Obama should invite Shah Rukh for dinner, says Shekhar Kapur

Filmmaker criticises Ambika Soni’s comments on SRK episode

Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has criticised Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni's remarks to give a 'tit-for-tat' treatment to the Americans after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was detained at a US airport for two hours.

Giving the example of former president A.P.J. Kalam, who was also frisked in April at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here as he was boarding a flight of US carrier Continental Airlines, Kapur wrote on his blog: "I believe what happened to Shah Rukh was a huge blunder, but what happened to our Abdul Kalam was far, far worse. It happened on Indian soil."

"But I admired the calmness with which Abdul Kalam dealt with the issue himself and displayed so much humility. I expect Shah Rukh to do the same as I am sure he will. Only he can defuse the situation," Kapur posted on his blog.

"Unlike our Cabinet Minister Ambica Soni, who said we should respond with a 'tit for tat'. What are you going to do, Ms Soni? Interrogate every American citizen arriving at our shores for an hour and a half? Or wait for Brad Pitt to arrive here? Cabinet ministers need to make more considered statements," he wrote.

Shah Rukh was on his way to Chicago to attend a function to mark India's Independence Day and was detained for two hours at the Newark airport after US immigration officials spotted the 'Khan' in his name.

Reacting to it, Soni had said: "I have always felt - even when I was frisked there (the US) - that the way they frisk us we should do the same for them here."

Kapur says to make up, US President Obama should invite Shah Rukh Khan for dinner.

"What happened to Shah Rukh is a minor incident which we should protest about, yes. Ensure that this doesn't happen to an Indian public figure like him again and move on," Kapour said.

"And President Obama, adept as he is diplomatically and politically, should invite Shah Rukh to a family dinner over beer and (view) one of his Bollywood films," he added.

Shekhar Kapur to direct SRK

After having endorsed everything from colas to cellular services, consumer durables to biscuits, Shah Rukh Khan has bagged yet another huge endorsement deal. King Khan would be seen in an ad for Jet Airways to be directed by none other than internationally acclaimed film-maker Shekhar Kapur.

Kapur who just released his film Elizabeth-The Golden Age, is directing a tv commercial after a while. Part of the ad has been completed and the remaining would be shot once the actor and the director wrap up some of their other commitments.

Interestingly, Shah Rukh is also on the board of the airlines and hence was more than happy to endorse the airline service.

IndiaFM

Shekhar Kapoor Loves 'Om Shanti OM, Wants To Work With SRK

India's truly International director, Shekhar Kapoor is presently in India and this time right after his latest, 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age'. Just to recall, Shekhar Kapoor made some memorable movies in Bollywood too. The list includes - 'Masoom', 'Mr. India', 'Bandit Queen' and his unfinished project, 'Time Machine', which he intends to revive.

The super talented director is presently in Goa, attending the IFFI (International Film Festival of India) 2007.

Interestingly, the latest movie that he has watched is Farah Khan's 'Om Shanti Om' and Shekhar thoroughly enjoyed the film. He told the media, "I laughed throughout the movie because the makers' laughed at the industry and also at themselves!"

Shekhar Kapoor also disclosed that he would definately like to work with Shah Rukh Khan and that they have been interacting regularly. The 'Elizabeth' director added that if and when they home in on a suitable subject, they intend to work together.

Abid, PlanetBollywood