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.”

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 impressed with Prassanna

After 15 years of hard work, perseverance and focus, Prassanna Sujit is finally getting his rewards.

Not many know who this guy is. But soon that scenario is to change.

The dance moves of the song 'Mar Jaani' of the forthcoming flick 'Biloo Barber' featuring SRK and Kareena has become a rage and accolades have started to fly in for the dance maker Prassanna.

Because of the immense popularity of this song it can be presumed that Prassanna is now almost near to his target of being one among the top choreographers of B-Town.

When Shah Rukh first came to know that it was Prassanna who is going to teach him the dance steps of 'Mar Jaani', he got a little bit apprehensive.

SRK doubted Prassanna's potential because he had never worked with him before.

he star even asked director Priyadarshan if Farah Khan can do the job.

But how could Priyadarshan make up his mind to change Prassana when the lad had impressed him so much with his work in 'Bhool Bhulaiya' and 'Bhagam Bhag'.

Shah Rukh got relieved when he came to know that it was Prassana who had choreographed the hit song 'Signal' from 'Bhagam Bhag'.

On the first day of the shoot of "Mar Jaani", Shahrukh's doubts dissolved.

The fantastic signature dance step created by Prassanna was enough to make a great impression in the hero's mind.

When considering that Prassana made his debut in Bollywood only two years back, working with a top director like Priyadarshan is a great achievement.

He has also worked for the director in 'Garam Masala' and 'Mere Baap Phele Aap'.

Starting out as an independent choreographer in 2000, Prasanna has till now worked for 300 films which includes projects in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam.

More of his talent will be on display after Ketan Mehta's 'Rang Rasaiya' and Priyadarshan's 'De Dhana Dhan' hit the big screens.

Eros to release Billu Barber worldwide on 13 February

Eros International will release Red Chillies Entertainment's Billu Barber worldwide on 13 February, 2009.

The movie which stars Shah Rukh Khan, Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta and has been directed by Priyadarshan, will have its advance previews in the UK on 12 February.

Billu Barber is a slice of life, feel-good musical with elements of romance, comedy and drama.

Eros International president distribution – Europe & Africa Pranab Kapadia said, "Billu Barber is an extension of the relationship Eros enjoys with Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment. After the success that Eros and Red Chillies enjoyed with Om Shanti Om, we are excited about leveraging our global distribution in promoting Billu Barber. With Priyadarshan's special, the film is bound to touch the hearts of the audience."

Exclusive: Billoo Barber Trailer

Priyanka to sizzle for Shah Rukh

Just recently we had told you about Deepika Padukone's sizzling dance number and how it has turned out to be a superb sequence for the Shahrukh Khan home banner production, Billoo Barber. And here is something of interest for the Hindi film audiences, who love their lavish song and dance routines and believe in the adage, the more the merrier!

The Priyadarshan directed film has not one or two but three special (item) numbers by top actresses of Bollywood. As is known, Shahrukh has already shot two highlight song and dance sequences, one with his Asoka co–star, Kareena Kapoor and another one with the Om Shanti Om hottie, Deepika Padukone.

And now we have good news for the fans of the rediscovered oomph Dostana babe, Priyanka Chopra. The latest buzz is that Priyanka Chopra too has a very special number and that will be the last in its series of item numbers. The details and the schedule of the sizzler is being kept under wraps.

Well, seems like Billoo Barber is getting hotter with each passing day and the special numbers by top actresses will definitely work in bringing the audience to the theatre in hordes when the film releases on February 13.

'Billo Barber' pushed back to February 2009

Shah Rukh Khan’s home production Billo Barber, which was locked in for a Diwali release, this year, has now been pushed back to February 2009.

It is believed that Shah Rukh has delayed his film to give breathing space to his two friends Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra. While Karan’s Dostana stars Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham, Aditya’s Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi has SRK himself in the lead.

Since he already has a big release this year-end, it made sense not to compete against his own film. King Khan didn’t want two big releases back to back in a span of two months. Says an insider, “Shah Rukh wants to spread his releases out. Since a lot of films are being pushed forward and backward around Diwali time, he decided not to have Billo Barber clashing with any biggies.” Irrfan Khan plays the protagonist in SRK’s home production, while Khan is playing himself.

It is believed that there are also other reasons for delaying the film. Kuselan (the Tamil version of Billo Barber, satrring Rajikanth) hasn’t done as well at the box office, as expected. A source reveals, “Priyadarshan has watched the audience reaction to Kuselan and has decided to make a few changes. The climax of both the films is the same. Also Kuselan was criticised for being too long, so he’s now fine-tuning the film.”

It is learnt that Subhash Ghai didnt want an SRK-Salman clash at the box-office. Sources reveal the director personally called up Shah Rukh to check when Billo Barber is releasing. Ghai’s Yuvvraj starring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Katrina Kaif releases November 21. However, Ghai was relieved when he found out that Billo Barber has been pushed back to Feb 2009.

Priyanka teams up with Shah Rukh for item song

After Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra has been chosen as the third heroine to make a special appearance in Priyadarshan's Billoo Barber and shake a leg with Shah Rukh Khan.

And Priyadarshan says it was a cakewalk for the superstar to get the leading ladies to do a cameo in his comedy.

"Since Shah Rukh plays a filmstar in the movie, I needed him to do some big glamorous song and dance numbers with some top heroines. I left the choice to Shah Rukh. I knew all he had to do was to pick up the phone and ask any of his leading ladies," Priyadarshan revealed.

According to sources, it was a tie between Rani Mukerji and Priyanka for the third item song with Shah Rukh Khan in Billoo Barber.

"But after Rani appeared on Salman Khan's game show Dus Ka Dum and knowing there's no love lost between Salman and Priyanka, the scales tilted automatically towards Priyanka," an industry source said.

Though King Khan has done item numbers earlier in Shakti, Kaal and Krazzy 4, this would be Priyanka's first item number.

The song with Kareena was shot at the very start of the shooting.

"At this very moment, I'm shooting a second item song with Deepika and Shah Rukh. That's again a very catchy number and Shah Rukh is having a ball shooting with Deepika," Priyadarshan said.

Interestingly, the director was supposed to launch Deepika two years ago in a film called Pirate.

"But that didn't work out. She made her debut with Shah Rukh (in Om Shanti Om). Now she's working with him again. And I also got a chance to work with her. Don't ask who's the lucky one," he quipped.

Inspired by the story of Lord Krishna and his childhood friend Sudama, a poor Brahmin, Billoo Barber tells the tale of a superstar and his pal Billoo (Irrfan Khan), who is a barber by profession.

Billoo Barber postponed to next year

Rattled by the bombing of Rajnikant starrer Kuselan, which has the same storyline, Shah Rukh has decided to tweak his film to ensure its success.

Both Billoo Barber and Kuselan are remakes of Malayalam superhit Katha Parayumbol.

Though a date had not been officially announced, Priyadarshan directed Billoo Barber was widely believed to be slotted for a Diwali week release; October 24 or 29.

Sources close to the project tell Sawf News that the film will now release either during the republic day weekend in January or in mid-February 2008.

An official from Red Chillies Entertainment, Shah Rukh’s production company that is producing Billoo Barber, told us, “The film is not complete yet, there are two more songs remaining to be canned and a big marketing drive is being planned. With all this remaining how can the film release in just over a month’s time from now? We are looking forward to early 2009 release.”

While the official denied Kuselan’s bombing had anything to do with the postponement, our sources tell us both Shah Rukh and Priyadarshan mutually decided to re-shoot certain portions of their film after watching reactions to Kuselan.

“Even the running time of the film would be kept in check, not going over 150 minutes. Kuselan and Katha Paraayumbol both had running times close to three hours and dragged at places. SRK and Priyadarshan want to leave no stone unturned in making the film compact and effective in carry across its emotions. One of the two songs that are remaining to be shot will be shot in a very huge scale with costs running into crores.” the source added.

A different source told us, “Following Kuselan’s bombing, a Diwali release for Billoo Barber was immediately ruled out. Shah Rukh then looked at a mid-November release but that would have pitted his film against good friend Karan Johar’s Dostana.

“His Yash Raj film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, directed by another good friend, Aditya Chopra, was slated for a December 12 release. Shah Rukh Khan is wary of releasing two of his most ambitious projects in close succession. Besides, he always goes into over drive when marketing his films; with two films he would have risked over exposure.”

Billoo Barber headlines Shah Rukh Khan, Irfan Khan and Lara Dutta. Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukonemake cameo appearances.

Exclusive: 'Billo Barber' On The Sets

Scans: SRKFanatic

Billoo Barber moved to 2009

Ever since Billoo Barber was announced earlier this year, there have been speculations galore around the month of its release.

There were constant rumors floating around the release of the film and though there has been a constant pull and push around the final timeline, here is an exclusive bit of information which has just come in. As per reliable sources, 2008 is now out of question for Billoo Barber and ultimately it is going to be January 2009 when the film would eventually arrive.

Is it Shah Rukh Khan’s health problem which has resulted in the delay for the film? Or is it the December release of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi which is causing Shah Rukh Khan to space out the two films?

“Not really”, says a source on condition of anonymity, “Though the specific reason is yet to be nailed down, one of the major causes of worry is arrival of half a dozen biggies which are expected in the months of November and December. Golmaal Returns arrives in October end, November sees Dostana and Yuvaraj while December already has three biggies - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Chandni Chowk To China and Ghajani.”

But with Shah Rukh Khan heading the film’s cast, why the cause for worry?

“There isn’t really a cause for worry but it always helps to arrive when there isn’t too much of crowd”, reasons the source, “And then one major factor which needs to be considered is that though Billoo Barber is a Khan film but it is not Shah Rukh’s, it is Irrfan’s! Now it won’t be fair to pitch a film with Irrfan Khan in lead amidst all the mainstream biggies.”

With Dilli 6 being the only confirmed biggie in the month of January 2009, it pretty much seems like a wise move!

Shah Rukh mania unleashed!

The star’s home production Billoo Barber will begin with a montage of videos that capture his fan frenzy

Shah Rukh Khan’s home production Billoo Barber will have a grand opening dance number in which director Priyadarshan will attempt to establish SRK’s phenomenal fan following through a montage of real life videos that capture’s his fan frenzy worldwide.
Directed by Priyadarshan, Billoo Barber also has Lara Dutta and Irrfan Khan in the cast. The team is currently in Mumbai after finishing their shooting schedule in Pollachi in Tamil Nadu.

“It is a grand dance number that is aimed at establishing how big SRK is not only in India but also abroad. It will show his Michael Jackson kind of appeal among his fans. There’s a montage of videos that show how his fans go berserk on seeing him. It will also include the star’s personal experiences with his fans as the backdrop,” reveals choreographer Pony Verma.

Pony adds, “We wish to begin the film with this sequence. It will establish Shah Rukh as the most sought after and followed actor in India.”

SRK plays himself in the movie and has an extended guest appearance in it. He is set to act for around 45 minutes and do a couple of ‘item’ numbers.

“We are currently busy shooting for this dance number. It will be a spectacle. Priyadarshan is not leaving any stone unturned to create a big hype around the movie,” she says.

SRK goes house-hunting

Shooting for Billoo Barber in Pollachi was not easy for Lara Dutta. The actress, who has returned from Delhi after receiving the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial award, says it was one of the most difficult schedules of her life.

We actors are quite spoilt as far as basic comforts go. Forget luxury hotels, there were no decent accommodations in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. It was just very basic."

Billoo producer Shah Rukh Khan is obliged to Lara for stepping in for the project when every leading lady from Bipasha to Ameesha turned him down. The actress reveals that he took charge of Lara's accommodation.

"When Shah Rukh got to know there were no proper hotels in Pollachi, he personally made inquiries about where I could stay. He found out about this super old plantation-styled South Indian home where we'd be comfortable. SRK himself scouted around personally for this place. He then went to the house and checked it out before we moved there. It was really sweet. No producer would do this. They'd make you stay in whatever was available. SRK was fabulous."

To add to her woes, Lara also found a huge poisonous snake in her room one day. "I'm not really scared of snakes. I've come across some in my time. But the whole surprise and excitement of finding one was quite something."

The worst was yet to come. Says Lara, "We couldn't travel by car or bus. We had to travel on a tractor. The locals had a field day watching me and Shah Rukh swish by, in a tractor. It was quite an experience for me to travel in a tractor in a sari, an entertainment beyond the screen," Lara laughs heartily.

All this roughing out was just what Lara's role required. "These things keep you on your toes as an actor." Billoo Barber was a first for Lara on many counts, "I had never worked with Shah Rukh or Irrfan Khan. It's essentially Irrfan's film. He's such a subtle actor, I had to change my acting style completely."

Now SRK Vs KJO

The hottest buzz doing the rounds in tinsel town is that Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar will soon turn foes, when their films clash with each other at the box-office later this year. Khan's Billoo Barber and Karan's Dostana, may release on the same day, November 14, 2008.

Our source informs that earlier, Shah Rukh had planned to release his film during the Diwali weekend. But for reasons unknown, he has postponed it by over 10 days after the festival gets over, colliding with his director friend's film.

Karan was looking for a good bumper opening for his production, being a solo release on that day. But SRK's announcement to release Billoo on the same day has raised many eyebrows in KJo's camp.

Billoo Barber, which has the same story as Rajinikanth's Kuselan, is based on two friends – one a superstar and the other a barber in a village. It has Shah Rukh and Irrfan Khan in the lead. While Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor romance SRK on screen, Lara Dutta plays Irrfan's wife. Billo has one item song featuring Kareena and Shah Rukh. The film is being produced under Shah Rukh's banner Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Priyadarshan.

Dostana is also based on two friends, played by Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. Priyanka Chopra and Bobby Deol are also a part of the lead star cast. The film has Shilpa Shetty's item number on Miami's beaches along with John and Abhishek. Dostana is being produced under the Dharma Productions banner and directed by his assistant Tarun Mansukhani.

Shah Rukh Rocks Pollachi!

The sleepy small town of Pollachi, 40 kilometres from Coimbatore, has become one of the biggest tourist spots in Tamil Nadu.

Reason: The Baadshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan is shooting for his home production Billoo Barber in the picture postcard village, which has now become Kollywood's favourite location.

The Priyadarshan-directed film is a remake of Katha Parayumbol, which was recently made as Kuselan in Tamil. The buzz created by Shah Rukh, who plays the role of a superstar in the film, is unbelievable.

It's fan frenzy never seen before in Pollachi, where most of Tamil cinema's village scenes and Koothu songs are regularly picturised. People in fancy cars and mini- buses from Kochi, Trichur, Bangalore and Coimbatore have been coming to catch a glimpse of King Khan. “SRK has been overwhelmed by the kind of reception he has been getting from fans in Pollachi. In Billoo Barber, Irfan Khan is the hero while Shah Rukh makes an appearance only towards the climax and his scenes with Irfan are going to be the highlight of the film,” says a visibly excited Priyadarshan.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the entire area of Pollachi. SRK is at the top on the hit lists of terrorists and has been getting death threats. Nearly 100 policemen and a dozen of his personal security men are providing him security. The entire top floor of Sakthi hotel, where he is staying, has been converted into his personal suite, with special state-of-the-art security gadgets being used. Twenty bullet proof vehicles have been flown in from Mumbai for the star and his personal entourage.

And the introduction scene of King Khan in Billoo Barber is equally spectacular. As per the storyline, the superstar he plays in the film comes down to a small village for a shoot and subsequently meets his childhood buddy. To show grandeur and richness, Priyadarshan has flown in one of the most expensive limousines, an oak white Maybach, which only a handful of people in India have as it costs around Rs 5 crore! SRK will be shown moving around in the Maybach, which itself is drawing crowds.

Times Of India

Billoo Barber's Assured Victory!

The race between superstars Rajnikant and Shah Rukh Khan to reach the theatres first has been won by the Tamil veteran. And now, there are fears that the makers of Kuselan will dub it in Hindi and release it before SRK's Billoo Barber, the Hindi remake of the same story.

But Priyadarshan, who is busy finishing the Hindi version with Shah Rukh, is unperturbed.

Kuselan, the Tamil version of the Malayalam super hit Katha Parayumpol about the relationship between a superstar and a barber, has made it to the top of the box office charts.

According to Priyadarshan, the original Malayalam film, written by Sreenivasan, is very different from both Kuselan and Billoo Barbar.

"Sreenivasan gave the Tamil rights to the producers after consulting me. Since they were very keen to make it with Rajnikant, we relented. But the contract clearly says that Kuselan cannot be dubbed into any other language. Likewise, my Hindi version cannot be dubbed in any other language," Priyadarshan told IANS.

"We have clearly put all this in the contract to avoid the kind of overlapping that was attempted when I remade the Malayalam film Manichithrathazhu as Bhool Bhulaiyaa in Hindi, and Rajni's Tamil film Chandramukhi from the same source was also attempted to be released in a dubbed Hindi version. I'll avoid this kind of clash of interests at any cost," the director maintained.

But the question is: Would the contract prevent the makers of Kuselan from finding loopholes in it to release the film in a dubbed Hindi version? If they do, would it affect Billoo Barbar?

According to a source, a dubbed Hindi version of Kuselan is being released around the same time as Billoo Barber.

"Not at all," asserted Priyadarshan confidently. "Only the climax of Kuselan and Billoo Barber are the same. Otherwise, they are two different films.

"See, like all Rajnikant starrers, Kuselan has been made to spotlight Rajni as a larger-than-life icon. I believe he enters the film riding a winged horse. Though my film also stars a superstar (Shah Rukh) as a superstar, I've nowhere tried to increase his role or heighten the impact of his presence. I'm not that kind of filmmaker.

"In Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Akshay Kumar made his entry at interval point. I'm making it very clear that Irrfan Khan and not Shah Rukh has the main role in Billoo Barber. My film isn't a platform to glorify the mega-star.

"We'd have wrapped up Billoo Barber much earlier. But Shah Rukh got busy with the IPL (Indian Premier League). Never mind. It makes no difference to our film."

Billoo Barber is scheduled for a Diwali release.

"If I wanted I could've rushed the release. But we're not in competition with anyone. And, like I said, the Kuselan makers are bound by the contract. They can't dub the film into Hindi or any other language," said Priyadarshan confidently.

Hindustan Times

SRK hires Security Guards

Indian Mujahideen, the organisation that claimed responsibility for the Bangalore and Ahmedabad serial blasts, had issued a threat recently to the four Khans of Bollywood — Shah Rukh, Aamir, Salman and Saif Ali — and that warning certainly made King Khan a little cautious as he had got at least 20 policemen and security guards to guard the premises of the hotel where he was staying as well as the location where they were shooting for Billoo Barber.

The cast and crew of the film, SRK’s next production venture, was shooting in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu for some sequences of the film when the threat was issued and SRK was not ready to take it lightly. Our well placed source from the crew says,
“There was a tight security cover where we were staying. There was a threat issued by a terrorist outfit then asking the Khans to stop acting in Bollywood films or face severe consequences and we were breathing a little sigh of relief looking at the protection around us.”

We got to know that choreographer Pony Verma (who has choreographed in more than 15 movies) was at Pollachi shooting some dance sequences for the film and we quizzed her about this.

She says, “There was security but I don’t know for what purpose.” Pony also shared with us some details about the location where the crew is shooting the film.

“The entire cast (SRK, Lara, Priyadarshan) were staying at a place which was not glamourous at all. It was a motel kind of a thing. Its name was Shakti Lodge. SRK had the option of staying at the place where Rajnikanth was staying during Kuselan’s shooting but he chose to stay with all of us. He said we’ll all stay together. We all were like the family,” Pony adds.

I can never say no to Shah Rukh, says Farah

Yesterday, director Priyadarshan confirmed to a newspaper that Farah Khan will choreograph a song for Shah Rukh Khan's home production, Billoo Barber.

It was especially surprising because Farah Khan bid adieu to choreography after Om Shanti Om. She announced that she'd not direct song sequences thereafter. Not even for brother Sajid Khan's films.

The new mom was shocked to learn that Priyan had confirmed that she was doing a song for Billoo Barber featuring Deepika Padukone and SRK. Says a source, "Nobody has even approached Farah to choreograph the song as yet neither SRK nor Priyan. Currently, the only song Farah is choreographing is Karan Johar's Dostana which was a long- time commitment given to director Tarun Mansukhani.

Another source adds, "Farah was approached but she excused herself citing her triplets as the reason. But the real reason she refused is Deepika Padukone. Khan doesn't want to work with her. Farah gave the newcomer a big break with Om Shanti Om but the actress hasn't kept in touch beyond a few SMSes. Farah doesn't like Deepika's attitude and being a very straightforward person, it would be difficult for her to work with her for 10 days and pretend all was well, so Farah passed up on the offer."

Although it is believed that if her good friend SRK asks her to work for his home production, she won't refuse.

Says Farah, "I can never say no to Shah Rukh but the truth is that he hasn't asked me yet. As for being upset with Deepika, I am too happy to be upset with anyone. If SRK asks me, I will do it and just for him. The heroine, director or music director don't matter. I haven't spoken to Priyan since the release of Viraasat though I appreciate what the film did for me. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander was my first film and Viraasat got me my first award. Right now, I am only shooting for Tarun's song. I want to spend as much time with my babies as possible."

Upala KBR, Mid-Day

SRK-Farah-Deepika Come Together, Again...

The Om Shanti Om team - Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Farah Khan - will work together in a song for Priyadarshan’s forthcoming film Billoo Barber. Only this time, Farah will adorn the choreographer’s hat.

The idea was instigated by none other but Priyadarshan himself. “Although Farah started her career choreographing for me I never worked with her after Virasat. And now I want to bring her back from maternity leave and choreograph the SRK-Deepika number. Call it a lucky charm.

The Deepika-SRK song is special on many counts. It’s first song that Gulzarsaab has written for my cinema. I’ve been a lifelong fan of his work. My films are deeply influenced by him. To have him write one of my songs is a big honour for me,” said Priyan.

The song that Farah choreographed for Virasat (‘Dhol bajane laga’) has a strange history. As the lyrics for the song were not ready, Farah choreographed the number to another song from the same film. “This time, the lyrics and the tune are ready for Farah,” says Priyan.

If Farah’s smashing debut was courtesy Priyan, Deepika too was supposed to start her career with him in a film on music piracy. “But that never materialised. I’m glad Deepika debuted with Shah Rukh. Now I can use the hit pair to create some magic in Billoo Barbar.” The item song will be shot on September 14.

The race between Rajnikant and Shah Rukh Khan to reach the theatres first has been won by Rajnikant. Now the Bollywood trade circles fear that Rajnikant’s Tamil film Kuselan will be dubbed in Hindi and be released before Billoo Barber, which features Shah Rukh Khan.

But director Priyadarshan is quite confident about his film’s success and says, “We’re not in competition with anyone. Kuselan filmmakers are bound by contract and hence can’t dub the film into any other language.”

But will the Kuselan filmmakers not find loopholes in the contract to dub the film in Hindi? According to a source a dubbed Hindi version of Kuselan is being released during Diwali too.

The presence of a poisonous snake and heavy showers disrupted the shoot of Billoo Barber in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu recently. A snake entered Lara Dutta's room late in the night, but she managed to handle the situation and is safe.

Recounts her co-star Irrfan Khan, "Had the snake bitten Lara, it would've been disastrous. But Lara was sensible and brave enough to come out unharmed."

Apart from this episode, heavy showers have disrupted the shooting schedule too. Recalling the shoot, Irrfan says, "Shah Rukh simply had to leave for Mumbai and the rains just wouldn't stop.

And since Priyadarshan had to wrap up the shoot, we had no choice but to shoot in the rain, which was quite harrowing."

Subhash. K. Jha, Mumbai Mirror

Shah Rukh Khan is the Best

Shah Rukh Khan wasn't joking when he sang 'I am the best'. Take the recent case which happened on the sets of his home production, Billoo Barber.

A source present on the sets said, "The film's director Priyadarshan was chatting with SRK when he casually mentioned about the dedication and discipline of some lead actors like Akshay Kumar, Govinda and Salman Khan.

Priyan also cited some examples about their professionalism and how they always report early to the sets. That's when SRK took up the challenge to follow suit."

When contacted, Priyadarshan, who is currently shooting in Pollachi, laughed and said, "I was casually telling SRK that Akshay, Govinda and Salman always come earlier than the scheduled reporting time to the sets.

At times they are on the sets even before me. That's when SRK took up the challenge of reaching the sets earlier than me."

And guess what! The very next morning, SRK who used to generally report to the sets by 9 am, was there at 7 am. Priyadarshan added, "I was on my way to the location when I saw Shah Rukh's car speed past mine. He reported to the sets even before 7 am."

Billoo Barber also stars Lara Dutta, Om Puri and Irrfan Khan.