteed to get the feet moving and hips shaking. And, for less than $10, you can't go wrong.

WATCH: SRK, Kajol in a new animated avatar "Koochie Koochie Hota Hai"

Here's the first look of the movie Koochie Koochie Hota Hai which is an animated version of Karan Johar's directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

Discovery to air today 'Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan'

Even as Travel and Living is all set to start a series on Living with A Superstar later this month, its sister channel Discovery will telecast Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan this week on the formula for the actor’s unparalleled success – both at home and abroad.

The single-episode programme will have social anthropologists, filmmakers, scholars, critics and lifestyle commentators detail the virtues which make him the consumer friendly face for brands, an innovative entrepreneur, a mega filmstar, an NRI icon and an ideal family man. The experts will explain indepth the impact he has had on both Bollywood and India’s image abroad.

Discovery Channel will air the programme on 19 February at 8 pm and repeat it at 10 pm. The programme will repeat on 20 February at 9 pm and 11 pm and 21 February at 8 pm.

Coming from India's bourgeoning middle class, Shah Rukh Khan’s meteoric success in Bollywood makes him the poster-boy of multiple generations.

Discovery Channel will bring an engaging one-hour programme detailing how his insatiable ambition combined with the overall socio-political changes during the last two decades and the country’s globalisation path transformed an industry-outsider to an icon of contemporary India.

Said Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior vice president and general manager – India Rahul Johri, “Discovery Channel’s unique strength is in uncovering the unexplained phenomenon, be it life-changing events, personalities with global influence or unique wonders of our nature. This time it will examine the beginning, growth and impact of one of the biggest success stories of contemporary India – Shah Rukh Khan.”

Commenting on the programme, Shah Rukh Khan said, “I have enjoyed watching the Discovery Channel for many years. I am quite excited that viewers will now watch a programme on my life on this exceptional channel.”

A range of experts including social anthropologist Shiv Vishwanathan, film scholar MK Raghvendra, film critic Anupama Chopra, advertising and brand expert Prasoon Joshi and media expert Priya Tanna will uncover the secret for Shah Rukh Khan’s enviable success.

Discovery Channel commissioned Blue Mango Films and Red Chillies Idiot Box to produce the programme.

The same duo have produced Living with A Superstar, a 10-episode series on Shah Rukh Khan. It will be aired every Friday from 26 February at 9 pm, and repeated several times a week.

The series, which was the most expensive show ever made by the group in India, had been conceived around 18 months earlier and shot in several countries beginning with the IPL in South Africa.

It will show Khan with family and on vacation, his relationship with his wife Gauri and children and other relations, unique filmmaking process and approach, time management and being switched on 24x7, brand power, interactions with fan and staff, life outsode India, his castle Mannat and Shahrukhisms, Johri said.

He said Khan had given great access into Mannat to this channel than any other. He also said the channel was not like a biopic, nor did it have any interviews. It was told almost entirely by Khan in his own voice.

'My Name is Khan' breaks UAE box office record

The epic film 'My Name is Khan' has smashed the record for the biggest opening of a Bollywood film in the UAE.

The National reported that 135,858 tickets had been sold in the four days since the movie began its commercial run in the country last Thursday.

Starring one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Shah Rukh Khan, the film centres on depictions of Islamophobia after 9/11. Directed by Karan Johar, the movie also stars Kajol.

My Name Is Khan is triumphant entry for Star-Fox in Bollywood

Star-Fox, the American co-producers of Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan are mighty pleased with the outcome of their first international collaboration.

Interestingly, the music in MNIK is not being seen as a hindrance for the international market.

Says Vijay Singh, CEO Star-Fox, "The songs are not lip-sync and they do not hamper the flow of the narrative. The myth that the songs must be lip-sync has been broken. The idea is to push the boundaries and see how far we can take Bollywood. MNIK has raised the bar for Indian cinema. Abroad, my colleagues in LA are surprised by the kind of numbers we're getting in the US. Khan has performed 2 1/2 times better overseas than any other Indian film. It's a great moment for Bollywood. Nobody knew what the upper limit for profits was for Bollywood internationally. People leave the theatre with a message in their heart. We all went through some difficult times initially. But that's all behind us now."

Singh says the Star-Fox headquarter in LA were watching the progression of MNIK very carefully. "We always believed in the film. Right from Day 1, they were looking at Khan not as a film on issues but an epic love story. That's what attracted us to the project in the first place. We've put the film in different countries keeping in mind the different audiences. In the UK we've given it the highest number of prints possible. We worked very closely with Karan Johar and then marketed the film according the cultural requirements of the specific countries. Our colleagues all over the world were taken into confidence. We don't see the international market as a spill over of the Indian market. We spent money in every market to set up the film keeping in mind the specifics."

Says Vijay, "Audiences for Indian cinema are changing all over the world. MNIK had the biggest and the best talent in Hindi cinema."

And now Star-Fox will produce another Hindi film. "This time more of an entertainer on a far less lavish budget but with an underlying message," promises Vijay Singh.

'My Name is Khan' to be dubbed in German and Turkish

Fox-Star Studios, co-producers of Shah Rukh Khan’s latest release My Name is Khan will soon release the film in dubbed German and Turkish versions.

Vijay Singh, CEO of Star-Fox, confirmed and said, “We want to expand our audiences beyond the Indian diaspora. Typically Bollywood has a lifespan of two weeks abroad. We went to 45 countries when it released on February 12. Now we plan to go to another 25 countries between March and June. In April we will launch 50 prints of MNIK in Poland with Polish subtitles.”

Explaining why it won’t be dubbed in Arabic and Polish, Singh said, “We wanted to dub it in Arabic, but our representatives said the Mid-East audience wants to see Hindi films in Hindi. Likewise, Poland is no stranger to Bollywood, so we don’t need to dub in Polish. However, to reach out to a wider audience we do need to dub it in German and Turkish. The details are being worked out. We decided to release the dubbed versions after the reception Shah Rukh got in Berlin.”

Singh says that the Star-Fox headquarters in LA was watching the progression of MNIK very carefully. “In the UK we’ve given it the highest number of prints possible. We worked very closely with Karan Johar and then marketed the film according the cultural requirements of the specific countries. Our colleagues all over the world were taken into confidence. We don’t see the international market as a spillover of the Indian market. We spent money in every market to set up the film keeping in mind the specifics,” he said.

'My Name is Khan' pirated material seized

3,000 DVDs worth Rs 4 lakh were captured

Mumbai Police along with AA Khan & Associates managed to stop a huge piracy racket. They raided and seized over 3,000 pirated DVDs and CDs worth around Rs 4 lakh and more. The raid was conducted at Behram Baug, in a godown near Bandra Court in Mumbai.

Around 1,000 blank DVDs, 21 DVD writers, 1 colour Xerox machine and 1,000 CD covers were captured at the location. The pirated CDs and DVDs included the much awaited Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer, My Name is Khan. The movie released on February 12, 2010.

Along with My Name Is Khan, other movies like Striker, The Wolfman and Law Abiding Citizen was also found. Apparently, 3,000 DVDs have already been sold.

"Piracy is a serious offense and one which is rampant within major parts of the city. It has been noticed that major chunk of this happens before or during a big release. Considering the big release this time was My Name is Khan, any pirates attempting to copy or distribute this movie specially are on our radar for this week and the coming weeks that the movie would be running. Piracy of the recently released Striker is also on our list. Pirates should understand that we have zero tolerance for their actions and that they will be raided and prosecuted for the crime they commit,’’ says AA Khan, former IPS officer and Ex. ATS Chief.

In the last two months, AA Khan & Associates have raided about 25 locations in Mumbai and seized goods worth lakhs of rupees and helping the movie industry in curbing the menace of piracy to an extent.

My Name Is Khan has been a true self realisation film" - Shahrukh Khan

After all the controversy surrounding the release of his movie My Name Is Khan, Shahrukh Khan has breathed a sigh of relief. King Khan is very happy with the superb opening that his movie had got at the Box Office. Shahrukh who has been regularly twittering over the past few weeks tweeted “Realising with each film I make...I have to do less and less as an actor to achieve more. My Name Is Khan has been a true self realisation film.”

Shahrukh also added “Happy for Karan, My Name Is Khan has done stupendously well. the fact so many want to chip in with opinion of good/bad is always a sign its impactful.” Writing about the recent blast at Pune Shahrukh said “Saw pics of 5 friends who lost their lives in the bomb blast. young innocent beautiful kids. Cried at the wasteful loss of humanity and life.”

WATCH: One Khan beats 3 Idiots!

Reports suggest that My Name is Khan has set a new record for the biggest weekend grosser.

WATCH: KJo, Gauri turn media manager for SRK!

Post Berlin, Shah Rukh Khan seems to have decided to take a back seat and let wife Gauri Khan and director Karan Johar do the talking.