Waiting for Shah Rukh Khan…

How does a 50-year-old woman who bought a VIP ticket to be “someone special” for one night deal with it when her favourite star Shah Rukh Khan’s concert is abruptly called off, less than four days before it was to be held?

Fans see no boundaries, it seems, when it comes to Bollywood and, in this case, King Khan. When word spread that his three-city Temptations tour of Germany had been called off, his fans in Germany and beyond mourned.

The feelings ranged from shock to anger and concern. “I thought Shah Rukh is ill, because he works too much,” says Anja, 37, from Dortmund, Germany who spent nearly 260 Euros on the ticket, train and hotel booking for the show (some fans over 600 Euros).

Says another fan, who had been looked forward to the concert since May, “I lost a lot of money, but it was the emotional aspect that had me crying. I had been counting the days and nights for the last five months. I imagined how incredible the concert would be, how happy I would be when I saw SRK and the dress I would wear. But nothing happened… We were left without any shows and without SRK. These last five months were for nothing and that’s the terrible part.”

She adds, “To be honest, at first, I was really angry with SRK and thought he was responsible for the mess. But a few day later, I realised I had been angry only because I was so disappointed. Sure, I love him as much as before, but I’m really, really, disappointed.”

The star’s fans feel they’re now a fan base without support. German Bollywood blogger Barbara Skoda writes, “…The German market seemed to look like fat firang tourists in Chor Bazar to the filmi industry-walas that could easily be skinned for money. To steal a line from K3G, Tum sirf entertainer ho, parameshwar nahin.” From the DVD market, where C-grade movies are sold using SRK on the cover, and instead of the real thing, customers get “shiny moments of Indian movie history like Hottestm@ail.com or Husn Bewafa.”

The Shah Rukh visit during the Om Shanti Om premiere at the Berlinale earlier this year led fans to believe the slump was over, “especially since some of the multiplex chains started to screen current films” and both the Bachchan’s Unforgettable and the Temptation tours announced shows.

Skoda adds, “And now we have the latest of their disasters and this time it’s not simply Shilpa Shetty’s Miss Bollywood or the Bachchans (which both probably got canceled due to bad pre-sales). This time it really hits hard. This time it’s SRK. I know of more than a few cases of fans who literally had to scrimp and save to be able to afford a once-in-a-lifetime journey to one of the concerts.”

However, the refrain across is that the fans will definitely shell out money for a ticket for a SRK show again, but not in advance! “Nothing will put me off from Shah Rukh or Bollywood,” asserts Sonja Hellenthal.

As for the star’s appeal, Ramona Magnus describes it as “What makes me such a fan of SRK? I ask myself that very often. Strangely, he feels a little like family. He has a special, very warm charisma and a very strong aura. I like his sense of humor.”

The star’s appeal spreads beyond Germany and Austria or Switzerland, from where fans were headed to catch the Berlin show. A thriving online and offline fan club works across the globe and is connected by… guess what? Mini Khan, a miniature Shah Rukh miniature, the size of a Barbie doll, couriered from member to member.

Says Beth Watkins, from Illinois, US, who bought the doll off ebay, “There are also Kajol, Hrithik, and Priyanka Chopra dolls but, quite frankly, we didn’t think any of those sounded nearly as fun. Mini Khan has been on the road for about a year now. He has visited several locations in the US and Europe so far, with plans to go to Nigeria, India, Japan, Korea, and Canada. Currently, he is in London. He was also with us in Munich during the European Bollywood fan and blogger meetup last March, and now it’s hard to imagine a gathering without him.” There’s even a blog which has a world map with a tracker pointing out Mini’s Khan past, current and future destinations!

The doll came in white and black t-shirt, denim jacket, orange cargo pants, similar to what he wore in Kal Ho Na Ho’s “Pretty Woman” number, but he’s been gifted more clothes since — a fan, a professional tailor, has made him a handmade black leather jacket like the one he wears in Don.

The fans, it seems, will bounce back from the shock of a cancelled tour, though they’re bristling at being taken for granted. However, have these concerts become more about ticket sales and less about reaching out to fans? Says actor Chunky Pandey, who enjoys a huge fan following in Bangladesh, “As for Shah Rukh, I’ve toured with him too and he puts in a lot of money back into his shows. And, generally speaking, when films didn’t pay as well as today, concerts were also about money. But, today, with stars doing brand endorsements too, concerts are more about connecting with fans.” It’s all about nurturing the fan base, he adds. We hope Bollywood is listening!

Shahrukh Khan Rocks Dubai Audience

They came, they saw, and they rejuvenated the hearts of their fans in UAE who gathered to witness "Temptation Reloaded 2008".

The Country Club Hotel, Dubai presented the mega event of Bollywood Badshah Shahrukh Khan on 25th October 2008 at Dubai Festival City Arena. This event was witnessed by over 25,000 music fans from all over the emirates. The show began at 9.45 p.m sharp with a bollywood dancing troupe dancing to the tunes of "Jhoom Barabhar Jhoom".

Bollywood queens Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor, dazzled the audience with their stunning looks and performance. Katrina made an impact with the number "Jar Jara Touch Me" while Kareen Kapoor stole the first part of the show by dancing to the tunes like Dont look at me like that, Chaliya Chaliya, Yeh Ishq Hei, Dhoom Machaa Pyaar Mei. The rocking Arjun Rampal holding a guitar in his hand circled round the audience on top of a crane and kept waving at the crowd and made a dashing entry on stage, with hit numbers like Dil Kya Kehta Mei Paagal Hu, and "Rockon". The popular Bollywood choreographer Ganesh Hegde presented some of his dance sequences on stage and made an impact too. The dashing and sensational MTV VJ Anushka Dandekar stole the show with her captivating looks and Hard Kaur drew a huge round of applause for the song "Singh is Kingh".

It was now time for the Baadshah of Bollywood and the winner of 14 film fare awards "Shah Rukh Khan" (SRK) to make an entry on stage. The crowd was excited to see him descend on stage like a real king and perform live on stage with his first song "Dard ye Disco". They could not believe their eyes that he was standing right in front of them and welcomed him with a huge round of applause. He is indeed the heart throb of many women (young and old) and a lot many fans. He has carved a niche for himself and he rightly deserves the title "Baadshah of Bollywood" for he really is one and there couldnt be another better than him. SRK is indeed a multi talented personality. He stunned the audience with his sonorous voice and interacting abilities. He is indeed a gift from above and this was revealed by the crowd who cheered and kept on applauding in between his dance sequences. He highlighted his new project SRK boulevard in RAK properties UAE. He gave the audience what they expected from him a thorough entertainment and dance sequences for songs like Aanko mei teri, Don, Pretty Woman, Thumko Paaya, Thum Paas Aaao, Thuje Dekha Tho Ye Jaana Sanam, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Tauba Hei Kya He Ishaara, Dil Ka Maamla to name a few. .

It was a 3 hours non-stop entertainment of rocking and mesmerising Bollywood melodies, glitz, glamour, songs and dances in true Bollywood style performed by SRK, Katrina, Kareena, Arjun Rampal, Anushka, Hard Kaur and Ganesh Hegde along with the troupe.

The Consul General of India Venu Rajmony addressed the gathering on this special occasion and said that Bollywood with people like SRK has the best to offer. India is really proud of all that Bollywood has achieved and congratulated each and every artist that entertains millions of viewers spread all over the world. It was SRKs and Gauris Wedding anniversary and a cake was cut to mark the occasion.
The event was produced by Red Chillies International and supported by Country Club Dubai, SRK boulevard, Pan Emirates, Sony and Orbit Events. The stage, sound, light and screen installations were well synchronized and was a treat to the eyes and ears of the audience. Kudos to the organizers who put up such a magnificent show.

The finale round saw SRK along with all the artists perform on stage with foot tapping songs like Bachnaa Yeh Hasino, Dance with me baby, Dont talk to stranger, Mauja Mauja, Dekho Dekho Yeh Shaam Mastani, and concluded with the title song of Om Shanthi Om. Sharukh Khan has proved to the audience that he is indeed an ace performer with his mix music, songs, dances and acting abilities all rolled into one big showcase.

He proved that he is indeed a thorough entertainer in the "Temptation Reloaded 2008" show. His fans would look forward to many more events like these in future.

Shahrukh Khan Rocks Dubai

Crowd goes berserk, fan faints at Shah Rukh Khan press conference

Dubai: A girl fainted while waiting outside the hotel to catch a glimpse of Bollywood charmer Shah Rukh Khan and was rushed to hospital, while inside it was pandemonium at a press conference venue.

Fans shouted, “Shah Rukh we love you,” as sponsors of the show had invited hundreds of guests while some people with cameras posed as photographers to get closer to the star.

Shah Rukh is in Dubai for the Temptation Reloaded 2008 show at Dubai Festival City Arena on Saturday. The sponsors expect a huge crowd and will open the gates at 3 pm for the 9 pm show.

The press conference venue at the Country Club seemed very small for the number of guests invited and there were more fans than media persons. As the conference ended, teenagers ran behind the star seeking his autograph.

The Khan entourage at the show includes Bollywood beauties Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and UK-based singer Hard Kaur dancing to their hit Bollywood numbers.

'I have reached a point in my life where I don't have to do live shows for money. It's not about the money anymore nor do I think it's a platform to showcase our talents. Such dance shows are my way of thanking my fans for their support and their love,' says Khan in his signature exuberant yet self-effacing style.

Unfortunately, his loyal fan-base on seeing their superhero at an arm's length got a bit carried away. Girls swooning and dozens pushing against the flimsy barricades to catch a glimpse of the actor was the order of the evening.

Asked if he regretted his decision of turning into a property developer in the UAE earlier this month considering the dismal economic climate, Khan said he was optimistic about the scenario.

'Yes, the timing was a bit off. But I am positive that it would turn all around. And honestly, the global recession has not touched us as yet. In my opinion, recession is not going to take people away from their homes or their decision to buy one,' says Khan.

The actor is now involved in a Dh8 billion (US$2.18bn) residential development on Dana Islands in Ras al Khaimah.

Meanwhile, the reticent actor Arjun Rampal, who has found success recently as a guitar-toting musician in the movie Rock On!, promised to kick up a storm in true head-banging style.

Khan was quick to pitch in that the extravaganza would be a testament to all the gruelling rehearsals.

'We have put in a lot of hardwork and though we may not look as good as Kareena or Katrina, you will not return home disappointed.'

Everyone's invited to Shah Rukh's party

It’s Shah Rukh Khan’s 17th wedding anniversary. And all his fans in the UAE are invited to the party. Arjun Rampal revealed that October 25, the day on which SRK’s Temptation Reloaded 2008 show is scheduled in Dubai, is the star’s wedding anniversary.

“It’s rare for him to get permission from wife Gauri to have a show on this day. So we are going to make it a memorable night,” said the actor.

Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Hard Kaur, Anusha Dandekar and Ganesh Hegde are among the stars slated to perform along with SRK and Arjun at the show to be held at the Dubai Festival City Arena.

SRK and Arjun spoke about the show at a press conference in Dubai held on Thursday at the Country Club Hotel, the main sponsor of the event.

It was the most badly organised press conference we have ever attended and we hope the show will be better organised. But despite the crowds of fans at the venue and SRK having to pass the single mike around to the organisers and sponsors who spoke before him, the actor kept his cool and was as witty and charming as ever. He answered questions about his films, endorsements, cricket and controversies.

“As you get older, occasions like anniversaries become moments to celebrate the love I share with my family. So I am happy that my family, friends and fans will be with me on that day. The show will be informal and you can see me be funny and make a fool of myself like I usually do with my family. These shows are not about displaying my talent. They are about getting in touch with my audience to say a personal thank you. It is our way of hosting a party for those who have given me a lot of love,” said SRK.

“It has been four years since I performed in the UAE and we want to give our best. Although Arjun and I are not good dancers, we have been rehearsing hard to match steps with Katrina and Kareena. We will dance and jump our hearts out and make sure that everyone has a great time and feels entertained,” he added.

Here’s our pick of five SRK quips of the day:

Between Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Raj Thakeray, who would you like to invite for tea?
SRK: I don’t drink tea. I drink coffee or Pepsi. And invitations to our house are decided by my wife. But jokes apart all three are old friends and would make for interesting teatime conversation. And I can tell you that they all behave like gentlemen at teatime.

Are you a better actor or property developer?
That is for my audience and the people who buy the homes to decide.

Will the financial crisis affect your plans for SRK Boulevard?
My timing was perfect wasn’t it? But my partners tell me that people will still need houses.

After movies, cricket and property, which other field do you want to get into?
I would like to do something for the education of kids and women. I respect women and really want to do something for all the women of the Eastern world.

Will you join the Country Club?
I had a lower middle class upbringing and was not fortunate enough to go to clubs, so I am not used to the club culture. My wife is a member of all the clubs and I just go along.

Stage shows a way of partying with fans: Shah Rukh

It’s not for the money or the fame that Shah Rukh Khan does stage shows, but to get up close and party with his fans. “These shows are not a show of talent or some amazing skill that you possess. This is our way of partying with people who have shared so much love and happiness with us,” Shah Rukh Khan said in the course of a media interaction here ahead of his Temptation Reloaded stage show scheduled for Saturday night.

“I have been working for 21 years and I don’t really get the opportunity to thank each of my fans personally,” he said.

“I am old now,” he continued, “and it is quite difficult to do live shows. Some days, I get up and I say I don’t really have to do this. It is not for the money, not for the fame any more.”

Shah Rukh returns to Dubai after a gap of four years for a live stage show.

Dubai is part of the Temptation Reloaded world tour that the Bollywood star is doing along with Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor.

The tour started in Rotterdam in Holland in June and continued in Singapore.

The show will be compered by MTV video jockey Anusha Dandekar and choreographed by Ganesh Hegde of “Lagaan” fame.

Britain based desi-rapper Hard Kaur will also perform before the Dubai audience.

The show is being sponsored by Country Club Group of India, which has opened a new resort in Dubai this year.

According to the organisers, the show is expected to draw around 18,000 people at the Dubai Festival City Arena.

Dubai is home to around 700,000 of the 1.5 million expatriate Indians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Event organiser threatens legal action against Shah Rukh

The organiser of a Shah Rukh Khan international show has decided to take legal action against the actor for cancelling at the last minute.Says Qasim Ali, global manager of Sensasian Media which was managing the Temptation Reloaded show, "After Shah Rukh Khan decided to cancel the shows, I sent him an SMS requesting him to do at least one show but he did not revert. We have lost about one million euros in this whole deal and will demand compensation from the actor.''

Qasim Ali says a clause in the contract he signed with Khan states that the star has the right to keep the down payments in case of cancellation. "So, we have come to the conclusion that the shows have been cancelled on purpose,'' he said.

Khan had reportedly exited three days before the October 17,18 and 19 gigs in Germany because the "organiser had defaulted''. Industry watchers say this is the first time the box-office boss, known to be a professional, had pulled out of a show. When contacted, Khan said, "They can say what they want, all this will be dealt with in a legal way as it should be. So I am not really the right person to ask. The cancellation was a decision based on the requirements most important for the show, including finance, accommodation, travel etc which were not met. The legality of it is being followed by the legal department and things will take their course.''

In an attempt to keep the show rolling, Sensasian Media renamed Temptation Reloaded `Temptation Unloaded'. German television comedian Kaya Yanar took the stage at Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. Almost 10,000 SRK fans Khan who had bought tickets to all three shows were promised a refund.

Khan also called off the Spanish leg of the tour (organised by another party) since it followed the shows in Germany. An industry insider said that this is not the first time Sensasian Media has bungled. "It happened earlier this year in the case of Shilpa Shetty and the Bachchan family's Unforgettable show. The company failed to organise these shows,'' the source said.

“I am the luck factor for Temptation,” says Preity

On the eve of the Temptation Reloaded Tour, due to some mismanagement, the highly publicized Shah Rukh Khan concert in Germany and Spain were called off. Preity talks about her “luck factor” and her great rapport with buddy Shah Rukh.

‘I am the luck factor’… and that’s what has worked for the super success of the Unforgettable Tour and the first edition of the Temptation tour according to the pretty Preity Zinta! While the world touted the two tour’s; one headed by the Big Bachchan and the other by the King Khan, as a camp against each other, we have Preity Zinta who has been an integral part of both.

We got talking to the vibrant actress and in her chirpy Zinta style she added, “I had some great times during both the tours but it was party time on board the Temptation tour with Shah Rukh, Saif and Arjun Rampal. We used to party like crazy.”

While Karan Johar was deemed as someone with one foot in the Amitabh Bachchan camp and the other in Shah Rukh Khan’s camp, here’s the Zinta girl who seems to be straddling the two camps and is loved and adored by both sides equally.

Incidentally, Preity was amongst the few who were invited to grace the Abhi-Ash wedding. And while Jaya Bachchan has announced that Preity Zinta is her favourite actress of this day and age, the Bachchan bahu Aishwarya personally took care of Preity during the Unforgettable Tour. Ash made sure that Preity was comfortable and had her favourite food on the menu.

On the other hand, Preity and Shahrukh were spotted at the IPL holding hands, acting as a support system to each other and sharing a strong camaraderie. Preity remarked, “If there’s one person I can call up at anytime and ask for help, it is Shahrukh Khan.”

With all this and more to her, Preity has certainly emerged as an intelligent businesswoman who knows the tricks of the trade.

No Shah Rukh, but European fans still love him

BERLIN: Over 200 fans from all over Europe assembled at the Velodrom, the German capital's indoor stadium, to say they still love Shah Rukh Khan
- though their hopes were dashed when a show featuring the Bollywood heartthrob was cancelled.

Dressed in silk saris and satin salwars, the colourful crowd of mostly women fans lit candles outside the entrance in the shape of SRK and said they were disappointed that "Temptation Reloaded", the live dance and music extravaganza starring King Khan, was cancelled Friday.

"I can't believe that I will not see Shah Rukh tonight," Pamela, 33, said. Pamela had come from Zurich with stars in her kajal-painted eyes and returned from Berlin with tears.

Angela Gotze, 26, said: "I want Shah Rukh to know that we are not angry with him. We love him and miss him and want him to come to Berlin soon."

Gotze had travelled from the ceremony at the stadium to join hundreds of other fans collected in another part of town outside Goya, the most fashionable and largest disco here and the location of "Cabaret", the Hollywood classic starring Lisa Minelli.

More than 10,000 tickets were sold for the German tour of "Temptation Reloaded". However two days before the first show in Berlin Friday, it was cancelled to the deep disappointment of Shah Rukh fans.

A 16-year-old from a small town in Germany was devastated. In a message posted at Planet Sharukh, the online forum of Shah Rukh Khan fans worldwide, she wrote, "'Temptation Reloaded' is cancelled it is all over now. What shall I do now?

"Shahrukh do you know how much I love you??? No, this is such a pity. I am so sad that I cannot find words, my most beautiful dream did not come true, just like that sorry but I have to express my grief and my anger."

A 42-year-old housewife and mother of three children told IANS that she came to Berlin from Stuttgart though her husband and her two older children mock her for loving Shah Rukh. Besides, she runs a restaurant and in her absence the business is bound to suffer.

Fans were allowed to use their tickets to attend the midnight party at the Goya where the star attraction was Kaya Yanar, the famous German stand up comedian of Turkish origin.

Yanar was scheduled to perform on stage with Shah Rukh. "I was preparing my scene for months. I am a great fan of Bollywood films. Hollywood films are about violence and winning, German films are too intellectual but Bollywood films are about emotions and love.

I love Shah Rukh. I was excited about performing with him," Yanar told IANS before he went on stage to try and make those fans happy who tried to drown their disappointment by rocking to Bollywood film music.

Yanar told the cheering crowd that Shah Rukh has promised to come to Berlin very soon. On popular demand, Yanar, 37, danced to "Shava Shava" from "Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham", the 2001 blockbuster directed by Karan Johar and which was the first film to be dubbed in the German language and shown on an entertainment channel here.

For many German fans, "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham" is the start of their romance with Bollywood films. However, other fans of Indian cinema are concerned that the random cancellation of events like "Temptation Reloaded's" tour in Germany will damage Bollywood related activities and institutions in Germany.

"There is fear of a loss of image for us all and this can become a problem in the future," an official from Bollywood and Beyond, Germany's only and annual festival of Indian cinema, said in an e-mail message.

"German fans hate being ignored. The organisers and the artistes don't look good in this shady affair," said a journalist from a publication about Bollywood news in the German language.

"We have to find out more about who is responsible. Maybe I should turn this into a film script, I am thinking a Madhur Bhandarkar movie!" said the German journalist trying to smile in the midst of a blame game started by both the Indian and German organisers and promoters of "Temptation Reloaded" who seemed least concerned about the inconvenience caused to thousands of fans.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Media Statement

Please read this official Press Release from Red Chillies International Limited carefully to understand what exactly transpired for the Temptation Reloaded Tours to be cancelled. Watch the video of SRK apologising for this cancellation.

Temptation Reloaded Press Release

Red Chillies International Limited, today announces with great regret that they will be unable to facilitate the three city tour of the show “Temptation Reloaded 2008” with the proposed starring of Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan and other superstars in Germany . This is due to the breach of contract by the promoter of the shows SensAsian Media Limited (SensAsian Media).

SensAsian Media did not fulfil its obligations in due time which makes it impossible for the shows to happen in Germany. We regret the inconvenience that these unforseen circumstances have caused to our fans and the audience. The Shows were planned to be presented in Berlin (Velodrom) on October 17th , in Munich (Zenith Die Kulturhalle) on October 18 th and in Frankfurt (Festhalle) on October 19 th.

Press Release - Temptation Reloaded Tour of Germany

With tremendous love & affection to all our fans in Germany, we, Red Chillies International Limited (RCIL) would like to clarify our situation with reference to the German leg of the “Temptation Reloaded Tour 2008″. With a very heavy heart and great regret, we announce that we are unable to participate in the said shows which was to be held at Berlin (Velodrom) on 17th October 2008, Munich (Zenith Die Kulturhalle ) on 18th October 2008, & Frankfurt (Festhalle) on 19th October 2008 due to irreparable breach of contract on the part of promoter Sensasian Media Ltd.
Sensasian Media Ltd is represented through its promoter Syed Qasim Ali who had approached RCIL to organize shows at Germany. RCIL as an Organizer agreed to enter into a contract with Sensasian Media Ltd and under the Agreement Dated 1st August 2008, the promoter at his free will agreed to perform all its duties and obligations with dedication and commitment.

Unfortunately RCIL is now faced with a situation where even the basic requirements of staging the show have not been met by the promoter, leaving us with no choice and alternative. Infact till date the venues of Berlin & Munich remain partly unpaid by Sensasian Media. The rent for Velodrom, the venue for the very first show, had not been paid for by the promoter as per an email dated 13th October 2008 from the venue manager making very clear the malafide & frivolous intentions of the promoter. Prior to the first show, the production companies have not been paid by the promoter (as per an email dated 7th October 2008 ).

The hotels for the artists and crew have not been paid the air-tickets for a 70 member plus strong crew have not been issued .The artist remuneration remains unpaid too despite several reminders.. The promoter failed to arrange for the basic infrastructure that would be required to conduct the said event. We ask, where would the Artist perform without a stage and venue? Where would the Artist and Crew stay without a confirmation for the Hotel? How Would the Artist crew, technicians and dancers come without the air-tickets? The promoter’s intention was only to play with the sentiments of the German fans and bag their monies from ticket sales without making payments to secure basic infrastructure to have the said shows.

The Promoter, at every stage of his default promised to remedy his default and make payments constantly assuring the organisers of his intention to promote the said event. On 29th September 2008 by his email the promoter stated that if he does not make payments by 6th October 2008 we are not bound to participate in the shows. The promoter backed out of the shows at the last minute on 13th October 2008 leaving the organizers helpless and disappointed. If the promoter had let his intentions of not promoting the said event be known to the organizers with sufficient notice the organizers would have attempted to make their own alternate arrangements to be there with their fans.

Promoter had no intentions to promote the said event and has falsely claimed that the organizers have backed out of the said event when the fact and the truth is that he, with an intention to cause disrepute and with ulterior motive, Mr. Ali has defaulted in his commitments and obligations. In case the promoter’s intentions were fair and he wanted the German fans to not be let down he would have ensured that the most basic arrangements were made for the Artists to come down to Germany for the tour and the venues and production for the shows would have been booked and paid for.
The Artists and Crew who were all set to come and perform for their loved ones in Germany are most disappointed.

Each and every Artist and Crew member had invested so much time, energy and dedication in preparing each act and performance and because of one man`s false commitment they were unable to display the same. The organisers also spent considerable amount of non-refundable monies making the above arrangements and preparing a show for their dear German Fans.

We understand that each and every fan of the performing Artists is disheartened with the cancellation of the show. RCIL today can only assure them that they shall be there with their fans as soon as possible. RCIL promises to all the fans that it shall not let go of the man who played so viciously with the emotions of thousands of people and has already started a legal recourse against the promoter.
RCIL has setup a website - ‘www.temptationreloaded.com’ where the fans and public at large can view all the correspondence they have exchanged with the Promoter including the above mentioned emails.

This is to ensure that the fans that have paid to watch the show are fully aware that RCIL, the artists and the rest of the crew of Temptation Reloaded have constantly made their most sincere efforts to ensure the successful staging of this truly world class spectacle but Sensasian Media by their breach made it impossible for the shows to materialise .

Video: SHAHRUKH KHAN’S MEDIA STATEMENT

Shah Rukh Khan cancels Germany supershows

All the shows of Shah Rukh Khan’s world tour, Temptation Reloaded 2008, in Germany and Spain have been cancelled. Now, only one show will take place in Dubai.

Shah Rukh Khan’s ambitious world tour Temptation Reloaded 2008, which was supposed to commence on October 18 is in jeopardy.

Although a few weeks ago it seemed like SRK has yet another winner in his hands with some of the biggest Bollywood stars like Katrina Kaif, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone and Arjun Rampal agreeing to be part of his much anticipated world tour, things are not the same anymore.

Now, SRK is in a tight spot as the promoter of the Germany show has breached the contract. Consequently, the shows in Germany and Spain have been cancelled. However, the last show in Dubai, which was to take place on October 25, will take place.

A source said, “It is a big disappointment for SRK. In fact, industry insiders had labelled this tour as SRK’s answer to Amitabh Bachchan’s Unforgettable Tour. But now, SRK will have to be content with only one show in Dubai.”

When contacted, Karim Morani (director of the Temptation Reloaded 2008 tour) sent us a text message, which read, “Red Chillies Entertainment Limited (SRK’s production house) announces with great regret that they will be unable to facilitate the three city tour of Temptations Reloaded 2008 in Germany (in Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt).

This is due to the breach of contract by the promoter of the shows Sensasian Media Limited. They did not fulfill their obligation in due time which makes it impossible for the shows to take place in Germany.”

What does ‘did not fulfill their obligation’ mean we asked? “Well, there was a violation of several clauses, including non-payment of dues,” Karim explained.

But, why has the Spain leg of the Temptation Reloaded 2008 tour also been cancelled? Karim said, “Well, the shows in Germany and Spain were a part of the Europe leg. We can’t be going Spain alone. For the time being, it’s just Dubai. The shows in Spain may happen at a later date.”

And what about rumours that there were some creative differences between SRK and the Moranis? “No way,” said Karim.

Shah Rukh Khan The Super Hero

Unconventionally for a Bollywood star Shah Rukh was not born into a showbiz family. He tragically lost both his parents at a young age and embarked on his career completely of his own accord which makes his meteoric rise to superstardom even more incredible.

A candid chat with the Super Hero…and ticket sale details for Temptations Reloaded, Dubai.

His films always chart very highly even in countries as far afield as the USA and Australia. His face is instantly recognisable to over a billion people and over the years the self confessed family man has built up such a trust between himself and his audience that a brand that manages an association with Khan is worth its weight in gold. It is with this in mind that Shah Rukh was in Dubai on Sunday to launch Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard, a new property development in Ras Al Khaimah. “I have a strange fetish for living spaces,” he told the press. “I am not endorsing this product, I have designed it as well, as I am a frustrated architect. I think the greatest material possession a person can have is a home. Spiritually there are a lot of other things, and professionally there are a lot of things but materially the most important thing is to have a home, whatever size, whatever design. I want to give people the choice and they like it. I hope they like it.”

A further reason for Shah Rukh Khan’s visit was the announcement of the Dubai dates of his new show Temptation in association with the Khaleej Times. This song and dance extravaganza will delight all who attend. With a host of world famous stars and popular tunes it is really an event not to be missed.

City Times caught up with Mr Khan to discuss the upcoming show and lifestyles of the rich and famous.

What can the Dubai audience expect from the new Temptation show?

I have never claimed to reinvent and show anything drastically different. A show is a show is a show. But you try to make it different and this show is designed with that in mind. As far as this Temptation is concerned it is not a rehash because we have new actors onboard; Katrina (Kaif) and Kareena (Kapoor) for example, and the songs have changed. The essence of an Indian show is to do the song and dance routine and to pepper it with a bit of action, this is the formula which remains the same but these guys (organisers) I’m sure will bring a newness to it. As far as completely changing the show I need about a year to rework it but I have designs in mind already so maybe in 2010 people can see a completely new idea that has never been seen before. This show as it is though is as nice as it can be at the moment. Thanks to the sponsors like the Khaleej Times we have enough behind us to make it a big extravaganza.

What made you select the cast you have for Temptation?

We actually go by the popularity of actors and the songs that are running at the moment. Turn on the TV and all you see is Katrina and Kareena with some fabulous movies and songs and Arjun Rampal with Rock On. Everything we do is bound by the finances we have so we can’t have so many actors. I’m assuming I’m still popular so I’m with them but a big factor in choosing the cast is also the question of availability. We have had to change some dates because of this.

How do you decide what goes into the show? Is the cast involved in the programme?

When you do a full world tour yes. We sit down and chat and decide what goes in and that is how I make my shows. You have to enjoy every part of it so it is better for the performers to decide. If you don’t enjoy the process of making it you won’t enjoy the process of doing it. We started in Germany a little while ago and we always film the shows. If it goes on too long or if we think something doesn’t work we cut it. This means the show in Dubai will be different from the one in Germany.

As a devoted family man, how do you find juggling your career and family life? What do your children think of their Dad?

They are ok with me I think. They will grow up to think I am a good dad. I have this worry that I should devote a lot of time to them so at 15 if I have to reprimand them I will have gone wrong. I lost my parents at a young age so I feel I should give a lot of time to my kids, the time I didn’t get. Juggling the two aspects of life is not difficult if you are a superstar. There are people to do everything. I do two films a year but I spend every waking moment with my kids. I plan my shooting during the holidays so the kids can come with me.

Your next film is Rabi Ne Banaa De Jodi?

Yes that comes out on the 27th. I finished a production called Billoo Barber which is a story of a small town babrber and how his life changes when a superstar comes to his village. It’s an interesting story that was made in the South of India and that will come out in February.

What roles are you keen on working on now as you move away from the romantic leads?

I’m not moving away it’s just the last girl I worked with was eight years old when my first film came out and how much can you dye your sideburns? I want to do a superhero film for my kids. I like those films, I like action films and want to do a few before I get too old and have too many broken bones to fix. I like to work with people I am comfortable with and some of my friends come up with good ideas so I might take them up on their offers.

Any Hollywood plans with Indian firms now investing in Hollywood studios?

It’s not up to me, I always say I am not the one to plan it. Movies have to be offered. Ambani going over and investing is fantastic. I don’t have that kind of money to go over with my production company unfortunately but I don’t really dream of being a part of Hollywood. I do ok in the Indian film industry and that is enough for me. I don’t have the business acumen to go over and be part of that. I put my full efforts into one thing at a time. If I am told to go for an interview that is the most important thing that day. My job is to give expressions to the camera. I don’t think of myself as a brand and have never understood people that do. I am a struggling actor. I am not a struggling star but doing twenty thousand songs and trying to make them different each time is a struggle for an actor. I don’t think the plan is to get Bollywood to Hollywood. I think the plan is to get Hollywood marketing and talent over to make films in India at a cheaper rate and distributed worldwide. I am not a businessman but I think this is the logical thing to do.

Is nurturing new talent important to you?

As directors and film makers yes but I don’t get impressed with actors and actresses because I have never thought highly of myself. I know how I get it right and others have to do the same. Directors I do take on. They come to the production company quite young and now they need to start making movies as they are 22 or 23. It is my duty to make them make films. Whoever they want to cast is their choice but I won’t be in the films because it puts too much pressure on them.

EVENT DETAILS

Temptation Reloaded 2008, October 25, Dubai Festival City Arena

Ticket prices: Premium Dh2,500, VVIP Dh1,000, VIP Dh 500, Family Dh250, General Standing Dh100

Tickets available online at www.timeouttickets.com and www.boxofficeme.com

City Times, UAE

Rani not part of Shah Rukh's Dubai show

The new poster for Temptation Reloaded in Dubai, with Kareena's image replacing Rani's

All doesn’t seem well on the Shah Rukh Khan-Rani Mukerji front. Great friends once upon a time, it seems the relationship is now turning sour.

A few days back Shah Rukh signed Priyanka Chopra for a special appearance dance number in his home production “Billoo Barber” while Rani had been expected to do the same.

Now, Rani is suddenly out of Shah Rukh’s Temptation Reloaded stage show in Dubai, scheduled for October 25, 2008 at Dubai Festival City arena.

Kareena Kapoor has been signed in her place. She will be performing along with Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal, Anushka Dandekar and Ganesh Hegde.

Though the good old “date problems” has been given as the reason for Rani’s disappearance from the show, one wonders if it has to do with her closeness to Salman Khan, with whom she happily bonded during the grand finale of his TV show “10 Ka Dum”.

Meanwhile, tickets for Shah Rukh’s show are on sale on www.timeouttickets.com.

The prices are: VVIP Seating - Dhs1000, VIP Seating - Dhs500, Family Seating - Dhs250, General Standing - Dhs100.

From October 5 onwards, tickets will also be available at all Choithram outlets, Virgin Megastore, Bombay Chowpatty, Pak Ghazi Restaurant and Karachi Darbar Restaurant.

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Shahrukh Khan's Temptation gets more loaded

Shahrukh Khan seems to be pulling out all the stops to make his upcoming world tour as loaded as possible.

The superstar is making sure there’s enough glitz, gloss and glamour in the musical concerts of the ‘Temptation Reloaded’ tour, to be held in Germany, Spain and Dubai in October.

Even as the preparation for the shows is underway, SRK has roped in the Bollywood bombshells Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone for the German leg of the tour. The two ladies bonded well during the promotion of their film Bachna Ae Haseeno and are also likely to share the stage during the concerts.

Katrina Kaif will also be a big attraction of the tour, in spite of the rumours alleging her departure from ‘Temptation’ after SRK’s spat with Salman Khan .

This bandwagon of Bollywood beauties might get further crowded with the possible inclusion of Kareena Kapoor . Talks are presently on with Kareena and her dates are being looked into to figure out if she can spare time for the concerts. She is presently shooting Raju Hirani’s movie 3 Idiots in Shimla.

‘Temptation Reloaded’ will also feature SRK’s good friend Arjun Rampal who is likely to play the guitar onstage, like his character in Rock On .

The concerts are scheduled thus: Show in Berlin on October 17; in Munich on October 18; in Frankfurt on October 19; in Barcelona (Spain) on October 20. There will be a four day break before the final concert in Dubai on October 25.

Date change for Shah Rukh's 'Temptation Reloaded' Dubai show

Shah Rukh Khan’s Temptation Reloaded concert in Dubai. will now be held on Saturday, October 25, and not October 24 as announced earlier.

Accompanying Shah Rukh at the show at Dubai Festival City arena will be Katrina Kaif, Rani Mukerji, Arjun Rampal, Anushka Dandekar, Ganesh Hegde and Hard Kaur.

Tickets for the show have gone on sale on www.timeouttickets.com.

The prices are: VVIP Seating - Dhs1000, VIP Seating - Dhs500, Family Seating - Dhs250, General Standing - Dhs100.

From October 5 onwards, tickets will also be available at all Choithram outlets, Virgin Megastore, Bombay Chowpatty, Pak Ghazi Restaurant and Karachi Darbar Restaurant.

Tempatations Reloaded - Dubai chapter, Venue and Ticket prices announced

Come October 24, and the wait will be over for all the Bollywood enthusiasts in Dubai. After the curtain raiser in Rotterdam in June, Shah Rukh Khan’s much publicised live concert tour, Temptation Reloaded, will be held at the Dubai Festival City arena.

Besides Shah Rukh, the show will feature Katrina Kaif, Rani Mukerji, Arjun Rampal, Anushka Dandekar, Ganesh Hegde and Hard Kaur.

According to the show organisers Hanover Advertising and Orbit Events, an audience of 25,000 is expected at the extravaganza.

The Country Club Hotel, which is a part of The Country Club Group, is the main sponsor of Temptation Reloaded 2008 – Dubai. The event and is supported by Star Events and promoted by Oasis Promotions.

The event is produced by Red Chilies International and scripted and directed by Moranis and Soormas.

Tickets are priced at Dh100, Dh 250, Dh500 and Dh1000.

SRK, Aamir to perform together

Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have never featured in a film together. But if all goes well, the two actors may perform together in SRK's Temptations show in Germany.

Apparently, SRK has sent feelers to Aamir to attend his world tour, as he has not been able to rope in big stars, other than himself.

The Bachchans are obviously out, as they have just finished their own Unforgettable world tour in Europe, Canada and USA. Akshay Kumar, who seems to be threatening SRK's top spot in the industry with his blockbusters, also performed in the recent Unforgettable tour.

After their spat in Katrina Kaif's birthday party, Salman Khan is no longer good friends with Shah Rukh.

Among the heroines, Priyanka Chopra may join SRK in his tour.

Shah Rukh may have to depend on his good friends Arjun Rampal and Malaika Arora Khan, to join him on the tour.

Shah Rukh's 'Temptation Reloaded' tour next month

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is to tour his live show, Temptation Reloaded 2008, through Germany starting with a performance in Berlin Oct 17, promoters said.

The Bollywood actor, 42, gave Germans a foretaste of his charisma in February during a visit to promote the movie Om Shanti Om at the Berlin Film Festival.

Five other Bollywood leading names are to join him on the German tour. Comedian Kaya Yanar will make the audiences laugh during the tour, which also includes Munich on Oct 18 and Frankfurt Oct 19.