Eros International launches DVD of Billu Barber

Eros International has launched the DVD of Billu, a film produced by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chilies Entertainment.

The cost of the DVD is Rs 299 and has additional features like making of the film, making of the songs - Marjaani, Hit Hit and Khudaya Khair. It also contains the deleted scenes of the film.

The film is produced by Gauri Khan and directed by Priyadarshan. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta, Om Puri and Rajpal Yadav, with Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra in special appearances.

The music is composed by Pritam and lyricist of the film is Gulzar.

Shahrukh Khan talks about life post IPL

Straight-talking SRK on the state of play: his contribution to the IPL, his refusal to campaign for politician buddies and his equation with Aamir

So his Knights bowed out all too early in this installment of the Indian Premier League, but Shah Rukh Khan has already moved on. The man's funda in life is simple: he's here to entertain, and that's what he's doing post-Billu, post IPL, post all.

King Khan takes you through the reasons why he's still sticking with the producers, with small films and why he's taking advice from Aamir Khan. Read on...

What's your take on the producer-distributor forum and multiplex issue?
Both sides need to understand that neither can move without the other. I think there need to be dialogue between the people who know the details. I am just a spokesperson. I am told what to say and I said it. But having said that, I truly believe that they will not budge till the World T20 is over. Post that we need to have balls to hold the strike for another 60 days. The big film producers have it and I think it will finally help the small film guys as well. Next thing is releasing films in single screens.

In the producers meeting, Aamir took centrestage while you took a back seat. Why?
I think Aamir arranged for everything. He is very actively involved in this. Even now, he texts me everyday to point out some things and then I SMS back with what I feel should be added or taken out and so on. I was supposed to hold fort till I left for the IPL; I did that. There were a few things I was meant to do which I finished and reported back.

So when you and Aamir met for this, didn't you guys talk about whatever you've said about each other in print?
I think it would have been childish, no? He asked me, 'Shah Rukh, should we talk about whatever happened?' I said no, because to be very honest it would have been very juvenile. Whatever I said, I said it with a sense of humour and I would find it very difficult to explain my sense of humour to anyone. If he has taken it seriously then I am immensely sad about it and I would never joke about him. I will find something else to joke about now. I think I will joke only about myself now.

What do you think went wrong with Billu?
I think it did okay finally. As a producer it did work and I have spoken to some of the distributors and whenever I see my film has fallen short, I return the money. So we worked that out so it does well for everyone. It was probably made at a couple of crores more than it should have but that's me but I think this was the level of the film.

You did a small film and it didn't work. Will that stop you from doing a similar film again?
Billu started as a small film but look where it got to eventually. Right now, I know what I am doing I am doing a Khan, Raavan, Happy New Year and Don 2, so where is the time to do a small film in between all this? But as a producer, I will make films which will be relatively small with directors like Roshan Abbas and there a couple more of these small films which will be coming out of my banner.

A lot of actors campaigned for different political parties. Were you approached too?
Yes, I have been approached but I will never do it. See I have friends in politics and they asked me but I think it would be wrong of me to speak for someone just because that person is a friend.
Can I promote you because I like you? I don't know how well you do what you do.

There are two issues: I have one with campaigning. I don't know what I am promoting like soap, or a drink or whatever I can sell. But my lack of knowledge about politics is enough of a reason for me to stay away. As it is, I have my share of controversies without being a part of politics (laughs). Also I have friends from all kinds of parties I love Sonia Gandhi and I love Atal Bihari Bajpyee too I have met them and they have been very nice to me. Similarly someone like Mr Modi... I see him and find him very organised but regardless of all this, do I know how it all works? No. And only on a friendly level to campaign for someone, I think it is too responsible a position to be in I am not deriding Sanju or Salman, God bless them and they must know all this. Thirdly, my going somewhere is only going to bring in the entertainment value, I don't play the cricketer in IPL I bring in the eyeballs just because I am a movie star.

Going and asking for votes is not going to ensure that that candidate is going to win, if that was the case then my team would've won every match.

SRK touched hearts

Who said, love me or hate me... but you can’t ignore me? Not Shah Rukh Khan, surely.

Though the Bollywood Badshah, home after his successful shoulder surgery, is saying just that about his home production Red Chillies’ last Friday release — Billu. “The film’s sincerity is touching hearts. Whoever has seen this Priyadarshan-directed film, is talking about it. And whoever hasn’t, should go and see it,” said SRK. “I am getting loads of texts. People are liking the film, especially the last bit.”

It is true, the last 15 minutes of Billu, when Shah Rukh tugs at the heartstrings of the audience with a powerful and emotional dialogue, is replacing lost values in people. To that end, Billu reminds audiences of forgotten simplicities and displaced values in society. “It’s a great risk that Shah Rukh Khan has taken. Hats off to him for making a film where the focus is not on himself, and where the story and performances are the stars,” said trade pundit Taran Adarsh, adding that “SRK could have made a hardcore commercial flick like Om Shanti Om and earned pots of money, yet he took a different path because he believed in the story.”
Trade analyst Komal Nahata agreed, “It’s a sincere product, one that doesn’t have to try hard to keep the story and morals straight. It works on it’s own. It has everything going for it, like good music, story and performances, all of which touch your heart.” Taran revealed, “The film has done well overseas, considering the number of prints released was about 200. Family films, which we call socials, always have a slow start... but over a period they become blockbusters. Look at films like Baghban, Vivaah, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Tare Zameen Par. All started on a slow note, but went on to become box office hits. Billu has the potential and there is one more weekend to come. Just give it some time.”

Girish Wankhede, Deputy GM, Cinemax, said, that the film started well with a 50 per cent collection. “It went onto 80 per cent across all our branches on the weekend, which is very good. People walked out appreciating the film... especially the ending.” Taran added, “There was not a single dry eye in theatres. SRK’s dialogue is so powerful. To hold an entire audience with just his words is laudable. Shah Rukh makes you laugh and cry.” While King Khan himself said, “Even my kids cried.”

Anything for Shah Rukh

When it comes to shooting an important sequence, it seems Shah Rukh Khan trusts no one else but his friend, cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Santosh Sivan.

One of SRK’s most loyal friends, Santosh, has earlier worked with him on Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and Asoka. So this time, when he got a call from the actor to come to Mumbai immediately and shoot a sequence for Billu, Sanotsh readily set his own work in Chennai aside and rushed to Mumbai.

SRK wanted Santosh to shoot his glamorous entry sequence which requires him to enter on a motorbike with a pounding background score. Though the cinematographer for Billu is V Manikandan, Santosh who never impinges on a colleague’s territory decided to make Billu an exception for friendship’s sake. After all, Billu is all about celebrating friendship.

Says Santosh, “Shah Rukh asked me to do the particular entry sequence, and no one says ‘no’ to him. The last I had shot for Priyadarshan (director of Billu) was nearly a decade ago, for Kalapani (1996), a film that had got me a National award. For Shah Rukh’s scenes where he interacts with his fans on a motorbike we shot at Mukesh Mills for two days.”

Santosh is now planning to direct and shoot a film that SRK will produce and act in.

Shah Rukh Khan: I am becoming narcissistic!

Four days before his scheduled surgery on his shoulder, Shah Rukh Khan turned up at a Mumbai hotel, in ripped-torn jeans and a black tee, sleeves casually pushed up his arms. A silver grey stole wound its way twice around the actor's neck, wondering whether to make a fashion statement or not.

As producer of Billu, formerly called Billu Barber ('Barber' was erased from the film's title, following protests from a section of the society who found the word offensive), Khan's daily commitments could leave anyone breathless. He presided over four functions one after another on the same day, all to promote his latest film.

Directed by Priyadarshan (Maalamaal Weekly, Hera Pheri), Billu stars Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta who, Khan said, play Billu and Bindiya respectively. He added, "There is a saying that goes, 'East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet'. (In the film) We wanted to ask, 'Can the twain meet?' Possible or not, that is what the film is centered around."

Khan treated the media to a reading of the synopsis of Billu, calling himself an "alien" who enters Billu and Bindiya's life. More from the press conference.

You have said you would like to do an ordinary role in a realistic film. Why didn't you play the lead in Billu?
My director (Priyadarshan) said no one could play the lead in Billu except for Irrfan. He didn't want any other big star, just Irrfan because we all know he is a brilliant actor.

I thought I should fight for the role, but then I just let it be because I get to play a superstar, which I am (laughs).

The word 'barber' had to be removed from the title of your film. Do you think it is fair?
Life is not about being fair or unfair. I make films for people. I want the audience to like them.

I have made films (earlier) which hurt a few senior stars. I have said sorry to them because it (the slight) was not intentional.

With Billu, the barbers' union told me very emotionally that the Hindi translation of the word 'barber' could be misused. I agreed and so we removed the word. Legally, there was no problem keeping it. But we often tease people with the Hindi word. Think about it.

Anyway, if a film is good, call it Ullu or Billu, people will still watch it.

You promote your films aggressively with brand association. How does this help your films?
It is all about give and take. If the film fits into the category of an existing product or one about to be launched, media buyers and media sellers associate that product with the film -- and both are promoted.

For example, Om Shanti Om fit a musical product, while Billu suits earthy products. Hence, plywood.

Aamir Khan recently said you are good at PR, but not at marketing. Do you want to prove him wrong?
I don't take compliments from people very seriously. I know what I have to do when it comes to my job. And I don't need to hear about it from other people.

I want people to go watch my film, so I promote it. Since I am producing this film, it is my responsibility. I don't think I need to explain myself.

People like me. That is why I endorse so many products.

Do you think I have worked hard for 20 years just to make a film to prove to someone that I am also good at marketing?

Aamir is a smart guy. I would like to know more about marketing from him.

Do you think now is the right time to revive your web site, srkworld.com?
I would actually like to because I want a site related to me. That, and I am becoming more narcissistic by the day! There should be me and no one else!

After my surgery is done with, I will get started on this.

What is your take on blogging?
It is a very connective and vast medium where you can share your thoughts. Many stars are into it and it is all very well written.

In my case, the media conveys 90 per cent of my thoughts. What would I write about? I don't want to talk about my films or where I am shooting.

On my site, I will talk about Nature and human beings. I would like to talk to the youth and tell them anything is possible if you work hard.

You took off 'barber' from your film thanks to protests. Would you do the same for your next film, My Name Is Khan, should the public have a problem with the word, Khan?
I am just hoping I don't have to remove the word Billu from this film! Someone could suddenly come and say, "My name is Billu," and I will have to take it off.

I really don't want my film to release without a name. Then it will be just me, Irrfan and Lara posing for a film without a name.

Shah Rukh loves to talk of life rather than his films

Shah Rukh Khan was recently out on a promotional event for ‘Billu’, and talked at length about the film, and of course – himself. Never once leaving his double-barbed wit, the Bollywood superstar answered well aimed questions with dexterity acquired through years of practice.

Addressing the media and public, the winsome charmer won hearts saying, “I am here because I want you to join me in the party, and have a good time. I am glad you all have turned up. I love spending time with you. Don’t you like spending the whole day with me? I would love to spend the night also with you, but that would be contrary to familial peace.”

When questioned about his presence at the promotional event when the central character of the film happened to be Irrfan Khan, he said, “I am promoting the film because I have a long enough role in the movie. I am a part of the movie.”

The movie has three item songs with top-notch Bollywood actresses shaking their legs opposite King-Khan. When the topic was brought up Shah Rukh faced it clarifying, “Why should a movie be a hit if there are three item songs in it? It does not work that way, we look at the story, the script, not the songs. Agreed that there is one song that looks a bit superfluous, but that was needed to be filmed on Lara.” Not missing a beat, he added, “Call the film whatever you like, ‘Billu’ or ‘Ullu’, but do watch it!”

But the most interesting part came when he hit a well aimed snide at Amitabh Bachchan. Knowing well that Big B freely uses his blog to talk of his films, and even uses pictures of the shootings and locations on his blog, Shah rukh said, “When I am out promoting my film, and interacting with people, I like to talk about life, and not about the film’s songs or sets or locations. I like to talk of life and everyday matters that interest all of us.”

King Khan on a promotion spree for Billu…

Using his star power to the fullest king khan went on a promotional spree for his forthcoming release Billu… as he hopped from one promotional event to another all in a days work.

So after interacting with the media at his Bandra residence Shahrukh kept the shutterbugs on the move as they tried to catch up with his pace.

“Why do all these fancy things. You just have to call me. I will do anything to promote my film. The media though must be sick of me. I will be in their nightmares also. I will not leave them till they declare my film a hit,” Shahrukh Khan.

And though the controversy surrounding the title of the film seems to have ended but the King Khan is still apprehensive.

When asked if any of the Khans would get upset with the title of his next film my name is Khan SRK replied.

“I don't know about Khan, but I just hope no Billu… gets upset for the next few days that I have used his name as the title of the film, otherwise my film will be nameless. Just my photograph, and directed by Priyadarshan,” adds Shahrukh.

Amidst all the media frenzy King Khan ensured his fans weren’t disappointed.

“Lots of love to you dadi, please pray for me and I want to dedicate a song for you mar jaani mar jaani,” added Shahrukh.

Come Friday and we hope Billu barber proves to be a gift of love by king Khan to his fans on the valentines weekend.

Shah Rukh to invite barbers, hairstylists for Billu premiere

In a move to appease the Hairdressers' Associations of Mumbai, Shah Rukh Khan is planning to invite various barbers and hairstylists for the premiere of Billu, which was earlier titled Billu Barber.

"As far as I know, Shah Rukh is planning a premiere for the various barbers and hairdressers' associations, so they'd see and know that the film doesn't ridicule them in any way. In fact, the film is a homage to the hair-cutting technique. I can't understand how there can be a protest about the film or its title without anyone seeing the film," Priyadarshan told IANS.

According to Priyadarshan, Shah Rukh is not inviting friends from the industry for the screening.

The film was earlier titled 'Billu Barber', but when Hairdressers' Associations of Mumbai objected to the use of the word "barber" in the title, Shah Rukh, who is producing the film and making a guest appearance, decided to change it.

"I'm in Chennai. Shah Rukh Khan tells me all the posters hoarding with credits will blacken out the word 'barber'. If it was hurting anyone's sentiments, I'm okay by it," Priyadarshan said.

He wonders how the word 'barber' could be okay in other languages and not in Hindi.

"Does it mean half the Indian population is not put off by the title and the other half is upset about it? I don't understand the controversy. And I've left it entirely to Shah Rukh to deal with it."

The director has no plans of being in Mumbai for the release of Billu. "I've done my best. And Irrfan Khan in the title role is the best homage that can be paid to any profession."

Priyan does wonder, and so do we, if we as a collective nation protest too much.

Irrfan Khan plays the title role and is paired with Lara Dutta in the film, which is releasing Friday. Shah Rukh will make a guest appearance along with Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone.

SRK's next is a super-hero film

The excruciating pain on his shoulder notwithstanding, Shah Rukh Khan is going all out to promote his new film Billu (the word 'barber' has been removed from all posters/billboards) Tell him that he's the best marketing brain in the industry thanks to the kind of promotion he did for Om Shanti Om, he says, "Not Om Shanti Om, but Yes Boss was the film that started it all."

Although Billu is an SRK production, with Irrfan Khan enacting the title role, SRK hasn't forced himself in the story. On the contrary, he has removed two of his scenes from the film.

Not many are aware that Priyadarshan had offered SRK two choices - a film on heist and the other, a story on friends.

"I chose the second." And the actor is extremely happy with the way Billu has shaped up.

"We had a screening recently for family and friends. I wasn't expecting people to get emotional, but a lot of people did. The last 20 minutes did make me moist-eyed as well. I think the film will connect with the audiences," Shah Rukh reveals.

Financially too, SRK will make a neat profit on the film. Reportedly, he has sold the film for a fantastic price (Rs. 50 cr.) to Eros.

"The rumours just don't stop. Sometime back I was told I was charging Rs. 100 crores for a film. I've never over-charged any of my producers. Now this one! The truth is, we've spent quite a bit on the making of the film. Coming to the point, the price is not Rs. 50 cr, but Rs. 35 cr," the actor says.

Next on the cards is a film with Anubhav Sinha.

"It's a super-hero film. I want it to be the best super-hero film made in India. We're hiring technicians from abroad. I'm really looking forward to this one," he adds.

Shah Rukh wants to name his dog Aamir, Gauri objects!

Just when we thought the Khan war had mellowed, Shah Rukh comes out with yet another scandalous statement saying that he wants to name his dog Aamir!

Shah Rukh seems to be highly offended by Aamir’s press conferences and mockeries targeting him. Shah Rukh in a press conference post the release of his ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ had claimed that he is number one and Aamir in a media event self-claimed himself as number one- mocking Shah Rukh.

On being asked about the incident in an interview to a news daily, a seething SRK said, “I will confront Aamir and ask him why he said such a thing. I accept a lot of things, but I think this is not funny. When I say I am number one, I definitely don`t mean it in arrogance. I say it with a sense of humour and a sense of humility. But I guess it will take a lot for Aamir to understand that.”

Now, let’s recall some more events of the past - in the very famous Blog controversy, Aamir declared that he had named his dog Shah Rukh. Taking a dig at Aamir for the second time the actor said, “Gauri (Shah Rukh’s wife) gets upset when I crack jokes about naming my dog Aamir. She thinks why should I bring myself down by doing or saying such things? I respect her viewpoint and I understand that she doesn`t want me to lose my dignity, but sometimes I think it is absolutely necessary as people ask for it.”

The negative vibes between the two actors had become far more obvious for a long time now. Aamir and Salman’s much-publicised amity is also an added flavour to the story. Salman promotes Aamir and Aamir sings praises of Salman.

Doesn’t look like the Khan war is doing Shah Rukh any good.

Well, Bollywood’s no more the peaceful land it once was.

King Khan On B4U Star Stop

King Khan, Bollwood Badshah, are just a couple of names attached to this enigmatic, livewire actor by the Bollywood fraternity and fans alike. Romantic with a dimpled smile which can sway a million hearts ShahRukh Khan is the God of Indian film Industry.
A man who makes a thousand hearts flutter, sets the box office registers ringing with his super hit films, in essence is a very down to earth, real human being who has kept success tamed and not let it rule his head.

B4U VJ Salil speaks to this Bollywood sensation in B4U Starstop, a programme on B4u Music on all topics ranging from his health, to his family and about his forthcoming film Billu.

B4U STAR STOP is a programme with Film related interviews. Actors/directors talk about their forthcoming movie, their likes, dislikes and other things and chat with B4U VJS. Stars talk about their personal review of the film and share their anecdotes of their experiences during the making of the film.

Shahrukh Khan prefers creativity, to all other financial aspects of a film although he is an astute and sharp businessman.

His reaction to pot-shots toward him is very unique; he says he prefers the pot-shots rather than not being recognized at all, and also says it was the life he chose so he takes that in his stride although it does get irksome at times, indeed a very mild reaction for a man of his stature!

A keen eye for creativity and courage to do starkly different roles makes him a very versatile actor and he has done full justice to each role with panache and élan.

His forthcoming film Billu is yet another attempt at trying a film where two different worlds are brought on celluloid and merged in such an articulate fashion that it brings a new dimension to cinema.
Billu according to him represents a film about simple people and their relationships and happiness they derive from their lives

Despite representing the affluent class, he is blatantly truthful about the higher class of people and their perpetual dissatisfaction with life, a very rare trait seen in an artist of his calibre.

To watch this and more tune into B4U Starstop on B4U Music at 19.10 hrs on 12th & 13th February.

Title of SRK's Billu Barber changed

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will undergo a shoulder surgery soon, but it is not slated for Valentine's Day.

"It is certainly not happening on Feb 14 because Shah Rukh will be in London on that day. The surgery would take place on a later date though that too is not yet fixed," says a source close to the actor.

Though Shah Rukh was advised to undergo the surgery some time ago, it has been postponed a few times already.

His shoulder was injured a long time ago but the condition aggravated on the sets of "Dulha Mil Gaya" in December.

He was suggested rest then, but he couldn't afford to do so since the Viveck Vaswani production had been delayed for about a year and Shah Rukh didn't want any more pain for his producer, sources said.

His condition was kept under control with physiotherapy sessions easing his pain for the time being. Later, he left for Los Angeles because of his prior commitment for Karan Johar's "My Name is Khan".

Adds the source: "For Shah Rukh, the last few months have been quite busy professionally. There was 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' promotion as well as the shoot of 'Dulha Mil Gaya'. Then he couldn't have backed out of 'My Name is Khan', which had anyways been pushed ahead by a few months."

"Moreover, he had to return to India for the publicity of 'Billu Barber', now titled just 'Billu'. Though doctors had suggested a surgery on an ASAP note, he didn't want 'Billu Barber' to suffer. So, even with a sling on, he went through the entire promotional campaign. It was painful but he is passionate about his films and kept smiling."

Since he didn't want to get under the knife before the release of 'Billu' on Feb 13, speculation was that the surgery would be immediately after the release, that is, on Valentine's Day.

However, Shah Rukh told a press conference: "The surgery is not happening on Valentine's Day. I would be in London then and the surgery would now be on a later date."

Apparently, he continues to be in some pain since he tore his tendons. He is able to move around with great difficulty but is trying to keep a brave face, especially since he is going all out for the promotion of "Billu".

The actor has earlier been operated upon for his back and his knees.

Meanwhile, the superstar has agreed to the request of some members of the profession who felt that the use of the word 'barber' was offensive to their community. Hence the film title has been changed.

"What's the harm in doing so when the community, on which the film is based, itself wants this change?" says Shah Rukh.

"I want it to be a happy situation for all and if a minor change to the title has to be made, then I don't see anything wrong in that."