SRK highly impressed by Akon

Shah Rukh Khan is a self-confessed fan of Akon's music. Now that they have jammed together for a song in Ra.One the two have become so close that Akon has promised to give Shah Rukh some tips on "cool rapping" in exchange for Hindi lessons from Shah Rukh.

R& B singer Akon has sung in Hindi for a track in Shah Rukh Khan's Ra.One. Initially it was meant to be only a smattering of words in Hindi. Now there are passages of Hindi by Akon. The absence of an accent in his singing of the Hindi words in the track took Shah Rukh Khan so much by surprise that he decided to add some more Hindi words and lines into Akon's song in Ra.One.

Confirming this, composer Shekhar Ravjiani speaking on behalf of the duo Vishal-Shekhar who have composed the Akon track, says, "Akon's Hindi took all of us by surprise. It was almost like he had been speaking the language all his life. No one could believe Akon was seeing those Hindi lines for the first time. He just rattled of the lines as if he was conversant with Hindi. When you hear the song you will see no difference in the singing quality of Akon's English and Hindi lines."

Ra.One is expected to have 10 tracks. Vishal-Shekhar are in the process of creating the soundtrack.

Says Shekhar, "The director Anubhav Sinha has such a keen ear for music. He understands ragas, rhythm, melody and the format of music composition. Shah Rukh too is very clued to world music. We are creating the kind of global sound in Ra.One which has never been heard in Indian cinema before."

Shahrukh to host Akon!

Shah Rukh Khan will host singing sensation Akon at Mannat in December. Sources say that the singer will be in town then to record another song for SRK.

Akon, who has been bowled over by SRK and also the concept of his film Ra.1, has gelled well with the composers and loves their groovy tracks.

"The last time Akon was in town, he became good friends with SRK and Kareena," says a source. "They had a great session talking about their different cultures and knowing each other. Akon had said that Mumbai gives him the feeling that he is at home having also done a hit show here. He was taken by surprise when Shah Rukh threw a party in his honour in Mumbai and many people turned up. He felt really special working for SRK and he took back this warm feeling with him to the US," adds the source.

During the London shooting schedule of the movie, SRK and the production team decided that since the movie had someone like Akon, they should showcase him more. They felt doing another song with him would help. SRK approached him and Akon probably tweaked his schedule so accommodate his trip to India. When contacted, SRK told TOI, "Yes Akon is set to do another song for us. We are just working on it to finalise things. December might be the month. We are excited to have him in our film."

I'm a big fan of Shah Rukh Khan: Akon

International R&B singer Akon, who is here to record songs for Shah Rukh Khan's film Ra.One, says he is a big fan of the Bollywood superstar and that he will not only have shows in India during his world tour, but would also do more work here soon.

"I am a big fan of Shah Rukh. I am very familiar with Shah Rukh's work. I am meeting Kareena [Kapoor] for the first time today," Akon said.

He is not only singing, but also composing for Ra.One.

"I am also composing. You know, I will give him [Shah Rukh] a couple of versions of the song, the way I do it. And I will also integrate it with the traditional way the Bollywood films are done. I will give them options and they will decide, which one to use in the film," said Akon.

Produced by Red Chilies Entertainment, Ra.One will see Shah Rukh playing a superhero.

Asked if he is planning to do more work with Indian music directors, he said: "You will see me doing more things in India soon."

The singer insists he finds African entertainment culture quite similar to what he sees in India.

"You know the tradition in Africa is not different from India. There is the same type of entertainment going on, the difference is only in language. I always wanted to expand my horizon, explore and enjoy," said Akon who will soon go on a world tour.

He is looking forward to performances in India as well.

"The world tour is coming soon and India is one of my biggest market so I will do number of shows here," said Akon.

The singer dedicated two lines from his song Beautiful to actress Kareena Kapoor, who was present at the event. She plays the female lead in Ra.One.

WATCH: Akon seeks Haiti help from Shah Rukh Khan

Singer plans to take SRK's aid in raising funds for the earthquake affected area. Hip-hop and R&B singer Akon is in town to record a song for Shah Rukh Khan's Ra One. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the sci-fi flick features Shah Rukh and Kareena in lead roles.

Akon seeks Haiti help from Shah Rukh Khan

Singer plans to take SRK's aid in raising funds for the earthquake affected area

Hip-hop and R&B singer Akon is in town to record a song for Shah Rukh Khan's Ra One. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the sci-fi flick features Shah Rukh and Kareena in lead roles.

Vishal-Shekhar score the music. Akon, popular for chartbusting tracks like Smack That and Mr Lonely, lends his voice to a track in the film and will also appear in the music video.

However, apart from talking music and doing business with SRK, he's also here to talk about something serious. Akon, who's worked with another musician Wycleaf Jean on the Haiti relief work, plans to talk to Shah Rukh about joining hands and raising money for the affected.

Talking about the situation in the earthquake-affected Haiti, Akon says, "There is so much more that can be done and needs to be done. I visited Haiti a while back and it was a moving experience. I think it's not something that's restricted to one particular part of the world, but a global situation that needs to be addressed.

I definitely plan to talk to Shah Rukh and see what we can do to raise aid for those in need. The plan is to get as many people involved as possible."

Weeks after the earthquake, Akon and Wyclef Jean performed in Haiti at the Yele Festival. Besides that, he also appeared in the charity single 'We Are The World' which was recorded along with 87 different artistes to raise money for Haiti relief.

Shah Rukh, who has sung only two songs in his career (in Josh and Farhan Akhtar's Don), plans to take active interest in the recording sessions for Ra One. "I am a terrible singer. But I do plan to get more involved with Akon while recording the song. There's a lot to learn from him." Adding that his son Aryan is a huge fan of the Smack That! track he adds, "That's a popular tune in the family. Everyone loves it." When asked if his kids ask him about the adult phrases and lingo in Akon's songs he jokingly says, "Well I am the one who learns from them." While SRK's favourite tune is Smack that!, Kareena picks Beautiful as hers. "I just love the song and think its really romantic." When asked if Saif who's into music and plays a guitar, listens to Akon she adds, "Not really. But we are definitely looking forward to party with him tonight."

Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor get rapping with Akon

Actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor were delighted to welcome singing sensation Akon in Mumbai yesterday. The American singer-songwriter will be belting out a number for Shah Rukh’s home production movie Ra.1, which stars Kareena as the female lead.

We got exclusive access to the backstage of the event held to welcome Akon. There Shah Rukh introduced him to Kareena saying, “She comes from the oldest and most prestigious acting family in India.”

When asked what she loves about Akon, Kareena said, “I love his music. He delivered one hit after another and I am sure he will give us a great number to sing and dance on. We just can’t wait for him to belt it out for us. I have been a big follower of Akon’s music for a long time and I love his songs, especially Beautiful. It’s been on my highest played song list.”

Listening to Kareena shower compliments on him, Akon said, “Bollywood is grand. I have heard great things about the industry and I am glad that I will be a part of it now. Shah Rukh Khan has a great fan following and I am sure we will do great work.”

Ask Shah Rukh why he chose Akon over the rest, and he said, “Akon is one of the biggest musical sensations and we are proud to host him in India. I feel his association with our movie will only make it bigger. I have heard his songs and he is brilliant. He is edgy and he makes people dance. When we make movies, we look to entertain. So, I am sure Akon and we will have great fun.”
Akon shot to world-wide fame with his album Konvicted in 2006. The single 'Smack That' featuring Eminem was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: Akon to sing for Khan's 'Ra.One'

New film sets Khan as software engineer who builds robot

Rapper Akon will sing for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming superhero caper “Ra.One,” directed by Anubhav Sinha and written by David Benullo (“Hallowed Ground”).

The announcement was made Tuesday in Mumbai at a press event attended by Khan, Akon and the film's co-star actress Kareena Kapoor. In “Ra.One,” Khan stars as a Miami-based software engineer who becomes a super-hero battling his self-created techno-monster. “Ra.One” is a word play on the Indian demon god “Ravan” from the Ramayana epic.

Slated to begin shooting in the U.S. in the coming months, unconfirmed reports indicate “Ra.One” will be budgeted at $21 million (1 billion rupees). The film will be produced by Khan's banner Red Chillies Entertainment, which co-produced the actor's latest release “My Name Is Khan.”

While Akon has performed in India earlier, the Senegalese-American singer said he was looking forward to perform here again during his upcoming world tour.

Before arriving in Mumbai Tuesday, local media reported that Akon had performed at a high society wedding in New Delhi last weekend.

Signed to Universal Music, Akon shot to worldwide fame with his 2006 album “Konvicted” which included the breakthrough single “Smack That,” featuring Eminem that earned a Grammy nomination for for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

WATCH: Akon sings for SRK

The Grammy Award winner Akon has come to Mumbai to record for Shah Rukh khan's forthcoming film Ra.one.

EXCLUSIVE: SRK welcomed the popular R&B singer Akon

In a warm gesture, Shah Rukh Khan welcomed the popular R&B singer Akon in Mumbai in presence of the media on Tuesday afternoon. The singer is in the country on a short visit to record a song for SRK's super hero flick, Ra.One.

After making the media wait for almost 2 hours, Khan finally appeared on stage without Akon, much to the surprise of everyone. The actor chose to first speak a few words about the rapper and in a grand welcome, also played one of Akon's most popular numbers 'Smack That' for the media. And while all indulged in enjoying the super number, SRK couldn't help but do a little foot tapping and head banging on the song.

Soon after, Akon appeared on stage and sent the crowd ooh-ooing. What followed next was a traditional welcome where Shah Rukh's 'Ra.One' co-star Kareena Kapoor put the tikka on Akon's forehead and an Orchid garland around his neck. Just then, SRK in his funny style said, "When an actress of a film garlands you, you are married to the hero. So now Akon and I are married." Akon was also presented with a Lord Krishna memento and the sacred Bhagwad Gita.

Taking the credit for inviting Akon to sing for Ra.One SRK said that getting the international star on board 'Ra.One' was director Anubhav Sinha and music director duo Vishal and Shekhar's idea. Talking about Akon, Shah Rukh said, "I love his songs and the number 'Smack That' is my favourite. Akon is very gracious, I am not. I charge for everything but he's a great guy and his singing for my film is not a business deal but a friendly gesture."

Talking more about the film Khan said, "I can't give away much information as we still don't know what we are making," but on a more serious note he added, "It's a film about a good guy, a bad guy, a beautiful actress, a wonderful singer. It's a super hero flick and kids would love the film. But...," Shah Rukh quickly added, "It's not a kiddie film."

Akon will be singing and composing the song for Ra.One. Letting us in on what he plans for this special song Akon said, "Music in Africa and India is quite similar as artists from both the places believe in exploring and are open to experimentation. For the song in 'Ra.One' I plan to blend my style with some Bollywood style music."

Making their mutual admiration public, Akon and SRK took turns to sing a few lines of the hit track 'Smack That'. Akon also recited a few lines of 'Beautiful' and dedicated it to the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor, with King Khan playing an air guitar to everyone's amusement.

When a journalist asked SRK if he was following the trend started by Akshay Kumar of getting international singers to sing for Bollywood projects, SRK very sarcastically replied, "Yes yes, I always follow other actors. I have never done anything original." But later SRK turned into his peppy self and said that he always wanted to be a rockstar, "If you can sing and you look good, all girls like you," Khan said.

Kareena, who was meeting Akon for the first time said, "I am really happy about being able to sing with Akon. And I am looking forward to the party tonight at Mannat. It will be great fun."

After the press meet Akon was headed to Yash Raj studios where music director duo Vishal and Shekhar were waiting for him to record the song. But before leaving, the trio – SRK, Akon and Kareena, happily posed for the shutterbugs.

SRK throws a party for Akon

Shah Rukh Khan and American singer-songwriter Akon are snapped at Mumbai's JW Marriot hotel on Monday. Shah Rukh hosted a party for the singer at the hotel.

The singer arrived in Mumbai to record a song for Shah Rukh's next film Ra 1. Akon will be in Mumbai for two days.

Akon, 36, and Shah Rukh recently met in Los Angeles. Akon, besides one song, will reportedly also form part of the cast. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the science-fiction superhero hi-tech film is written by David Benullo (Shadow Man), cinematography by Ueli Steiger (The Maiden Heist), and music by Vishal-Shekhar.

Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi are also said to be a part of the film.

Shah Rukh reportedly plays a Miami software engineer Shekhar in the film, who as a video-game hero takes on his self-created techno-monster Ra 1. Shooting locations include Miami.

Grammy nominated Akon of Senegal background, born as Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam, has 40 Billboard Hot 100 songs.

Superhero film Ra.One for my kids: Shah Rukh

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is excited about his first superhero film Ra.One, which will also see him flying. And he says he is doing it for his children and hopes to succeed at the box office.

"The film Ra.One is a superhero film. There is a good guy, there is a bad guy, there is a beautiful girl, there is a wonderful singer and a fantastic director," Shah Rukh told reporters at a press conference organised to welcome the international R&B singer Akon at Sahara Star hotel Tuesday.

"It's a kind of film, a genre we guys haven't tried at 'Red Chilies'. On behalf of the whole team, I would like to try and I hope we succeed. It's a new thing for all of us, so we are giving it our best shot. Hopefully, we will be able to do what we are set out to do. I am doing it for my kids," he added.

The film is being directed by Anubhav Sinha and Kareena Kapoor plays Shah Rukh's love interest in it.

He said: "My superhero character is called Jeeva and he can solidify electricity. It's a concept we are trying to work on. Hopefully, visually it will be understandable too. It is a superhero film and I am going to fly in it."

Shah Rukh confirmed Akon will record a number for the film, but clarified that the R&B singer won't sing for the promotional song for his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

"No, he is actually here to do a song for Ra.One. We would love him to do a lot of songs. We haven't developed the song for KKR, but if I do, I would obviously request him to do that.

"No, there is not any business deal with Akon. He has just been very gracious. You know, he is unlike me - I charge for everything. I will be really honest. When you see an artist or a singer, you truly realise that they want to do it for the sake of art. And what I love about him is that he only loves to work," said Shah Rukh.

Kareena was also present and welcomed Akon by putting tilak on his forehead and a garland around his neck.

If Akon can sing for me, why should I?: Shah Rukh

Rap star Akon arrives in Mumbai today on a whirlwind tour and will be Shah Rukh Khan's special guest during his stay. The singer is here to record songs for SRK's film Ra. One, including one in Hindi. Says Shah Rukh, “Yes, Akon arrives on Monday for a rushed three-day visit. He will perform at the launch of a new product of a company whose energy drink I endorse, and then on Tuesday and Wednesday, he will record a song with Vishal Shekhar for Ra.One. There are two versions of the song, one in English and the other in Hindi, and Akon wants to sing in Hindi. Though he’s Senegalese by birth, he sings in different languages. I don’t see why he can’t manage Hindi. Akon will be adding his own bit to Vishal Shekhar’s composition. He is very participative - I love his songs.”

Shah Rukh hums one of Akon’s recent chartbusters and you wonder why he doesn’t sing for himself. SRK laughs, “No, I can’t sing. I did some lines for myself in Josh, but that was not real singing. If Akon can sing for me, why should I?”

Recalling his meeting with Akon, the actor says, “When I met him recently in New York for the first time, I was floored by his niceness. Such a big international star but so down-to-earth. I asked him if he would sing for me and he said, ‘anytime’. Everyone including Kareena Kapoor who has heard the song has loved it.”

Apart from the recording, there’s enough to keep Akon busy. “I will have him home for dinner and also arrange a quick press meet. I don’t want to put too much pressure on his time. After all, the man’s got to sleep too. However, it is just a three-day visit and I guess he will have a lot to do.”

The actor also wants to show My Name Is Khan to him. “Akon was in Cairo when MNIK released there. He saw the hoardings and has shown interest in watching it. Insha Allah, I’ll screen my film for him.”

Akon comes to India for Shahrukh Khan

Akon certainly enjoys a huge fan following in India and the singer is soon going to land here. But the ones for whom he will sing ‘Smack That’ are not his fans but friend Shahrukh Khan. Whoa!

As per reports, Akon and SRK are good friends, and coming Monday he will make a special appearance at the actor’s high-profile, lavish party to celebrate the beginning of third season of IPL. The party will have several Bollywood stars, many international cricketers, business tycoons and many celebrated fashion people. Akon will perform live at the event which is going to happen in Mumbai.

And possibly Akon will also record the song for Shahrukh’s first sci-fi film ‘Ra. 1’during his tour to Mumbai.

Bang on!

Akon in SRK-starrer ‘Ra.One’

American singer-songwriter Akon is reportedly appearing in Bollywood big-budget action film “Ra.One”, starring megastar Shahrukh Khan.

Akon, 36, and Filmfare winner Shahrukh reportedly recently met in Los Angeles (USA). Akon, besides one song, will reportedly also form part of the cast. Directed by Anubhav Sinha (Tum Bin), science-fiction superhero hi-tech film “Ra.One” is written by David Benullo (Shadow Man), cinematography by Ueli Steiger (The Maiden Heist), and music by Vishal-Shekhar. Besides Shahrukh, it also reportedly stars Filmfare winners Kareena Kapoor (Jab We Met) and Vivek Oberoi (Company).

Shahrukh reportedly plays a Miami software engineer Shekhar in the film, who as a video-game hero takes on his self-created techno-monster “Ra.One”. Shooting locations include Miami (Florida, USA) and Shahrukh’s wife Gauri Khan (Billu) is the producer.

Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, welcoming this Bollywood-Hollywood music collaboration, pointed out in a statement in Nevada (USA) today that while adapting to Western music, we should not completely forget India’s rich musical heritage, elements of whose theory go back to Sama-Veda.

Grammy nominated Akon of Senegal background, born as Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam, has 40 “Billboard Hot 100” songs. Various other international pop stars have done numbers for Bollywood in the past, like Samantha Fox (Rock Dancer), Snoop Dogg (Singh is Kinng), and Kylie Minogue (Blue).

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.