“I would’ve slapped Shah Rukh” - Jaya Bachchan

This is what Mrs. Bachchan said when asked how she felt about SRK making an unsavoury remark about her daughter-in-law Aishwarya at Salman Khan’s party and the now in-famous fight. Read on…

Following are excerpts from an interview given to People magazine :

Shah Rukh did not say a very nice thing about Ash in that brawl with Salman… you don’t hold that against him?
Of course, I do. I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss it with him, and I am going to speak to him about it. If he was at my home, I would have slapped him, just as I would my own son. But I have connected with him in my soul, and that’s it.

SRK came for the Drona premiere, that was nice of him.
Yes. Abhishek called him and said, ‘Sir, it will make a huge difference to me if you arrive’. And he did, which I think is very gracious of him. I have a weakness for Shah Rukh.
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Sallu-SRK fight
At Katrina Kaif’s birthday party in July, Salman and Shah Rukh fought after Salman adversely commented at SRK’s show Paanchvi Paas, calling it a big flop. The star added that SRK is trying to sabotage his show Dus Ka Dum. “You are a matlabi insaan. You only call people when you need them, and then don’t keep in touch,” Sallu added.

SRK reacted strongly saying that no one wants to watch Salman’s show. He too started to insult Salman by making jokes about Salman and his past girlfriends most notably Aishwarya Rai.

Since then Salman and Shah Rukh have not been on talking terms.

The unwelcome guest

Jiah Khan has always been known to be something of a wild child never really caring for conventions or propriety. But her latest indiscretion took the cake. She showed up uninvited to Gauri Khan’s birthday party and earned yet another unflattering tag that of a hanger-on.

The Nishabd girl arrived on Tuesday night at the Khan residence, Mannat, on the arm of Aditya Khanna, a close friend of Gauri’s.

Says a source present at the party, “Gauri is very particular about who she welcomes into her home. The party was for a small and close-knit group. Gauri was irritated with the presence of this ‘outsider’ on her list of invitees.

Worse, Jiah behaved like she belonged there, much to the surprise of the select group of Mrs Khan’s friends. Here was this girl who had coolly walked in as her uninvited guest.

Gauri is too classy to snub a guest in her home but it was obvious with her interaction with the Khan girl. However, Jiah just looked on unconcerned and instead of walking out as any self-respecting person would’ve done, she hung around.”

The source continues, “As the party progressed, Jiah became slightly inebriated and started drawing attention with her loud tone and behaviour, making the hostess who prides in hosting perfect parties; uncomfortable. At this point, Karan Paul took charge of the situation and escorted Jiah off the Mannat premises.”
Who she came with

The source adds, “Jiah came to Gauri’s party with both Karan Paul (Baron Swraj Paul’s grandson) and Aditya Khanna. She gatecrashed the party with Aditya Khanna, Gauri’s close friend.”

The buzz is that she has been dating Karan Paul for some time. When asked if she came with Karan Paul, Jiah says, “I don’t know who he is. I came with Aditya Khanna, a good friend of mine.”

When told that Gauri was apparently upset with her because she was in very high spirits, Jiah says, “That’s not true.”

Shah Rukh Khan on India shining

A couple of years ago, an international news report suggested that 3.2 billion people across the world knew about the Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan as compared to 2.7 billion who knew about Tom Cruise.

Never mind the fact that India has the second largest population in the world, but the fact —as Khan pointed out at that time —was that Cruise still made more money thanks to Hollywood’s marketing and pricing power.

But SRK didn’t have to wait long for things to change. Whether the Americans acknowledge it or not, there is now a global audience that is thrilled with our movies.

Bollywood may not be making the kind of money Hollywood makes, but our movies, are selling more tickets around the globe. And eyeballs count because it amounts to a certain measure of clout.

No wonder that Bollywood, feel experts, is likely to be the most prominent example of an international phenomenon that has the power and numbers to trump the ego of Hollywood. With his charismatic image and romantic demeanour, SRK certainly brought about a breath of fresh air to Indian cinema that’s been constantly evolving to fit new market conditions. He is the perfect metaphor of Indian cinema’s modern fluidity which hopes to make a film that has an undeniable worldwide impact.

Although there have been many books written about Indian cinema, Anupama Chopra’s King of Bollywood: Shah Rukh Khan and the Seductive World of Indian Cinema is one of the first Bollywood books picked up by a major American publishing house.

He is the first star to have two wax statues, one in the prestigious Madame Tussauds and the other in France. He has many global campaigns in his kitty, his stage shows are as popular as his movies and his fan following spans countries as far as Germany, France, Poland and South Africa, besides UK. People, the world is waking up to Bollywood, and one of its leading stars and his movies, which has now distinctly assumed a global appeal. In a candid chat with BT, King Khan discusses the bright spark called Bollywood and shares his vision of a Global Bollywood.

As Bollywood’s ambassador abroad, do you really feel we are shining in the world map? Are we being over enthusiastic about Bollywood going global?

Why not? There’s nothing wrong about celebrating our achievements, irrespective of the measure. We have a reason to celebrate in what we believe. I feel proud to see Bollywood stepping into the global world. So far, we have done very well. But we are not the leading light. We have lit a spark. But I am sure in another five to six years we will get brighter.

And how do we do that?

We will have to look at the bigger picture. It’s like starting a business. We have to take great chances and give unselfishly, expecting very little in the beginning.

Do we really need to be on par with Hollywood to ‘be there’?

In terms of business, yes. We should be strong in the business side globally. We can adapt to and adopt their business methodology.

Do you get mobbed in the streets of New York or LA?

I always have my bodyguard guard by my side (laughs). Honestly, if I am invited to a public function, it gets difficult, but when I am on my own, like visiting a store unannounced, or to shop, I am not mobbed. But yes, I cannot walk down the streets in Germany, France, South Africa, as the locals out there watch our films. They are crazy about our stars. In fact, a few days ago,in Chechnya a local couple came upto me and said they love Bollywood films. The growing love and adulation is beautiful.

How much has Bollywood contributed to the India Shining movement?

We are packaging our product well. Wherever a country is taking its first giant step forward, and the economy is making a headway, the first thing that gets noticed prominently is the film industry. Bollywood is getting noticed worldwide because Indian films are a cultural package. They are the reflection of the country’s growth right now. The India Shining movement has certainly opened up great avenues for all sectors, including fashion, films and others.

Do you agree that we make too much out of Hollywood celebrity visits to India?

Nothing wrong in getting excited. They are also achievers and wonderful people. See, if we are to take over the world, we will have to make that kind of business first. Hollywood has done that, so it’s but natural that they have a wider reach than us, and people know them. We are not the central focus right now. Why, look at the Great Khali! We are not going places because he is an Indian. We are doing so because he has achieved that status. I am sure that Aamir Khan will soon be treated in that respect in their country.

Why do you think you are the most popular Bollywood star abroad? Is it your charm, demeanour, luck or your marketing skills?

I don’t know... It could be all of those. I personally feel I am at the right place at the right time. I am part of India’s giant leap forward. I am just being carried away.

And how do you use your popularity to further the ‘Bollywood Shining’ cause?

Everyone knows me as a film star from India. So, when I am called upon anywhere internationally, I make a point to project a respectable, warm, progressive and educated image of my country. I make sure that my country is looked at in the right way. I am a responsible spokesperson, and an ambassador of my country in this regard.

What’s your vision of a global Bollywood?

I think we must adopt the marketing technology of the West; and I don’t mean PR. The market is huge and the strategy is bigger. We should utilise that knowledge and package ourselves with our essence. I mean, our films should dress up in way that when someone sees them, they are able to relate to the language. There has to be a universal appeal to that dressing. And yes, we must work on our screenplay. That’s a weak area and needs attention for a global appeal.

Is there a major difference between Hollywood and Bollywood stars?

Things are changing. As professionals, we are equal and given our dues as per our market. Only difference is that Indian stars are given iconic status
and are loved with much passion whereas out there, people believe that their stars are doing a job and a good one at that.

Which Hollywood actor or actress would you want to work with in a Bollywood film?

I want to work with directors like Steven Spielberg, James Cameron and Peter Mayer. And not necessarily in Hollywood films. But I want my films to be distributed and marketed Hollywood-style. There were many offers, but none excited me. I want to do something like Slumdog Millionaire. I’m good. So whoever works with me will be good too.

The Launch of Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard

Durga Puja in Kolkatta

Shah Rukh Khan’s Candid Confessions

Showbiz, sports entrepreneurship and now real estate. Shah Rukh Khan is always ahead of the game when it comes to exploring new terrain. In town to launch the Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard, the superstar was at his wittiest as he chit-chatted about issues he has rarely talked about in the past. Mazhar Farooqui gets you the juicy details.

His first crush

It happened when I was very young. Her name was Lekhi. She lived in our neighbourhood and was older to me. Yet I was so besotted by her that as soon as I’d see her walking down the street, I’d crane my head out of the iron grill window in our fourth storey house in Delhi, hoping to attract her attention. Of course, she wasn’t even remotely aware of my existence. One day my head got stuck in the grill and that was the end of my infatuation.

On how he met his wife Gauri

Actually, it was the other way around. I have always been very shy about talking to girls. So, when I got introduced to Gauri at a party, I could only mumble a feeble ‘hello’ to her. But Gauri turned out to be more articulate. I instantly connected with her and decided to marry her. I was afraid that she’d change her mind.

His take on the gossip about him and Karan Johar

I find it really funny. I am a very sensitive man and most sensitive men are perceived to have vagrant tastes. I can’t do anything to change the perception of people.

On the competition in Bollywood

Competition? I have had no competitor for years. I may sound pompous, but this is a fact.

If he were a woman for one day, who would he want to be?

Angelina Jolie. I find her lips very sensual. Of course, I will never be able to feel them on my face. By turning into Angelina Jolie herself, I would be able to acquire her face and see what it feels to have those luscious lips.

On how it feels to be in the mid-forties

I will be turning 43 in a couple of weeks, but most of the girls tell me that I don’t look a day older than 27. But yes, I have crossed the first phase of my life. It’s been a great journey until now and I hope the rest of my years are as good. As I grow old I have become mature and feel more conscious of my responsibilities towards my kids as a parent. I lost my father and mother when I was young. I hope I am around when my kids grow up.

On what prompted him to venture into real estate

I have always had a fetish for houses. I guess it’s either because of the frustrated architect inside me or because I have seen my own house being taken away during my childhood. Our property was attached but I was too young to realise why we had to vacate.

Mazhar Farooqui, Gulf News Express

Happy birthday, Gauri Khan!

Shah Rukh's Khan's wife Gauri held a rocking party to bring in her birthday (October 8) at their residence at Mannat in Bandra last night.

Says a source invited to the party, "In the past, her birthday has been hosted by her close friends at their homes, but this year, Gauri had everyone come to Mannat. Gauri personally invited her friends over as SRK was in Dubai and had returned yesterday.

Gal pals were in full force. Spotted at the party were Maheep (Sanjay) Kapoor, Malaika (Arbaaz) Khan, Seema (Sohail) Khan and Bhavna (Chunky) Pandey.

The presence of the women from Salman's family proved once again that the ladies have not let the Sallu-SRK fight come in the way of their friendship. There were about 60 guests at the party and it rocked till the wee hours of the morning.

It is believed that Salman's brother Sohail didn't go as he was down with viral fever but Sohail and Shah Rukh had bumped into each other at Farah Khan's Eid party and they'd exchanged pleasantries.

Some of the other guests who turned up to wish the birthday girl included Arjun Rampal and Mehr Jesia, Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, Kaajal Anand, Farah Khan and Shirish Kunder, Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja."

A source adds, "The party was rocking as SRK and Gauri's parties usually are great food, great music and plenty of entertainments like games. The most exciting thing about it is that SRK and Gauri inaugurated the new wing of their home. It's in the building directly behind Mannat and nobody had seen that particular wing before."

SRK has Asperger's

Aamir Khan wowed the audiences when he tackled the serious topic of dyslexia in his directorial debut Taare Zameen Par, and now Karan Johar too has taken up a serious physical disorder in his upcoming film My Name is Khan.

Shah Rukh Khan who plays the lead role in the movie suffers from the Asperger's Syndrome. The director has developed the character with the help of some high-class research put in by the writer of the film Shibani Bhatija.

In his latest blog on mynameiskaran.com, the director says, "Rizvan Khan, the protagonist in the film, suffers from Asperger's Syndrome (high-functioning Autism) and Shibani Bhatija, the screenplay writer of the film has researched this disorder very accurately and I can't wait to see Shah Rukh portray it. The message that runs right through the film is in strong support of humanity..."

On the meticulous research she has put in for the film, Shibani Bhatija says, "I have a huge selection of books on Asperger's Syndrome. Karan and I also met people affected by the disorder."

While Aamir's film TZP told parents and teachers how to deal with kids with dyslexia, will My Name is Khan instruct people with Asperger's how to tackle the disorder? Says Shibani, "If they have the right counselling, they will be able to adjust. Riz's character signifies what you can do even when a child has Asperger's."

Apsperger What?
Asperger's syndrome is the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in which there is no general delay in language or cognitive development. Physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported. Asperger's Syndrome is named after Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger who, in 1944, described children in his practice who lacked non-verbal communication skills, demonstrated limited empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy.

Goldie dedicate the Drona sequel to SRK's son

Shah Rukh and his son Aryan loved Drona. And Goldie Behl is relieved and happy. "It's important for children to enjoy Drona. I'm glad Aryan enjoyed it. I made the film for the child and the child at heart, not for those who like their cinema entertainment twisted and perverse."

In fact Goldie will now dedicate the Drona sequel to Shah Rukh's son and his own son Ranvir. It may or may not be the season of sequels. But it seems no power on earth will prevent Goldie Behl from doing a sequel to Drona.

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