Salman: I don’t have a problem with Shah Rukh

For the first time, Salman Khan directly spoke about his famous spat with Shah Rukh Khan at Katrina Kaif’s birthday bash last year. The duo has been warring after an alleged argument concerning their respective shows’ popularity erupted into a brawl.

We asked Salman, who is all set to host Dus Ka Dum’s season 2, whether he would object to Shah Rukh Khan being a special guest on his show. He coolly said, “If Sony brings him then he is more than welcome. Agar woh a gaye toh who khush naseeb hai. If Shah Rukh and Sony both wants to do an episode together then I don’t have a problem with it. It’s not a big deal.” But he also added, “Even if I did (have a problem with Khan), I wouldn’t discuss it publicly.”

Shah Rukh’s show Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai will not have a second season so clearly Salman is having the last laugh now. To this, he says, “I wish for everyone to do well, whether they are doing TV shows or films. If our work does not happen, how will the media and others get work. Kabhi kabhi Aamir ka bhi naam le lo meri maa. He is also collecting lots of money at the box office.”

There was news of a film project that hoped to bring the three powerful Khans (Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman) together. To this, Salman suggest, “They should bring two of us together at a time. Like Shah Rukh-Aamir, me–Aamir, me-Shah Rukh,” while drilling in again, “I do not have a problem working with Shah Rukh. I am not getting married to him! You should ask him too whether he wants to do these projects or not.”

It will be interesting to see whether the channel dares to use SRK as an option for a special guest on DKD. Salman might act the thorough professional now, with his calm exterior, but he’s known for his temper tantrums on the sets.

Shah Rukh Khan on the cover of Blender

The 'King Khan' of Bollywood never fails to make heads swivel, be it when he sets the screens ablaze with his performances or off screen with his charisma and quick wit. This month's issue of the music and entertainment magazine 'Blender' features the 'Baadshah of Bollywood' Shah Rukh Khan on the cover.

The May issue of 'Blender' gives the reader a glimpse into the life of the ever busy and bubbling SRK, and even talks about his well known skill of multi-tasking. Throwing other facts like SRK being the star with the maximum number of endorsements under his belt, the issue evidently becomes a must buy. Also, in this exclusive interview, SRK talks about his IPL experience which has now become a hot favourite topic of discussion.

Adding to this already heady concoction of gyaan from the Bollywood sovereign Khan, are some of rock world's best kept secrets and behind the scenes with rock's greatest groupies. With all this rolled into one, the May issue of 'Blender' is simply intoxicating!

Shah Rukh names his sci-fi thriller

It was widely reported by the media that Shah Rukh Khan will don the greasepaint for a super hero role in his next film. Incidentally, this film is to be directed by the King Khan’s production house Red Chillies Entertainment.

The creative actor has named this science fiction film as RA-1. Sources close to the actor-producer say that it means - The Egyptian Sun God. RA-1 will be directed by Anubhav Sinha. Shah Rukh has also roped in cameraman Manikandan to handle the camera. The man behind the camera, Manikandan said that he will do a thorough research before starting this venture as he wants to bring out the best for this sci-fi thriller.

Shah Rukh Khan shoot for Dulha Mil Gaya; film complete

Viveck Vaswani can finally heave a sigh of relief. The shooting of his film Dulha Mil Gaya is finally done and over with. Shah Rukh Khan completed the shooting for the film with a song at Mehboob Studios.

Giving details of the shoot was newbie Mohit Chaddha, who said, "We have been shooting at Mehboob Studios since 18 May. Ahmad Khan was choreographing the qawali song, which had over 50 dancers."

The song was picturised on Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen. All the cast members were present for the shoot. Fardeen Khan, who was shooting in Goa for All The Best, flew down to be part of the final schedule.

Viveck Vaswani, the producer of the film had been waiting for SRK's dates for over a year. With the superstar's packed schedule and then his shoulder injury, the film has been delayed and the debutant director, Mudassar Aziz has been on tenterhooks. But with the pack up today, it will be back to the editing studios for him to release his film at the soonest.

As for Mohit Chaddha, who shot a couple of scenes with Shah Rukh as well as this last song, said, "He is phenomenal. His energy is amazing and his commitment to work is something to see. I would just be on the sets to see him perform even when I was not needed."

At the time of filing this story, Vaswani was not available for comment.

Eros International launches DVD of Billu Barber

Eros International has launched the DVD of Billu, a film produced by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chilies Entertainment.

The cost of the DVD is Rs 299 and has additional features like making of the film, making of the songs - Marjaani, Hit Hit and Khudaya Khair. It also contains the deleted scenes of the film.

The film is produced by Gauri Khan and directed by Priyadarshan. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta, Om Puri and Rajpal Yadav, with Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra in special appearances.

The music is composed by Pritam and lyricist of the film is Gulzar.

Shah Rukh's next postponed

Seems like we've officially had the first big casualty of the ongoing multiplex-producer battle. The release of Shah Rukh Khan's next, My Name is Khan might just be postponed to the early part of next year.

Yup, you heard it right! A little birdie tells me that Shah Rukh Khan has no intentions of bearing the brunt of the ever-changing release dates of all movies.

Thanks to the shuffling in the release schedules, a lot of major producers are trying to scuttle around and find 'safe Fridays' to release their films. Add to that there is the concern of cutting into each other's business.

So Shah Rukh Khan who was initially supposed to release his film around December will now let Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots and Saif Ali Khan's Qurbaan fight it amongst themselves.

Shah Rukh, I am given to believe, is looking at releasing the film some time in early 2010. What a relief, at least we'll have something to look forward to in the new year!

SRK waiting for feedback on team KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders team owner Shah Rukh Khan may be hundreds of miles away from his IPL team, who are currently playing in South Africa, but the Bollywood star wants constant feedback on how things are moving in the Knight Riders camp.

To serve this purpose, King Khan has asked co-owner Jay Mehta to keep a close watch on the boys and provide him a first-hand account on the latest developments.

The Kolkata team will play their final match of the IPL’s second season against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday but will end up at the bottom of the points table, irrespective of the result.

“As Shah Rukh didn’t go back to South Africa, Mehta is acting as his eyes and ears. It’s understood that Shah Rukh will be briefed on all matters once the edition ends,” sources told a newspaper.

According to reports, Mehta has already started working on his assignment and had conversations with the skipper Brendon McCullum as well as some other players.

Mehta is also expected to meet the support staff including John Buchanan and director Joy Bhattacharya, a meeting which is expected to decide the fate of several members of the team.

South African hottie wants to learn cooking from Shahrukh

One of the top three contenders to win the Miss Bollywood IPL crown at the ongoing tournament in South Africa, sexy model Gabriella Demetriades wants superstar Shahrukh Khan to teach her cooking.

Not that the King Khan is known for his culinary skills, but the 22-year-old South African model desires to learn to cook a special dish from the Bollywood star.

“I want him (Shahrukh) to teach me how to make a really great lamb korma,” Gabriella is quoted as saying.

With nearly 14,000 votes in her name, Gabriella is sitting pretty on the third spot among 16 Miss Bollywood IPL finalists from different teams at the T20 tournament. Interestingly, she doesn’t represent SRK’s team Kolkata Knight Riders, but the Hyderabad team, Deccan Chargers.

Gabriella has traveled to India before and claims to be “fascinated” with the country.

“I'm fascinated with the country; there are extremes in terms of wealth and poverty, but the country is diverse, and has great shopping,” she said.

The top spot among Miss Bollywood IPL finalists is taken by the 35-year-old Dune Kossatz who is a model and actress from East London. She’s got 15,888 votes. 24-year-old Genna Cloud, a business marketing graduate from Johannesburg, is on second place with 14,352 votes.

The winner of the Miss Bollywood IPL contest, to be declared at the tournament’s finale, will get a package of prizes including a tour to Bollywood and also a role in Hindi movie.

Gauri designs for Arjun Rampal!

Guess who’s designing one part of the restaurant-cum-lounge that Arjun Rampal
and Mehr Jessia are opening in Delhi coming July?

Bollywood style icon and Shah Rukh Khan’s wife, Gauri Khan. Arjun told BT about his well-kept secret, “Gauri and Nandita Mahtani will design one of the tables, Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Bal will do one each, and the fourth will be done by me. Mehr will be in charge of the entire club, but the idea of having these four specific designer tables by popular celebrities is to give the club an added advantage.’’

The party place is expected to be visited by the biggest names in Bollywood including Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar. And its novelty, in keeping with international club culture, is that four specific tables will be designed by four renowned designers. Arjun, who would not reveal more, added that everybody was working on their corner. Gauri’s table is likely to include designer crockery or glassware especially designed/sourced by her superstar husband.

Kolkata Knight Riders end losing streak; beat Chennai Super Kings by 7 Wickets

In an exciting IPL encounter at SuperSport Park, Centurion, Kolkata Knight Riders ended their 9-match winning streak to beat Chennai Super Kings by 7 wickets. Skipper Brendon McCullum and Brad Hodge played explosive innings to see their team through. The Kolkata Knight Riders successfully chased an improbable target of 189 to register a win off the last ball.

Chennai Super Kings won the toss and elected to bat first. They piled up 188/3 in 20 overs. Suresh Raina was the top scorer with 52 off 37 balls. He hit 3 boundaries and 3 sixes. George Bailey and Parthiv Patel contributed 30 and 25 respectively. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 40, while Albie Morkel remained not out on 21.

Chasing a victory target of 189, Kolkata Knight Riders lost Ganguly early, but McCullum continued with his explosive batting and made 81 off 48 balls. He hit 12 boundaries and 3 sixes.

Brad Hodge continued from where McCullum left and powered his team to a much-needed victory. Hodge remained unbeaten on 71 off 44 balls (4 boundaries and 4 sixes), as Kolkata Knight Riders reached 189/3 in 20 overs. Wriddhiman Saha remained unbeaten on 25. Brad Hodge won the "DLF Maximum Sixes Award". He was also declared as the "Man of the Match".