Sports Minister asked Shah Rukh Khan to sponsor a team or a player

Sports Minister MS Gill wants to link Bollywood with sports, which he feels will improve India’s performance at the international arena. He has urged stars to sponsor outstanding sportsperson so that financial resources are not a constraint in their performance.

Speaking to HT, Gill asked Shah Rukh Khan to sponsor a team or a player and inspire Indian sports as he did in his film Chak De India.

“He can begin with sponsoring four women athletes of the Indian relay team. Only Rs 5-10 lakh would be required. I think he can spare that much money for Indian sports.”

The minister said Shah Rukh bought a cricket team at the IPL — the Kolkata Knightriders for a staggering $75.09 million — and though it’s a commercial venture, the star can give something back to the country by sponsoring needy sportsperson.

Gill has specific players for Shah Rukh; for other stars, like Hrithik Roshan, he said they could pick any player to sponsor. “Except cricket or may be tennis, there is no money in any other sports. If Bollywood joins hands with us, the future of other sports would be bright,” he said.

The minister admitted that Indian sportspersons, except those in cricket, don’t get adequate facilities and have to struggle for resources. If the money comes from Bollywood stars, for whom supporting few sportspersons would not be a big deal, the financial crunch can be resolved to some extent.

“It can do to other sports what glamour has done to cricket.”

Hindustan Times

King Khan ki Ranis

Buzz is that Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji will be seen performing for the Kolkata Knight Riders at Shah Rukh Khan’s IPL match in Kolkata on April 20 if the entertainment tax is waived off.

But surprise Surprise! Bengali bombshell the sultry Bipasha Basu has been left out though King Khan was keen to rope her in as she’s very popular in amaader (our) Kolkata!

A source says, “SRK was very keen to take Bips along too but she’s busy with a commitment she made long ago and is not going.

However she’s trying her best to work it out. After all, who wouldn’t want to go and cheer on SRK and his team when almost all of B-Town is planning to turn up there?”

SRK interacts with the media and fans about Kolkata Knight Riders

SRK has a new tattoo!

At a recent IPL event, Shah Rukh Khan showed off his huge new tattoo covering most of his sexy left arm. Ha ha! So if Saif thought his Kareena tattoo was cool, SRK's is cooler and it does not say 'Gauri'. At the event were also the winner of his IPL ticket competition with his parents. We sneaked out some cute pics of this super drool-able actor and his newly designed left arm! Check it out!

SRK is on the Run!

King Khan recorded a song in his own voice for his IPL music video for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

On Sunday at midnight, Shah Rukh Khan recorded a song for his IPL album. The first-time singer finished the song in three hours flat!

Talking about his song Shah Rukh says, “I recorded 'Run Just Run' and then heard it at 5 am. It sounded really good but obviously, they worked on it. I want to hear it again and see how it sounds. Bappida was happy with the results.

I sang it to Kunal Ganjawala’s voice and he sang it really well. The song is hip and cool. It reminded me of the Abhishek-Priyanka song from Bluffmaster but I am told all hip-hop songs sound like that.”

The idea of a song around running was SRK’s idea, “To me, acting is akin to running. In fact, there is a chapter on running in my autobiography. When they were young, I used to tell Abhishek and Hrithik how they should always run, never be still.”

The lyrics of 'Run Just Run' are in Hindi and English and have been written by Virag Mishra.

Bappa Lahiri, Bappi’s son, who was present at the recording studio adds, “We recorded the song at Octavius Studio in Bandra.

We started at 12.30 am and finished by 3 am. Shah Rukh was initially worried whether he would be able to sing well but dad forced him saying he would be fine.

Shah Rukh had heard Kunal’s version which is also on the CD. He had come prepared. He’d practised to Kunal’s song. He finished the recording so effortlessly and quickly, that we were surprised. Initially, we were a bit tense but he sang very well.”

According to Bappa, 'Run Just Run' is about life and not just cricket, “Shah Rukh was involved in the song right from the concept to the execution. It was his perception of life.”

Describing the song Bappa says, “Run Just Run is a mix of hip-hop, groove and dad’s music. I did the recording, programming and rhythm and dad has given the tune. Shah Rukh was like a pal he is so humble, chilled out and comfortable to be with.

I recorded Sanju sir’s (Sanjay Dutt) song last year and now SRK. I am coming to the conclusion that actors make very good singers.”

UpalaKBR, Mid-Day

Shah Rukh's Training School

Shah Rukh is helping his friend Salman Khan with the latter's upcoming television show, Dus Ka Dum. "I believe I have some experience to pass on. Otherwise, Salman is a honed actor," says SRK, who is television's most popular host these days.

SRK is also working on yet another walk. He has just started working on his gait for his forthcoming film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. In fact, that's how he approaches his characters, says the superstar. Through their gait. He has heard the script of the syrupy love story, written by close friend and filmmaker Aditya Chopra. "I have heard the script and I have started working on the character. I usually get working in the car and do my references. Developing the walk of my character is very crucial.
If you have been watching my films, each and every character has a distinct walk and run," says Shah Rukh, who has just recorded a hip-hop song along with Bappi Lahiri. He points out his different gaits in Kabhi Alvida Naa kehna, in Chak De, in Don…

"It was difficult. They made me sing each line thrice. Although I sang quite badly, they have made it sound good," he says. The generous actor has also made a string of guest appearances in his friends' films - Krazzy 4 and Bhootnath.

In circles where it really matters, the buzz is that Shah Rukh's item song in Krazzy 4 is pulling crowds to the theatres. But he has not seen his own song yet. "I have not seen my song. When I'm doing a guest appearance I don't ask any questions. I like to be treated like a guest on the sets and give my best wishes to the makers of the film. I'm not attached to it," he says.

The actor doesn't take any fee for such friendly appearances, but Rakesh Roshan forced him to take his remuneration for the song. Shah Rukh elaborates, "Rakeshji was very sweet. He said 'If you say no, I will never speak with you again'. Even Duggu (Hrithik) made me swear that I would not say 'no' to the money."

He moves on to produce his next film, Billo Barber. Director Priyadarshan and the actor has had problems getting an actress to play the barber's wife in the film. After Vidya Balan and Amisha Patel begged out of it, Lara will play the part now. "I had spoken with both Vidya and Amisha. They were not too keen on playing a mother on screen. But I feel today's young breed of actors shouldn't have these issues. If it's a good role, you should take it up."
mumbai news

Sandipan Dalal, Mumbai Mirror

SRK to do an item song in Dostana

Karan Johar has always said that he cannot think of making a film without Shah Rukh Khan.

His upcoming film Dostana (directed by newcomer Tarun Mansukhani) will be no exception. If all goes well Shah Rukh Khan will do an item song in Dostana, which also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai.

According to our source, last week Karan and Shah Rukh spoke about the same, and SRK readily agreed.

Our source informs us, "There was a time when most movies had a special number from a sexy gal. Many Bollywood beauties have entertained the audience with their item numbers. But times have changed. With most of the heroes going all out to have a great physique, filmmakers include item songs by top heroes. And who better than Shah Rukh Khan?"

Going by past record, there is no reason why this item song by Shah Rukh will not make waves. His number with Aishwarya Rai 'Ishq kameena' created quite a flutter, and his number in Krazzy 4 is also on top of the charts.

Despite text messages, Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar and Tarun Mansukhani remained unavailable for comment.

Dostana is Karan's tribute to his father Yash Johar, who Shah Rukh revered. The film revolves around the friendship between Abhishek and John and is said to be funny, sassy and hilarious. Karan is quite emotional about the title. He has said in a section of the media, "When my father produced Dostana in 1980, he was going through hard times. But all the three principal actors Amitji, Shatrughanji and Zeenat Aman co-operated to the fullest. That's how the film was made."

Vickey Lalwani, Mumbai Mirror

It's SRK vs Mallya

B-Town brigade will turn up to cheer King Khan and the Knight Riders at the opening ceremony match against Vijay Mallya's Royal Challengers

Though IPL’s opening ceremony on April 18 at Bangalore will have performances by Zayed Khan and Katrina Kaif on behalf of Vijay Mallya’s team, Shah Rukh Khan’s team won’t be left behind.

Although Khan isn’t planning any acts, he’s carting B-Town’s glamorous brigade to boost the morale of the Kolkata Knight Riders. SRK’s Kolkata Knight Riders is being led by Sourav Ganguly while Mallya’s Royal Challengers is being captained by Rahul Dravid.

Event manager of BCCI, Venkat Vardhan of DNA Networks, admits, “Katrina and Zayed will be performing for both the Bangalore and Kolkata matches for the Royal Challengers while Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will be performing at Bangalore. I don’t know about Kolkata Knight Riders’ plans. Being the home team, they will have an event in Kolkata.”

Says an actress on condition of anonymity, “SRK has invited lots of stars to attend the first few matches of his teams including the opening ceremony and the match at Kolkata on April 20. Karan Johar, Gauri Khan, Arjun Rampal and Mehr Jessia, Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, Chunky and Bhavna Pandey, Riteish Deshmukh, Queenie Dhody, Kajal Anand, Karisma Kapoor and Malaika Arora will be attending the matches. Priyanka Chopra, Amrita Arora, Kareena Kapoor and Farah Khan were invited too.”

The Morani brothers were to do a grand event for the opening ceremony in Bangalore but that had to be cancelled after instructions from Bangalore franchisee. So the Moranis will only be doing firework displays.

Sanjay Gupta, who will be directing Katrina Kaif and Zayed Khan in Mallya’s IPL music video, sums it up, “I know Katrina is performing. I will be shooting the video with her on April 15 in Mumbai. She’s being presented as a rock star diva in it. She was No 1 on my wish list and Vijay made it happen. The opening matches are in Bangalore and Kolkata with the two most hyped and celebrated teams Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers it will be fun!”

SRK’s close buddy Farah Khan says, “I was invited too but I couldn’t go as my babies are too young at two months. I can’t leave them for 24 hours.”

Karan Johar says, “Yes I will be going for both the ceremonies to cheer Shah Rukh’s team. It’s like my own.”

Upala KBR

‘It's my team dude, and when I attend matches my team wins’

Shah Rukh Khan has reduced ticket prices for IPL matches in Kolkata, the cheapest ticket will be only Rs 100

Barely a few days before ticket sales start for the present season of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Kolkata, Shah Rukh Khan of Knight Riders Sports Pvt Ltd has managed to keep the ticket prices considerably low compared to other cricketing facilities in the league. Of all the team owners, Shah Rukh has been making constant efforts to make the matches, starting on April 20 at Eden Gardens, accessible to the students and the masses. While the most expensive ticket has been priced at Rs 5450, the cheapest available ticket is for Rs 100. Shah Rukh explains, “Ticket prices are kept like that because I was very clear that the matches should be accessible to everyone, especially the students. The idea is to encourage people and the audience to participate in huge numbers.”

The superstar and cricket enthusiast is hosting the matches at Eden Gardens, one of the finest and largest cricket grounds in the world, and therefore, he will ensure his profit from the bulk ticket sales. “Being a star we at Knight Riders like house-full. Our stadium is twice the size of any other in the country so our outlay is quite big anyway,” he says.

The bookings have just opened for members of the Cricket Association of Bengal, and the actor is hoping that the sales will be good once it opens to general public. Interestingly, the actor intends to personally interact with the 1000th individual buying the ticket. SRK tells us, “Right now the ticket sales have just started for cricket association people. I hope the sales will be good once it opens for the general public. Every 1000th ticket bought will be given personally by me.”

Shah Rukh wants the fast-paced three-and-a-half-hour Twenty20 match a complete paisa vasool for the audience. Apart from watching cricketing legends running between the wickets, the audience will indulge in star gazing and witness live gigs at the stadium. The actor, who will be present at the stands to cheer up his team, will be accompanied by his celebrity friends. Talking about his plans, he says, “I will be attending all the matches in Kolkata and will be present on the following day as well. It's my team dude, and when I attend matches my team wins. Always… My family and friends will also be present.”

Sandipan Dalal, Mumbai Mirror

I’m feeling proud, says Shah Rukh

-In between appearances at the Eden Gardens, honour for the superstar in France

Calcutta: Two months ago, Shah Rukh Khan brought traffic to a halt in Berlin. Something similar could well happen once the Kolkata Knight Riders’ home matches begin in the city. In between, traffic may come to a standstill in Paris.

For, come April 27, Knight Riders’ owner Shah Rukh will be in the French capital to unveil his own wax statue at the Gevin Museum, which has been in existence since the late 19th century.

“I believe I’m the second Indian, after Mahatma Gandhi, to be honoured in such a fashion… It’s going to be a big event in my life and, naturally, I’m feeling proud,” Shah Rukh told The Telegraph in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Laughing, he’d added: “I’ll, of course, wear my best black suit… One befitting the occasion.”

Shah Rukh, incidentally, has already been presented with the Insignia of Officer in the Order of Arts and Literature by the French government.

He features in Madame Tussauds, yes, but the Gevin Museum honour is clearly something very special for him.

The Knight Riders’ first home game (against Hyderabad) is on April 20, with the next being on April 29 (versus Mumbai). Shah Rukh, who has promised not to miss a single home match, intends inviting the Tollywood brigade during the game against Mumbai.

The naach-gana issue in the break between innings is still unclear, because of the impasse over the entertainment tax, but there definitely won’t be a dearth of stars even off the Eden turf.

The Telegraph - Calcutta