Shah Rukh Khan enchants his charm in Antwerp

Shah Rukh Khan, ICICI Banks global brand ambassador recently visited the Banks Antwerp branch.

Shah Rukh Khan interacted with ICICI Bank customers. A gala event for the ICICI Bank Antwerp Branch customers was organized in the evening. Shah Rukh Khan enchanted the audience with his charm and performance. Joining him were VJ Anusha Dandekar and singer Kunal Ganjawala.

The audience also got an opportunity to interact with Shah Rukh Khan at an exclusive Q&A session. Mr. Sonjoy Chatterjee, Executive Director, ICICI Bank was also part of this session.

ICICI Bank marked its entry into mainland Europe in May 2006 by opening the Antwerp, Belgium branch. The Belgian branch is located in the heart of the diamond district in Antwerp and offers corporate banking products.

Bollywood Trade News Network

If STAR wants, SRK may anchor KBC 4

An interesting 'headline grabbing' topic doing the round these days pertains to who will be anchoring the next edition of KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati). The names being tossed around are that of the original anchor, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, 'Jhakaas' actor Anil Kapoor, 'Chotey Nawab' Saif Ali Khan and of course King Khan. Let us as before, put an end to all the speculations with the realistic situation.

As per sources, Shah Rukh Khan's contract with Star TV continues till next year (2008), and contrary to media reports, he has no plans of crossing over to NDTV. All pointers are that he will be anchoring KBC 4, but as our headline suggests, the final decision rests with STAR TV.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

SRK magic continues at 42

No wonder, in a short span Shah Rukh Khan has become a phenomenon. And now the Bollywood superstar, who turned 42 on Friday, is set to charm movie buffs with his much-awaited Om Shanti Om.

"I am like a bad habit and you can't kick those bad habits. It is the worst habit India has. Good habits you can get over but bad habits it is very difficult for people to get over and you are stuck with them for the rest of your life," said Khan in a candid chat with NDTV.

Shah Rukh has specially cultivated six-pack abs for the film and even gone shirtless for his forthcoming film.

"My fans should not feel short changed or cheated that they wanted more out of Shah Rukh and could not get it. Every film is about respect. It is always going to be the star first, my personality first or the one who has repeatedly been blamed for playing himself. Yes, I have played myself by playing someone else. Or as Salman said I am just too damn good looking," he laughed.

SRK is fiercely promoting his home production Om Shanti Om which has been set in the backdrop of the 1970s Bollywood.

The film has re-incarnation theme as its backdrop and is directed by good friend Farah Khan.

SRK, who is known for bringing in energy and liveliness on his sets, said he would love to continue working like this.

"I bring happiness in films. If a filmmaker has worked with me he will not work with anybody else because of the kind of happiness I bring on the sets just through my work, it is not because of my jokes.

It is an experience working with me. I am not hard selling myself because I will not sign more than two-three films. I may not have promoted so much love and experience through my films, as I do it on my sets," said SRK.

"I find true love with my kids unconditionally but here also I want to please them. So, you can imagine what desire will I have to please the people I don't even know. I want to make them love me through my work. As a professional I just want everyone to go back home and love me. Why I have it I don't know," he said.

SRK's new movie also introduces model turned actress Deepika Padukone, daughter of former badminton ace Prakash Padukone.

The actor is reported to have sold the film, made at a budget of Rs 400 million, for Rs 700 million.

On Nov 9, the film will clash with another much-hyped movie - Sanjay Leela Bhansali's musical extravaganza Saawariya which stars, Nitu and Rishi Kapoor's son Ranbir and Anil Kapoor's daughter Sonam. Sony Pictures, co-producer of the film, is splurging big money on its publicity.

But Shah Rukh is unfazed.

"Nobody is going to use money to oust the goodwill that I have created."

Although not good-looking in the conventional terms, Shah Rukh's mass appeal is amazing. This was quite obvious when he became host of STAR Plus' popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati, which had become synonymous with icon Amitabh Bachchan.

When launched on Jan 22 this year, the initial response to the quiz show was not so encouraging. And comparisons with original host Amitabh were inevitable. But soon the comparisons stopped, and people began enjoying the show.

With his irresistible charm and wittiness, Shah Rukh gave a new makeover to the show and viewers began looking forward to it. Its witty content made the show a kind of a stress buster.

Shah Rukh is considered one of the premium brands of India. However, he says that he never worked consciously to achieve the status.

At a time when most of the successful actors are Hollywood bound, Shah Rukh brushes aside such aspirations and says he will be the first "Permanent movie star in the world for I will be like an addiction, I am like a bad habit, one doesn't want to leave it."

Shah Rukh, who started off as a stark newcomer in the industry in 1992 minus a godfather, is keen that India should have Oscar-like academy awards. He also wants to introduce new film technology and has plans to build his own studio.

Age is no bar to this superstar who seems to look younger, get better and more energetic with the passing years, just like old wine.

NDTV - Correspondent / IANS

Enter SRK ; Exit Bachchan (updated)

All is still not well between Bollywood superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. Recently, AB nearly looked through SRK and did not wish him when SRK went forward to greet him. The incident happened at Andheri Sports Complex on Sunday evening at the Police Mela show which was organised by Cineyug Worldwide.

An eye-witness tells us, "Amitabh and his family were present at the function from 9.15 pm. Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya were coolly sitting and enjoying the function. Shah Rukh entered with his Om Shanti Om gang- Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal and Shreyas Talpade at 10.30 pm. While he was exchanging pleasantries and hugs with those he knew, he saw Bachchan seated a little distance away. He started going to wards him."

"As he was about to greet him, Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya got up from their seats and stormed out of the venue. After that, they never came back. They literally ignored Shah Rukh. Shah Rukh was shocked when he realised what had happened," adds our source.

The friction between AB abnd SRK started when SRK took over KBC. The eye-witness adds, "Another reason apart from KBC is that the Bollywood industry works in camps; Amitabh and Shah Rukh's camps are clearly different. Thirdly, Amitabh supports SJP party and Shah Rukh stands for the Congress. So, the lines are clearly drawn."

"But everybody felt that Amitabh should not have walked out of the show when Shah Rukh was going towards him. Whatever the differences, it is always better to be courteous at public functions," the eye-witness added.

Later, the OSO gang performed to the title song of their upcoming film which hits the theatres this Friday.

Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan remained unavailable for comment.

Vickey Lalwani, Mumbai Mirror

SRK & Bachchan Trio Steal the Show

There was a lot to watch out for on Sunday night at the annual pre-Diwali function...

...that was held for Mumbai’s police force at the Andheri Sports Complex.

A lot of Bollywood stars graced the occasion, but the ones who stole the limelight were the Bachchans. Amitabh and Abhishek walked in with the pretty Bachchan bahu, Aishwarya. According to sources, while the Bachchans were enjoying the performances, King Khan walked in.

At that point, the trio had got up to leave and were on their way out, but they were blocked by Shah Rukh Khan.

The Bollywood Badshah greeted Big B and Abhishek with a warm hug and cordial handshake. After the formal greetings, SRK proceeded backstage for his performance with Deepika Padukone and Shreyas Talpade.

Unfortunately, the Bachchan trio could not stay to watch his performance. The policemen and their families were fully entertained, though. That little scene between the Bachchans and the Khan, was paisa vasool and more. It brought the sparkle to their Diwali.

Nicole Dastur, TNN

Shah Rukh signs up as second superhero in Krrish 2 ?

Who said the impossible could not be made possible? In Bollywood anything is possible and this time it's Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan together in Krrish 2.

Rumours in Indian newspapers have stated that Bollywood's number one hero Shah Rukh Khan has accepted a major role offered to him by Filmkraft boss Rakesh Roshan. The two have worked numerous times before and have a great on and off screen charishma. When Rakesh Roshan rung Shah Rukh Khan, offering him a role in one of his forthcoming productions, Shah Rukh said Yes', without even wanting to know what movie and what kind of part it would be.

It was only after he got a text message on his phone from Hrithik Roshan, that it finally hit him Shah Rukh Khan had just accepted a superhero role in Krrish 2 (or 3 as to how you think of it). The text message that Hrithik wrote was something on the lines of: KRRISH IS GONNA KICK KROADHS ASS. U BETTER B IN SHAPE.

More rumours have said that Shah Rukh Khan will be playing an alien in human form (Kroadh), who can not be killed The movie will see both Krrish and Kroadh battle each other for human-kind'. Shah Rukh Khan will not be playing the bad guy in the movie, but an alien with issues. The final battle will involve Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan fighting on the same side against the actual bad guy of the fil,

More unconfirmed reports say that Rang De Basanti director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra will be directing this film as Rakesh Roshan is busy with another project.

If this story is in fact true and we do get to see Hrithik and Shah Rukh in an all action flick what will you make out of it? Do you think this movie could break all Box Office records and become the greatest and most popular movie in Indian film industry history?

IndiaTarget

"I am not comfortable kissing on-screen" - SRK

What if...

We want to know what Om Shanti Om means to you.
When I do a film, I try to keep myself away from the hype around it. What is important is how much of my heart and soul I have given to the film. It's not about the physical labour. It's not even the fact that I am the film's producer and the stakes are high. Sometimes the best work you do does not necessarily make it big. But does that make that work any smaller? OSO is a very well conceived film about happiness. At my age and even Farah's, we feel that we shouldn't be making things which make people sad.

What if critics are not kind to OSO?
I am not even thinking about that. I am sorry. It's not that you guys are not important. Everybody has a right to say what he/she wants. But if I start believing and get happy or disturbed about everything that is written, I am being untrue to my film.

If Farah Khan has changed as a director from the Main Hoon Na days...and how much?
Earlier, she was very good. Now, she has become marvellous. Earlier, she was comfortable with the songs. Now, she has also become comfortable with the scenes. It is commendable that she has handled OSO with aplomb and ease, despite being pregnant when it was being made. We must also appreciate the fact that she is one of the few women directors in the world who make commercially viable films.

If your daughter, Suhana wants to become an actress?
I will be worried if my daughter, Suhana decides to become an actress. Life is very difficult for actresses. Sometimes when I read certain things about actresses, I feel embarrassed. It's not right to treat women badly. I hope that my daughter makes it big as an actress and people respect her beyond the fact that she is a girl.

If your son, Aryan grows up to be a film critic?
I think he is already a film critic, and a fantastic one. He tells me if and when he doesn't like me much in any of my films. If he says that a film is going to be a big hit, it rings true. He has told me that OSO will be a big hit.

If you were to lip-lock on screen, who would you like your co-star to be?
I am not comfortable kissing on-screen. I have not kissed on-screen not because who my co-actress is, but because of who I am.

If you were to rate yourself as an actor on a scale of 1-10... and please don't be modest?
5.5. By the time I end my career; I'll try and increase it to 8.

If Karan Johar and Farah Khan stop talking to you forever?
I love Karan and Farah very much. They are a part of my life. They are as much a part of me as my heart is. If my son and daughter take a decision not to do a particular thing, I will stand by their decision. If Karan and Farah ever take a decision that they don't want to talk to Shah Rukh, I will respect it. But it would mark an end to a significant part of my life.

If tomorrow there were no cigarettes…?
I'll be fine. I am not pathetically inclined towards cigarettes. When I am on long international flights, I don't feel the urge to smoke. Even after getting off from the flight, I don't feel the urge to start smoking immediately.

If you were not Shah Rukh Khan- the actor?
I would have liked a career either in sports or teaching. It would still be a good life, whatever my career would have been if I wasn't an actor.

If you were Amitabh Bachchan?
Oh, that would be the luckiest thing that anybody could have. I think he has had a great life. Professionally, he is wonderful. Personally, he is very educated. We all have learnt from him. I don't think I can ever be Mr Bachchan.

If Kaun Banega Crorepati 4 goes to Amitabh Bachchan?
KBC always belonged to Mr Bachchan. Who Wants to be a Millionaire is an international format, but KBC in India became what it was only because of Mr Bachchan. If it goes back to him, it would be wonderful.

If Amar Singh invites you for dinner?
I would definitely accept the invitation if it is in Mumbai.

If Sonia Gandhi forces you to join politics?
Soniaji doesn't need to force anybody. Soniaji, her family and the people who run the government are far too intelligent to need silly people like me in politics.

If you met George Bush, what would you say to him?
There is not much to say to him. I'll just tell him Om Shanti Om (smiles). I have understood his politics. I was supposed to meet him at one point of time, but I didn't go. I feel that he has taken a wrong stand against certain countries. But then, he knows better. He is a President, we are nobody.

If nobody recognises you on the streets one day?
I don't know how not to be a star anymore. I can't think of life without being a star. It's like asking someone how you would feel if you don't breathe.

If you were a school teacher for a day?
I would be a very lenient and happy-go-lucky teacher. Also a little strict like I was in Chak De! India (smiles). I love kids.

If you were a news reporter for a day?
Being from the entertainment world, I would like to highlight the technicalities that go behind making a film, to the fore.

Vickey Lalwani, MumbaiMirror

Om Shanti Om - House Full even before Advance Bookings

Farah Khan's Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal, Shreyas Talpade starrer OM SHANTI OM seems all set to be a 'BLOCK'buster. One of this year's two Diwali releases OM SHANTI OM is releasing coming Friday the 9th of November.

The movie is just two days away from the opening of advance bookings across the cinemas of India but the hype of the movie can be predicted with 18000 tickets, which is equivalent to about 40 shows HOUSE FULL has been confirmed by corporate block bookings at Satyam Cineplexes, New Delhi, informed a reliable source.

Way to go!

Bollywood Trade News Network

"Shah Rukh Khan is cool & I love him" - Shakira

Famed director Farah Khan's latest film 'Om Shanti Om' starring Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be released from November 8 at Majestic Cinema, Colombo.

Based on reincarnation the story starts in 1977: a junior artiste Om Prakash Makhija (Shahrukh Khan) falls for Shantipriya (Deepika Padukone) an actress famed for her beauty.

Shooting of the film began in January 2007 at various locations in India. Over 30 of Bollywood's hottest stars like Karisma Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra, Shilpa Shetty, Tabu, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukherjee, Urmila Matondkar, Rekha, Vidya Balan, Shabana Azmi and Juhi Chawla, are putting in guest appearances for a special song in the film.

The film was supposed to feature a dance scene of two-time Grammy Award-winning Colombian pop singer-songwriter Shakira which did not materialise due to date issues.

Director Farah had choreographed Shakira's 2006 MTV Music Video Awards performance and knew that she was a huge Bollywood fan.

The Latin Sensation who was in India before the film was shot said that there were many proposals for movies. "I don't know if it will work out, but it feels good to be approached by Bollywood," she had said. Speaking on Shah Rukh Khan she said, "Shah Rukh Khan is cool; I love him and have seen one of his movies."

The story, which spans several decades, is set in Bollywood of the 70s and focuses on Om (SRK) a humble junior artiste who falls in love with a Superstar(Deepika Padukone) but meets with an untimely demise shortly thereafter. He is, however, immediately reincarnated.

The story then moves to the present times and dwells on how Om, haunted by the memories of his past life and love, attempts to solve the mystery of his death and reunite with the love of his past life, a task complicated by the fact that his love, now much older than him, does not believe he is her lost love.

Om Shanti Om is all set to create another record of sorts by going in for an unheard of 2000 print (worldwide) release. This is the highest number of prints (including digital) for any Indian movie till date. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by the musical duo, Vishal-Shekhar with lyrics by renowned lyricist, Javed Akhtar while the composer was A.R.Rahman.

(Edited)
The Sunday Times - Sri Lanka

A film titled 'Shah Rukh Kehta Hai Tu Khoobsurat Hai'

Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday celebrations are full-on.

Day before yesterday, Makrand Deshpande unknowingly gave him his first birthday gift.

His second directorial venture titled 'Shah Rukh Kehta Hai Tu Khoobsurat Hai' will have SRK in it, where he plays himself.

He tells us, "Shah Rukh knows all about it and has said already said ‘yes’," he says.

"I will ask him again." The story of the film is about the life of a flower-seller, a girl who makes her living on the streets of Mumbai and how one day she meets Shah Rukh Khan, who tells her that she is very beautiful. The compliment transforms her life.