No show for SRK

Post the Mumbai terror attacks, the capital has seen a number of events and celeb visits being called off.

The latest is of Shah Rukh Khan, who was to come to inaugurate a new store of a brand he endorses. The visit has been postponed indefinitely, “We as a company felt that this is no time for celebration. We might reschedule it for January. Let these moments sink in our hearts. Till then, we all want to pray for peace,” said a source from the brand.

RAB NE... ''Haule Haule'' rocks!

In our music review of the Aditya Chopra directed Shah Rukh Khan starrer, RAB NE BANA DI JODI, we had claimed that "Haule Haule" is one number that even SRK's adversaries will fall in love with. Check out our review!

And it appears that we were absolutely on dot. The song has certainly hit the right chords and the Salim–Sulaiman composition is now a chartbuster. Shah Rukh Khan's cute dance steps (choreographed superbly by Vaibhavi Merchant) and its infectious rhythm, as well as its lovely lyrics (Jaideep Sahni) seem to be ruling the hearts as well as the charts. The proof of its popularity lies in the fact that it is reigning supreme on all countdowns be it the FM charts or the popular music television channels as well as printed publications. And for the skeptics who doubt these countdown charts and feel that they can be manipulated, here is a proof that cannot be denied.

Yes, its marriage season in India and "Haule Haule" is surely rocking all the parties, be it the engagement ceremony function, or the reception or even in the 'baraat' parties.

Well, so its good news for Yash Raj that their album is fast becoming popular and it will surely peak during the right time that is the time of release of RAB NE BANA DI JODI.

The Making of 'Dance Pe Chance - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'

Don not to come back

The latest buzz is that the much anticipated Don sequel may not happen at all. Reportedly all the lead actors have no time for the film. It was rumoured that Farhan Akhtar would start working on 'Don 2' in 2008, but then King Khan had other films to shoot for. The plan then was for a mid 2009 shoot but this seems unlikely.

Priyanka Chopra the heroine of the film says, "I think the sequel is a little far now. I don't think it will start soon. Everyone involved in the project is pretty busy now I think with other work." A source has revealed that Farhan is busy with Luck By Chance in which he is acting and also with his next directorial film Voice From The Sky. That's why as of now Don 2 is not starting. Looks like after Rock On, Farhan has more interest in an acting career.

The source adds, "Shahrukh too is very tied up now. He has to look after the promotions of his own production Billoo Barber, then he will do Karan Johar's My Name is Khan and then move over to his another production Happy New Year which Farah Khan will direct. He is also busy with his animation film Ravan. He does not have time for Don 2 at the moment but yes as everyone knows Shahrukh is ready to act in the sequel." So as of now it seems there are no hopes for the return of the Don!

An exclusive look at Shah Rukh Khan's new haircut for My Name is Khan

Shah Rukh Khan has chopped off his long mane. This 'short cut' is for Karan Johar's My Name is Khan. This is the shortest SRK has ever worn his hair.

Hairdresser Dilshad is responsible for Shah Rukh's new cut. It is believed that the actor will trim his hair shorter after a few days. Almost like a crew cut. According to a source, "His hair cut was done in three stages. He is sporting the second stage look and will further chop his hair shorter in a few days."

In My Name Is Khan, Shah Rukh plays a character called Rizwan Khan, who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, a relatively milder form of autism.

The first half of the film is based on a true story that happened to a couple and Karan Johar has bought the story rights from the couple. Shah Rukh will leave for Los Angeles in the second week of Dece- mber. The film will also be shot in New York in the next schedule.

The film brings SRK and Kajol back together. Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan have so far starred together in the following films, all of which turned out to be hits — Baazigar (1993), Karan Arjun (1995), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).

Subhash Ghai on SRK

Reportedly, Ghai's Mukta Arts has had a 3-film deal with SRK, of which TRIMURTI and PARDES have already released. What about the third project? Ghai pauses for a while, before answering this, "It's a tricky question. I had approached Shah Rukh for MOTHERLAND. We also started working on the script, but the project didn't materialise for two reasons. One, the subject bore an uncanny resemblance to VEER-ZAARA and two, the role demanded heavy-duty action and stunts and SRK's back problem didn't allow him to perform those stunts. I am sure, if an opportunity arises, SRK would definitely accept the offer," Ghai says.

Adi Chopra holds private screening for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

There was a private screening of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi at Yash Raj Studios on Sunday evening (November 23).

Our source tells us, "The private screening was attended by SRK, wife Gauri, kids Suhana and Aryan, Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra, Yash Chopra and debutante Anushka Sharma. All of them really liked the film. YRF has had plenty of flops this year so they wanted to check if Rab Ne… had turned out well or not."

He further adds, "Rab Ne… has superhit written all over it. Like last year, Chak de India starring SRK was YRF's only hit, Rab Ne… will do the same for Yash Raj this year as SRK has come to their rescue. The movie is quite funny and has some spectacular dance sequences.”

“In one of them SRK is imitating old actors like Rajesh Khanna and Shammi Kapoor, etc. It is a simple sweet love story shot mainly in India. Anushka has made a good debut and she is a good dancer.”

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is the story of a middle class guy, Surinder Sahni, played by Khan who is much older than his wife played by newbie Anushka Sharma. The two have no romance in their lives though Surinder truly loves his wife. All her friends are taking part in a dance competition and she doesn't want to because she feels her hubby cant dance. Surinder understands this and transforms himself to become the guy of her dreams, without her knowing about it. She falls in love with her husband all over again.

SRK has a soft corner for this movie. "This film is Yashji and Adi's love. You know I don't believe in saying a movie is special but in this case it is because Adi is directing after so many years. It is a commercial film that everyone will love. I have seen the film a couple of times and I think it is a very nice, funny, interesting and entertaining film. Adi is making a film after years… It's the story of a normal person. I am sometimes Raj or Rahul or Om before people but here is a character of a very simple person. This is very different to that. I want every girl, every girlfriend, and every wife to look at their loved one and say that this is how I love him. And it's very different from what I have done till today as Raj or Rahul. You know talking about this film makes me smile always," smiles the superstar.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi hits theatres on December 12.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is a musical success

'Haule Haule isn't a copy'

As Shah Rukh Khan fans await the release of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi eagerly, the music of the film seems to have charmed them already.

The much-awaited film's music director and lyricist speak about the great detailing with which every song has been produced and shot as their movie track becomes a raging success.

"When we put in a lot of hardwork to make our music we hope that the audience will like our music. We are very happy that people are enjoying the music," said Salim and Suleiman, music directors.

"We made the song on Surinder Sahani's character," said Jaideep Sahani, Lyricist. Sahani says you get to know the character along with the song. From the music to the lyrics there is attention in every detail.

SRK's transformation from the adorably awkward man next door to the man with the right moves has only added to the charm. "We composed the songs according to the mood and flavour of the script narrated by Adi (Aditya Chopra)," said Jaideep Sahni.

"If songs that are composed according to the script become a hit, it is bound to make us happy," said Salim Suleiman, music director.

Music is usually the first step to any film's success if that translates into anything bigger for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi it will become clear only on December 12 when Aditya Chopra's third directorial venture hits the screens.

Watch SRK Live!

Continuing his series of special shows from Mumbai Riz Khan meets one of the true superstars of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan.

Born to Muslim parents in New Delhi, Khan gained an honours degree in economics and began a masters in mass communication.

But acting was always in his blood and his star kept steadily rising to the point where he is today argubly the most famous actor in the Indian film industry.

Known as King Khan or S-R-K to his legions of adoring fans he is a master of action and in a career spanning two decades has produced more than 60 films - a prolific record even by Bollywood standards.
Join the debate.

His work has brought him huge box office success, critical acclaim and a string of awards.

But he tells Riz the about toll such success can take and what is next on his agenda.

You can join the conversation. Send your feedback and questions for Shahrukh Khan, email riz@aljazeera.net or join the debate via livestation.

The Riz Khan show can be seen live at 1400GMT

Now plagiarism charges against OSO makers

The family of iconic filmmaker Bimal Roy has lodged a formal complaint with the Film Writers Association saying the climax of Farah Khan's "Om Shanti Om" was lifted from Roy's classic "Madhumati".

Rinki Roy Bhattacharya, the eldest daughter of the filmmaker, has dashed a letter against the movie released last year.

"The climax from the film (OSO) is similar to the scene from "Madhumati". I have formally made the protest about the climax being lifted by the makers of 'Om Shanti Om'," Bhattacharya told reporters during the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2008 in Panaji.

"It's a genuine complaint. Even the OSO film reviews mentioned that the parts from the film are from 'Karz' and 'Madhumati'. But the filmmakers have not given the credit to 'Madhumati'," she pointed out.

"Madhumati", starring Dilip Kumar and Vaijayantimala, was produced in 1958 and written by Ritwik Ghatak. It had bagged Filmfare's best movie award in 1959. Bhattacharya, chairperson of Bimal Roy Memorial and Film Society, said she would not slap a legal case against filmmakers.

"It's not like slapping a case. I will protest on whatever is unjust," she commented. On asked why such a delay to file a case, she conceded that she had no reply for the question.

OSO was in trouble earlier when veteran actor Manoj Kumar protested against few of the scenes in the flick which he felt had ridiculed him.

A Mumbai civil court had ordered that OSO would be aired on television only after deleting the objectionable scenes. In yet another tussle with OSO, a film writer Ajay Monga had claimed that the movie is a copy of his script.