Imran Khan going the Shahrukh way

That's the kind of sentiment which is prevailing amongst those who have seen him becoming an instant heartthrob with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa and donning a different hat altogether for his upcoming release Kidnap. Reason? From a chocolate boy who played the character of a holier-than-thou college pass out in Jtyjn, Imran Khan would be seen in a villainous role in his very second film Kidnap. Of course, there would be write-ups around how he is a young man with shades-of-gray (a much abused phrase, just like 'we are just good friends') but one look at the promos and you know that Imran is all set to give some serious heart burn to none less than Sanjay Dutt in this Sanjay Gadhvi directed film.

So where does Shahrukh Khan come into picture here?

Well, if one goes down the memory lane, even King Khan too started off with light roles (Deewana, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, King Uncle) before he shocked the Industry with his hat-trick of villainous performances in Baazigar, Darr and Anjaam. As an anti-hero, his only justifiable act of being a gray character was in Baazigar though he continued to play the central protagonist in the remaining two films as well.

Raam Jaane followed soon and just when it seemed that playing a man with evil traits was getting a little too predictable, he turned all naughty and mushy with films like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge and Yes Boss, hence doing the balancing act remarkably well. It is a different story though post the success of these films, he became a quintessential Raj/Rahul for the entire world that included his millions of NRI fans and followers.

Now Imran Khan too seems to be following the same trend with an anti-hero role soon after a film like Jtyjn which has turned out to be the biggest ever grosser for a newcomer. Kidnap should only make things further interesting for this young man!

Karan Johar and Farah discuss SRK on ‘Sajid’s Superstars’

What happens when two filmmakers who have shared an entire overseas and Indian market between themselves come together on ‘Sajid’s Superstars’? Well, it is time for some ‘masti’, ‘maza’, ‘dhoom’ and lots of humor, all on the same platform, as Karan Johar and Farah Khan get chatting with Sajid Khan.

Going by the tradition, we at Bollywood Hungama bring to you some Exclusive tidbits on what to expect from this weekend’s episode.

- When it comes to Karan Johar and Farah Khan, it is inevitable to leave Shah Rukh Khan out of the discussion. Both have always made movies with Shah Rukh Khan, their respective projects (My Name Is Khan, Happy New Year) which would soon go on floors are with King Khan as well while it is quite obvious that their future projects would feature him too. No wonder, Sajid goes ahead and quizzes both Karan and Farah on how well they both know their favorite actor and thick friend! And by the way, Farah goes on to win the quiz!

- In fact, apart from Shah Rukh Khan, Karan and Farah are also quizzed about each other. An interesting segment revolving around ‘how well do you know each other’, this one has resulted in some lighthearted banter as well.

- Both Karan and Farah have worked with a prominent film personality and then disassociated with them in recent times. While Nikhil Advani assisted Karan in his films before being given a chance to direct Kal Ho Na Ho, Anu Malik gave a chartbuster musical score for Main Hoon Naa. However, Karan and Nikhil split soon after while Farah looked at A.R. Rahman before finalizing Vishal-Shekhar for Om Shanti Om. What led to thick friends like Karan and Nikhil becoming bitter enemies? Why didn’t Farah have Anu Malik as her first choice for Om Shanti Om? KJo and Farah explain!

- Apparently Karan wasn’t too fond of Om Shanti Om while for Farah Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna didn’t really work! On being asked if this was the truth, both film makers, in their uncharacteristic humor, went on to oath on each other (in light humor of course) that they did actually love each other’s cinema!

- The favorite section of ‘Sajid’s Superstars’, the one on the worst scenes in the careers of the celebrity on the show, brings with it quite some fun in the Karan-Farah episode. Though it is expected that Sajid would grill them on their worst directed scenes, it is not quite the case as the prankster instead chooses to showcase their worst ‘acted’ scenes. So be prepared to see how Karan goofed it up in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge while Farah wasn’t quite her best in her Om Shanti Om cameo.

- Talking about the acting careers of India’s two most successful directors, there are also some little known facts revealed. Not many know that before facing the camera for Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge, Karan Johar had also applied greasepaint as an actor for television on DD Metro years back. Watch the episode to know more about this piece of history!

- Finally, when it comes to Sajid (especially with sibling Farah around), it is imperative that comparisons between the two filmmakers are made. This is why Arbaaz Khan goes on to put Karan in a tricky situation. He asks him - ‘Who in his opinion is a better director - Farah or Sajid?’

What was Karan’s reply? Well, tune in to Sajid’s Superstars at 8:00 PM (note the revised timings), Saturday on the newly launched channel Colors to find about this and a lot more!

SRK and Sushmita Sen in Dulha Mil Gaya

Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen's chemistry set the screen on fire the last time they were paired opposite each other in Farah Khan's Main Hoon Na. That was a long time back, 2004 to be precise. Now the duo would once again be seen together in Viveck Vaswani's film Dulha Mil Gaya.

This film has been long in the making due to various reasons. However, Viveck had earlier announced right here that the film is now 90% complete. The makers are even eyeing a release sometime around January next year. The film, directed by Mudassar Aziz also stars Fardeen Khan in a prominent role. Dulha Mil Gaya, apart from a stellar cast, also has some beautiful scenes shot aboard a luxury liner and in the Carribean islands. So that's one more reason to check out this film when it opens across cinema halls early next year.

SRK goes house-hunting

Shooting for Billoo Barber in Pollachi was not easy for Lara Dutta. The actress, who has returned from Delhi after receiving the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial award, says it was one of the most difficult schedules of her life.

We actors are quite spoilt as far as basic comforts go. Forget luxury hotels, there were no decent accommodations in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. It was just very basic."

Billoo producer Shah Rukh Khan is obliged to Lara for stepping in for the project when every leading lady from Bipasha to Ameesha turned him down. The actress reveals that he took charge of Lara's accommodation.

"When Shah Rukh got to know there were no proper hotels in Pollachi, he personally made inquiries about where I could stay. He found out about this super old plantation-styled South Indian home where we'd be comfortable. SRK himself scouted around personally for this place. He then went to the house and checked it out before we moved there. It was really sweet. No producer would do this. They'd make you stay in whatever was available. SRK was fabulous."

To add to her woes, Lara also found a huge poisonous snake in her room one day. "I'm not really scared of snakes. I've come across some in my time. But the whole surprise and excitement of finding one was quite something."

The worst was yet to come. Says Lara, "We couldn't travel by car or bus. We had to travel on a tractor. The locals had a field day watching me and Shah Rukh swish by, in a tractor. It was quite an experience for me to travel in a tractor in a sari, an entertainment beyond the screen," Lara laughs heartily.

All this roughing out was just what Lara's role required. "These things keep you on your toes as an actor." Billoo Barber was a first for Lara on many counts, "I had never worked with Shah Rukh or Irrfan Khan. It's essentially Irrfan's film. He's such a subtle actor, I had to change my acting style completely."

No clash between BILLOO BARBER and DOSTANA!

Off late there has been a lot of speculation about Shah Rukh Khan's home production, the Priyadarshan directed BILLOO BARBAR, releasing alongside Karan Johar's Tarun Mansukhani directed DOSTANA. However, as per our reliable trade and distribution sources, there is not even an ounce of truth in that.
Those who have been following our regular release updates will know that DOSTANA, starring Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra, is releasing on November 14th, Children's Day, while BILLOO BARBER (featuring Irfaan Khan in the title role) is coming on Diwali (24th October). And that is precisely how things stand as of this moment. So, there is no question of a clash between good friends, Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan's projects.

While on the Diwali week releases, the line up (BILLOO BARBER, HEROES and ROADSIDE ROMEO) no longer has the GOLMAAL sequel, GOLMAAL RETURNS, as it will now hit the screens on 29th/31st October.

SRK's back at it again

Shah Rukh Khan has been busy shooting for Rab Ne Bana De Jodi in Mumbai for the past week. But the King Khan's back is troubling him again so he could not shoot today.

A source close to actor says, "His back pain is giving him trouble again. He has been continuously shooting for Rab Ne… in Mumbai from 11th of this month. Today, we had a morning shift and he informed us that he could not shoot as he is suffering from a severe back pain."

Adds the source, "Last month he was hurt by a wrestler during the Billo Barber shoot down south. That time too he had to stop the shoot and took a massage treatment. He was advised to have rest after last month's incident. Next month we have to go to Amritsar for the next schedule of this film and then to US for Karan Johar's film for two months. So let's see what happens."

Shah Rukh landed in Mumbai a week back after finishing shooting for his home production Billo Barber. A two-day schedule of the film is still pending which is expected to take place on Aug 28 and 29.

In 2003, SRK was operated for a spinal injury in London and his disk was replaced. His back problem started in 2001 during an action sequence which he did for Shakti, where he did a cameo. He had taken many therapies in meantime which did not prove beneficial for him, so finally doctors advised him to go through this surgery. SRK recovered quickly and was back in action.

Both Rab Ne… and Billo Barber are expected to release at the end of the year.

The reason behind SRK's dignified silence

Much has been written about the Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan fight on the night of Katrina Kaif’s birthday party. While Salman has gone about town talking about their differences, SRK has strangely maintained a silence on the issue.

It was said that SRK chose to remain quiet because he was deeply hurt by Salman’s outbursts. However, the truth is that he has been nursing a back injury that he suffered during the shooting of his home production Billoo Barber.

A few years back (2003), SRK had suffered from major back problems and had to go through a life threatening operation for the same. Reportedly, had he not undergone the surgery, there would have been chances of his left hand getting paralysed. During the surgery there was also a possibility of irreparable nerve damage. Thankfully, the operation was successful. But he was asked not to indulge in any kind of exercise.

So when Farah Khan wanted him to do a topless item song for Main Hoon Na, SRK had to turn her down as he was not in the best of shape. But later, he made up for it by flaunting his six-packs in the song, Dard-e-Disco in their next film Om Shanti Om. SRK says, “Yes, I have a bit of an injury in the back.”

About his recent misunderstanding with Salman, he says, “I’ve nothing much to say on the issue than what has already been written. I have too much work to finish—Billoo Barber and Yash Raj Films’ Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.”

Shubha Shetty Saha, DNA India

King Khan in White House

Karan Johar, the producer-director of My Name is Khan was recently in the US location hunting. And also to apply for permission to shoot at the White House, the residence of US president George Bush; and other presidents before him.

If KJo pulls it off, it will be the first time an Indian movie will be shot on what's easily the only location in the world with the tightest security.

An industry source reveals, "Bollywood producers want to offer something new to the audiences. Snoop Dogg was seen in Singh Is Kinng, Sajid Nadiadwala has roped in Holly star Sylvester Stallone for his next, and Ajay Devgan brought in an action director from the US for Toonpur Ka Superhero. The makers want to bring the two cultures and cinematic sensibilities together for the better. However, in My Name Is Khan, the White House is not merely a decoration but an integral part of the script. The film is based on the problems faced by a Muslim man (played by Shah Rukh Khan) living in America."

Karan has applied for permission to shoot in and around the area. Even big Hollywood makers don't really get this level of permission easily. And if Johar pulls this off for this shoot, it will be quite an achievement.

The director, who just returned from the US a couple of days back, admits, "I'm currently working on pre- production. The story of my film takes the lead actors from San Francisco to LA and eventually to Washington DC. I am trying to figure out permissions including locations in and around Washington. I still have a lot of time till I achieve these permissions as I only start the shoot of the movie from February next year."

The spokesperson for the Nation Security Unit in the US says, "It's next to impossible to shoot anything in the White House. Especially if you are not a US citizen. One cannot shoot on the grounds. But various people have shot their movies outside the grounds (outside the gates of the White House) to which we have no control over."

Amul Sharma, Mid-Day

SRK - Ravi Chopra's new KOHINOOR

SRK didn't have enough occasions to make his presence felt in Ravi Chopra's BHOOTHNATH. But now SRK will be seen in a full fledged role in Ravi's forthcoming venture KOHINOOR.

As per the latest buzz in B-town, King Khan has been approached by the veteran filmmaker Ravi Chopra for KOHINOOR. Apparently Abhay Chopra and Kapil Chopra, sons of director/producer Ravi Chopra are planning to make their debut with this film. Kapil the elder son will make his acting debut while younger brother Abhay will make his directorial debut with KOHINOOR by directing him. The story of this action-pack flick would revolve around the famous Kohinoor Diamond.

Though nothing seems to be confirmed as yet from King Khan's side but if everything goes accordingly, than the film will have 2 lead characters of which one will be played by Kapil Chopra and the other one obviously by Shah Rukh Khan.

Now SRK Vs KJO

The hottest buzz doing the rounds in tinsel town is that Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar will soon turn foes, when their films clash with each other at the box-office later this year. Khan's Billoo Barber and Karan's Dostana, may release on the same day, November 14, 2008.

Our source informs that earlier, Shah Rukh had planned to release his film during the Diwali weekend. But for reasons unknown, he has postponed it by over 10 days after the festival gets over, colliding with his director friend's film.

Karan was looking for a good bumper opening for his production, being a solo release on that day. But SRK's announcement to release Billoo on the same day has raised many eyebrows in KJo's camp.

Billoo Barber, which has the same story as Rajinikanth's Kuselan, is based on two friends – one a superstar and the other a barber in a village. It has Shah Rukh and Irrfan Khan in the lead. While Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor romance SRK on screen, Lara Dutta plays Irrfan's wife. Billo has one item song featuring Kareena and Shah Rukh. The film is being produced under Shah Rukh's banner Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Priyadarshan.

Dostana is also based on two friends, played by Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. Priyanka Chopra and Bobby Deol are also a part of the lead star cast. The film has Shilpa Shetty's item number on Miami's beaches along with John and Abhishek. Dostana is being produced under the Dharma Productions banner and directed by his assistant Tarun Mansukhani.