The K3G trio Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan walked the ramp at the Indian Couture Week in Mumbai - Photos

Shahrukh, Big B and Hrithik rock the ramp

It was 'We Are Family' time at KJo's show at HDIL Couture Week

Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan dazzled as the showstoppers for Karan Johar and Varun Bahl's show at the HDIL-India Couture Week in Mumbai, but it was Shah Rukh Khan who stole the show with his dimpled smile and spontaneous dancing.

With Big B and Hrithik walking down the ramp, the audience couldn't have asked for more, but there was a bonus.

As the two showstoppers - Amitabh Bachchan dressed in a black overcoat with aviators and Hrithik in a military jacket - came to take the final bow with the designers, Karan suggested that they get King Khan, who was sitting in the first row, on the ramp too.

So they walked back and Big B gave his hand to SRK, pulled him onto the ramp while the audience, which included a host of Bollywood celebrities, cheered and clapped seeing the three 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' stars walk together.

Then SRK broke into a jig and asked Amitabh and Hrithik to join in too.

It all ended with much male bonding as Shah Rukh hugged the Big B and Hrithik, wishing them "All the best".

The big stars on the ramp apart, Karan's show had a galaxy of celebrities in attendance - Preity Zinta, sisters Karishma and Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor with daughter Sonam, Rani Mukerji, Shah Rukh's wife Gauri, Hrithik's wife Suzzane, Urmila Matondkar, Raveena Tandon, Rahul Khanna, Dino Morea amongst many others.

The celeb quotient sure set the ball rolling for the designers.

Talking about the number of stars spotted during his show, Karan said: "The idea was to get people together with whom I connect personally. It was all about having friends and family supporting you."

The designers showcased a power-packed menswear range on the ramp.

I walked the ramp with two Gods Shahrukh Khan & Amitabh Bachchan: Hrithik

Hrithik Roshan said it was amazing to walk the ramp with Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan who are like God to him.

SRK on the hot seat of Big B’s KBC 4?

There had been a lot of buzz speculating about which biggie will be sitting on the hot seat with Amitabh Bachchan in 'Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 4'.

Rumors are rife that the Superstar of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan

will be seen in the fourth edition of KBC in the hot seat answering to the questions asked by Big B.

'Kaun Banega Crorepati' to be aired on Oct. 11

Sony had approached SRK, as the channel is very keen to bring the two host of the show in one frame face to face. It’s reported that the channel is eagerly waiting to garner a lot of TRP on the fourth edition of the show, when it goes on air.

Talking about the special episode, sources close to the show stated, “The channel is very keen to have an episode that would have the two hosts of KBC face to face. They have approached SRK to be a celebrity contestant who will be quizzed by Amitabh. The channel knows that this is what will give them a huge buzz. SRK is undecided.”

“He has good relations with the channel as well as the makers of the show, so it is hugely being anticipated that he might give a nod for this special episode. Everyone has their fingers crossed,” says a highly placed source close to the developments of the show.

Amitabh shot the 1st episode on Thursday

Amitabh, who completed shooting for the first episode of KBC 4 on floor no. 16 of Film City, Goregaon on Thursday, did manage to keep his fans engaged about the show by posting it on his Twitter account.

Tweeting about the first episode, the megastar wrote, “The cruel and grinding day for the first episode has just ended. Its merits and demerits shall be known sooner or later. But what shall remain ever in the mind will be the time spent with the common aam aadmi.The one that no one knows, yet should know!"

Talking further about the common man, Amitabh praised them as the heart and the pulse and also the gaze and the stride of any society.

“They bring in the TRP’s the general entertainment factors or whatever it is they seek for commerce. They are the ones that, influenced by the commercials on the tube, get the bugs for consumerism, and they are the ones that contribute the most for its fulfillment,” posted Amitabh.

SRK acknowledges Big B's concern

When Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan expressed his concern over Shah Rukh Khan's health, the actor was quick to call him to acknowledge his concern.

Amitabh had tweeted on Shah Rukh's account: "ShahRukh... you were sounding fine... but you need to sound better... look after yourself."

After that Shah Rukh called the 67-year-old to reply to the online message.

"Had a call from Shah Rukh acknowledging my concern for his health on twitter. Laughed and joked a bit about his condition, his body suit, and his twit page getting jammed by millions of tweets from journalist friends, thereby not being able to get to read some of the messages he is getting.

"Gauri, his wife, he said had made him aware of my tweet and was expressing concern that he was still not looking after himself, despite my little health care advice," Amitabh posted on his blog.

The two superstars have worked on a couple of films together including " Mohabbatein" and " Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham".

OLD IS GOLD: Shahrukh Khan & Amitabh Bachchan - Photo

Shahrukh Khan & Amitabh Bachchan during old times

Shahrukh Khan Steal the Show at Raavan London Premiere

Raavan much hyped premiere in London wasn’t only about crazy fans and thumping of dhols.

Even as Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya basked in the limelight at the British Film Institute, Shah Rukh Khan’s presence on the red carpet — with his wife Gauri and daughter Suhana — cut a more interesting picture.

SRK and the Bachchans, who were believed to be involved in a cold war, bonded big time at the premiere.

Also, it’s interesting to note that SRK was the only star to make an appearance on the red carpet besides Raavan ’s cast and crew. And King Khan was full of praise for the film and the Bachchans.

“ Aishwarya, Abhishek, Amit ji , Mani Ratnam — all my favourite people here. It couldn’t be a better evening to meet your friends, see such wonderful performances, see one of the finer films the country has made... the kids are very fond of Abhishek... so they all wanted to be here ( London),” said SRK. SRK and the Bachchans’ latest show of bonhomie comes after SRK backed out from IIFA awards at the last minute citing “ too much work.” For those who came in late, Big B is the brand ambassador of IIFA. SRK was also supposed to captain the film team in a friendly cricket match against the Sri Lankan team.

In 2008, SRK raised eyebrows when he attended the red carpet premiere of Drona . Since then, SRK and the Bachchans have been very warm to each other.

For the uninitiated, the rivalry between SRK and Bachchans reportedly kicked off after SRK replaced Big B as the host of the TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati and also acted in the remake of the Amitabh Bachchan’s 1978 hit, Don . But for some time now, the Bachchans and Shah Rukh have been bonding through Twitter. A few days back, Big B tweeted: “ Shah Rukh ! ( I) believe Abhishek spoke to you about the premiere in London and you, Gauri and the kids are all coming... Wonderful ! See you there.” SRK had tweeted back promptly: “( I) will do sir... ( I) hope I finish all work here and make it. ( I am) very excited to see Raavan . All the best to all and love.” SRK, who is believed to be busy with his ambitious home production Ra. One , specially took out time to reach London for the premiere.

The Bachchans can’t seem to thank him enough. Big B has thanked SRK repeatedly through his Twitter account. “ Spoke to Gaurima ( SRK’s wife Gauri). We now need to do a night back in Mumbai. Thank you again for coming. You made my night!” tweeted Junior Bachchan. At the premiereAbhishek said “ Shah Rukh is like family”. SRK and the Bachchans seem to be going all out with their friendship. Khan said at the premiere that he is “ a little biased towardsAbhishek” adding that Ash is a way too fantastic an actor for him to comment on.

Later he tweeted to Big B: “ Thanks sir ( I) had a great time... the film is really nice.”

A special thanks to Shahrukh Khan by Sr. Bachchan

According to the latest tweets, the legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan appreciated Shah Rukh Khan's presence at the premiere of 'Raavan' at British Film Institute in London on Wednesday.

Sr. Bachchan tweeted, “Thank you ShahRukh for being with us last night ! Enjoy the rest of your stay here ... love to all.”

The Bachchans were mesmerized by having a grand welcome at the premiere of Abhi-Aish’s forthcoming fim ‘Raavan’.

“A massive turn out of fans and screaming public at the desired level - the red carpet, warmed us all up to the experience that was to follow. Earlier this morning, thanks to FmXt Satyam gave in a description of how one could be connected … with events of such dynasty,” Big B wrote in his blog.

SRK the Big B’s chief guest for 'Raavan'

Bollywood Badshah SRK is finally making amends with the iconic Big B.

First he refused the remake of the bachchan starrer ‘Satte Pe Satta’ and now its being heard that Badshah Khan has accepted the offer from Big B to attend the premiere of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer ‘Raavan’, which will be held in London tomorrow (16th June).

The premiere will be held at 7 pm at British Film Institute, South Bank.

As reported, the Bachchan family and the entire team of ‘Ravan’ will be present for the premiere and soon after, the team will hit back to India for its audience response on Friday 18th of this month.

Shahrukh Khan to attend 'Ravaan' London premiere

If tweets are to be believed, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is in London for the shooting of his home production “Ra.One”, might be attending the London premiere of Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai starrer “Raavan” June 16 with his wife Gauri and kids.

“Shah Rukh, I believe Abhishek spoke to you about the premiere in London and you, Gauri and the kids (are) all coming… Wonderful! See you there,” Big B, Abhishek’s father, posted on his Twitter homepage Sunday.

Directed by Mani Ratnam, “Raavan” is a bilingual and also stars Tamil superstar Vikram, who makes his Bollywood debut with the Hindi version. It is releasing June 18 worldwide.

Amitabh Bachchan Removes Shahrukh Khan from Twitter!

Oh-oh! Do we smell trouble in Twitterland? After following each other dutifully and tweeting friendly messages back and forth, Amitabh Bachchan suddenly stopped following his friend and prominent B-town colleague Shahrukh Khan! What went wrong? Did SRK say something to upset Big B? Did King Khan get a role in a movie that Bachchan Senior was hoping to bag? No, guess again!

The only thing that went wrong when Big B stopped following SRK out of the blue was his technical skills! Apparently the B-town big shot never meant to remove King Khan from his Twitter feed, but accidently hit the delete button! Oops!

"Pressed wrong button ... Shah Rukh gone off my 'following' list ... how do I get him back ...?" Big B tweeted in despair. But with 156,087 followers and fans to help him out, it didn't take long before all online ties between the two actors were restored and everything was back to normal! Phew!

Bollywood was all abuzz as Big B signed on and actors from Ritesh Deshmukh to Sophie Choudry immediately welcomed the veteran B-town star to the Twitter community. "Ladies and gentlemen. HE IS HERE!!! BigB in da house!!!! @srbachchan welcome Pa. Show him the love tweeps!!" Abhishek Bachchan tweeted as soon as his dad joined.

"A warm welcome to my GENIUS @srbachchan - Woh jahan khade hote hain- line wahin se shuru hoti hai," said Amitabh's Aladin co-star Ritesh. "R u ready to welcome the Shahenshah?!! The legend,the most charasmatic man in the world,the God of movies is here! Pls welcome @srbachchan," tweeted Sophie Choudry.

Well now Big B can continue to follow Karan Johar, Shammi Kapoor, Suhel Seth, his son Abhishek and Shahrukh Khan in peace. Let's hope that he doesn't delete any of the other six people he follows, it can easily cause diplomatic problems!

SRK, Big B post similar tweets

Bollywood's two of the biggest stars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan are in a race of pictures on Twitter.

On Sunday around 8pm Amitabh Bachchan posted a picture of how his fans wait to catch a glimpse of their favourite star and he wrote: "Someone wanted to see what happens on Sundays at Jalsa. Here is a previous Sunday."

Then within a couple of hours Shah Rukh Khan posted: "People come to share love on Sundays and take my pictures. This time I thought I will take theirs .Thanks all."

The two superstars have been following each other's tweets ever since Big B joined the micro blogging site.

SRK welcomed Bachchan saying: "You are the superest duperest awaited human on the twitter world." to this Bachchan replied: "ShahRukh! Finally managed to get this thing right. Found you and after pressing endless buttons here I am "

But this bonhomie has not dampened the zeal to dominate cyber space. Bachchan is aware that he is far behind SRK who has over 400,000 followers on Twitter and admitted as much in one of his tweets. "Shah Rukh congrats! You crossed 400,000. Meri gaadi thoda dheeli chal rahi hai."

With Shah Rukh and Bachchan now trying to outdo each other on Twitter, it is their fans who stand to gain the most as the two actors give unprecedented insights into their personal lives.

Amitabh Wishes King Khan A Speedy Recovery!

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has wished actor Shahrukh Khan a speedy recovery from his worsened back pain.

On microblogging site Twitter, Big B wrote, "Speedy recovery for your back Shah Rukh! It is such a bother really. I take resort through medication, but massage is better."

SRK's back problem has aggravated due to the busy shooting schedule for his upcoming flick "Ra. One".

The actor is finding it hard to play the role of a superhero for the film and perform risky stunts because of the problem.

King Khan tweeted, "Huge blue screen... 100 cars... cranes wires... gawd i am making a film beyond my means. Now working with my doctor on my back. Time to scream out ouch... ooh... aah." (With Inputs from Agencies)

Big B congratulated SRK

Shah Rukh has over 4 lakh followers on Twitter, is Bachchan Sr a bit envious?

Amitabh Bachchan, who joined Twitter some time ago, congratulated Shah Rukh Khan for having over 400,000 followers on the site.

"Congrats!! you crossed 400,000... meri gaadi thoda dheeli chal rahi hai (I'm at a slower pace at the moment)," the 67-year-old posted on his Twitter page.

Amitabh, who has become a regular on the site now, presently has 98,228 followers. While he writes on his Twitter page couple of times during the day, he also has a blog, a voice blog and a mobile blog.

As of now, he is following just five people on Twitter - Shah Rukh, son Abhishek, Sachin Tendulkar, Shammi Kapoor, and Suhel Seth.

SRK, Big B team up for a cause

Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan have teamed up with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for its national census programme. The prime motto of the BMC to rope in Big B and SRK is to get more publicity and therefore, create awareness among the citizens about the census form.

SRK has recently visited BMC officials to fill up the form and gave an assurance that he would do a needful. Amitabh has given a confirmation to be a part of the campaign but hasn’t yet filled the form.

Actually, Census form requires a citizen to fill up the personal details and also enquires about movable and immovable properties.

Soon, Amitabh and Shahrukh will be seen promoting the census form so that every citizen become responsible to be transparent with BMC.

When Big B was mistaken as Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was in for a surprise at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport recently when an uniformed officer mistook him for actor Shah Rukh Khan.

The 67-year-old actor was on his way back to the country when he was mobbed at the airport and had to oblige them with autographs. But he was in for a shock when he was mistaken for King Khan.

Recounting his experience, Bachchan wrote in his blog, "Airports are strange places. KLIA is no different from any airport where the staff would immediately recognize any celebrity, except a few exceptions. They mob and ask for pictures and stuff... I oblige... it makes them happy.

"They seem to be obsessed with our cinema and with our artists. One today, uniformed and medalled, walked past me in the crowded duty free, turned back after expressing some recognition and smiled - 'hello .. Mr ShahRukh Khan'," Bachchan wrote.

The veteran actor, one of the most famous Bollywood faces abroad, did not know how to react and is still in two minds whether he should take it as a compliment or not.

"I am still debating in my head whether I should take this as a compliment or not. For the official to find absolute dedication in his name giving, sends me a healthy feeling. I shall remain with it...," he wrote.

Bachchan's loss, Shah Rukh's gain?

Rumours abound that King Khan may now be chosen as the brand ambassador for Commonwealth Games 2010

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan had once said he would stop doing things that Amitabh Bachchan had done before. Like the remake of Don, or the hit quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati. But this is an entirely different ballgame. Shah Rukh may now be doing something that Amitabh couldn't do at all.

After the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) decided not to consider his name as the brand ambassador for 2010 Commonwealth Games, Bachchan might have to contend with another ignominy. That of being replaced by Shah Rukh Khan.

Speculations have been doing the rounds of political circles in Delhi that the Congress is aiming at killing two birds with one stone, if such a move materialises.

Though Commonwealth Games Federation chairman Suresh Kalmadi was not available for comments, federation's media in-charge Lalit Bhanot did not rule out the possibility of SRK becoming the brand ambassador for the mega sporting event.

Though officially, he was more cautious. "Right now we are considering names of sportspersons as ambassadors. Whenever we will take a decision, we will let you know."

"Shah Rukh has everything a brand ambassador for an international event should have. He is a Muslim and is someone who stood up against the hooliganism of the Shiv Sena. He has a secular face, he is young, and has a larger appeal," a senior bureaucrat associated with the Commonwealth Games told MiD DAY, requesting anonymity.

IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi, at a function on Tuesday, hinted that Big B was too old for espousing the cause of an international sporting event. "We are looking for a fresh, young face," he told media persons. The statement pumped oxygen into the lungs of those who have been baying for the blood of Bachchan after he took over as the brand ambassador of Gujarat.

The Congress, the ruling party both at the Centre and Delhi, has already reiterated that somebody who could stand for Narendra Modi's Gujarat should not be made the face of an event as big as the Commonwealth Games.

"Mr Bachchan do you endorse what happened during the riots? What are your views on the Gujarat government's complicity during the post-Godhra massacre? You must explain your position clearly," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari had demanded.

In fact, it was after the Congress party snubbed Bachchan for his role as Gujarat's brand ambassador that the BJP came up with the proposal of making the Big B the face of the Commonwealth Games.

However, the Congress tried to steer clear of its role in the decision of choosing a brand ambassador for the October games. "It is the prerogative of the Commonwealth Games Federation to appoint a brand ambassador. The Congress has nothing to do with it," Tiwari told MiD DAY.

But with the surfacing of Shah Rukh's name even the BJP is in a tight spot. Though it outrightly rejected the idea of dropping Amitabh Bachchan's name due to age factor they did not completely disagree with SRK replacing him.

Indian Olympic Association senior vice-president and an executive board member of the Games VK Malhotra said, "The matter will be decided by the executive board. I would not like to comment on his (Amitabh Bachchan) candidature. But saying no to him just because of his age is ridiculous."

Sources in Delhi Congress said choosing SRK will help the party send out a message to Amitabh Bachhan, adding that "Shah Rukh is younger and more acceptable."

They also pointed out the close relations that the King Khan enjoys with both Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Delhi chief minister Sheila Diskhit to corroborate their claims.

Shah Rukh Khan during the Delhi Half Marathon in November 2009 had indeed expressed his desire to be a part of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

MiD DAY tried to contact Amitabh Bachchan, but he did not return the phone calls.

Another federation official said that there could be many brand ambassadors for the promotion of the event and Shah Rukh could be one of them.

"However, at this juncture it is very tough to say who will be named as main brand ambassador for the games. The executive board is yet to take a final decision," the official said.

Amitabh Bachchan was the brand ambassador of 1982 Delhi Asiad in which he lent his voice and anchored the opening ceremony. He was close to Rajiv Gandhi at that point of time.

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.

SRK: (Very) Little help from his friends

For the premieres of films like Paa, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh, Amitabh have brought their combined star power to the red carpet. At a recent awards show for Bollywood, Shah Rukh did a dance from Paa with Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan on stage, fighting whispers that the Bachchan-Khan rivalry is one of Bollywood's worst-kept secrets.

But now that a different sort of spotlight is on Shah Rukh Khan, he's being forced to get by with very little help from his friends.

As cinema owners receive warning letters from the Shiv Sena asking them not to screen Khan's forthcoming release, virtually every big actor, producer and director is silent.

No comment issued so far by Salman Khan, Aamir Khan or Akshay Kumar; even the usually-outspoken Preity Zinta has not volunteered any public support.

On Twitter, a handful of voices, including Arjun Rampal, Farhan Akhtar and Priyanka Chopra have said they stand by Shah Rukh and Karan Johar, the director of My Name is Khan.

And in the midst of the crisis, Amitabh Bachchan blogged lavish praise for Bal Thackeray, sharing that he is planning a special screening of Rann for him.

In London, Shah Rukh said he will not compromise on his values by apologizing to the Shiv Sena for saying that Pakistani players should participate in the next season of the Indian Premiere League (IPL). ''Can someone tell me what I said was wrong? I have apologised to people in the past but will someone tell me what I said was wrong. I am sad.''

In the past as well, Bollywood has been a Lonely Planet for people caught in political controversies. Nobody spoke for Aamir Khan when his Fanaa was blockaded by the Narendra Modi government in Gujarat. Preity Zinta took girl power to a whole new level when she became the only person to testify in court about the underworld's role in Bollywood. Deepa Mehta fought along for her Water when its shooting was disrupted by saffron parties.

Jaya Bachchan points out that when she was attacked by Raj Thavkeray in 2008 for choosing to speak in Hindi at a public function, it was only her family who stood by her.

The point is lost on nobody: there is business worth crores at stake, so taking on the Sena has to be the job of a Lone Ranger.

And to avoid losses, or controversies, Bollywood has repeatedly sought political patronage from the Sena, vetting the party's status as an extra-constitutional authority. It may be cowardly, but it has worked. Amitabh Bachchan's Sarkaar, loosely based on the lives of the Thackerays, was released without a hitch.

While Bollywood chooses to be seen and not heard, Shah Rukh's status on the streets of India has escalated to a real-life superhero. On the internet, in SMS-es, and in television stories, people are volunteering by the thousand to tell SRK they support him, and they will stand by him. Many comments sent to ndtv.com said the senders would go to see My Name Is Khan repeatedly, as a vote of thanks.

Shahrukh Khan welcomes Amitabh to his home

The growing proximity between the Bachchans and Shahrukh Khan just got thicker. On Thursday, Shahrukh called up the Bachchans and requested for a print of Rann to kick-start his newly-constructed home theatre at his residence.

Says a source, "Shahrukh specifically wanted to inaugurate his home theatre with a Bachchan starrer. Luckily, Rann was on release this week. So he asked Karan Johar to quickly dial Mr. Bachchan, who put him through the producers of Rann. The producers gladly arranged for a print of Rann to be delivered to Shahrukh's place on Thursday evening."


After watching the film till very late on Thursday night, Shahrukh Khan sent an appreciative sms to the film's producer which read, "Very kind of you to send the film across. Very intense, very topical...good performances all round. The viewpoint is very current."

Apparently, Shahrukh wanted to invite Mr Bachchan to view Rann in his home theatre. Alas! Amitabh Bachchan was in Delhi on Thursday night attending the premiere of Rann.

You would think with his sworn lack of empathy with politics, Big B would run as far away from politicians as possible. Surprisingly, politicians rather than stars dominated the Delhi premiere of Rann on Thursday night.

Those VIPs (very important politicians) who attended the premiere on Thursday night included Yashwant Sinha, L. K. Advani, Sheila Dixit, Sachin Pilot and the current Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi - Tajendra Khanna. Plus, of course, Amar Singh. This was Mr. Bachchan's first politician-dominated premiere in years.

The entire Bachchan parivar was in full attendance, though Jaya arrived separately from the rest of the family. An ever-enthusiastic Vivek Oberoi also saw the film though in a different screening from the Bachchans.

A perception that Rann indulges in serious bashing of the electronic media had the film's leading man Amitabh Bachchan stationed in the Capital for most of Thursday inviting the city's most influential journalists for the premiere.

Most of the who's who of Delhi's press corps melted under the great Bachchan charm. The man himself was baffled by the widespread belief that the film was against the electronic media.

Said Mr. Bachchan on Thursday afternoon, "I'm in Delhi meeting various members of the press trying to understand why Rann is being perceived as being against them. Or why I'm being seen to have issues with the press. Not at all! I've always respected the press."

Tell him the perception of Mr. Bachchan being anti-press goes back to those years in the 1980s when he had banned the press.

Says Mr. Bachchan, "I banned them because they had banned me. But now that's in the past. Writing my blog has made me understand the duties and exigencies of the media much better than before."