Unnoticed, Aamir-SRK snipe at each other

Even as Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan did their huggy-huggy, kissy-kissy act at the producers' PC, what passed unnoticed was their cold verbal attacks on each other's biggest hits.

The exchange began when SRK described how "small films" took time to gather momentum and spread by word of mouth among audiences. What he said next must have left Aamir squirming. "Small films like Taare Zameen Par and A Wednesday took three months to start making money."

TZP of course was a huge hit, though its success was limited to mostly big cities and multiplexes.

Aamir retorted immediately, talking about the lack of transparency in the distributors' accounting. "Bollywood's biggest films like Gadar and Lagaan didn't get the exact return they should have got," he said. He left unmentioned SRK's Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and DDLJ, both of which rank high on the biggest grossers list in history before Ghajini.

"And Gadar and Lagaan along with Sholay are the historical hits of the industry," Aamir added, rubbing it in. He mentioned these two movies three times as being the biggest hits.

After that, Aamir fielded all the questions the journalists asked, not letting SRK get a word in.

An irritated Shah Rukh said: "I used to think this, but today I realised it, that Aamir is more intelligent than I am. He knows everything and answers every question."

An alarmed Karan Johar intervened at the next question, saying: "OK, let Shah Rukh answer this."

The stars were addressing the media and voicing their support for the producers against multiplex owners, demanding an equal share in profit, and a drop in ticket prices.

Both the Khans have spent the last couple of years running each other down, but it has been Aamir - saying he has a dog called Shah Rukh and denying that SRK is a king - who has made most comments.

Despite the recent public displays of affection, it certainly looks like the Khan war is far from over!

SRK's Korbo, Lorbo... is passe

Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo Re – these were the lyrics of the Kolkata Knight Riders anthem last year.

But that was when the IPL was held in India. Now, since the tournament has shifted to South Africa, SRK’s team has also changed its anthem, so that supporters there can easily chant it when the team takes to the field. “The tournament has moved to SA. Keeping that in view, the anthem Korbo, Lorbo... has been changed. The beats are different and the lyrics too will have a more international feel to it,” said a source close to the team.

Looks like Shah Rukh Khan is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the success of his team this time round. That might be the reason why there are rumours that the video of the song will also be re-shot. “SRK has heard the song and there are talks of a new video being shot for it. But nothing is confirmed as of now,” informed the source. The original video for the song featured SRK in the team’s golden-and-black colours – wearing a dhoti in Kolkata ishtyle. Do you have a golden-black bermuda in mind now, Shah Rukh?

Every daughter is a laadli: SRK

On the launch of the Laadli Week celebrations, Shah Rukh ‘King’ Khan said, “Not everybody is blessed with a daughter; only lucky people are blessed with this bundle of joy. Every daughter is a ‘Laadli’, she is very special. Especially for a father, she is his laadli, his life’s ultimate desire; she is his life.”

Star Plus’ Laadli Week, which begins April 13, in association with the KC Mahindra Educational Trust’s Project Nanhi Kali, will see a series of fundraising and awareness creation events through promotions to educate underprivileged girl children in India. The week comprises of activities which will bring a smile on the children’s faces and give them memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Taking out time from the IPL mania, Saurav Ganguly said, “Everybody questions me about my most memorable moment — making a century in my test debut, winning a series in England or getting into the world cup finals. But the most memorable time is the time that I spend playing hide and seek with my seven-year-old daughter. Her smile is priceless; no trophy and no award can come closer to matching it.”

Known for her support to women’s causes in India and also an idol for many people across the country, Kiran Bedi, the host of Aap Ki Kachehri, a show that created waves on Indian television said, “I was my parent’s ‘Laadli’. It’s because of my parents’ upbringing that I am what I am today. It entirely depends upon the parents on how they bring up their girl child, educate her, make her financially self-reliant and get her the self respect she deserves. I am happy that the channel is celebrating the girl child week as ‘Laadli Week’ as the number of girl children in India is decreasing. And this is not happening because of poverty but mentality. If you think that you girls are weak, it’s not them but your upbringing which is weak.”

She further added, “If my parents had the same thought process, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Their thinking was strong and therefore I grew up to be a strong individual. You can also do the same. Bring up you girl child with care, make her self reliant; self reliance will come with education and self reliance is power. If you do this, your girl children will respect you more and will care of you for life. Make your faith in your girl child strong.”

That’s not all; even the telestars who are the laadlis of their parents onscreen as well as in real life are supportive of this initiative. Popular Sara Khan aka Sadhana of Sapna Babul ka–Bidaai said, “This is an excellent initiative. I think we should promote girls as people think that girls are not doing anything and therefore girls are a bane in our lives. These days, maximum high rankers in schools are girls. We have often heard in the news that girls are making new records in academics and every other field as they are very capable. This initiative, supporting the education of 600 girls every year, will make a great difference. I think this will work as an eye opener for those who are still silent when it comes to educating and helping orphan girls.”

Further added Parul Chauhan, the newly wed Ragini of Sapna Babul ka - Bidaai, “Being a girl, I completely support this cause. I believe the happiness of building a new life for an orphan girl is completely out of the world. If all of us could spare a small share of our income towards the life of a girl child then we can really make a difference.”

The fresh new face on television, Hina Khan, who plays Akshara in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, said, “I am very glad to be a part of this platform where one can speak up for the girl child. It is really sad that even today people do a sex determination of their unborn child and choose not to have a girl child. The strength of a woman is something that is not recognized even today. A platform has been created for people to speak up for the girl child and to come forward and help in whatever way they can... financially or just by moral support. I am proud to be a part of this and proud to be a woman.”

As a part of the initiative, winners of a contest will also have the chance to have their daughter featured in the show Sabki Laadli Bebo.

Shah Rukh Khan is security conscious

When you are one of the biggest superstars of the Hindi film industry, it is expected that you will settle for nothing but the best. While Shah Rukh Khan's Bandra's residence Mannat has always had tight security, the actor recently upgraded the security level by installing state-of-the-art devices at Mannat. It is SRK's way of ensuring that no harm comes to his family or staff at Mannat.

Commenting on the high-tech devices SRK has installed at Mannat, our source said, “Shah Rukh has installed bullet-proof windows in his house. The bullet-proof glass is from Germany.”

Shah Rukh's concern for safety does not end there. Other than the bullet-proof glass, Shah Rukh has an identifying device in the elevator. The doors of the elevator only open when SRK or his family calls for the lift.

If SRK or his family has visitors, a security guard has been specially assigned to escort guests into SRK's house. “The guard has a swipe card with which the doors of the lift open,” added our source.

While Shah Rukh refused to confirm the story, our source said, “Shah Rukh is always concerned about the security of his family and the people who work in his house. He doesn't want to leave any stone unturned to ensure their safety. Shah Rukh is a very caring father, husband and boss.”

SRK and Aamir’s Dostana!

Dostana
Shah Rukh Khan, minus his sling, tugs at Aamir Khan who is walking away from him at the Fair Rights for Friday Nights producers’ press conference.

Intellectual and hot SRK

Pensive
SRK listens intently to what Aamir has to say and then he puts on his spectacles (we must mention he looks intellectual and hot in them) and makes some notes.



I’m Ready
A bespectacled SRK takes a look at his notes, has a sip of water and is all set to make his speech.

SRK: We want fans to see our films!

Filmmaker-actor Shah Rukh Khan shares his views on the multiplex owners versus producers and distributors standoff. Speaking at a press conference, Khan said he agreed with Aamir Khan and why he felt equality is the best solution to the problem.

First of all, I would like to say that none of us, whether Aamir, Karan, Rakeshji (Rakesh Roshan), Ratanji (Ratan Jain), me or Yashji (Yash Chopra) or our seniors is the leader of this forum. We are here to share our collective thoughts for a clear perspective.

On calling for a gathering
We are not here to prevent our fans, supporters and well wishers from seeing films. We don’t want to do that at all. I speak very honestly for everyone here. We love films and making them. Our biggest wish is to die making films. The entire fraternity is here because we love to make films and show it to an audience. We are not here to stop showing the films to the audience. Filmmaking is what we do as we know how to do it. Films are being made as we speak.

The problem is, we know how to make films but we don’t know how to take it to the audience. That is why we have partners. There are distributors, theatres and the media for that. This partnership, bond, pipeline or marriage is now suffering. So we are here to repair the problem.

This is not a strike at all. It is a halt due to repairs that we are working towards and we apologise for this halt. This is not a strike and we need to repair the pipeline.

On why the profit sharing ratio must change
We are not doing for this greed or profits or for an extra one or two per cent. None of us are here for that. Some of us are very senior and legendary filmmakers. We are not here to loot anyone. The basic fight is for equality to create a platform for all sorts of films whether big or small, whether good or bad, whether made by an independent producer or by a studio. This fight is more for small films because somewhere along the line, they get left behind in negotiations. They don’t know anything about profit sharing so they just plead to the multiplexes to release the film. In the long run, the rightful path or our slogan, Fair Rights for Friday Nights, will benefit small films more than the big films.

On his take on the multiplexes
We are not here for a power show; (to show) that powerful people have come together on a platform. We will not use our ‘power’ to shake multiplexes. There is nothing like that at all. This is a marriage where we all are partners. The film federation has directors, producers, technicians, actors, studios, distributors, exhibitors and multiplexes as partners. We work together to show films to an audience. This is a show of coming together and of uniting.

A certain part of our family is not on the right path and we want to bring this issue to the forefront. We want a fair dialogue.

This is not a deadlock. We are not saying, “This is it. Take this or leave this. It is our way or the highway”. Not at all!

We have had discussions in good spirit with the multiplex owners for months, but we have not reached a final solution. That is why we have united to present our opinions and thoughts to them. We want to sit across with the multiplex and talk about getting fair rights for Friday nights for everyone.

I am saying this with a lot of humility. As Aamir rightly said, reasons such as bad films or bad content are cited for films not being played at multiplexes. I don’t think that is an issue multiplexes can discuss. No one tries to make a bad film. No matter how the film, it has the right to be seen by the audience that decides the verdict. By the second show on Friday, we know in very clear terms (whether) the film is good or not. I think all these little issues about creativity should be left to the creative people and the audience. The connecting pipeline should not have much say in it.

I would like to say that this issue is not confined to the studios, producers and distributors. It is going to impact everyone. For some time, we will see fewer films. Sadly, we are coming to a halt to repair the pipeline. The media and the audience need to unite.

On wanting fair rights for Friday nights
We are here to repair the problem. We stand by all films and we want equality for all films. We want Fair Rights for Friday Nights. This is not a deadlock; it is a panel that is available for discussion to the multiplex owners over coffee 24 x 7 throughout the year.

We don’t think the multiplex is the mafia. We aren’t badmouthing the multiplex owners at all. This is a temporary problem in our family and at the end of it, we will all be united. No one is a leader here and we are followers of what the audience wants and what they dictate.

We are living because the audience tells us what they want. Unfortunately, we are not listening or succumbing to the demands of the multiplexes. We are employees of the audience. We need to understand that this is a partnership and the issue needs to be sorted out quickly so we go back to making good or bad films that get released for audiences to see and judge.

Shahrukh & Aamir at producers media meet

SRK-Aamir: Our name is Khan

The United Producers and Distributors Association Forum show their strength and star power as Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan address a press conference on the multiplex issue

It doesnt get bigger or better than this.Last evening, when Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan walked in at the head of, what was finally, a unique gathering of the best creative talent the Indian film industry has today, media persons which covered the gamut of options available (radio, print, electronic, web), newbies and hardened professionals, collectively held their breath and gazed.

It has been many many moons since two of our most charismatic and successful actors have been seen on the same platform. In fact, one almost cant remember when was the last time.

Suddenly nothing mattered. Not the gross collections of their last films, not any power list, not the number game. If the occasion were not so serious and dignified one would be tempted to stand up and cheer. But since they were here representing the directors and producers collective forum, The United Producers and Distributors Association forum, to explain their stand in the face-off with multiplex owners, it seemed wiser to just listen as each presented a keynote address. Yash Chopra, Sandeep Bhargava of TV 18, Ronnie Screwvala of UTV, Mukesh Bhatt, distributor Ramesh Sippy and Jyoti Deshpande of Eros, shared the stage along with the two Khans. Even the federation and the

Mazdoor union representatives were present to show their solidarity to the forum.
Karan Johar was the host of the evening. Aamir went first and like with everything he does he was completely prepared, often referring to the many discussions he had had with the team, including SRK, often deferring to him in fact. Aamir said, We dont want to call it a strike but an inability of the two parties to come to a logical conclusion. We are extremely unhappy over the failure to deliver films at the moment and deprive the audience of the cine experience, but the only motive behind this is to ensure that everyone in the film industry make money. Aamir said that various unfair means were adopted by multiplexes to gather extra money like faulty DCR (daily collection report), pocketing of INR subsidies and even entertainment tax in many cases where films were tax free or in states where multiplexes had a tax holiday. Aamir also stressed that in the past, films have become blockbusters in single screens and if the situation does not improve, they will work towards a system where films will be released in single screens. However, the industry is firm that they would not budge from the fact that they want an equal 50:50 sharing for all the films.

Shah Rukh was more casual in his approach and made his points very clearly joking that all the meetings were held at midnight because that was when Aamir had time usually. SRK, at his charming best, stressed on some important points. He said, The only reason for all of us to get together should not be misconstrued as a power show and a move to threaten the multiplexes. We are one big family and are open to dialogue.

SRK also insisted that the multiplex owners were wrong in criticising their films as good or bad and should instead leave this job to the audience. The relation between the producers and the exhibitors is like a wedding and there is no divorce on the cards. This is like a blockage in the pipeline and once the repair work is done everything will be back on track, he added.

He emphasised that the fight was for equal terms for all films, big and small and if they were successful everyone would benefit from it.
When Aamir and Shah Rukh were together , the bonhomie and camaraderie was obvious , as they helped each other with answers, often scribbling notes to one another and whispering in each others ears when one was at a loss about some fact. Their body language loudly proclaimed friends . If this was an act, boy, these guys are thespians.
But the defining moment, and perhaps the one that everyone was waiting for, came when the duo were asked if they would have ever come together if it were not for the issue.

SRK quipped that there was no reason they could not be on the same dais, in the same car, on the same page or in the same film...

He brought the house down.

Shahrukh Khan caught with the election fever!

Shahrukh Khan caught with the election fever!With election fever high in the country, views from all corners are pouring into the great Indian election drama. But when Shah Rukh Khan says something on the issue, you just know people will lend the Badshah an ear.

At a recently-held promotional event for his Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders, the King Khan was asked if he will return from South Africa to vote.

“I will definitely fly down from South Africa to cast my vote. It doesn’t matter if I have to take a flight and go back just to be here to exercise my electoral right.”

The forward-thinking Khan then elaborated on his idea to have a system of telephonic voting in the country.

Encouraging youngsters to come out and vote during the upcoming elections he said, “I think everybody should vote. Don’t you think that there should be a telephonic voting system in the country?”

SRK also expressed his disappointment at the fact that people are always complaining about the state of affairs in this country, when they have no right to do so if they don’t cast their vote.

“Nobody has the right to complain about the country until he or she votes. First cast your vote and if the elected people don’t work, then you can go ahead and complain,” he said.

“Selecting your candidate is not that hard. Just go around in your locality and ask people who have done work in the area. Then you assess and vote. It doesn’t take more than two days to assess the candidates in your area,” he added.

Shah Rukh also requested citizens to not go by what television channels keep flashing about candidates. “Don’t go by what the television shows project about candidates. It is a war-like situation shown on TV. Even if you don’t know candidates nationally, at least know the ones in your locality.”

Calling himself young at the age of 43, he urged all the youngsters in the country to wake up and use their right to vote. “I think that it is the youngsters who can take the country forward. And of what I have seen, the majority that doesn’t vote are the youngsters.”