Shah Rukh brings a touch of Bollywood

There was a touch of Bollywood at the Sepang Inter—national Circuit (SIC) when movie superstar Datuk Shah Rukh Khan made a visit here.

[All smiles: Shah Rukh Khan with Fernandes and Bollywood actresses Manisha (right) and Arjuna during their visit to the Sepang International Circuit Saturday.]

“This is my first time at a race track. I am flying back after this because of work. Besides, Dr Mahathir is my favourite person in the world. I met him for lunch,” he said yesterday when met at the pitlane.

The dashing actor made the quick stop-by after being invited by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Shah Rukh visited the garages of the Lotus Racing team and Hispania Racing Team (HRT). He also met up with Lotus Racing team principal Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes and HRT team driver Karun Chandhok, the sole Indian in Formula One this season.

Shah Rukh was accompanied by Bollywood actresses Manisha Lamba and Arjuna Sukhani.

Others who were with him included SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir and chief executive officer Razlan Razali.

Both he and Arjuna even had a go at sitting in the HRT Formula One car.

He also met Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

As Shah Rukh walked the pitlane, performers who were rehearsing for the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix today immediately noticed him and started shouting for his attention.

“I love you, Shah Rukh. I am your biggest fan!” yelled one fan who then proceeded to scream for his autograph.

Shah Rukh waved at them and went to the pitwall to sign some autographs.

Asked whether he would make any cameo appearances in a Formula One movie if it was ever made, Shah Rukh answered that he might try to be an engineer working at pit stops.

And when Karun quipped that he would be sending Shah Rukh the F1 2010 game, Shah Rukh gamely said: “I’d beat him at that.”

Asked whether he would return next year to catch an actual Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, Shah Rukh replied: “Insya Allah, I will come next year.”