Don’t mind my business, mind yours: SRK

Shah Rukh Khan’s message to the officials who have a problem with his presence in the dug-out area

It’s not easy being a celebrity. Shah Rukh Khan is living proof of that. The actor rarely gets upset, but when his authority is challenged, King Khan roars loudly.

On Sunday, the actor was told to keep a safe distance from his team. The Anti-Corruption Unit of the ICC told the KKR owner that he should not be in the players’ dressing room and their dug-out was out of bounds too.

Yesterday, IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi briefed the media on allowing owners of IPL teams access to dug-out area for unlimited time, there was a rumour that Shah Rukh and other owners would have only fifteen minutes of time in the specified area.

When asked about the controversy Shah Rukh says, “I have no issue with them. Nor do I need to ask for 15 minutes etc to meet with the team I own. Only IPL or IMG or whoever is in charge of stuff on grounds should inform their officials from ICC or whatever other agency they are from, about the rules before they question someone who has all the accreditations, passes or permissions with him/her and incidentally, happens to be the owner of the team too.”

The actor feels he is being targetted because he is a celebrity, “It’s quite prevalent now to take on a known personality and behave high-handedly so that one gains some form of personal importance. It’s happened a few times before, during the matches too.

I decided to be civilised about it, in the larger interest of my team’s morale and state of mind especially when they were down. Someone sent me a message yesterday if you want to lead the orchestra you have to learn to turn your back to the crowds.

I guess I will turn my back on this one too and keep trying to make the music that makes sense to me and that gives me very little time to answer to these loud regulatory noises around me don’t walk here, don’t enter the dressing room, don’t dance there, don’t meet players! Hey!

How about don’t mind my business, try and mind yours more efficiently for a change that will be more helpful. Now if I want to meet my team I will do so at my house, or in their hotel, not on the grounds for 15 minutes!”

Shah Rukh can cheer from dugout

A day after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was barred entry to his team's dressing room, the Indian Premier League authorities on Monday issued fresh guidelines which has cleared the deck for the presence of a franchise owner in the team dug-out for the Twenty20 matches.

IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi announced that the organisers would issue an all-area accreditation badge to one member of each of the eight team franchisees, following the ejection of Shah Rukh from the dug-out by the Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) officials of the International Cricket Council.

While defending the decision of the ACSU officials to ask the film star to vacate the dug-out during the IPL tie against Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens, Modi said suitable measures would be taken to avoid repeatation of this kind of incidents.

"There have been reports in the media about denial of a team owner access to the dug out and dressing room. The IPL is conducted as per the rules and regulations of the ICC whose ACSU officials were just doing the job entrusted," Modi said.

"They go strictly by the colour code. A red badge issued by the ACSU, on approval of the team manager, will help the person holding it access to all areas," he said. ( Watch )

"This is what we intend to do by giving each of the team owners one such badge each. They do have the right to sit with the players in the dug outs and dressing rooms," Modi said.

Shah Rukh was visibly dejected after being denied an entry into the dressing room and the actor said, "I like to hang around with the boys. I am very energetic. I am very disappointed that the ICC has stopped me," he said.

"I don't know the ICC rules. I'll tell only one thing. Nobody dare stop me from coming to Kolkata. I'll be here whenever my team plays a match at the Eden," Khan said.

Knight Riders CEO Joy Bhattacharya said ICC rules were meant to stop bookies entering the dressing room but it did not apply in a domestic tournament like IPL.

"When these rules were framed, the concept of franchisee owners' domestic tournament didn't even come, the law was not framed to stop people like Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Mukesh Ambani or Vijay Mallya from walking into the dressing room," he said.

"According to even ICC regulations, there is a system of visitor's pass, the manager and team management sign it. The person can be allowed in the dressing room as long as it is signed by. So there is no way to stop Shah Rukh from entering the dressing room," Bhattacharya added.

BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, meanwhile, asserted that Shah Rukh has to go by ICC rules, even though he felt nothing could really stop the actor from entering the dressing room.

"He should take permission from IPL's anti-corruption officer before entering into the dressing room," Shah said.

Times Of India

Monday, May 19, 2008

Shah Rukh Khan The Good Samaritan

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Shah Rukh Khan is playing Good Samaritan again.

The actor has rushed to financially help a Kashmiri Pandit refugee family, the Rainas. The family met with a dangerous car accident while travelling from Jammu to Delhi.

The eldest member of the Raina family died on the spot, while her son Deepak Raina, daughter-in-law Neenu Raina and their two-year-old daughter were seriously injured. The family is admitted in Delhi's Apollo Hospital. Neenu is currently in coma, while Deepak is critical and the child has almost lost all senses in the lower half of her body.

Social activist cum film director Ashoke Pandit learnt about Raina's misery and immediately sent a text message to Shah Rukh. Pandit confirms and says, "When I came to know about the predicament of the Raina family, I immediately messaged Shah Rukh about the sorry financial status of this family. Raina is a middle class family, and the cost of their treatment is going to be enormous."

Pandit says, "Shah Rukh promptly called me up and offered to help in whatever way possible. Within two days, I received a cheque from Gauri Khan (Shah Rukh's wife) pledging their support to the family."

When asked about the amount that Shah Rukh contributed to help the Raina family recover, Pandit says that he would not like to disclose the amount. "Let's not talk about that. Shah Rukh has helped enough. His moral and financial support does not need numbers," Pandit says.

Incidentally, this is not the first time Shah Rukh has responded to Pandit's call. Pandit says, "A few months ago, I sent him a similar message to help me with the treatment of a 10-year-old suffering from cancer. The child's single mother could not afford the medical expenses. Even though Shah Rukh was not in India that time, he immediately volunteered to help. Unfortunately, the child passed away before the treatment. Later, Shah Rukh himself called me to ask about the child. When I told him that the child was no more, he was terribly disheartened that he could do nothing to save the child."

“This gesture by Shah Rukh is an inspiration for me to continue helping people in distress. I must add here that the NGOs who are objecting to Shah Rukh's smoking in public are wasting their time. Instead, they should appeal to the government to ban cigarettes and liquor," Pandit adds.

We sent a text message to Shah Rukh, but he chose to remain silent.

Vickey Lalwani & Kunal.M.Shah, Mumbai Mirror

'No one can stop me'

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Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan Sunday expressed disappointment at the ICC Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) barring him from going to the team dugout and dressing room in the remaining matches.

“I like to hang around with the boys. I am very energetic. I am very disappointed that the ICC has stopped me. I don’t know the rules. I’ll tell only one thing. Nobody dare stop me from coming to Calcutta. I’ll be here whenever my team plays a match at the Eden,” he said.

The ACU officials had cautioned the superstar about going into the dressing room and the team dugout. He was, however, present there during the match and also sat for some time in the visitors’ dugout.

The Telegraph India

Sunday, May 18, 2008

SRK all set to recreate DDLJ magic in RNBDJ

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The debutant actress Anushka Sharma and the Bollywood superstar, Shahrukh Khan, faced the camera for the mahurat shoot of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi at Filmcity in suburban Mumbai. Expressing her excitement, Anushka said that working with SRK was her dream, which had just begun. She also said that she was eagerly looking forward to shooting with the King Khan.

Khan had a good run in 2007 and gave two of the biggest hits of the year, Chak De India and Om Shanti Om (OSO). The latter featured Deepika Padukone, another Banglorean, who made her debut in the film and is one of the most sought after actresses now.

Despite having a hectic and tight schedule with his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the television show ’Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain’, the actor was full of energy at the mahurat.

Interacting with the media persons, he said that the first day of shooting still gave him goose bumps. Yash Chopra, the veteran filmmaker, was also present during the shoot. SRK added that to make films with Yash Raj, that too when Aditya Chopra was directing, was an experience one shouldn’t miss. “Yash Raj Films, is, was, and will remain a home for me,” Khan was quoted as saying.

When asked about the movie and the role he would be playing, King Khan said that Yash Chopra and Adi had always given him roles that suited him, did justice to him and were appreciated and loved by the fans all over the globe. He further added that in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, the character he would be playing would become as beloved as Raj of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (DDLJ).

SRK declined to divulge further details of his new role in the film. But one thing is for sure, the movie is all set to recreate the DDLJ magic.

Gloria D Souza, Meri News

SRK - Knight Riders Threaten Legal Action

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The Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday threatened to take “all possible action, including legal”, against Pakistani newspaper The Nation for its report that Shoaib Akhtar was questioned at the Karachi airport for allegedly carrying a large number of syringes.

In a press statement on Saturday night, the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise threw their full support behind the beleaguered speedster and said this was a “clear attempt at slander”.

“We are talking to our lawyers… We want to see how we can build up a case and we would take necessary action at the earliest,” a member of the team management said.

The statement carried four-point clarifications, refuting the report carried by the Pakistani daily.

“1. Shoaib Akhtar travelled to India from Lahore, not Karachi. 2. He travelled to Calcutta via Delhi, not Mumbai, as claimed by the report. 3. He did not travel with any hand baggage and therefore the question of syringes does not arise. 4. He was not stopped or questioned by any official of the Indian or Pakistani customs,” the statement read.

The Telegraph India

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Time to look ahead, says Shah Rukh

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Going by the numbers on the shirts of thousands of fans, Friday’s IPL contest here was between (Sachin) Tendulkar’s No.10 and (Shah Rukh) Khan’s No.12.

It turned out to be a no-contest with the Mumbai Indians thrashing the Kolkata Knight Riders before a packed and delirious Wankhede.

The massive defeat, though, didn’t dishearten owner Shah Rukh.

“A bad defeat, yes, but the way forward is to forget about today and look ahead to Sunday and the match against the Chennai Super Kings,” Shah Rukh told The Telegraph.

As is customary for him, Shah Rukh went to the Mumbai Indians’ dressing room and congratulated the winners. In fact, he left the Wankhede after the teams.

Shah Rukh, by the way, said that there would be no party in the hours immediately after the match.

“Not because we lost, but because John (Buchanan, coach) didn’t want one tonight... As tomorrow (Saturday) is a day of travel, he made this request a couple of days ago. That’s why, for a change, we had a party on the eve of the match...”

Incidentally, Shah Rukh may rush back to Mumbai after Sunday’s match at the Eden as he has plenty of non-IPL commitments to keep.

A handsome Knight Riders’ win could, however, hold him back.

The Telegraph India

Friday, May 16, 2008

Shah Rukh Khan starts shooting for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

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Who would think that 13 years have passed since the first time this jodi came together? At that time, the director was merely the scion of a great filmmaking family and the star was best known for taking on negative roles that no one else would. Then the magic they conjured up in their first film together, redefined Hindi cinema and set them on their respective paths to the heights of glory.

Now 13 years after Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge first took the country by storm, and eight years after Mohabbatein, the jodi of Aditya Chopra, superstar director, and Shah Rukh Khan, superstar actor are together again, this time for the latest from Aditya Chopra as director, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi with newcomer Anushka Sharma who joined in on the first day of shoot. It was evident that Shah Rukh Khan was approaching this new role with his old comrade, with as much gusto and passion as ever.

"Starting the first day of shooting is what still gives me goose bumps like nothing else," said King Khan. "And to make films with Yash Raj, that too when Adi is directing, is an experience that is more than 100% exciting. Yash Raj Films is, and will always be, home for me and who doesn't love coming home? Yash ji and Adi have always given me roles that have gotten me love and appreciation from fans all over the world. And this time Adi has again written a character for me to play that I think will become as beloved as Raj of DDLJ was. I am going to be trying as usual to hit it out of the park with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi."

And with these words, Shah Rukh Khan signed off from the first day of shooting, conveying to the world that something special was in the air, the most awaited film of the year was rolling as planned, and the Aditya Chopra - Shah Rukh Khan jodi was again creating that little bit of magic! Newcomer Anushka Sharma who was eagerly looking forward to this day…the first day of shoot, for her the dream has just begun!

Yash Chopra was also present on the sets of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi on the first day of shoot to bless his son and the unit at the onset of this new production.

Bollywood Hungama

Shah Rukh in his new avatar

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The Knight Riders’ owner, Shah Rukh Khan, has had a hair cut after ages.

“They cut it this (Thursday) morning for my new film — Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi,” he remarked during a TV shoot in the afternoon."

Turning to Sourav, he asked: “Theek hai na? Looks good?”

His captain gave a spontaneous thumbs-up.

Shah Rukh is all set to prove himself

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For those who think that Shah Rukh Khan cannot play anything beyond stereotypical characters, think again.

Shah Rukh’s close buddy Karan Johar has challenged Shah Rukh’s acting abilities by asking him to play an autistic in his next, My Name is Khan .

No doubt SRK will take inspiration from Dustin Hoffman, who played an autistic in Rain Man (1988). Rain Man is a 1988 film by Barry Levinson, which tells the story of an abrasive, selfish yuppie, Charlie Babbitt, who discovers that his father has left all of his multimillion-dollar estate to his brother, Raymond, a savant, whom he never knew existed.

Shah Rukh did not take long to say ‘yes’ to Karan. Our well-placed source in Bollywood says, “SRK can’t wait for the film to begin. He is very excited about playing this different character.” Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder, which starts off in childhood. It is characterised by impaired communication, excessive rigidity, and emotional detachment.

“However, he will have to wait, since My Name Is Khan has been delayed. Karan had allowed Aditya Chopra to start Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi first, so SRK will first free himself from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (opposite the 19-year old Bangalorean newcomer Anushka Sharma) and then get on to this challenging role,” our source adds.

A source close to Shah Rukh says, “He’s adventurous and dares to take risks, he dares to be different, and he dares to break all rules. It is a misconception that he is repetitive and does not like to play different characters. His performances in Swades and Chak De! India are the best examples to prove this point. My Name Is Khan will be a trump card in SRK’s repertoire. Playing an autistic person will be challenging. Shah Rukh will have to do a lot of homework.”