Book on Shah Rukh Khan has got rave reviews

King of Bollywood is a sweeping portrait of a man who is worshipped as a modern-day God, a country finding its identity and a movie industry that helped to change the face of India.

The book reveals how Shah Rukh Khan, a middle-class Muslim boy from Delhi, broke into the insular, nepotistic world of Bombay show business and emerged as a superstar. His larger-than-life tale takes us through the colorful and idiosyncratic Bollywood movie industry, where fantastic dreams and outrageous obsessions share the spotlight with extortion, murder, and corruption.

The book has got rave reviews across the board.

"An eminently readable book, which I believe would be read and loved by everybody." - Chandan Mitra, India Today

"Anupama Chopra has written a good readable account of Shahrukh Khan's life." - Lord Meghnad Desai, Outlook

"An engrossing account... characterized by smart and snappy writing." -Nandini Ramnath, Time Out Mumbai

"A gripping new book." - Mint Lounge

"A neat encapsulation of an amazing career." - Kirkus Reviews

"Strongly recommended for all popular film and media collections..." - Library Journal Review

KING OF BOLLYWOOD is the first comprehensive narrative account of Bollywood published by a major US publishing house: Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books). The book is being distributed in India by Om Books and Westland Books Pvt. Ltd. Internationally renowned film critic Anupama Chopra combines her knowledge of the Bollywood industry with firsthand interviews and exclusive photographs for an exclusive, insider's look at Shah Rukh Khan and the world of Bollywood. KING OF BOLLYWOOD will also be available in Hindi, Marathi and German translations.

Anupama Chopra is a film critic and book author. She has written about the Hindi film industry since 1993. Her work has been published extensively in India Today. She has also written about Bollywood for various international publications such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Variety and Sight and Sound. Currently, Anupama scripts and host a weekly film review show called Picture This on NDTV 24/7.

Source: Yahoo India

Shah Rukh Khan dissociated himself from the 'Save Sanjay Dutt Campaign'

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan on Monday dissociated himself from the 'Save Sanjay Dutt Campaign' on the Internet hours after Ujjwal Nikam, the public prosecutor in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, threatened legal action against those who were campaigning against the six-year jail term for Dutt.

Three days back, Mumbai's film fraternity had launched an online petition - www.petitiononline.com - expressing their solidarity with Dutt. The petition has been signed by nearly 2,000 people in the past three days and it was to be submitted to President Pratibha Patil.

Some of people named as signatories of the petition included Shah Rukh Khan, Bobby Deol, John Abraham, Dia Mirza, Farhan Akhtar, Mohit Ahlawat, Dabboo Ratnani, Atul Agnihotri, Manav Gangwni and Ritesh Sidhwani.

There is even a message for Dutt on the petition, which is attributed to SRK. "Sanjay, we are here for you and support you throughout. The film industry has faced a loss for six years not having you around. We love you and are praying for the best. Hope to see you soon. Inshallah," the message reads.

There are also messages attributed to Bobby Deol, Farhan Akhtar, Irfan Khan, Mohit Ahlawat, Sunny Deol, DJ Aqeel, Pajkumar Hirani and others.

The signatories of the petition appeal to the President to free Sanjay Sutt. "Please free Sanjay. He is a great guy and he commited and suffered enough. Ms President, please listen to us," the message attributed to Sunny Deol reads

"Free Sanju, because he does not deserve this. He is a good human being and always has thought of others before himself," a message said to be written by DJ Aqeel states.

But SRK now says he has nothing to do with the campaign. He said he has not joined any online campaign to save Sanjay.

The 'Save Sanjay Campaign' received a jolt on Monday when Nikam threatened legal action against those who have started the it.
"If someone starts such a campaign criticising the order of the court (before the prisoner seeks relief), it certainly amounts to contempt of court. I am watching the events carefully and if this continues, I will be forced to take legal action," Nikam said.

Even Sanjay Dutt’s sister, Lok Sabha MP Priya Dutt, has urged the actor’s Bollywood friends to refrain from such a support campaign. She said she wanted to take 'the legal route' to save her brother.

Apart from the online petition of the Bollywood stars, Sanjay Dutt's fans too have resorted to various means to drum up support for Dutt and express solidarity with him.

Some fans have launched a website www.boletoh.com to campaign for probation relief for Dutt.

"I support Sanjay Dutt not because I’m a fan, but because he has been jailed for 16 months and then given bail. He has behaved well for 10 years. Then why this whole thing again? It doesn't make sense," Mridula Sarachandra, an ardent Dutt supporter, says.

Some fans are also using SMS to gather support for Dutt. However, the move has angered those who believe the sentences were much deserved.

Source: IBNLive

SRK and Big B are friends

While the two superstars have been alleging that their so-called ‘cold war' was a creation of the media, there can be little doubt that the vibes between the two stars have been rather cold for some time.

But now things are warming up. SRK and Big B have been sending each other gifts lately.

Not long back, SRK gifted Big B a computer game (SRK is an avid lover of computer games). But Big B is relatively ignorant about such games. However, the sexagenarian superstar is glad that his grandson Agastya enjoyed playing the game gifted by SRK.

SRK also gifted Big B a white Dolce and Gabbana leather jacket, which Big B liked a great deal.

Reciprocating SRK's gesture, Mr. Bachchan also gifted him a trendy Dolce and Gabbana jacket along with an expensive pen.

Big B also dropped by during the shooting of SRK's home production Om Shanti Om and is making a one-scene guest appearance in the movie.

Source: IndiaTarget

King Khan's inspiration for CHAKDE! INDIA

The first CHAKDE! INDIA promo (with Jhoom Barabar Jhoom), met with mixed reactions. Some loved it, some found it unimpressive. Those who loved it were happy about the fact that Shah Rukh Khan, 'the actor', was finally here. And with a performance befitting his stature.

Coming to those who did not appreciate the first promo, they were, perhaps, expecting another Raj-Rahul act from SRK, or were looking for glamorous faces (like Preity and Rani!), amidst realistic hockey players!

Cutting a long story short, the subsequent promos got uniform acclaim and when Shah Rukh Khan was queried about his inspiration for the true-to-life hockey coach, 'Kabir Khan', he was forthright and honest as usual. He disclosed that his school day sports teacher, Brother Eric D'Souza (presently in Shillong) was his inspiration for the role. The superstar further elaborated that Brother D'Souza taught him not just hockey, but football and cricket as well.

Brother D'Souza, if you are reading this, here is wishing you a long and healthy life and many more Shah Rukhs!

Source: Bollywood Trade News Network

Chak De India - Music Review

Album: Chak De India
Music Director: Salim Merchant & Sulaiman Merchant
Lyricist: Jaideep Sahni

A refreshing album in terms of music and lyrics. Songs stand out because of the different sounding lyrics. Instead of the tried and tested ‘dil’, ‘deewana’ words, the Jaideep Sahni (is he new?) does a wonderful job as the song writer.

Chak De India
Singers: Sukhwinder Singh, Salim Merchant and Marianne DCruz

An energetic song, sung beautifully by Sukhwinder. This song extends the ‘Karam kar, phal ki aasha na kar’ preaching of Bhagavad Gita. The song has wordings worth listening to. Sukhwinder pumps in enough energy for the listeners to start pumping their fist. Ignoring the common sports based theme, this song reminds me of Lagaan’s ‘Chale Chalo’. The tune is catchy and motivating. A song to listen to whenever you need a pep talk. You would want to get up and do something because Sukhwinder is saying ‘Kuch kariye’!

Badal Pe Paon Hain
Singer: Hema Sardesai

Hema Sardesai is back with a bang after a hiatus (At least I didn’t notice her anywhere. Apologies if I missed any of her songs.). A fast, foot-tapping song where Hema sounds like she is actually on cloud nine. The guitar piece is brilliant and the chorus adds charm to the song. Hema shines through-out - one can make out Hema is thoroughly enjoying the song. If you are on cloud nine, listen to the song and sway with Hema.

Ek Hockey Doongi Rakh Ke
Singers: Shah Rukh Khan, KK and Chorus

Oooo… going by this song, one is better off staying away from the girls of the hockey team. This song is Shah-rukh’s introduction of the team. Khan’s commentary and the girls’ tidbits gel well with the chorus, though he could have done better on the commentary job. KK sings only a line in the song, you wil miss him if you blink err… whatever the equivalent is for listening. Good work on the lyrics and the narration.

Bad Bad Girls
Singer: Anushka Manchanda

This one stands out as the odd one out. This is targeted at the disc/pub crowd, I think. With its drum beats, breaking glass and synthesized sounds, it is more like a noise on the ears. The tune is nothing to rave about. Anushka’s voice totally suits the song and she handles it well.

Maula Mere Le Le Meri Jaan
Singers: Krishna & Salim Merchant

A mellifluous song, with a touch of folky, Arabic music. Krishna is brilliant - the right amount of emotion packed in and his voice sounds so soothing. His voice at times shakes a little and this adds to the beauty of the song. This song grabs you as soon as it starts and it tranfers you to another world altogether. The singer in the background actually spoils the serenity of the song. He is more screaming than singing - we could have done without him.

Hockey Remix
Singers: Shah Rukh Khan, KK and Chorus

This is the faster, noisier version of ‘Ek hockey doongi mein rakh ke’ minus the introductions. With digitally created sounds, loud thumping is noise to ears. I so prefer the slower, pleasanter song. This one is sure to top the charts in your local discotheque. Save your ears, skip this song.

Sattar Minute
Singer: Shah Rukh Khan

Supposedly Khan’s pep talk to his team. I don’t know why this ‘dialogue’ or ’speech’ is part of the movie’s soundtrack. Are people going buy this album because it contains a speech by King Khan? In the speech, Shah Rukh Khan is trying to motivate his team to play their best in those 70 minutes of the game - he hardly sounds convincing. He lost my attention right after the second sentence and the whole speech lasts for a litte more than 2 minutes. I know this is going to anger Khan fans, but nothing inspiring about the speech. The coach sounds desperate, not confident. When you are leading a team - there is a thin line between desperation and confidence.

All in all, a good album. ‘Chak De India’, ‘Badap Pe Paon Hain’ and ‘Maula Mere’ are good enough reasons for buying this album. No matter what I say, Khan fans are going to lap up this album.

SRK and Salman together in august

New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) As India celebrates 60 years of independence, the country's biggest superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan will step up the tempo to rekindle patriotic fervour with 'Chak De India' and 'Marigold' respectively.

While Shah Rukh, known as the King of Bollywood, will be seen goading a team of women hockey players for a world championship in 'Chak De India', Salman will essay the role of an Indian man who steals the heart of a foreign belle who arrives in India with a 'bad attitude' and transforms her.

'Chak De India' that goes with the tagline 'Sometimes winning is everything' is slated for Friday release in time for Independence Day on Aug 15. Yash Raj Films, Bollywood' most prestigious production house, trod a road not taken in 'Chak De India' in a year that has spelled doom for them financially.

The dream merchants have had a nightmarish year so far. Their recent offering, 'Jhoom Barabar Jhoom', has been declared a dud in spite of the presence of Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek, while 'Ta Ra Rum Pum' was strictly average.

'Chak De India' is Shah Rukh's first release of 2007. For the actor, who has been doing straightjacket roles of late, the first-of-its-kind film based on India's national sport hockey is a departure and will be a test by fire.

SRK is seen in the avatar of Kabir Khan, a fallen Indian team captain who wants to reclaim glory as a coach of Indian Women's National Hockey team. The film is based on the events surrounding former Indian goalkeeper Mir Ranjan Negi's life - from his fall from grace to his rise from the ashes.

He has formidable task, as the girls are a rag-tag bunch of losers who have never known the thrilling energy of being Team India. He moulds them into a fighting unit that has its eyes set on being the world champions.

This is director Shimit Amin's second film after 'Aab Tak Chhappan'. If it clicks it will be one of the few films coming out of Bollywood that will have pan-India appeal. The plot reaches out to audiences not just in big cities and metros but also the smaller towns.

'I knew it was a challenging script revolving around a sport which, despite being India's national game, wasn't much cared for. But that's precisely what got us so excited,' Amin said in an interview.

'What posed as the biggest challenge was the search for girls who could complete the team in the film. We were looking for real people, for a team of girls who could actually play hockey and not merely act.

'In the process of working on the casting, I came face to face with a lot of truths. First, there were hardly any women playing sports, and secondly, every patch and ground in India seemed to be covered with people playing cricket. Hockey was nowhere,' says Amin.

Rob Miller, one of the most renowned sports action directors in Hollywood, was roped in for shooting as very few films have been made on women sports internationally.

The filmmakers are also hoping the film recreates the magic of Gurinder Chadha's super-successful 'Bend It Like Beckham', which narrated the story of a girl in a orthodox Sikh family in Britain who overcame many odds to follow her dream of becoming a football player.

The soundtrack of 'Chak De India' by Salim-Sulaiman, one of the most underrated music-maker duos in the business, is as spiffy, peppy and young, as a film trying to inspire a young India should be.

Whether it will score that crucial goal at the box office will be known soon.

---

Salman Khan's first international project - 'Marigold' - is slated for release in the week following 'Chak De India'. Given that Salman is riding high on popularity chart following his rib-tickling performance in box-office hit 'Partner' along with Govinda, 'Marigold' could cut short the screen life of 'Chak De India' if the film does not get going from the word go.

'Marigold' is a co-production between Adlabs Films Ltd., and Becker Films International. Directed by Willard Corroll the film features Salman in his favourite screen name of Prem along with Hollywood's Ali Larter and upcoming actress Nandana Sen. Larter recently featured among the top 10 sexiest women in the Hollywood.

The story is about American actress Marigold Lexton (Larter) who arrives in India with no luggage and a bad attitude. Stranded in Goa when her low budget Hollywood movie falls apart, Marigold finds herself cast in a small role in a Bollywood musical. Eager to prove herself, she turns to Prem (Salman) for help. Prem, who is the film's choreographer, not only teaches her how to dance but also helps her in getting rid of her bad attitude.

---

If you are more in mood for a comic caper August will witness the release of debutant director Sajid Khan's 'Heyy Babby'. The film features Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and Fardeen Khan bumbling to handle a baby. Vidya Balan plays the key female lead. One song in the film features about a dozen Bollywood beauties with Shah Rukh Khan.

'Aag' the much-hyped Ram Gopal Varma's take on yesteryears blockbuster 'Sholay' is also slated for release in this month. But the surprise package may turn out to be Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Blue Umbrella'. The film is an adaptation of the beloved novel of the same name by Ruskin Bond. It is a film about desire, the zealous attempt to fulfil it and finally its conquest.

All in all the month ahead has something for everyone.

Source: IANS

King Khan to attend special Independence Day celebrations at Wagah Border

Instead, celebrating the 60 years of Independence through the language of music, across the borders, promises to give new direction to the relationship the two neighbours share.

Musicians from both the countries will be lending their voice for this programme. Artists like A.R.Rahman, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Aatif Aslam and Shafqat Ali would be performing from 11 pm on August 14 to 1 am on August 15. The show will be telecasted in the both the countries for people across the borders to witness and realize the reason behind an endeavour put by Rakesh Gupta, Secretary of NGO Routes 2 Roots to bring harmony between the two countries.

Bollywood stars, Shahrukh Khan and Juhi Chawla and former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akhtar and Pakistani Designer Shaiyanne Malik will also be present to host the event.

Independence Day seems to be celebrated in true spirits…..Cheers to that!!!

Source: IndiaFM

Shah Rukh Khan shares his dreams

Big screen heartbreaker, badshah of brands, doting dad and businessman - Shah Rukh Khan seems comfortable in most real life roles he has to play.

While most of his counterparts have been courting Hollywood, Shah Rukh has been adding finishing touches to his films (Shimit Amin’s Chak De! India and Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om), has just come home with a French honour (Officier dans l’ Ordre des Arts des Lettres - a first for an Indian actor), will have his statue installed at French Graven Museum in Paris very soon and might even get to meet Queen Elizabeth for the London premiere of a film.

The man who’s always in news, comes out of his self-imposed exile (he makes public appearances only when a movie is about to release or he has to promote a brand he’s endorsing) and in an interview with AT, he admits that after doing “a lot of work in the last decade because my heart said ‘yes’ and I’m no longer in the phase where I do a film because it has action or romance.

The script decides things for me.” In his newest flick, Shah Rukh even moves away from his larger-than-life image, and works with 16 newcomers. “Even after 18 years in the profession, I learnt a lot from the newcomers - their rawness, desire to work hard and passion to excel touches you.

And contrary to reports in the media, director Shimit (Amin) and I had no fallout - I’ve known him since our Asoka days, he’s very bright,” he says.

While most of B-town’s superstars have little business sense, SRK is reported to have sold the worldwide rights of OSO for a whopping Rs 75 crore, is in talks with Anuradha Prasad to co-produce TV shows and has mega plans for the Red Chillies VFX wing.

I wish I was getting that amount for OSO, though I admit that thanks to the many avenues, like satellite and music rights, producers get to earn more money from films. In 2004, Main Hoon Na opened to Rs 5 crore, today most films make more money than that in the first weekends. As for TV, Anu is an old friend and she wants me to produce a show for her TV channel. So I have asked my Red Chillies team to make a presentation in November about TV shows and we’ll take it from there.”

SRK who’d once planned a film studio in Mumbai sounds disheartened when he says “that’s not happening anymore. Land’s very expensive in Mumbai and I can’t afford it. I am very satisfied with the VFX and we at Red Chillies have been doing (Main Hoon Na, Paheli, Don, Honeymoon Travels, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, OSO, Chak De) -we are just about breaking even and aren’t in the profit mode yet.

I want to attract work for us from outside. The problem is that final VFX assimilation in India works out to be very expensive and needs visualisers. I am planning a film with Shankar and we’ll be looking at lots of VFX for that. I want to give back to the industry by improving the quality of special effects.”

SRK claims he owes his new trim avatar to “a regular workout regime to combat a nagging backpain and to please son Aryan. I can never look like a hunk, but being fit helps. I didn’t lose weight for a film, it just happened over a period of time.” As talk veers to his relationship with Amitabh Bachchan, SRK confesses that he’s no longer “upset with idle gossip anymore.

There never was any friction between us. Recently Mr Bachchan sent me a branded jacket after I won the French award and I sent him one too. We keep interacting with each other. There never has been any awkwardness between us.”

Once the greasepaint comes off, SRK likes to read, play football with friends, play games on his laptop, teach his children, attend their sports/annual day functions and plans his work schedule “according to their vacation.” On his wishlist are: “a happy, healthy life for my children, lots of good work for me, the latest i-phone, some land for my studio and more hours in a day.

Otherwise I am fairly content, reasonably well-paid and think God’s been partial to me. Amen to that.

Source: Timesofindia

Reading about my life would be very boring: Shah rukh khan

King Khan in Conversation with Princy Jain

Cut to Yashraj studio. On ground level, he's shooting for Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om and has already made trips to the lounge on the first floor. He smiles that deep smile of his, settles down with a cuppa, puts on his spectacles.. and yeah, so here's Shah Rukh Khan in a sporty conversation with Princy Jain

Sixteen new girls as your co-stars in Chak de India.. this must be a first.

After working for so many years, one becomes a little mechanical. The girls had never acted before. They would say their lines of dialogue in a completely unexpected manner.

It was strange for a while but then they sounded so very right. Often, I would say my lines, and asked them to react. It was all very unlikely and new.

Some of them must be your fans.. right?

Before the shoot, we had several reading sessions which made things casual between us. The girls must have been about five or six when they saw my films. They would seek my advice. During fun moments, they would kiss and hug me. We became co-actors.

Did you learn to play hockey? Or is that acting?

The game's not new for me, I used to play hockey in school. But when I played for the film, I sucked,I was really awful. I have no stamina left.. the technique of hockey has changed. Astro Turf itself is very tiring.

It's often said, "SRK decides his role and films.

That's incorrect. I am not one of those actors who goes to a filmmaker, gets myself cast and then become a ghost director.It's shameful to accept but this, I thought I would be able to beat these girls but they kicked my butt. While playing with them, I realised that it would be better if I use my status as a superstar and not practise at all.. (laughs) To be honest, I did Chak de because I wanted to play hockey. Since I lead a very protected life, it was very refreshing to be on the ground.. to feel the air brushing my and sweat trickling down my body. It was like getting a few days of freedom which I know of, but have not lived for many years.

Earlier, if I could run for 10 km, now I can't go on for even three or four km. But it's still so very important to have some sports in your life. I play soccer every Sunday now.

For years, you have been a conventional lover boy with crazy hair and moist eyes. Of late you have been experimenting with your looks and characters. Why?

I am just an actor. It's often said, "SRK decides his role and films." That's incorrect. I am not one of those actors who goes to a filmmaker, gets myself cast and then become a ghost director. I am an employee of my director and producers.

So if Amol Palekar asked me to grow a moustache, I did that. In Don, Farhan (Akhtar) wanted a stylish look, so I followed his instructions.

Here too, (director) Shimit Amin and Adi (producer Aditya Chopra) said, "You have never had beard." So I said, "Let's do it." But these are minor points. A look makes no difference. SRK will always remain the actor he is.

How did it go with the beard? You have always been clean-shaven.

Oh, a beard's very scratchy. When you wake up in the morning and take a bath, you still don't feel clean. I'm not used to a beard because I shave every day . You wash your face and water sticks to your beard. It's very stressful. Also, I have grey in my beard and I have to keep dyeing it. It sticks on your skin, so it's not a very good pleasant experience. I hope I don't have to grow a beard for another couple of years at least.

Have you read your biography by Anupama Chopra.. are you satisfied with it?

I haven't read it. Anu did offer me a peep into the manuscript but I refused. I guess reading about my life would be very boring. Also I told her that if I do read it, I will want to change it. So I'm fine with the way it is.

But certain chapters talk about your links with the underworld. Are you fine with that?

It would be unfair to hamper anyone's creativity I have read Anu's other books, I have full faith in her. The book is about me.. and Bollywood through my eyes.

It's not about the underworld. I have received feedback from all corners of the world, saying it makes for an interesting read. I guess that's more important than anything else.

Can the SRK brand value make a film succeed?

I don't know. Chak De India doesn't have anything that works conventionally in the Indian film industry It doesn't have a heroine, there's no romantic angle, no songs. It does have 16 new girls, which is kind of unique.

The SRK brand can't make a film good or bad. I have not created any brand for myself. Other brands have made SRK the brand he is. Every film I do takes away a part of my life.It does have Shah Rukh which is okay but even his films have failed. So even that can go wrong. A good film is a good film. The SRK brand can't make a film good or bad. I have not created any brand for myself. Other brands have made SRK the brand he is. Every film I do takes away a part of my life. The brand SRK might not be that significant but that part of my life is. For that, I would want the film to have some moments of good cinema.

So as in sport, cinema is all about winning..isn't it?

No, it's not all about winning.. or losing. It's more about team spirit for the nation. Patriotism is not about praying for India to win and Pakistan to lose. That's a wrong perception.. and it needs to be changed.

Source: HindustanTimes

Anubhav to sign Shah Rukh and Sunny Deol for his next films

The buzz is that SRK is quite kicked about working with Anubhav and although things have not been finalised there are chances of the King Khan giving the nod, especially since it is a story he likes.
He's already made a mark for himself with his stylish films, and it was only a matter of time before he signed up the A-grade lot. And director Anubhav Sinha has done just that.

He's now talking to none other than Shah Rukh and Sunny Deol for his next films.

Also, Sunny could be in the running for another film. Imagine what Sinha can do with the likes of these two awesome actors - now if you see Sunny and SRK stylishly bashing up the baddies, you'll know it's Anubhav running the show!

Source: Timesofindia