Emami renews endorsement contract with SRK

Bollywood's Shahenshah Amitabh Bachchan and Badshah Shah Rukh Khan may not see eye to eye but Kolkata-based FMCG major Emami has successfully kept the two superstars together as its brand ambassadors.

Emami has renewed contracts of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to endorse its products for another two-and-a-half years. Big B and SRK have been endorsing Emami's Navratna oil together.

While Bachchan endorses Boroplus antiseptic cream together with Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor, SRK promotes fairness cream and other healthcare products of the group. Bachchan also endorses Emami's fast relief balm.

Commenting on the renewal of contracts with the two superstars, a company official told PTI that it was about continuing loyalty.

“At a time when 'old is not gold' Emami is continuing loyalty with the superstars of Bollywood. SRK enhances brand value. He is still an icon in India,'' the official said.

While SRK will continue to feature in their fairness cream and other healthcare products' ads, Amitabh Bachchan will endorse Boro Plus anti septic cream and fast relief balm. Both the stars will endorse Emami's Navratna brand together as before, the offi cial said.

The two bollywood stars were roped in by the company in 2005 with an estimated fee of around Rs 5-10 crore. Company officials declined to comment on the amount for the renewal of contracts but industry insiders said it could be almost in the same range as before.

The Hindu - Business Line

It's no pain, no gain for Shah Rukh Khan

No pain, no gain seems to be SRK'S newest mantra. The King Khan, the thorough professional, is making sure that none of his ailments come in way of his commitments and his desire to continue ruling the Box Office.

That was evident recently when the ace actor completed an action sequence for 'Billoo Barber' despite being in sheer pain. According to reports, SRK had hurt his knee playing football in London during a holiday and since hasn't had the time to recover completely. And to add to the woes he has been shooting continuously since he came back from UK.

Apparently, SRK suffered from a water retention problem and was terribly uncomfortable but being the workaholic that he is, he finished a schedule of Yash Raj's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi on time and didn't inform anyone of his injury except for good friend -Aditya Chpra.

If this wasn't all for the poor soul, he went on to complete an action sequence for his home production 'Billoo Barber' which is being directed by Priyadarshan. His efforts have undoubtedly left Priyadarshan deeply as he was quoted saying, "He had hurt himself prior to the shoot but you would never realise it when you consider the way he has performed the action scenes."

The whole effort gets more kudos as Shah Rukh, it is learnt had to learn 'Alayi Hejje'; a very difficult dance art form for the same. Insider reports suggest that SRK's knee is perpetually under stress as it hasn't recovered fully even after two surgeries he had gone through some years ago and hence, it pains every now and then. Perhaps, this level of professionalism is what sets SRK apart, making him the baadshah of Bollywood.

Zee News

SRK as 'Rocky' in Koochie Koochie Hota Hai

Karan's debut film, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai which is being adapted into an animation film, titled Koochie Koochie Hota Hai would be Dharma Productions' first animation film. The film will be co-produced by Prana (a seasoned animation house). However, this animation film, which has a plot similar to K2H2, will be picturised on animals and the animal kingdom.

The core love story is between three dogs, and the supporting cast has roosters, bears, pigs, cats, and many others from the barn. Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani essay the voices for 'Rocky', 'Angie', and 'Tina' respectively, (minor tweak on the original names). The potential release date is late summer of 2009.

Last but not the least is My Name Is Khan, which goes on floors in November this year and would be shot at length in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, and Mumbai. The film is scheduled to release by end of next year. Karan adds that, "the film at heart is a love story. At the soul of it, it makes a social comment, and at the whole of it, it's a human triumph tale." Five films in the making, Karan Johar definitely has a lot going on. Keep it up KJo.

Screen India

Shah Rukh's Laloo Connection

He came, He played and he conquered hearts… Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav Pass ho Gaye ‘Almost’ On The Grand Finale of Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?

Laloo Prasad Yadav is a name that needs no introduction. There is little doubt that this Indian railway minister casts a unique figure in the hurly-burly of Indian politics. Be it his hair, his dialect, the style in which he celebrates festivals everything makes a headline. His humility and wit charms all and sundry; even Shah Rukh Khan couldn’t escape of Laloo Prasad Yadav’s Charismatic charm as he graces Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? grand Finale as a contestant.

This Sunday is sure to be a laughter riot with Shah Rukh’s witty humour and Laloo’s repartees. This Railway minister who turned around the financial report card on the Indian Railways in the last 55 years couldn’t recall names of all his kids together in a family photograph. It’s it funny? Or The rail minister giving Shah Rukh Khan recipe to make Indian desert ‘sattu’ and then offering to make it for Shah Rukh at his place at ‘Mannat’, speaks about the instant rapport that the duo struck on the show.

Straight from the shoot: - Laloo looked nervous when he entered the set. He said it feels back to school with this atmosphere and the class modeled set. But when SRK took him through the show format, Laloo opened up and suddenly his energy rubbed onto everybody around; the host, the classmates and the audience. On being quizzed about his youngers days, Laloo revealed he was handsome; he had black hair then. Shah Rukh complimented on his style, said that his hairstyle is very popular.

Laloo answered all the questions like rapid fire and turned out to be a very intelligent student in Shgah Rukh’s classroom. Shah Rukh insisted that he should be called ‘Laloo encyclopedia’ . Apart from quizzing and serious deliberations over some of the questions Shah Rukh also indulged in playing naughty with Laloo. He questioned laloo on his romantic quotient and asked him the most romantic thing that he did for his wife, Rabri Devi. “Rabri to khud hi rabri Jaisi hai”, replied a shy Laloo. SRK also made Laloo groove to Chaiyya Chaiyya. He jokingly said he agreed to do this song only for the betterment Railways. Laloo showed his singing talent; sang a HOLI song for everybody in the audience. He also very emotionally eneded the episode by reciting Saare Jahaan se Acchaa Hindustan hamaraa…. He will be donating the amount won on the show to Railway minister’s relief fund. Watch Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain? On Sunday, July 27, 8 pm

India Infoline

SRK - Katrina In Yash Chopra´s Film

There is a strong buzz that veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra has offered top actress Katrina Kaif the female lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in his next directorial venture after 'Veer-Zaara'.

If sources are to be believed, Chopra made the offer to a thrilled Katrina (via a phone call) on her birthday, that is 16th July.

As far as the confirmation of the above is concerned, despite many attempts, Yash Raj Films' spokesperson could not be contacted.

As may be recalled, Katrina is already doing a film directed by Kabir Khan for Yash Raj Films, opposite John Abraham and Neil Mukesh.

Sanju to play peacemaker

The news of the Shah Rukh-Salman fight has reached Cape Town, South Africa where Sanjay Dutt is shooting for Chatur Singh Two Star. Sanju is close to both Salman as well as SRK. The fact that they were involved in a scrap deeply dirsturbs him.

Speaking from Cape Town, Dutt says, "I still can't believe what's happened. I am shocked! I am so glad I am out of all this. It would have been painful for me to have seen something that involved two of my dearest friends."

B-Town is going through a state of flux after the SRK-Salman fight with most stars picking camps. Is he going to pick a side? Dutt says firmly, "No way! I am very close to both and it would be impossible for me to take sides.

Both Shah Rukh and Salman are like my younger brothers. I love them dearly and it wouldn't be fair of me to side with one of them. I have never been associated with any camp. I don't intend being part of one today."

His thoughts on the fight? Dutt says, "I can't comment on that. I am sure everyone has his/her own perspective; but what happened was very unfortunate. I am sure things could have been amicably solved."

Dutt has always been known as an elder brother who has been there for the industry when any situation has taken place be it raising funds for tsunami victims or fighting for a cause.

Has he tried to patch up things between SRK and Salman? "Well, I am busy shooting in South Africa right now but I will definitely try and do something when I am back."

'Don't invite guests if you're going to insult them'

Insiders are of the opinion that Dutt was shocked at Salman's behaviour. Says a source, "Sanju and his wife Mana felt that it was rude of Salman to invite Shah Rukh and then insult him.

You can't insult your own guest no matter what issues you have with him. If you have problems with someone, don't invite him to your party."

Salman's pre-planned attack on Shah Rukh

If rumours are to be believed, the Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan duel was planned in advance. The incident seems to be a blot on Bollywood’s face as two leading stars of the Indian film industry fought and abused each other like kindergarten classmates.

The industry insiders say that the public spat between the two stars during a birthday bash bode ill for the film industry in India as it tore to shreds the impression that every thing is so nice in Bollywood.

Apparently, the nice things about the Bollywood are the creation of the sets so magnificently prepared and not due to the affable nature of our heroes.

Salman seem to have grudges about Shah Rukh Khan and he started talking him badly ever since he entered the hotel where the lavish birthday party was organized by Salman Khan for Katrina Kaif. Salman Khan is dating Katrina for the last five years ever since Aishwarya Rai broke away with him.

King Khan initially avoided responded to his vitriolic, but thing went out of hand when Sallu threatened to beat him. This infuriated Shah Rukh so much that he said that he would beat Salman, there before the eyes of his friends and relatives.

Aamir Khan who tried to intervene was also reportedly showed away by Salman Khan. Luckily Gauri intervened before it was too late and said she was leaving. She took Shah Rukh’s hand and led him outside.

Salman has a very troubled and infamous past. His turbulent relationship with actress Aishwarya Rai was a well publicised topic in the Indian media, and had constantly filled gossip columns. After their break-up in March 2002, Rai accused him of harassing her. She claimed that Khan had not been able to come to terms with their break-up and was hounding her; her parents lodged a complaint against him.

Salman was arrested in 2002 for rash and negligent driving. His car had collided into a bakery in Mumbai killing a person and injuring three others.

In the year 2006 Sallu was acused of blackbuck hunting and was sentenced 1 year in prison. He spent several days in jail later.

Qanita Iram, Khabrein

'Shah Rukh's dedication to work is tremendous'

After being in the news in the past few days, has Shah Rukh switched off?

He has stopped using his mobile phone on the sets completely. The actor, whose is currently shooting for his next home production Billoo Barber, does not want to be disturbed by unwanted calls.

Priyadarshan, the director of the film, is completely bowled over by Shah Rukh’s dedication.

“Many stars can’t live without their phones. They give one shot and then get busy with their phone calls, but Shah Rukh seems to be from a different world. He is not using his cell phone at all on the sets. No messaging, no phone calls, nothing. He makes himself so engrossed in the process of filmmaking that it is infectious to others,” he says.

Priyadarshan adds, “His dedication to work is tremendous. Billoo Barber is his film and he is definitely setting an example for the entire cast and crew. He is the busiest man of the industry, he must be getting many calls and needs to attend them too, but he knows that doing several things at a time will harm his own project. I have never seen him even holding his cell phone on the sets.”

With this, Shah Rukh joins the league of other actors like Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, who are inaccessible when they are busy with their projects.

Priyadarshan says his cast and crew is hero worshipping Shah Rukh. “He has this uncanny ability to win over people and he has become a favourite of every one on the sets. I’m totally bowled over looking at his intensity and professionalism. My assistant directors flock around him as if he is their brother,” he says.

And how is King Khan as a producer? Is he finicky?

“I have never met a producer like him. He has asked me to make the film and he is taking care of the funding and other departments. He doesn’t even know what I’m doing with the film and how do I plan to shoot. He has given a free hand to me. That’s a sign of a man who has enormous confidence and faith on his team,” Priyadarshan ends.

Prithwish Ganguly, DNA India

Shah Rukh being targeted again

Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek, Aishwarya, Preity Zinta and Ritiesh Deshmukh, part of the month-long, The Unforgettables Tour, running across US, Canada, UK and the West Indies, have just finished their first two shows in Toronto and Trinidad.

Yesterday, Amitabh Bachchan in his blog made a telling statement about the show. We quote verbatim: "I am shocked and covered in disbelief at being privy personally to a design by certain sections of the media and the fraternity to bring down this show.

To kill it, to malign and write it off. This is shameful and disgusting.

"I have on several occasions spoken of a bias that exists for no reason whatsoever, against us and on each occasion, you my readers, have pleaded that I ignore them for greater dignity and character. But I am compelled to talk about it, dignity can take a walk for a while, because it has already started," wrote Bachchan.

When this reporter spoke to Bachchan in Toronto and asked him to 'talk about it', he chose to sit on the fence. "SRK is a friend and a well-wisher, not just of my family and me, but also of the fraternity and the industry. Also the speculation on the list of names [SRK, Salman and Aamir] is a lot of rubbish. I do not have any issues with any of them."

Says a source in the film industry, "It's difficult to understand whom Amitabh Bachchan means by the 'fraternity'. He has issues with Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Is he trying to say that they are out to sabotage his show? Aamir had made nasty remarks about Big B on Black, which Bachchan hasn't forgotten or forgiven though he made pretence of making up at Aamir's Jaane Tu premiere.

Bachchan and his family don't like Salman because of his history with Aishwarya, while his rivalry and cold war with Shah Rukh is a well-known fact especially after Shah Rukh ousted Bachchan from KBC3. Bachchan hasn't forgotten or forgiven him."

An US promoter, on condition of anonymity, confirmed that there have been attempts by a 'big star' to pull down The Unforgettables tour, "A big event organiser in India, has tried in multiple ways, to sabotage our shows.

The attempt was made at the behest of a very big star. This star tried to schedule his shows in UK and the USA in same cities as the Unforgettables tour, just a month before the tour and at half the rates we were offering. But he couldn't do it as it wasn't financially viable. So now the star is spreading rumours of our show in Toronto being a flop with tickets being sold at high prices."

"Mr Bachchan is an experienced hand at shows and is involved at every stage. Nobody will try to mess with us again though they tried very hard. It's an expensive show with each show costing over a million dollars (Rs 4.2 crore), while a Shah Rukh Khan show costs just $4,50,000 (Rs 1.9 crore)."

Upala KBR, Mid-Day

Star Wars

The fledgling truce between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan over Shah Rukh’s joke about Aishwarya and Salman at Katrina Kaif’s birthday party on Wednesday, seems to have come all but undone. A source present at the party said that while Katrina turned teary-eyed at Salman’s behaviour, it was Aamir who told Salman it was ‘important for them to stick together’. Later that night, he accompanied Salman to Mannat where Salman reportedly apologised to Shah Rukh.

It was an uneasy alliance to begin with - Aamir was blogging about his dog called Shah Rukh, Shah Rukh had flatly refused Salman’s earnest request to do an item number in his home production Main Aur Mrs Khanna and Salman was sniggering that Aamir
wasn’t a Khan at all, but a Hussain. Isn’t he the son of Tahir Hussain?

While the spat may have stunned the industry, Amod Mehra says such differences won’t have any impact on the trade itself. “Whether they fall out or come together, it only makes a difference if there’s a film in question like Karan Arjun or Andaz Apna Apna,” he says.

Could the proximity between the Khans have been fuelled in part by their finding common cause against the Bachchans, especially after Amitabh recently revived the defunct ABCL with the active support of bahu Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and with the new entity, AB Corp, being bankrolled to the tune of Rs 1500 crore by friend Anil Ambani’s Reliance Big Entertainment?

“I don’t think ABCL’s revival is a cause for worry for any of the Khans. Reliance and Amitabh Bachchan have a big roadmap and they will play in their territory. Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir have individual fan followings and operate as individual players,” says film distributor Rajesh Thadani.

But despite the niceties, there’s little to suggest that they’ve drawn up any common gameplan. Shah Rukh took his time to cool down after Salman earned his ire by creating a scene with Aishwarya on the sets of Chalte Chalte. Now twice bitten, it’s unlikely that the two stars will let down their guard with each other in the future. It’s back to square one.

Saumit Singh & Prithwish Ganguly, DNA