Radio One thrills Shah Rukh Khan Fans with an all day playlist

Fans of Bollywood’s reigning King Shah Rukh Khan, had a special treat this Sunday, November 2nd, as Radio One 94.3 FM, for the Fataafat Generation, thrilled them with a day-long playlist of Shah Rukh songs, movie history, tv history, stage shows, trivia, gossip and conversation.

The playlist included songs and dialogues from all time great Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to new releases Om Shanti Om and Chak De India. Listeners could call in to share star stories, wish Shah Rukh a Happy Birthday or request favourite songs.

Through the day RJ’s shared anecdotes from the stars extraordinary life, some inspiring, others humourous and outrageous, while Ghanta Singh regaled listeners with some excellent mimicry of the star.

Says Vehrnon Ibrahim, National Programming Director, Radio One, “This is Shah Rukh Fataafat. Tune in anytime of the day, and instantly you will be immersed into a rocking celebration of the life and times of Bollywood’s biggest star on his special day.”

SRK Launches $2.1 Billion Boulevard in U.A.E.

The development project, a tribute by ‘King Khan’ in response to the love and affection shown by the people of the U.A.E. to Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard will be located on the Dana Island in Ras Al Khaimah.

This is the latest in the series of endorsements and signature developments that are coming up in Dubai with names such as Brad Pitt, Boris Becker and Tiger Woods continuously doing the rounds.

Khan will work closely with Los Angeles based architect Tony Ashai in the design concept of the beachfront community comprising 10 residential towers, it was announced during a press conference here.

Announcing the project with T.S.A. Group, Shah Rukh Khan said, “Indian cinema has enjoyed strong emotional ties with the U.A.E. and Arab cine-goers for decades. The Arab world is Hindi film industry’s strongest foreign market.

“Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard is my tribute to the love and affection shown by the people of the U.A.E. to Indian cinema. I have lent my name to the project and I intend to share and transfer my passion for design and living spaces into this world class community that residents will be proud of.”

Scheduled for completion in 2012, Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard will have residences including specially designed studios, and one-and two-bedroom apartments and townhouses. It will also have beach front features piers and boardwalks besides marine sports and leisure facilities.

Shafi Toffic, President of T.S.A. Group, said, “With a fan base of over three billion people worldwide, Shah Rukh Khan is the most successful name in the movie industry globally. It is our honor to be associated with him to develop a premium, resort-style community on Dana Island, Ras Al Khaimah, a fast developing tourism and lifestyle destination offering peaceful pristine surroundings.”

Tony Ashai, Principal, Ashai Design Corporation, U.S.A., commented, “This project is very special to me because of Shah Rukh Khan’s involvement in the concept and design.”

Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard will be part of Dana Island, which will eventually house several hotels, a shopping centre and commercial complexes spread across 6.3 million square metres.

T.S.A. Group will showcase the boulevard at Cityscape Dubai 2008 running here from October 6 to 9. Rakeen is the master planner and development arm of the Ras Al Khaimah government in the UAE.

The top-secret script of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is out!

Aditya Chopra’s films are shrouded in secrecy and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is no different. From the leading lady of the film to the story, it’s all closely guarded.

There have been rumours that the story was kept hidden even from the crew of the film. No one had even seen the script, besides the three lead characters — Shah Rukh, Anushka Sharma and Vinay Pathak.

But the thing with secrets is that they always get out. Just as it did with the story of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. A source from the industry tells all: “It was a very earthy romantic film about SRK who is married to Anushka Sharma. There is a big age difference between them and they are not what you’d call a perfect couple. They are merely stretching their marriage with no real romance in between them. They are two very different people. There’s a reality dance show called Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi — which is the main backdrop of the movie. The show is on the lines of popular television show, Nach Baliye.”

The source continues, “Anushka wants to take part in the dance competition but she can’t because her husband is a old and not hip and happening. She fears that if she dances with him, she will lose the show and become the laughing stock among all her friends, who are taking part in the same. Shah Rukh over hears his wife’s problem and decides to go in for a makeover. He then watches some movies and changes his image completely and comes back to the show and woos Anushka off her feet. All the way through the dance competition, she keeps on falling in love with this new and improved Shah Rukh, without once realising that the man she is dancing with, is her real husband.”

The spokesperson for Yash Raj Films simply says, “No comment!”

SRK or Adi: Who’s inspired Simple Simon ‘Suri’

Currently, the vote is out on what people really think of superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s simple Simon look in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

Some insist that the common man look for our most romantic star is a tribute to the Amol Palekar-Hrishikesh Mukherjee-Basu Bhattacharya movies of yore.
But SRK himself has a different take on this. He insists that his almost-boring, simple character ‘Suri’, in the film, is based on director Aditya Chopra.
However, Adi thinks it’s just the opposite; that it’s based on buddy Khan’s truly simple persona.

Then, the third angle of this great friendship triangle, Karan Johar, has his view. “The relationship SRK, Adi and I share, is probably the last of the rare, true, honest friendships in the industry now.” Which is the reason why they’ve started being and behaving more and more like each other. But one thing is for sure. Neither of them is ‘boring or simple’ by any yardstick.
Anyway, if that’s the way they’d like to project themselves, who’re we to dispute?
We’ll still stay as ‘politically incorrect’ as we wish, huh?

My kids were ashamed of me, says SRK

The King Khan himself makes an honest confession about it. He says that his children were ashamed of the fact that he does make-up like a woman before he leaves home.

Says he, “Waise to main mard hoon lekin (Though I am a man) I have to put on a lot of make-up before I go out of my house to give public appearances. Initially my children, Aryan and Suhana were really ashamed of me. They didn’t like it. I had to make them understand that it was a part of my profession. I myself didn’t like it but I knew I am an actor and I supposed to look good whenever I make a public appearance. Initially it was quite unusual for me too but now I have come to terms with it. Now my children are ok with it.”

With his latest film ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ set for a December release, King Khan is all out to promote his film.

Talking about his frequent appearances with new actresses he says, “Of late, I have worked with a lot of young actress whether it’s Deepika or Anoushka. In fact in ‘Chak De India’ I had more than a dozen girls working with me and all of them were quite younger to me. But I have no role in choosing the cast of the films. It’s totally up to the directors to decide who they want to cast opposite me. Till today I think I have worked more than 20 to 22 actresses who are younger to me.”

So how was working with these new actresses? Answers he, “It was excellent. In fact to be very honest whenever I work with a new actress I feel my acting skills improve.”

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi Music Review

Music of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, 2008’s most anticipated movie, directed by Aditya Chopra after a gap of 8 years has finally hit the stores. Its finally here…6 fabulous tracks…Get them…NOW!

1. Haule Haule - Sukhwinder Sigh

2. Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai - Roop Kumar Rathod

3. Dance Pe Chance - Sunidhi Chauhan & Labh Janjua

4. Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte - Shreya Ghoshal

5. Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai - Sonu Nigam

6. Dancing Jodi - Instrumental

Music of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, 2008’s most anticipated movie, directed by Aditya Chopra after a gap of 8 years has finally hit the stores. This film has a lot of expectations considering it’s the first release of Shahrukh Khan this year, debutant Anushka Sharma who is creating a lot of buzz among the crowd, combination of Shahrukh and Aditya which created history with DDLJ in 1995, and Yash Raj Films, which are looking for a big hit this year.

In Bollywood, music of the movie plays a vital role in the success of the movie and if the songs are good then half of the battle is won. Looking back at the track record of Salim – Sulaiman, who also gave the music for Chak De India in 2007 and Fashion this year, winning half of the battle doesn’t seem to be a big problem. And yes, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi succeeds in every department. The power of this soundtrack lies in its simplicity. Let’s get a song by song review of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

1. Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai

Roop Kumar Rathod does it again! After making “Maula Mere Maula” a classic with his melodious voice, Roop takes Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai to a whole new level. It requires only one listen to love this song. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this ultimate romantic number. Background vocals add the required mysterious romantic feel to Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai and the music is simple and yet, melodious to ears.

There is also a short version of this song sung beautifully by Shreya Ghoshal. Some of you prefer the short version because it’s too good and also because of the fact that there is only one song of Shreya in the soundtrack.

2. Haule Haule

Haule Haule, the promo song of the movie is already a hit among Shahrukh fans and haters alike. And why not, Haule Haule is the simplest and the most romantic song of 2008 with lyrics so good that you love the song on the very first listen. It’s like love at first sight. I mean how many times have you seen a Harmonium playing an important role in the music of a song in this Hip-Hop era?

Add to that the great voice of Sukhwinder Singh, who is now the voice of Shahrukh Khan, without a doubt. Also worth mentioning is the video of the song which you see on your T.V sets these days. The whole scene was shot in one take. Prodigious!

3. Dance Pe Chance

When I saw the tracklist of the soundtrack, I was little worried about the inclusion of Labh Janjua in Dance Pe Chance. It’s not that he is a bad singer or something but because I can’t see Shahrukh lip-syncing his voice. But O Boy! I was surprised. He turns out to be the strongest link in the whole sing.

When he sings, you can feel the energy which is required for Dance Pe Chance. Going by the lyrics, this song looks like Anushka teaching Shahrukh how to dance. Sunidhi Chauhan has also done a fabulous job and she’ll surely suit Anushka.

A special mention about the music and lyrics, when the song begins, you’ll feel like it’s an average Pritam number, but no, keep listening to the song and wait for the part of Labh Janjua’s part and then you’ll see the difference. It’s a song which is a must inclusion in your I-POD.

4. Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte

Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte is, indubitably, the most creative song of 2008. Music and lyrics of all the classics of golden era of Bollywood has been included in the song. For example; the famous “Yahooooo” by Shammi Kapoor, “Jai Jai Shiv Shankar”, and “Babu Moshai” by Rajesh Khanna from the classic movie, “Anand”.

Two thumbs up for Sonu Nigam, who did the job so well that you just fell in love with the song. Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte shows the genius minds of Salim – Sulaiman, as this song was surely not an easy song to make.

5. Dancing Jodi

Dancing Jodi is basically the instrumental versions of all the songs of the soundtrack just like it was with Jhoom Barabar Jhoom but only better. Calling Dancing Jodi a remix would be wrong and inappropriate. This song is a delight for the dancers who prefer the Indian – Western hybrid music to shake their hips. Kudos to Salim – Sulaiman for a tremendous instrumental version.

Verdict

Verdict-In an age where songs and their remixes are filled with rapping, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi stays away from this. It’s, unequivocally, a gem for the music lovers and the best soundtrack of 2008.

It takes you to those good old days when music was simple and great and at the same time, it has the modern touch to capture universal attention. There is nothing wrong with the soundtrack, no remix, no rapping and most of the songs are of short length which is a big bonus. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is a kaleidoscopic soundtrack which is a must in everyone’s collection. Go out and buy the CD!

Rating: 5 STARS!

Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Vinay Pathak

Music Director: Salim-Sulaiman

Movie Director: Aditya Chopra

Waiting for Shah Rukh Khan…

How does a 50-year-old woman who bought a VIP ticket to be “someone special” for one night deal with it when her favourite star Shah Rukh Khan’s concert is abruptly called off, less than four days before it was to be held?

Fans see no boundaries, it seems, when it comes to Bollywood and, in this case, King Khan. When word spread that his three-city Temptations tour of Germany had been called off, his fans in Germany and beyond mourned.

The feelings ranged from shock to anger and concern. “I thought Shah Rukh is ill, because he works too much,” says Anja, 37, from Dortmund, Germany who spent nearly 260 Euros on the ticket, train and hotel booking for the show (some fans over 600 Euros).

Says another fan, who had been looked forward to the concert since May, “I lost a lot of money, but it was the emotional aspect that had me crying. I had been counting the days and nights for the last five months. I imagined how incredible the concert would be, how happy I would be when I saw SRK and the dress I would wear. But nothing happened… We were left without any shows and without SRK. These last five months were for nothing and that’s the terrible part.”

She adds, “To be honest, at first, I was really angry with SRK and thought he was responsible for the mess. But a few day later, I realised I had been angry only because I was so disappointed. Sure, I love him as much as before, but I’m really, really, disappointed.”

The star’s fans feel they’re now a fan base without support. German Bollywood blogger Barbara Skoda writes, “…The German market seemed to look like fat firang tourists in Chor Bazar to the filmi industry-walas that could easily be skinned for money. To steal a line from K3G, Tum sirf entertainer ho, parameshwar nahin.” From the DVD market, where C-grade movies are sold using SRK on the cover, and instead of the real thing, customers get “shiny moments of Indian movie history like Hottestm@ail.com or Husn Bewafa.”

The Shah Rukh visit during the Om Shanti Om premiere at the Berlinale earlier this year led fans to believe the slump was over, “especially since some of the multiplex chains started to screen current films” and both the Bachchan’s Unforgettable and the Temptation tours announced shows.

Skoda adds, “And now we have the latest of their disasters and this time it’s not simply Shilpa Shetty’s Miss Bollywood or the Bachchans (which both probably got canceled due to bad pre-sales). This time it really hits hard. This time it’s SRK. I know of more than a few cases of fans who literally had to scrimp and save to be able to afford a once-in-a-lifetime journey to one of the concerts.”

However, the refrain across is that the fans will definitely shell out money for a ticket for a SRK show again, but not in advance! “Nothing will put me off from Shah Rukh or Bollywood,” asserts Sonja Hellenthal.

As for the star’s appeal, Ramona Magnus describes it as “What makes me such a fan of SRK? I ask myself that very often. Strangely, he feels a little like family. He has a special, very warm charisma and a very strong aura. I like his sense of humor.”

The star’s appeal spreads beyond Germany and Austria or Switzerland, from where fans were headed to catch the Berlin show. A thriving online and offline fan club works across the globe and is connected by… guess what? Mini Khan, a miniature Shah Rukh miniature, the size of a Barbie doll, couriered from member to member.

Says Beth Watkins, from Illinois, US, who bought the doll off ebay, “There are also Kajol, Hrithik, and Priyanka Chopra dolls but, quite frankly, we didn’t think any of those sounded nearly as fun. Mini Khan has been on the road for about a year now. He has visited several locations in the US and Europe so far, with plans to go to Nigeria, India, Japan, Korea, and Canada. Currently, he is in London. He was also with us in Munich during the European Bollywood fan and blogger meetup last March, and now it’s hard to imagine a gathering without him.” There’s even a blog which has a world map with a tracker pointing out Mini’s Khan past, current and future destinations!

The doll came in white and black t-shirt, denim jacket, orange cargo pants, similar to what he wore in Kal Ho Na Ho’s “Pretty Woman” number, but he’s been gifted more clothes since — a fan, a professional tailor, has made him a handmade black leather jacket like the one he wears in Don.

The fans, it seems, will bounce back from the shock of a cancelled tour, though they’re bristling at being taken for granted. However, have these concerts become more about ticket sales and less about reaching out to fans? Says actor Chunky Pandey, who enjoys a huge fan following in Bangladesh, “As for Shah Rukh, I’ve toured with him too and he puts in a lot of money back into his shows. And, generally speaking, when films didn’t pay as well as today, concerts were also about money. But, today, with stars doing brand endorsements too, concerts are more about connecting with fans.” It’s all about nurturing the fan base, he adds. We hope Bollywood is listening!

Salman Khan is a wonderful guy: Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan clears controversies (read tiff with Salman Khan), discusses Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, and oodles more. Vajir Singh submits his blockbuster SRK interview for editing and cries quietly since we can only fit in excerpts

Which question would disturb you the most?
At times, I’m asked stupid questions. I feel they’re stupid because I’m not qualified to answer them. Like I was asked by someone how I would be celebrating my birthday with my parents. I don’t get angry but I get confused.

Once, we would form our opinions on the basis of information from newspapers and television. Now it’s no longer information. It’s an analysis by someone that X is correct and Y is wrong.

So often I’m like, “What’s going on? It was never like this.” I haven’t spoken to certain newspapers and magazines for years. Not because I hold it against them or because I’ve an ego problem. I just don’t want to feed into that wrong analysis. It’s nothing personal.

Does this irritate you?
It doesn’t but I’m like, “Chhod na yaar, I don’t want to be a part of this.” I don’t like swimming but I’m not irritated when I see others swimming. Why be judgmental? I take my kids to the swimming pool.. I sit in a corner, have a coffee and cigarette, and then I’m asked, “You don’t swwiiiimm?” Listen, there’s nothing wrong in swimming but I don’t swim.

Salman Khan has been stating in print that he can’t forget or forgive you.
See, every time either of us talks about this, it only creates animosity between the two of us. I don’t wish to comment on his comments. Because I know he must have said this in an interview which was meant for something else but someone asked him this. He’s a wonderful guy, his family is wonderful, I really like them. I respect everyone.

Please continue.
Already the conversation that must have happened has been analysed. It’s been analysed that I spoke badly about XYZ and that’s why all this happened. Then it’s analysed why someone didn’t go for a party. Or why Viveik Oberoi came for my birthday party.

I can’t understand how someone who has achieved so much in life — I speak for myself and for Salman — can go on and on about what has been described as a 20-minute tiff.

I’ve got a Padmashree in India, I’ve been honoured in Malyasia and France.. I’m at Madame Tussaud’s. I have a Rs 200 crore turnover for the work I do, I’ve got a lovely house, beautiful children, a lovely family. I’ve got beautiful friends like you guys.

Perhaps the only good thing which came out of the tiff is that we both have realised that we’re two different people. And I think we both respect that. He’s wonderful in his place and I’m wonderful in mine. It’s like I don’t like to play golf, he likes to play golf. We’re not friends. I’ve reached a stage in my life where I can’t NOT forgive someone.. or where I can’t NOT forget someone. I don’t hold anything against anyone.

To be very honest, I don’t even think I’m big enough to forgive anybody. I’m nobody. And I’ve got too much goodwill thinking within me.

Ah, okay. Let’s talk about Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Why invite the entire media on your birthday to promote the film?
Whenever there’s any occasion in my house, the media has to remain outside. I feel very bad about this. So I’ve made a rule that whenever the media is outside, I’ll call them in.

Even when there’s a party at my place I tell them that none of the invitees will talk to them or say anything.. so go back home. They’re young boys and girls who can be somewhere else doing some really important work. Why hang around outside my house?

On my birthday, Diwali and Eid, it has become my duty to call them inside and wish them on their channel.

As far Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Yashji (Chopra) said “I’ll give you the film’s first look as a birthday gift at your home.” Adi (Aditya Chopra) also said the same. The publicity was supposed to start a week ago. I was nonplussed. Why were they wasting an entire week of publicity because of my birthday? But it was their way of showing their affection. This entire year I had no release, so Adi said all the channels would get the first song only on my birthday.

What should one expect from Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Chopra’s combination this time?
It’s a heartwarming film which will remind you of Hrishikesh Mukherjee. It’s very entertaining. It’s not big-looking like Om Shanti Om but has its own appeal. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen or participated in a film like this. (Smiles) And I think I’ve done a good job.

It’s believed that like last year with Chak De! India this year too you’ll rescue Yash Raj from the doldrums.
I was telling someone the other day that Yash Raj does not make a film with me. Emotionally, when they feel that they’ve the nicest story to tell, they call me. They don’t call me for a job. And I don’t go and do a job for them.

It’s believed that the film has shades of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Golmaal and Raj Kapoor’s Satyam Shivam Sundaram. I was asked if the film is about an old man falling in love with a young girl. I know all sort of talk is going around but I can assure you that it’s an original.

After Om Shanti Om, you’re again working with a newcomer (Anoushka). Any specific reason?
I never cast my co-actors. I work with directors, not actors. Adi was very convinced that we needed a new girl. In my next film for Karan (Johar), I’m paired with Kajol. And in Billoo Barber, I’m there with three girls.

If you hadn’t rejected Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots and Shankar’s Robot, wouldn’t you have had another release this year?
Haan yaar thodasa timing mein kuchh galat ho gaya. I had kept dates for both the films, then both of them were taken away. How can I reject a film? The directors rejected me.

In both the cases, they felt I wasn’t really suitable for the roles after all. So, in Robot I was replaced by Rajnikant sir and in 3 Idiots by Aamir (Khan). I think I should have started Don 2 but I kept them on hold and they made Rock On!! (Smiles) And that worked in their favour.

And how come you didn’t invite the Bachchan family for your birthday?
They weren’t in town actually and you should know that since you’re in the know of things. Social commitments in my life are made by my wife. I’ve never invited anyone in my life. I feel too shy. I tell my wife, her friend Kajal (Anand) or Karan to do the inviting. Kareena Kapoor didn’t come.. Saif Ali Khan didn’t come. Does that mean they hate me? Of course not.

Inspiration behind SRK's look in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Yash Raj Films timed the release of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi's promo aptly and made sure Ghajini's promo became a stale news. The talk of the town soon became Shahrukh's matured and elderly look with a moustache in the movie. Now the secret of the look is out and the inspiration has turned out to be SRK's game show Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai?

Shahrukh will play dual roles in the movie and both his looks have drawn inspiration from his TV show. The moustache look of the character Surinder Sahni is inspired by a government servant who could not make through the first round in the show. The character of Raj Kapoor is inspired by another hero like contestant from the show.


Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is the third movie in a row where Shahrukh will be seen in a new look. In Chak De India he was seen sporting an unshaven look while in the blockbuster Om Shanti Om he shocked all his fans with six pack abs. Aditya Chopra will be directing Shahrukh after a long time. In the past the duo will deliver blockbusters like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Mohabbatein. The movie will introduce model Anushka Sharma as Shahrukh's leading lady.

What SRK’s Lovely wife thinks of him…

Shah Rukh Khan India’s most admired actor the whole Bollywood fraternity is celebrating his birthday. Here we reproduce an article on what his wife Gauri Khan thinks of SRK.

The reticent Gauri was more forthcoming those days. She said, “He loves to exaggerate, to make a big thing of everything. He speaks of our meeting as if it was the greatest romance that ever happened but that’s not true at all. I was merely 14 and in school.

He was 19 and in college. We met at parties, socials and fetes. We played games together but we were always in a group, never alone. And there was no earth-shattering realisation that this is love. I liked him and I guess he liked me but that’s about it.

“Today he loves to dramatise the whole thing and behave like it was a great thing. It was later, when we’d been meeting for a few years, that our friendship grew. We knew each other for eight years before we married. And I must admit I was totally confused. His being a Muslim and entering films caused a lot of tension in my family.

They were totally against it and though I was clear I wanted to marry him, I wasn’t quite easy with the fact that he was entering films. But gradually my parents got to know him and found him cool.

“Being married to him is the easiest thing. He’s an easy person to be with. And particularly with me, he is so caring that I have gained a lot of confidence from being with him. If I say anything to him, he listens (hastily amends), pretends to listen as if it is the single most delightful thing to have me tell him anything. If I pluck a leaf, he tells me the way I do it, is the only way to do it. Everything I do is perfect with him and though I know he’s trying to please me, it’s a quality I like very much.

But (with great perspicuity) all that is a pretence, he’s very, very stubborn. No one can make him do anything he doesn’t want to or not do something that he wants to. He may pretend that he’s listening to you and do what you want but if he doesn’t agree to it, then he won’t do it.

But he’s so convincing that if we are discussing or arguing, before the issue can be resolved, he has persuaded you to his own point of view so naturally and convincingly that though you see through him, you give in to him. He does it charmingly, not connivingly — that’s what’s so endearing about him.

“The two of us have nothing in common. That’s why I think we were attracted — opposite poles and all that. I’m a very laidback person.

Very little affects me. I’m different with Shah Rukh though. Not so phlegmatic. In the sense that if he ever tries to tell me off or slightly to put me down or not give me the attention I want, I will not take it. Even now if something like that happens, I just ignore him and start doing my own thing. I can be with him and still withdraw totally.

“What would hurt me very much is if he ever lied to me. I might lie to him (laughs) but not in fundamentals. I wouldn’t cheat him. I do not contribute to his film life, not an ounce, but that’s because I don’t want to.

“Personally though, I think I bring happiness into his life — joy, a smiling face. When he comes home, I am there. I serve him food, am nice to him, laugh with him, watch movies together, party together and he does the same — gives me satisfaction, makes me smile all the time. I hate tension of any kind and he makes me feel at ease wherever I am and makes me feel that whatever I am doing is the best. I experience his love for me.”

Shah Rukh on Gauri

“The greatest quality she possesses is her genuineness… and it’s such a pleasure to come home to someone who’s so real. She’s outspoken, she can be rude at times but she doesn’t give in to diplomacy. She is everything I am not. She complements me. I like to think that what I am is because of what she is. I would be a different person otherwise.

“I am a difficult person to be with. I am temperamental and eccentric. She doesn’t give in to my temperament at times, sometimes she does. She doesn’t listen to me all the time, sometimes she does. I’d say she handles me very well. And that’s not her only claim to fame! She is very genuine, something that I can never be perhaps.

“She means everything to me. She’s the only person I’d go and cry in front of. I used to be quite a slob, quite a bachelor in my ways. I’d never eat at the dining table. I’d throw clothes wherever I took them off. She’s changed all that. I try to do what she likes because she likes it and I respect that.

“What I expect from her is to be herself at all times. I expect her to be the Gauri I fell in love with and I hope she never changes. There are no expectations — whatever happens happens and I like what happens. What does she expect from me? Everything. She expects me to do everything and I do it.

“She knows she’s more beautiful in my eyes than my co-stars and that’s what’s more important to her, I guess. If I had to choose between peace of mind and a piece of a**, I’d choose the former (quoting a dialogue from Forrest Gump).

He signs off mock arrogantly. “We have just one thing in common. I love me and she loves me and that’s the only thing we agree upon.” She retorts, “People ask me how does it feel being married to a star like Shah Rukh? That’s ridiculous — for me he’s my husband, not a star. The day I see him as a star, our relationship will suffer very much.”