A bit about 'My Name is Khan'

In Karan Johar’s next film My Name Is Khan , Shahrukh Khan will play a character who suffers from an Autistic disorder.

Despite what the movie’s title suggests, ‘My Name Is Khan’ is not a biopic of SRK. But it’s a movie based on a man who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome.

Scriptwriter Shibani Bhatija, who has to her credit films like Fanaa and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna , has penned script for this movie. Both Karan Johar and Shibani have worked diligently to come up with an evocative script which depicts the condition of Asperger’s patients who are fighting hard to be a part of the society.

While writing the script Shibani reportedly conducted thorough research and also interviewed many people under the influence of this physical disorder.

Asperger’s Syndrome is characterized by physical clumsiness and lack of proper communication skills in people who suffer from it.

According to sources, Karan Johar wants to convey a social message through his film which will be a sort of eye-opener for many, just like Aamir Khan enlightened many people about dyslexia through his lovely film Taare Zameen Par .

What’s even more interesting is that ‘My Name Is Khan’ brings back the jodi of SRK and Kajol to the silver screen again.

King & Kinng bond

At star designer Shabina Khan’s birthday bash held recently at Olive, Bandra, all eyes were on Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar who were seen bonding in one corner for over an hour.

This is interesting, given that Akki has been making digs at SRK in his last few interviews. The guests were surprised to see the two actors engrossed in a deep conversation for long.

Akshay and SRK are both fierce competitors. The only man who can threaten SRK’s position is the Khiladi. This year with the ‘Singh’ delivering the maximum hits was pitted against the ‘King’ and the usually politically-correct Akshay made statements about dogs (remember Aamir’s blog) and knights (Kolkata Knight Riders). Although SRK never reacted to those statements, the animosity was out in the open. Following which, both avoided each other at filmi dos and social events.

An eye-witness from the party says, “The two actors haven’t come face-to-face in a long time, so they haven’t had a chance to sort things out. But that changed at the party. They talked at length and realised that some mischief makers were at work. It was mostly SRK who was doing the talking and Akki listening. The discussion was also of misunderstandings being deliberately created between both. Then they discussed the possibility of doing a film together. SRK invited Khiladi Kumar for an evening of games at his home, Mannat. An invitation to the Khan residence is a sign of acceptance in his close group.”

The source continues, “When curious guests wanted to find out what the two actors talked about, SRK got irritated. Don’t be surprised if they produce a film together and star in it. It will be the hottest project even before it goes on the floors.”

Both the actors were unavailable for comment.

Jumaani predicts for SRK…

Sanjay B. Jumaani, the renowned numerologist, recently predicted health problems for Amitabh Bachchan which unfortunately came true. He now warns Shah Rukh about health-related issues in the near future.

When Sanjay B. Jumaani predicted Amitabh Bachchan’s ’stomach-trouble’, that too on his birthday, albeit unfortunate, he was not surprised when his prophecy came true.

Mr. Bachchan was reportedly hospitalized, on his bithday, owing to stomach trouble, validating Sanjay’s forecast which he had done two days prior .

After Big B, Sanjay has now predicted health trouble for Superstar-Shah Rukh Khan. “Shahrukh is entering his 44th year and the addition (4+4) amounts to no 8, which represents saturn or shani that can cause prevelations leading to over anxiety stress blood pressure and diabetes. Again hoping I am wrong. I was of course very moved by Mr. Bachchan’s plight, and conveyed my concern to Amitji’s family.” explains Jumaani.

Well, only time will tell if SRK will go under the weather or sail through the not-so-favorable times ahead. And we truly hope he does!

“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

Kajol’s request for 'My Name is Khan'

Kajol has requested buddy Karan Johar to use her dates for the overseas shoot of My Name Is Khan for not more than 20 days at a stretch. The actress does not want to be away from home for long periods of time.

KJo’s film starring Shah Rukh Khan will be shot extensively in the US. It is slated to start filming in mid-December in Los Angeles followed by another schedule in New York.

Says a source, “Kajol has told the director-producer that she would shoot for 20 days non-stop on location to enable all the outdoor scenes being canned. She desires that the indoor portions be shot as far as possible in Mumbai. As her hubby Ajay Devgan is also busy with his shoots, she wants to be around for Nysa. The child cannot travel with them all the time. Also, Kajol does not want to stay away from Mumbai for months.” When asked, Kajol preferred not to comment about her request.

After a great deal of speculation, Kads had agreed to do My Name Is Khan. The actress had maintained during her media interactions for U Me Aur Hum that as she had not read the script, she was unable to give her confirmation earlier as reported.

The film has Bollywood’s hottest on-screen couple working together after seven years. They were last seen in Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001). Kajol had made a brief appearance with SRK in the Om Shanti Om (2007) title track.

In his blog, KJo has mentioned, “The message that runs right through My Name Is Khan is in strong support of humanity, which at the end of the day is the only way to rise above any of the cultural or religious differences that continue to engulf us.”

SRK rides Knight Riders wave

Industry sources say, Khan’s popularity has soared after his association with Kolkata Knight Riders, with many Kolkata-based brands looking beyond Sourav Ganguly, tagged ‘maharaja’ of Bengal, and pursuing the ‘baadshah’ Khan’s endorsements instead.

Shahrukh Khan has emerged a brand that is selling not only through Bollywood movies but also through new endorsements.

Industry sources say, Khan’s popularity has soared after his association with Kolkata Knight Riders, with many Kolkata-based brands looking beyond Sourav Ganguly, tagged ‘maharaja’ of Bengal, and pursuing the ‘baadshah’ Khan’s endorsements instead.

Moreover, Shahrukh Khan, who gave two hit movies in the year - Om Shanti Om and Chak De India - reportedly earned more from the advertisements and endorsements.

Khan’s most recent endorsement after Indian Premier League (IPL) was with Linc Pen, one of the largest players in the branded pen industry, which appointed Shahrukh Khan as its brand ambassador.

This is also the first time that Linc Pen has opted for a celebrity brand ambassador to endorse its products.

According to Deepak Jalan, Managing Director, Linc Pen, “Shahrukh Khan is someone who personifies style, entertainment and popularity and these values resonate perfectly with our brand attributes. Moreover, Shahrukh cuts across age groups and demographics and appeals to a universal audience just like our products and was therefore a natural fit for the brand.”

In hand phones, Shahrukh Khan endorses Nokia.

According to Nokia India managing director D Shivakumar, “We are planning to bundle exclusive content featuring our brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan for handsets sold in India.”

Nokia recently bundled the full length ‘Om Shanti Om’ movie in Nokia N96. It will look at bundling video clips and music of Shah Rukh Khan movies in the handsets.

Shahrukh Khan, on his part, would extend collaboration with Nokia for such possibilities through his production house Red Chillies Entertainment.

Khan also has Kolkata-based Emami to add to his long list of endorsements.

Khan is reportedly paid Rs 5 crore every year for his association with Emami.

Emami is known for having the maximum number of celebrity endorsers including Madhuri Dixit, Raveena Tandon, Sunny Deol, cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and also Amitabh Bachchan.

Shahrukh’s ad campaigns for Emami include ads for Chyawanprash and few other herbal healthcare products of Emami. The Kolkata-based Emami gets more than half of its revenues from their personal healthcare range.

Emami’s prime catch, however, has been Amitabh Bachchan, who is its umbrella brand ambassador, though he was signed on for Emami Fast Relief and Emami Navrattan Oil. Bachchan reportedly is paid a remuneration of Rs 10 crore - Rs 12 crore per annum, for this endorsement.

This year, Shahrukh Khan, who gave two hit movies in the year - Om Shanti Om and Chak De India - reportedly earned more from the advertisements and endorsements.

Also, Shahrukh Khan gets Rs 1 crore for being present in a function arranged in India.

Shahrukh Khan currently endorses more than 30 brands, including Pepsi, Hyundai, Airtel, Videocon, Sun Feast, Tag Heuer, Dish TV and Mayur Suitings.

According to TAM Media Research, Shahrukh has logged 4.25 million TV seconds in 2007 and has endorsed 39 brands. He was followed closely by Amitabh Bachchan, who logged 3.16 million seconds, having endorsed 36 brands.

However in 2008, Aamir Khan has been the highest paid star-endorser having bagged a fee between Rs 12-Rs 15 crore per annum for his last three commercials, including Tata Sky, Samsung Mobiles and Parle Monaco biscuits. Khan’s competition?

Till a year ago, the gap between Shahrukh Khan, the No 1 player in Bollywood, and Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan was big.

However, now, Akshay is the highest-paid actor currently getting Rs 17 crore for a film, and Aamir having produced two super hits in Taare Zameen Par and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na which have grossed Rs 220 crore, has pushed up Aamir Khan’s market value in sync with Shahrukh Khan.

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.

Does Shahrukh Khan want to retire?

If the buzz in Bollywood is to be believed, the King Khan is in a mood to bid adieu to the tinsel town.

Shahrukh Khan very recently announced his plans to develop real estate in Dubai, where he will expand his business by getting into construction and housing. He is all set to build housing and shopping complexes in Dubai.

And sources reveal that SRK will make another Mannat for his family over there. His wife Gauri Khan is busy designing and preparing for interiors, as Khans love the heritage house, closer to Bandstand, Bandra.

We all know that the kinds of roles Shahrukh plays are generally into romantic mode. But he won’t be able to continue this for long because of his fast-catching age. So, sources close to the superstar are quoted as saying that he plans to continue in B-Town for another 3-4 years or so and then retire from acting. Or at the most he might begin doing very few films.

However, the superstar will continue to produce films and will continue to be the co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

It can be recalled that a couple of years ago even Amitabh Bachchan had declared his retirement, only to return to the silver screen with Mohabbatein .

Now, when and how will SRK exit from this glitzy world of cinema, only time can tell!