An exclusive look at Shah Rukh Khan's new haircut for My Name is Khan

Shah Rukh Khan has chopped off his long mane. This 'short cut' is for Karan Johar's My Name is Khan. This is the shortest SRK has ever worn his hair.

Hairdresser Dilshad is responsible for Shah Rukh's new cut. It is believed that the actor will trim his hair shorter after a few days. Almost like a crew cut. According to a source, "His hair cut was done in three stages. He is sporting the second stage look and will further chop his hair shorter in a few days."

In My Name Is Khan, Shah Rukh plays a character called Rizwan Khan, who suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, a relatively milder form of autism.

The first half of the film is based on a true story that happened to a couple and Karan Johar has bought the story rights from the couple. Shah Rukh will leave for Los Angeles in the second week of Dece- mber. The film will also be shot in New York in the next schedule.

The film brings SRK and Kajol back together. Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan have so far starred together in the following films, all of which turned out to be hits — Baazigar (1993), Karan Arjun (1995), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).

Subhash Ghai on SRK

Reportedly, Ghai's Mukta Arts has had a 3-film deal with SRK, of which TRIMURTI and PARDES have already released. What about the third project? Ghai pauses for a while, before answering this, "It's a tricky question. I had approached Shah Rukh for MOTHERLAND. We also started working on the script, but the project didn't materialise for two reasons. One, the subject bore an uncanny resemblance to VEER-ZAARA and two, the role demanded heavy-duty action and stunts and SRK's back problem didn't allow him to perform those stunts. I am sure, if an opportunity arises, SRK would definitely accept the offer," Ghai says.

Adi Chopra holds private screening for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

There was a private screening of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi at Yash Raj Studios on Sunday evening (November 23).

Our source tells us, "The private screening was attended by SRK, wife Gauri, kids Suhana and Aryan, Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra, Yash Chopra and debutante Anushka Sharma. All of them really liked the film. YRF has had plenty of flops this year so they wanted to check if Rab Ne… had turned out well or not."

He further adds, "Rab Ne… has superhit written all over it. Like last year, Chak de India starring SRK was YRF's only hit, Rab Ne… will do the same for Yash Raj this year as SRK has come to their rescue. The movie is quite funny and has some spectacular dance sequences.”

“In one of them SRK is imitating old actors like Rajesh Khanna and Shammi Kapoor, etc. It is a simple sweet love story shot mainly in India. Anushka has made a good debut and she is a good dancer.”

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is the story of a middle class guy, Surinder Sahni, played by Khan who is much older than his wife played by newbie Anushka Sharma. The two have no romance in their lives though Surinder truly loves his wife. All her friends are taking part in a dance competition and she doesn't want to because she feels her hubby cant dance. Surinder understands this and transforms himself to become the guy of her dreams, without her knowing about it. She falls in love with her husband all over again.

SRK has a soft corner for this movie. "This film is Yashji and Adi's love. You know I don't believe in saying a movie is special but in this case it is because Adi is directing after so many years. It is a commercial film that everyone will love. I have seen the film a couple of times and I think it is a very nice, funny, interesting and entertaining film. Adi is making a film after years… It's the story of a normal person. I am sometimes Raj or Rahul or Om before people but here is a character of a very simple person. This is very different to that. I want every girl, every girlfriend, and every wife to look at their loved one and say that this is how I love him. And it's very different from what I have done till today as Raj or Rahul. You know talking about this film makes me smile always," smiles the superstar.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi hits theatres on December 12.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is a musical success

'Haule Haule isn't a copy'

As Shah Rukh Khan fans await the release of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi eagerly, the music of the film seems to have charmed them already.

The much-awaited film's music director and lyricist speak about the great detailing with which every song has been produced and shot as their movie track becomes a raging success.

"When we put in a lot of hardwork to make our music we hope that the audience will like our music. We are very happy that people are enjoying the music," said Salim and Suleiman, music directors.

"We made the song on Surinder Sahani's character," said Jaideep Sahani, Lyricist. Sahani says you get to know the character along with the song. From the music to the lyrics there is attention in every detail.

SRK's transformation from the adorably awkward man next door to the man with the right moves has only added to the charm. "We composed the songs according to the mood and flavour of the script narrated by Adi (Aditya Chopra)," said Jaideep Sahni.

"If songs that are composed according to the script become a hit, it is bound to make us happy," said Salim Suleiman, music director.

Music is usually the first step to any film's success if that translates into anything bigger for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi it will become clear only on December 12 when Aditya Chopra's third directorial venture hits the screens.

Watch SRK Live!

Continuing his series of special shows from Mumbai Riz Khan meets one of the true superstars of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan.

Born to Muslim parents in New Delhi, Khan gained an honours degree in economics and began a masters in mass communication.

But acting was always in his blood and his star kept steadily rising to the point where he is today argubly the most famous actor in the Indian film industry.

Known as King Khan or S-R-K to his legions of adoring fans he is a master of action and in a career spanning two decades has produced more than 60 films - a prolific record even by Bollywood standards.
Join the debate.

His work has brought him huge box office success, critical acclaim and a string of awards.

But he tells Riz the about toll such success can take and what is next on his agenda.

You can join the conversation. Send your feedback and questions for Shahrukh Khan, email riz@aljazeera.net or join the debate via livestation.

The Riz Khan show can be seen live at 1400GMT

Now plagiarism charges against OSO makers

The family of iconic filmmaker Bimal Roy has lodged a formal complaint with the Film Writers Association saying the climax of Farah Khan's "Om Shanti Om" was lifted from Roy's classic "Madhumati".

Rinki Roy Bhattacharya, the eldest daughter of the filmmaker, has dashed a letter against the movie released last year.

"The climax from the film (OSO) is similar to the scene from "Madhumati". I have formally made the protest about the climax being lifted by the makers of 'Om Shanti Om'," Bhattacharya told reporters during the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2008 in Panaji.

"It's a genuine complaint. Even the OSO film reviews mentioned that the parts from the film are from 'Karz' and 'Madhumati'. But the filmmakers have not given the credit to 'Madhumati'," she pointed out.

"Madhumati", starring Dilip Kumar and Vaijayantimala, was produced in 1958 and written by Ritwik Ghatak. It had bagged Filmfare's best movie award in 1959. Bhattacharya, chairperson of Bimal Roy Memorial and Film Society, said she would not slap a legal case against filmmakers.

"It's not like slapping a case. I will protest on whatever is unjust," she commented. On asked why such a delay to file a case, she conceded that she had no reply for the question.

OSO was in trouble earlier when veteran actor Manoj Kumar protested against few of the scenes in the flick which he felt had ridiculed him.

A Mumbai civil court had ordered that OSO would be aired on television only after deleting the objectionable scenes. In yet another tussle with OSO, a film writer Ajay Monga had claimed that the movie is a copy of his script.

Runaway Pak teen is upset with Shah Rukh

Nasir is disappointed the Bollywood actor did not save him imprisonment

ISLAMABAD: Nasir Sultan, the 15-year-old runaway Pakistani teenager, is upset that his reel-life hero Shah Rukh Khan did not come to his rescue. While his hopes of getting into Bollywood have gone for a toss, Nasir says he has returned home with an unforgettable lesson — never chase fantasies.

Speaking to mediapersons at his home in Dir district of the NWFP, Nasir said Main Hoon Na was his favourite Shah Rukh Khan film. But unlike in the film, his hero did not come to his rescue, which is why he is disappointed.

Asked if he ever wants to go to India if granted a visa and he retorted: “Never. I will not go to India even if I was offered a chance to study there.”

Acknowledging his blunder (of crossing the border) Nasir fondly remembered the staff of the juvenile home and the investigating officers, who he said were “kind and co-operative”.

Barring two slaps that he got on his face for crossing the border, Nasir said he was not subjected to any torture here. “I was given gifts and a warm see-off from India.

Everyone in the juvenile home felicitated me on my release but another child, Sunil, who hails from Pakistani Punjab, was crying,” he said.

Grateful to Indian authorities for freeing him from captivity, Nasir resolved never to illegally cross the border again.

“I have learnt a lot from the blunder I committed. Now, I have decided to focus on my education,” he said.

In August, Nasir set out for school one morning, but later ditched his schoolbag by the roadside and illegally crossed into India.

The three-month detention in another country has brought about drastic changes in his thinking and approach. His craze for Bollywood has changed into a strong desire for education. “I want to resume my education to succeed in life,” he said.

“I would request all parents to stop their children from wasting time watching movies and build castles in the air. I was lucky to be back after three months. Others have been languishing in the jail for years,” he added.

OSO controversy: Court summons SRK, Farah

A metropolitan magistrate on Tuesday issued notices to Shah Rukh Khan, wife Gauri and director Farah Khan, asking them to remain present in the court on February 22 in connection with an application moved by veteran actor Manoj Kumar.

Manoj Kumar had filed an application against the three regarding a scene in the movie 'Om Shanti Om' which he felt ridiculed him. The Andheri metropolitan magistrate had last month issued summons to the three, asking them to remain present in the court on Tuesday.

However, the three failed to appear following which the magistrate issued notices to them asking them to be present on February 22, advocate Ashok Saraogi, appearing for Manoj Kumar, told PTI.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi song not lifted

From six-pack abs in that Shah Rukh Khan parades in his Om Shanti Om song 'darde-disco' to a mustache and ill fitting clothes getup in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, SRK takes up a curious journey in acting.

The song in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is sure to make people wonder as to what is going on in this film. The music of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is already on the stands.

"This is about an ordinary person's conversation with himself. SRK plays a character who works in the electricity department. He doesn't have the words or gestures to be able to express himself in a manner which is flashy or which would attract attention. Here, he finds himself very badly desiring another person. Now, he is not used to romancing the girls and is not the kind of person who spends a lot of time with the opposite sex. He's not a poet," said Jaideep Sahni, the lyricist of the song in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

"It was supposed to be a very easy and breezy kind of a song. That was basically the brief. The director had already given us the line and it read "haule haule". That was part of the script. It means that the character is telling himself, don't worry as she will fall in love with you," said Salim, the music director of the film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

On one hand one has this breezy number but on the other hand is the one where King Khan seems to have two left feet. That was the brief from the filmmaker not only for SRK but also for the music directors.

"Adi's brief was very, very clear. I want a clutter breaking song and a nursery rhyme, is what the director said. The song should have a nursery rhyme quality. A simple one almost like a master teaching a student. It should have that quality. Something like the rhyme "Put your left leg in, put your left leg out" and that got us thinking in a completely different zone. That's what you hear right now. 'Dance pe chance' is that whole thought going down into those four and a half minutes. So like that concept of 'Put your left leg in put your left leg' out in a very simple Punjabi way and the Punjabi elements in which SRK suddenly says 'To hell with you and I'm on a Punjabi trip' as she is teaching him how to dance," said Suleiman the music director.

The music director duo don't seem to care too much about the rumour of their song being inspired from Adnan Sami's hit track 'Kabhi nahi'.

"It normally happens when a song becomes really popular. People cannot believe that it's such a good song, it must have been copied from somewhere. Even if there is a one per cent similarity, people say its copied. Obviously, they cannot believe that a great song can be done by itself. I feel its a very simple song without an ounce of pretension," said the music director duo of Salim-Suleiman.

It all depends on whether Adnan Sami buys into that or not.

Shah Rukh Khan to come on Dec 6

MALACCA: Bollywood heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan has agreed to come to Malacca on Dec 6 to receive his Datukship from Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

The actor will receive his Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) award that carries the title in a ceremony on Saturday at 10am to be held at Dewan Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh that will be attended by 1,000 invited guests.

The confirmation of the details of the actors visit to Malacca was made known by State Secretary Datuk Omar Kaseh in a statement issued to the media here Monday following an earlier report that the actor had earlier rescheduled the initial Nov 29 date owing to his tight working schedule.

Omar said that the actor would arrive at 7.30am and later proceed to the ceremony where he would don the traditional official black Malay costume and a songkok (headgear) to receive the award.

“It will be the first time that an international Bollywood star is given the honor of donning the official Malay costume, which would be viewed by the entire world,” he said in his statement.

A press conference with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam has been fixed for noon on Dec 6, with the actor later going on a tour of the city beginning at 2.10pm.

Among the sites to be visited include the Taming Sari Tower, the Eye on Malaysia, Jonker Walk and Kampung Morten, including a river cruise on the Melaka River.

He will later meet fans at Dataran MBMB in Ayer Kerohat from 4.45pm to 5.15pm during the Konset Jom Ke Melaka which is being held in conjunction with the state’s recent inscription as a World Heritage Site.

He is schedule to leave for Mumbai on an 8pm flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport later that night.