My Name Is Khan the biggest Bollywood grosser in UK with 2.5m pounds

After winning over the US box office, Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name Is Khan' has become the biggest ever Bollywood film at the UK Box office, grossing over 2.5 million pounds, according to movie bosses.

The Karan Johar directed film surpasses the previous record set by 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' in 2001, which also starred Shah Rukh and Kajol in the lead roles.

"I am thrilled that with My Name is Khan we have raised the bar for box office performance in UK by going past the previous record which also happens to be my film. The Fox team believed in the film and got behind it which helped us set new benchmarks for Bollywood in the UK," said Johar.

'MNIK', which reunited Shah Rukh and Kajol on screen after eight years, has been produced by Fox International Productions and Fox Star Studios in association with Dharma Productions and Red Chillies Entertainment.

"We always thought we had a chance of becoming the biggest opening Bollywood Film ever, but to become the No 1 UK Bollywood Film of all time is a tremendous achievement. We have been most fortunate to have had full support and that our film has been so well received from the UK audiences," said Andrew Turner, Director of Sales at Twentieth Century Fox.

"This success will hopefully encourage a wider audience to embrace this extraordinary and powerful film either at the cinema, where it is still enjoying an incredible 5th week on release or when it releases on Home Entertainment later on in the year," Turner added.

A rare peek into Superstar ShahRukh Khan's life!

India's leading lifestyle channel Discovery Travel & Living presents Living With A Superstar, an engaging series on the country's biggest superstar Shah Rukh Khan. In this unique television format, for the first time ever, viewers are being taken into the private and exclusive world of Shah Rukh Khan. For a year, cameras have shadowed Shah Rukh in India and across the globe, to present viewers with a rare peek into the life of the superstar and an once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience.

The 10-part series LIVING WITH A SUPERSTAR - SHAH RUKH KHAN premiered on February 26th. Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager - India, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said "Discovery Travel & Living has always set the highest production benchmarks. With this groundbreaking series on India's biggest superstar Shah Rukh Khan, we are surpassing all established definitions of lifestyle entertainment.

Shah Rukh Khan said, "The idea of the series format is both exhilarating and unique as it showcases aspects of my life that have seldom been seen in the public domain. I look forward to welcoming you all into my life."

You will experience Shah Rukh's complete life - family and vacation time; relationships with his kids, wife, sister and friends; unique filmmaking process and approach; time management and being switched on 24x7; brand power; interactions with fans and staff; IPL venture; life outside India, his castle Mannat and Shahrukhisms.

Discovery Travel & Living has commissioned Red Chillies Idiot Box to produce the series. Says Pranjal Khandhdiya, non fiction head, "We at Red Chillies Idiot Box have attempted to create a show which befits the stature of 'King Khan' and surpasses Channel's stringent production standards. Directed by critically acclaimed director Samar Khan, the series redefines the art of documentary making. It allows the television viewers to be a part of the superstar's life and witness the most private & personal moments from his daily routine."

The forthcoming episodes will highlight Shahrukh Khan's IPL experience, Shahrukh as brand ambassador for products, his film MY NAME IS KHAN, his travelling, his home Mannat, his teams which work for him, his way of acting and his vision & future plans.

IPL 2010: Kolkata Knight Riders beat Deccan Chargers

Knight Riders start IPL 3 campaign with win

Kolkata Knight Riders, which finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2, started their IPL 3 campaign in style, as they beat defending champion Deccan Chargers by 11 runs.

The match witnessed many ups and downs and Deccan Chargers were in a commanding position mo [Ganguly_Shastri] st of the times. However, the fate of the game changed in the last 4/5 overs and KKR emerged as the winner.

Chasing a victory target of 162, Deccan Chargers were cruising towards victory, as they were 88/1 in 10 overs. However, some disciplined and clever bowling changes for Sourav Ganguly did the trick for KKR.

Decca Chargers finally finished at 150/7 and lost the match by 11 runs. Gilchrist was the top scorer with 54 off 35 balls. Laxman made 22 off 14 balls. For KKR, Charl Langeveldt took 2 wickets.

Earlier, Deccan Chargers won the toss and elected to field. Despite losing 4 wickets for 31, Kolkata Knight Riders made 161/4 in 20 overs. Owais Shah remained unbeaten on 58, while Angelo Mathews remained not out on 65. Vaas took 2wickets for the Chargers.

EXCLUSIVE: Hollywood calling for Shah Rukh Khan; to do a film with Leonardo Di Caprio

The big news
Now this development really gets the antennas stand right up with all attention reserved for what next is really in the offing. Believe it or not but a major Hollywood-Bollywood collaboration is right up in the anvil and two of the bigger superstars from different ends of the world are all set to share screen space. The film in question is Xtrme City and the men in question - hold your breath - Shah Rukh Khan and Leonardo Di Caprio.

Yes, even though all of this seemed like a dream till a few years back, it is indeed turning out to be a reality since work is progressing on brisk speed to get the scripting in place for the film. There is quite some action on pre-production front as well and Xtrme City is looking positive at going on floors by end of 2010. If that indeed happens, Shah Rukh can well be expected to be really busy all through 2010 and 2011 with Ra 1 and the sequel of Don required to be wrapped up before Xtrme City starts taking a shape.

How it happened
Informs our source, "Not many know but when Shah Rukh visited Berlin for the premiere of My Name Is Khan, his agenda also included a groundbreaking movie deal. He was power-dining with Hollywood bigwigs like director Martin Scorsese and screenplay writer Paul Schrader over the project which is touted to star Bollywood's reigning superstar with Hollywood heartthrob Leonardo Di Caprio. Karan Johar, David Weisman and screenplay writer Mushtaq Shiekh were present at the meeting."

The film doesn't really come as a complete piece of surprise though. Yes, Shah Rukh's presence has raised quite a few eyebrows though one could have expected to see this coming since his close friend and associate Mushtaq Shiekh had already been commissioned to write the film. The director was finalised as Paul Schrader, the same man who had made Robert De Niro come up with a career defining act in Taxi Driver. On the other hand, Mushtaq has made Shah Rukh Khan go over the top as never before in Om Shanti Om.

When Paul Schrader had earlier visited India in 2008, he had indeed talked about collaborating on a project that would marry Indian ethos with Western sentiment. His Xtrme City was touted to combine the cinematic traditions of both Bollywood and Hollywood and provide wholesome cross-culture entertainment. For this purpose, he had written the film along with Mushtaq who does come with a super strong Shah Rukh connection. In the past, he has authored bestselling biographies for Shah Rukh Khan like 'SRK: Still Reading Khan' and 'Shah Rukh Can'. He has also written books like 'The Making of Asoka', 'Devdas - The Indian Hamlet' and 'The Making of Om Shanti Om'. Of course his claim to fame are screenwriting credits for Om Shanti Om, Billu and Shah Rukh's under production Ra 1.

At that time, another piece of announcement had stated - "This groundbreaking production will showcase a Bollywood mega-star and a Hollywood movie-star sharing top billing in a major motion picture. The film is destined for both the subcontinent and international markets. In fact, Xtrme City is already in the process of casting the two star leads. The film is going to be a hugely mounted affair with a multi million budget."

The superstars
However, not many would have assumed that the two leads would be none other than Shah Rukh Khan and Leonardo Di Caprio. Meanwhile, Paul Schrader had been hinting all along that he would work only with the biggest Bollywood star and that is why he was keen to sign Shah Rukh for the leading role. It was also quite clear that if the two actors indeed sign up on the dotted line to star in the multi-million project, both Shah Rukh and Leonardo Di Caprio would get top billing. Xtrme City will be an action-thriller set in Mumbai covering the criminal underbelly of the city.

When contacted, Mushtaq Shiekh said, "It's too premature to discuss the casting of the film. But yes, Shah Rukh and Leonardo did meet up in Berlin. The meeting was just a casual one; they were there for the premiere of their films Shutter Island and My Name Is Khan respectively. The highlight of the meeting was Karan Johar who entertained everyone with absolutely delightful Bollywood trivia."

On the other hand Paul Schrader, who has directed 18 films, confirms that the Hollywood-Bollywood collaboration is certainly on. "I hadn't thought about working in India", says the man who has previously worked in Japan, Italy, Romania, Israel and Morocco. However, now I see Bollywood as the next great frontier. Xtrme City is a cross-cultural entertainment that merges the cinematic traditions of Bollywood and Hollywood. I am indeed excited to make a film which is accessible and meaningful to both Indian and American cultures."

Adds Mushtaq, "Working on Xtrme City with a master screenwriter like Paul Schrader has been exhilarating and a marvellous illumination for me. He is tireless. We kept at it until achieving a perfect emotional balance for our story. We wanted to reveal the best of each world in surprising, entertaining, inspiring ways. That's what I like about Paul's screenplay. Ours is a film that never takes either culture for granted."

The Martin Scorcese factor
Meanwhile another big name, Martin Scorcese, too turned out to be quite a handful in this meeting that saw Shah Rukh Khan, Leonardo Di Caprio, Karan Johar, Paul Schrader and Mushtaq Shiekh coming together. The man who has directed Leonardo in Shutter Island, The Departed, The Aviator and Gangs of New York in the past is pretty abreast with the going-ons in Bollywood as well.

"I was amazed by how Martin Scorsese was completely in sync with all that is happening in Bollywood. His knowledge about old Hindi films left me shocked", says Mushtaq in awe, "In that one room, seeing such gigantic movie business folks was almost like seeing a mega Hollywood-Bollywood movie live. Their interest in Bollywood cinema is just as animated as how we marvel at their film culture."

The release
Adds the source, "The film is aiming for a late 2010 shoot in Mumbai, New York and the Persian Gulf. The makers are hoping for a 2011 release. As with many Bollywood films, Xtrme City will integrate thriller, drama and comedy elements. The movie will be family-friendly though there would certainly be elements of violence. However, sex will be downplayed, though there would be quintessential song and dance routines."

Well, My Name Is Khan has already earned its stripes in America by being declared the highest grossing 'specialty film' of 2010. Though this tag does make one look at the overall success a little more closely, the term 'specialty' may get a whole new perspective if he succeeds in pulling off a casting-coup. Also, it is now obvious that Shah Rukh's hush-hush meeting in Berlin will spark off a new interest in Bollywood stars actually managing to make a Hollywood breakthrough. Will Shah Rukh lead the pack with Xtrme City? From what it seems, both Shah Rukh and Leonardo Di Caprio might be pulling off one of the biggest movie collaboration in recent times. What we have heard is just the tip of the iceberg!

About Xtrme City:
Xtrme City is an action thriller set in the brutal, impenetrable, criminal orbit of Mumbai, India. Curtis Hawkley, a former U.S. Ranger, is obliged to return to Mumbai when his father-in-law's youngest daughter is kidnapped by a powerful underworld Don. In order to save the girl he must first find his old friend Raj Rangan, an Indian Special Forces Commando who became a crime world enforcer. After reuniting and saving the girl, the two men are drawn deeper into the "bhai" underworld of Mumbai than they expected. Sense of duty compels them to take on a system of corruption, revenge, and familial obligations.

IN PICS: Shahrukh Khan at the launch of Nokia Main Bhi Coach Contest

IN PICS: Shah Rukh Khan on OK! Magazine

WATCH: SRK's photo shoot action

He's the ultimate cover boy or should we say man.. Here's SRK posing as only he can for the latest issue of 'Man's World'.

IPL 2010: We are the most emotionally worked up team says, SRK

Shah Rukh Khan felt that this season of the IPL would define where the Kolkata Knight Riders would go, after a disappointing first two years in the league.

In an interview to the Times of India, Shah Rukh said:

"I wish we had seen a little more success (in 2008 and 2009) because then it would have been like a fulfillment of some of my dreams... This season means defining where we go. I have been a professional through my life. But I think just accepting defeat does not ake you a good team. You've got to go out, play well and win. Sometimes, a bit of fortune needs to be on our side."

Shah Rukh also said that he was willing to go the extra mile for his team in what he could do - that is rope in sponsors, stay with the team and ensure monetary issues are well taken care of.

"I'll be very honest. I have to work really hard with my partners to get this kind of money on board. I spend about 30-40 days a year with this whereas I could earn a lot of money this time doing other things. but I am with them just so that my team has enough money so that it can be run happily. We can't afford to run this thing without our sponsors like Nokia and XXX who give us a lot of money. they give us almost twice or thrice of what other teams get.

I keep asking Dada (Sourav Ganguly) what can be done. We have weak middle order? Okay, work on it. We need a fast bowler? Okay, get one. We need to practice more? Okay, do that. We need to be more friendly? Okay, do that," he said.

He further elaborated on the economics of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who have made money despite their on-field failures.

"I don't know the figures, but our break-in at the Eden Gardens is maximum. So, the seven home games match up to almost the other 20 centres.

The other thing is that I am a brand and I understand that. I endorse a lot of things and why I manage to do that is because a lot of people believe in what I do and they like to follow my style."

Shah Rukh felt that the Kolkata Knight Riders connected with fans because they were the most emotionally worked up team, and people saw that.

"I don't want to take anything from other teams. But I think we are the most emotionally worked up team. We have emotions attached. People see that, people invest in that. We don't see a corporation here. We don't see just professionalism which could be a good or bad thing, I don't know. You see us sad when we're losing. You see us dancing when we win."

On the controversies that appear to keep dogging him Shah Rukh kept a diplomatic stance, but said that he would stand up for what he believed in. He said that on the eve of the previous IPL, a controversy had needlessly arisen when some of what he said was taken as a swipe at Sunil Gavaskar, but he had called up the legend and clarified the situation immediately.

He also said that he was aware of the fake IPL player blog that was created, and categorically denied that it was a marketing gimmick from the side of the franchisee or himself.

"When I say something and I feel I am right, I stand by it and if there's some miscommunication, I also make an effort to clear things. Last year, when the whole controversy about Gavaskar saab happened, I called him up immediately and clarified it. But within 24 hours it was blown into something else, and things got out of hand.

"I have to accept that, if I sell a car and people buy it, then what I say will also be used and people will sell it.

One thing I never used is negative aspects. I don't need to take recourse to anything negative. Something like that [the fake IPL player blog] is unacceptable to me. My team has lost nine matches in a row and some idiot is calling us names. And people are picking it up and making it a joke. Why would I like myself to be laughed at. Without sounding pompous, I am seriously of the biggest stars this country has seen. I look to set an example for youngsters to follow. so why would I try to demean my own self by doing something like this?"

IPL 2010: Coach spoof starring Shah Rukh

City boy directs KKR boss in ads mocking multiple-captain theory

Shah Rukh Khan has fallen back on a Calcuttan to call the shots not only on the field but also on the sets.

City boy Bauddhayan Mukherji earned King Khan’s vote of confidence to wield the megaphone in a series of Nokia commercials starring him along with Team Knight Riders, and spoofing sacked coach John Buchanan’s multiple-captain theory.

The former student of South Point and St Xavier’s had directed Shah Rukh in a Nokia ad before but it was apparently different this time because of the KKR link.

“This time it was the owner of KKR meeting one of his team’s biggest fans,” smiled Bauddhayan, better known as Buddy in advertising circles and feted internationally for his Bell Bajao campaign against domestic violence.

Viewers may connect quicker with his cheeky Amul Macho “twaing hai” ad, though.

Buddy’s Little Lamb Films has produced three ad films for Nokia. “Given KKR’s sterling performance last year, there is a lot of talk about the team’s showing,” said Viral Oza, the head of activation, media and online marketing at Nokia India, tongue firmly in cheek.

“We, Indians, have a point of view on everything, from running a country to a cricket team. So we thought of reaching out to them for advice,” he added.

Nokia’s brief to Buddy was “KKR needs everyone’s help”.

The Main Bhi Coach campaign shows the fan on the street instructing Team KKR based on his or her core competence — with disastrous consequences, of course. In the end, the beaten cricketers wonder: “Isko coach kisne banaya re? (Who made him the coach?)”

Then in walks Shah Rukh, declaring:“Maine, kyunki mujhe chahiye purey India ki expert advice (I did, because I want entire India’s expert advice).”

“Shah Rukh was the butt of the jokes, but he took it sportingly. He is an amazing team man in the way he contributes to the shot and helps his co-actors,” recalled Bauddhayan.

Actor and director even sat down for a heart-to-heart on KKR. “We agreed not to be bothered about the results, though we shouldn’t go down without a fight. Last year’s 95 all out mustn’t happen again.”

If Buddy has one regret, it’s Dada’s absence on the sets, thanks to the Vijay Hazare final.

Shahrukh-Katrina to inaugurate FICCI-Frames

Bollywood Baadshah Shahrukh Khan and Katrina Kaif have not acted together in films so far but they do come together for shows and other functions. This time, they will inaugurate the FICCI-FRAMES 2010.

Katrina will begin the session by lighting the lamp while Shahrukh will address the gathering. FICCI-FRAMES 2010, to be held from March 16 to 18, is a global convention on entertainment business.

Prominent personalities like Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting secretary Raghu Menon, Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment James Nicholas Gianopulos, Dutch actress Victoria Koblenko and FICCI Entertainment Committee chairman Yash Chopra will speak at the inaugural session of the convention.

A long list of topics varying from films to TV broadcast to digital entertainment to animation to gaming etc will covered in about 30 sessions.