Shahrukh Khan to return as Don

The sequel to Farhan Akhtar’s Don is very much on with Shahrukh Khan in the role of the elusive don again.

For a long time Farhan and his partner Ritesh Sidhwani have been dilly-dallying with the idea of making a sequel to their 2006 movie which, though not a superhit, had a good run at the box office.

A part of the producer duo’s ambivalence was due to the fact that Amitabh Bachchan , the original don, was set to act in the sequel of Don (1978) to be produced by the sons of the producer of the 70s movie. But since that project doesn’t seem to be happening, Farhan and Ritesh’s company Excel Entertainment has decided to go ahead with the sequel to their film.

Unlike the 1978 original, in Farhan’s movie it is Vijay who dies but the don remains alive and even slips through the fingers of the cops at the end. In the sequel, the story will be carried forward with the same characters.

Excel Entertainment will reportedly sign SRK, Priyanka Chopra , Arjun Rampal and Boman Irani for the sequel. It’s still unclear whether Isha Koppikar , the don’s moll, will act in ‘Don 2’.

The movie is likely to go on floors in January next year. Presently, SRK is busy with the promotion of his home production Billu Barber . After the film’s release he will undergo a surgery on his shoulder. In April he gets busy with the new IPL season of his Kolkata Knight Riders. And after that he will shoot another schedule of Karan Johar’s film My Name Is Khan.

Shah Rukh wants to name his dog Aamir, Gauri objects!

Just when we thought the Khan war had mellowed, Shah Rukh comes out with yet another scandalous statement saying that he wants to name his dog Aamir!

Shah Rukh seems to be highly offended by Aamir’s press conferences and mockeries targeting him. Shah Rukh in a press conference post the release of his ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ had claimed that he is number one and Aamir in a media event self-claimed himself as number one- mocking Shah Rukh.

On being asked about the incident in an interview to a news daily, a seething SRK said, “I will confront Aamir and ask him why he said such a thing. I accept a lot of things, but I think this is not funny. When I say I am number one, I definitely don`t mean it in arrogance. I say it with a sense of humour and a sense of humility. But I guess it will take a lot for Aamir to understand that.”

Now, let’s recall some more events of the past - in the very famous Blog controversy, Aamir declared that he had named his dog Shah Rukh. Taking a dig at Aamir for the second time the actor said, “Gauri (Shah Rukh’s wife) gets upset when I crack jokes about naming my dog Aamir. She thinks why should I bring myself down by doing or saying such things? I respect her viewpoint and I understand that she doesn`t want me to lose my dignity, but sometimes I think it is absolutely necessary as people ask for it.”

The negative vibes between the two actors had become far more obvious for a long time now. Aamir and Salman’s much-publicised amity is also an added flavour to the story. Salman promotes Aamir and Aamir sings praises of Salman.

Doesn’t look like the Khan war is doing Shah Rukh any good.

Well, Bollywood’s no more the peaceful land it once was.

King Khan On B4U Star Stop

King Khan, Bollwood Badshah, are just a couple of names attached to this enigmatic, livewire actor by the Bollywood fraternity and fans alike. Romantic with a dimpled smile which can sway a million hearts ShahRukh Khan is the God of Indian film Industry.
A man who makes a thousand hearts flutter, sets the box office registers ringing with his super hit films, in essence is a very down to earth, real human being who has kept success tamed and not let it rule his head.

B4U VJ Salil speaks to this Bollywood sensation in B4U Starstop, a programme on B4u Music on all topics ranging from his health, to his family and about his forthcoming film Billu.

B4U STAR STOP is a programme with Film related interviews. Actors/directors talk about their forthcoming movie, their likes, dislikes and other things and chat with B4U VJS. Stars talk about their personal review of the film and share their anecdotes of their experiences during the making of the film.

Shahrukh Khan prefers creativity, to all other financial aspects of a film although he is an astute and sharp businessman.

His reaction to pot-shots toward him is very unique; he says he prefers the pot-shots rather than not being recognized at all, and also says it was the life he chose so he takes that in his stride although it does get irksome at times, indeed a very mild reaction for a man of his stature!

A keen eye for creativity and courage to do starkly different roles makes him a very versatile actor and he has done full justice to each role with panache and élan.

His forthcoming film Billu is yet another attempt at trying a film where two different worlds are brought on celluloid and merged in such an articulate fashion that it brings a new dimension to cinema.
Billu according to him represents a film about simple people and their relationships and happiness they derive from their lives

Despite representing the affluent class, he is blatantly truthful about the higher class of people and their perpetual dissatisfaction with life, a very rare trait seen in an artist of his calibre.

To watch this and more tune into B4U Starstop on B4U Music at 19.10 hrs on 12th & 13th February.

SRK slams Slumdog critics

Shahrukh Khan feels there’s no reason for people to become cynical if a film made on Indian uniqueness has made a mark in the world.

It will open doors for people to understand that there is a lot of visual appeal to India. I hear a lot of people saying that India has been shown in bad light in Slumdog Millionaire. But then my logic to everyone is that why is it that somebody comes from outside and makes a film like Gandhi and Slumdog. All we can say about it is that it is showing India in a poor light,” said Khan.

Many critics including Amitabh Bachchan had said that that the film’s a hard-hitting but exuberant tale of life in a Mumbai slum and is being lauded because it has a Westerner at the helm. SRK also took the opportunity to slam the self-styled “moral policing” elements who object to Valentine’s Day. “We should see Valentine’s as a day of friendship and love and not as a western culture attack. I would say all youngsters should give roses to all the people they love in a good way,” said Khan.

Title of SRK's Billu Barber changed

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will undergo a shoulder surgery soon, but it is not slated for Valentine's Day.

"It is certainly not happening on Feb 14 because Shah Rukh will be in London on that day. The surgery would take place on a later date though that too is not yet fixed," says a source close to the actor.

Though Shah Rukh was advised to undergo the surgery some time ago, it has been postponed a few times already.

His shoulder was injured a long time ago but the condition aggravated on the sets of "Dulha Mil Gaya" in December.

He was suggested rest then, but he couldn't afford to do so since the Viveck Vaswani production had been delayed for about a year and Shah Rukh didn't want any more pain for his producer, sources said.

His condition was kept under control with physiotherapy sessions easing his pain for the time being. Later, he left for Los Angeles because of his prior commitment for Karan Johar's "My Name is Khan".

Adds the source: "For Shah Rukh, the last few months have been quite busy professionally. There was 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' promotion as well as the shoot of 'Dulha Mil Gaya'. Then he couldn't have backed out of 'My Name is Khan', which had anyways been pushed ahead by a few months."

"Moreover, he had to return to India for the publicity of 'Billu Barber', now titled just 'Billu'. Though doctors had suggested a surgery on an ASAP note, he didn't want 'Billu Barber' to suffer. So, even with a sling on, he went through the entire promotional campaign. It was painful but he is passionate about his films and kept smiling."

Since he didn't want to get under the knife before the release of 'Billu' on Feb 13, speculation was that the surgery would be immediately after the release, that is, on Valentine's Day.

However, Shah Rukh told a press conference: "The surgery is not happening on Valentine's Day. I would be in London then and the surgery would now be on a later date."

Apparently, he continues to be in some pain since he tore his tendons. He is able to move around with great difficulty but is trying to keep a brave face, especially since he is going all out for the promotion of "Billu".

The actor has earlier been operated upon for his back and his knees.

Meanwhile, the superstar has agreed to the request of some members of the profession who felt that the use of the word 'barber' was offensive to their community. Hence the film title has been changed.

"What's the harm in doing so when the community, on which the film is based, itself wants this change?" says Shah Rukh.

"I want it to be a happy situation for all and if a minor change to the title has to be made, then I don't see anything wrong in that."

Hairdressers have a problem with Billu Barber

The Salons and Beauty Parlours Association, which has 27000 members in Mumbai itself, has protested against the title of the film “Billu Barber”. They apparently want the title of the film to be changed to “Billu Hairdresser” as they feel the word 'barber' is derogatory.

Shah Rukh Khan meanwhile has tied up with over 400 beauty parlours across Mumbai and has sent them vinyl posters of the film and CDs as part of the promotional campaign.

However, the president of the association has said the word barber is a very insulting term as nowadays hairdressing is an art. He feels an art must be respected be it in any sector. He also said there are many women hairdressers, and imagine them being called barbers.

A special screening of the film has been promised for them and if there's anything objectionable in the film, the association can get it changed. But if it is not changed, the association has threatened to take to the streets to protest against the film.

SRK was shocked at the remarks and said the film is about love, friendship and relationships. He also said it is a very sweet and touching film and does not disrespect anyone.

Produced by SRK's wife Gauri, “Billu Barber” stars Shah Rukh, Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta and is releasing on February 13, 2009.

Exclusive: SRK checks into Nanavati Hospital

At midnight Shah Rukh Khan made a quiet entry into Nanavati Hospital. The actor was ushered in through the backdoor away from the prying eyes of the public. Cardiologist Dr. R.G Bhagwat ushered the superstar into the hospital.

A source from the hospital says, “The actor will not be going under the knife immediately. He is undergoing preliminary tests at the moment which are essential for anyone before surgery.”

Shah Rukh Khan will undergo surgery on his right shoulder later this week as he has a tear in his supraspintus ligament, which restricts his hand movements.

The actor was supposed to go under the knife only after the release of his film Billu. Speaking in Delhi earlier this week he had said that he would get himself admitted in a couple of days. With Billu set for release today (Friday, February 11), it would make sense for the actor to now get himself treated.

Following his operation King Khan will have to stay in hospital for three to four days and will have to stay away from any stunts or big movements for close to a month. He will have to give a minimum of three weeks of rest to the affected shoulder after which he will have to undergo atleast six weeks of intensive physiotherapy.

Shah Rukh injured his left shoulder while performing an action sequence duringt the shoot of Dulha Mil Gaya. He was recently in the US for a 45 day shoot of Karan Johar’s My Name Is Khan. But with his shoulder injury re-surfacing, Khan took the decision to come back home for surgery.

SRK postpones surgery for Billu Barber

Shah Rukh Khan has decided to postpone his shoulder surgery till the release of Billu Barber. The actor who had flown back to India mid way of his filming schedule for My Name is Khan in Los Angeles to treat his aggravated shoulder, will now only go under the knife once his film releases.

“Shah Rukh wanted to go all out to promote his film Billu Barber. The film has him in a small role but it is a Red Chillies production at the end of the day. So SRK made sure he had enough time to promote his film. Also with Irrfan being busy for the Oscars, SRK has taken it upon to ensure that his film is promoted well,” informs a source close to the actor.

When contacted, SRK’s spokesperson said, “He will go for surgery after the film releases. But the date has not been finalized.”

Speaking about his upcoming surgery at a promotional do for Tag Heuer in Delhi recently, Khan said that he would be going for surgery after wrapping up some commitments.

“My treatment has been delayed because of a few important commitments, one being the TAG Heuer event today, and another is ‘Billu Barber’. Once I’m done with my commitments to the film, I’ll get myself admitted to a hospital for the surgery,” said the actor at the event.

Khan said while he was managing, life was a bit restricted. “I can’t hug as hard as I could. But Vijender (Singh who was also at the event) has promised to train me once I come out of surgery and make me fit again,” signed off Khan with a smile.

SRK’s Billu Barber that also stars Irrfan Pathan and Lara Dutta will release on February 13th.

Shah Rukh at his witty best

The two Bollywood superstars have taken digs at each other, and even apologised to each other. Shah Rukh Khan on Wednesday (Feb 4) laughed off the so-called spat with Aamir Khan as a joke but added that his rival at times did say things to his dislike.

“I don't pick on Aamir. You guys (the media) make a big thing out of it. It's a joke, so we carry on with it. It's no big deal,” he said Shah Rukh.
Dressed in a crisp white shirt and a chic black suit with neatly cropped hair, the 43-year-old actor spread cheer among the 200-plus crowd, including many kids, at the Emporio Mall in New Delhi he came as a brand ambassador for Swiss watch brand Tag Heuer.

King Khan, as he is fondly called, cleared all rumours about the 'cold war' between the two Khans of the Hindi film industry, but said he would have a talk with the “Ghajini” star.

“Sometimes he (Aamir) says something or somebody else says something that I don't like and I am very serious about it. So I'll personally talk to him about it,” said Shah Rukh.

Apart from their movies, the two superstars have been hogging the limelight for their public remarks on each other.

Aamir, who was in the capital recently to promote his psychological thriller “Ghajini”, had cleared the air about the war of words by saying that he could never fight with Shah Rukh.

"Do you think I could dare to fight with Shah Rukh. He is a good friend and so I can't fight with him. I respect him a lot," Aamir had said.

But it didn't end at this. Shah Rukh sparked a controversy by proclaiming himself as the biggest brand and saying there cannot be any competition with him.

Taking a dig at the remark, Aamir said: "I don't believe in competition with others. I only compete with myself."

Aamir, whose forthcoming project is titled “Three Idiots”, also said that title should be rightfully given to the three Khans of Bollywood - including himself, Shah Rukh and Salman.

“My forthcoming film... is Rajkumar Hirani's 'Three Idiots' and I play the character of an idiot with R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi. But I think Shah Rukh, Salman and I are truly the three idiots of Bollywood,” he said.

At the Tag Heuer press conference, Shah Rukh also ruled out the option of joining politics ...at least until he turns 127 years old.
"I might join politics at the age of 127 - when probably you guys are old and I am still young," he said.

Shah Rukh, who is nursing a shoulder injury, was at his jocular best when he took digs at journalists and gave witty answers.

Asked about his shoulder problem, Shah Rukh told a reporter: "I just can't hug you hard enough."

"I will be well. I'm going for surgery in the next few days. I was just hoping to delay it because of a few close commitments like this event and also for promoting my film 'Billu Barber'. As soon as that is released, I will enroll myself into a hospital and get my injury repaired."

Shah Rukh said he is upset about his injury as he cannot move as much as he would otherwise like to. He is also sad that he cannot exert his body much and, therefore, has to refrain from his daily dose of exercise too.

"I am feeling a little sad because for the next six months I won't be able to play football or do any exercise. I used to lift weights but with this injury I can't do anything of that sort," he said.

Despite the injury, Shah Rukh did not let his pain show through. He made a top official of the watch brand sing "Mar jaani, mar jaani" - a peppy Hindi number from "Billu Barber".

Returning compliments, flattering girls, accepting flowers, signing autographs and praising his wife Gauri Khan, Shah Rukh Khan was also at his romantic best at the press conference.
“I have gifted my entire life to Gauri,” Shah Rukh told reporters when asked whether his forthcoming film “Billu Barber”, releasing on Feb 13, was a Valentine's Day gift for his wife.

“She produces all my movies and only if the film does well, she accepts any gifts. If my movie flops, then she does not accept any gift. I feel 'Billu Barber' is a beautiful film about relationships, love and friendship. I also have a good part in the film along with Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta. If the film works well, my wife will accept a gift otherwise she will throw me out of the house,” he quipped.

The actor said he has not made any Valentine's Day plans yet due to his medical condition.

“I want to get done with this surgery so I don't think it is a good time to plan for Valentine's Day. Right now, I am very much concerned about my arm,” he maintained.

The crowd went berserk from the moment he entered the lobby of the swish Emporio Mall.

A young die-hard fan of the actor couldn't shy away from shouting “Shah Rukh, we love you” in the middle of the press conference and the actor was quick enough to respond.

He said: “I love you too sweetie. Let's get married soon after this. Whenever I come to Delhi, I keep getting married - it's a thing with me. I like Delhi girls a lot but girl, my daughter would be as old you after a few years.”

To another young journalist, who intended to ask Shah Rukh's opinion on Shilpa Shetty's entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL) that was announced on Monday, the superstar quipped that she resembled Shilpa's younger sister Shamita and that he would love to do a “Baazigar 2” with her.

Shah Rukh obliged nearly every young child present there by shaking hands with them besides signing autographs and also accepting little tokens of love like roses and pens from them.

I'd like to get my surgery done on V-day: SRK

Shah Rukh Khan has grand plans for Valentine’s Day, but not with wife Gauri. On a recent visit to Delhi, the actor said that it might be the perfect day to have his long delayed shoulder surgery.

I usually don’t do anything on Valentine’s Day, so I’d like to get my surgery done then. It’s just that there’s so much work – I can’t afford to be lying flat on a hospital bed for a month. I do need this surgery, but once my movie Billu Barber is placed well, I’ll have more time,” he explains.

It’s not only movies that are keeping SRK from getting that surgery done. There’s also IPL. “There’s some planning to be done. In fact, I had a meeting regarding that two days ago in Delhi. But I don’t think that recession is going to affect IPL. I don’t even think recession is the word for the situation India is in. I would call it a time for ‘correction of figures’.” A correction in the figure that he charges, too? “I don’t think I’ll have to make much modification. I’ve never overcharged or undercharged. In both the film industry and the IPL, I don’t think we should jump to conclusions,” Shah Rukh says. And what about Shilpa Shetty entering the IPL fray? “All the best to her. I’m sure she took this decision after great consideration. I’d like all the teams to win, but I’ll be backing my own, of course!” he smiles.

Of course, no session with SRK is complete without the man’s display of wit. To a female photographer, he said, “For you, darling, I can remove my jacket and even my shirt! However, I don’t have anything written across my chest.” Was that a dig at ‘good friend’ Aamir Khan? “I’m not taking a dig at him or anyone else. It was just a joke. He does it too. There are certain things that others say in public, though, and I don’t like it. So I guess I’ll meet him soon and have a talk with him,” he says.

What he has done, however, is make it to many star lists – the sexiest, the hottest, the most popular ... His take on the lists is, “I don’t understand these lists. I am on so many of them. Who makes these lists? I am the list!” And is he playing Mogambo in the new Mr India? “Mogambo, me? Come on, I’m a handsome young guy,” he laughs.