‘My Name Is Khan’ releases on DVD & Blu-Ray in U.S. on August 10

On February 12, 2010, fans of the Shahrukh Khan-Kajol onscreen pair got to see the two together again in the worldwide release of My Name Is Khan. The movie detailed the story of Rizwan Khan (Shahrukh Khan) and his quest to meet the president of the United States with a simple message: “My name is Khan, and I am not a terrorist.” Khan’s intense love for his wife (Kajol) provided the main motivation behind his cross-country journey to meet the president.

While the film released on DVD in India in April, My Name Is Khan will release on DVD and Blu-Ray worldwide on August 10. Fans who loved the film and can’t wait to own it finally get that opportunity, although those who anticipate extra features with DVD releases may be disappointed. The special features on this single-disc release are almost a perfunctory addition to the movie.

Aside from the inclusion of two film promos (with the songs “Tere Naina” and “Sajda” playing in the background), the extras menu features four short documentary-like episodes that each focus on a different topic. Each episode features bits of interviews with director Karan Johar, Shahrukh Khan and Kajol, Niranjan Iyenger (the film’s dialogue writer), and a handful of other members of the film’s crew.

The first episode, called “Changing the Face of Bollywood,” touches on My Name Is Khan as a part of the gradual transformation the Hindi film industry has undergone in the last eight years. The second, entitled “Working Together,” gives Shahrukh and Kajol a platform to discuss what it meant to work together again after nine years. “The Music of My Name Is Khan” features the film’s music directors, Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, and Loy Mendonsa, collectively known as Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and their thoughts on working with Karan Johar and composing for this movie. The final episode is “The Story of My Name Is Khan” and reveals the thought process behind the main story of the movie.

Unfortunately, each episode only runs an average of about five minutes, just long enough for viewers to get into them before they come to an end. The episodes aren’t long enough to give fans that in-depth behind-the-scenes look DVD extras typically provide. This approach to packaging the DVD is a little mystifying considering the positive response My Name Is Khan received worldwide; fans and critics eagerly anticipated the film for several reasons, but none of these reasons are addressed in a medium typically reserved for this exact purpose. There is no blooper reel, no discussion of why Karan Johar and Shahrukh Khan decided to co-produce the film (a first for them), and no revealing interview of Johar and his decision to make a film that is such a drastic departure from his previous ventures.

Of course, movie lovers get their own copy of My Name Is Khan with a crystal clear picture and waiting for the official DVD release helps fight piracy. But those fans waiting for all the extra information that a special features section on a DVD provides won’t be getting those features this time around. Fans will have to settle (mostly) for the film itself and Shahrukh’s repeated assertion: “My name is Khan, and I am not a terrorist.”

SRK TWEETS: I am shooting an advertisement with Gauri

Shah Rukh Khan has revealed that he is shooting for an advertisement with his wife Gauri, who usually likes to remain away from the spotlight.

"I am shooting an advert with Gauri for a fantastic furnishing brand called D decor, very nervous, hope it turns out well," Shah Rukh posted on his Twitter page.

The duo has been happily married for the past 19 years. They have two children - Aryan and Suhana.

Kareena comes to Shahrukh's rescue

Shahrukh Khan is reported to be having real hard time shooting for Ra.One considering the weather conditions on the sets and difficult action sequences. Amidst of these things, one person who has come to his rescue and give him some peace is Kareena Kapoor which was recently exclaimed by Shahrukh himself.

“We have been shooting day and night. Weather was awful one day, shot was difficult another day. Kareena was beautiful every day. Now shoot in control.”

Well, looks like, Kareena’s all dreams are coming true with Ra.One. Firstly, to share the screen space in the lead role with SRK and then seeking a beautiful compliment as well.

Gauri Khan initiates to bring Shahrukh Khan and Ajay Devgan together

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the legendary couple of “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” has been the most celebrated and admired couple of Bollywood since “Baazigar”. Their exclusive chemistry on on-screen has been real delight for die hard romantics. Their on-screen love that has been epitomized in subsequent movies after DDLJ has been rage among the lovers. They have been paired together for five consecutive blockbusters without giving any fodder to gossip mongers. The best couple has always stayed away from controversies. On the flip side, it is equally true that SRK and Kajol’s hubby have not been getting along well together.

Shahrukh and Ajay’s relations seemed to get a novel turn for the better. SRK’s wife Gauri Khan has taken the initiative to overcome alleged animosity. Recently, designer Anna Singh hosted a party to celebrate her hubby’s birthday Jaiveer. The occasion was graced by several socialites including Gauri Khan, Bhavna Pandey, Neelam Kothari and Ajay Devgan. When Gauri Khan speckled Ajay Devgan in Jaiveer’s party, she all the way ascended towards him and congratulated him for his wonderful performance in “Once Upon a Time in Mumbai”. Ajay Devgan too reciprocated her compliments humbly.

It is said that time is great healer. But this saying has not worked in their case so far. The clash started 15 years back after their casting for Karan Arjun (1995) fell through. But this conversation between spouses of SRK and Kajol signals the cheery twist in SRK and Devgan’s relations.

It may be the best time to resolve the clashes between SRK and Devgan as DDLJ is going to complete 800 weeks. The celebrations will be multiplied for both of the couples. The news is really matter of merry making for Yash Raj Films. The movie has already been recorded in Guinness’s Book of World Records. Also it has surpassed the success story of “Sholay”. It is the only movie to gain the pride of running 800 weeks altogether. And this one calls for celebrations on the part of Yash Raj Films who have planned to rejoice the success of movie in Feb, 2011.

Shahrukh Khan to play Awadh emperor?

Paris-based Indian filmmaker Vijay Singh is in talks with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for his next project, an 18th century historical love story between an Awadh king and a British girl.

Singh, who has shot critically acclaimed feature films like Jaya Ganga and One Dollar

Curry in the past feels that Shah Rukh, who has previously played emperor Ashoka, will be perfect as Nawab Naseeruddin Haidar in his third film, The Opium Symphony, based on his book Whirlpool of Shadows.

"I had met Shah Rukh regarding the movie and he had liked the idea. I am planning to approach him again for the role of the Nawab. He ruled Awadh from 1826-36 and fell in love with a British girl but their love did not suit the interest of opium traders at that time," Singh said in an interview.

SRK"I have had a long association with Shah Rukh and wanted to cast him in Jaya Ganga but he was very busy at that time and things did not fall into place," he added.

In the city for the screening of his latest documentary India by Song, the writer is also looking for a face to star opposite SRK.

"I have good vibes with Shah Rukh and I need a descent actor so he is the perfect choice. Earlier I was planning to take a Hollywood starlet opposite him for the role of the British girl but I might talk to Katrina Kaif. I have been told she is British and is a fine actress," Singh said.

"The film will be very expensive, to be made on a budget of 60-70 crores. My screenplay is adapted from one part of the story but I might make it a bit more contemporary," he added.

India by Song, his latest film goes into the country's history through Bollywood and reflects the sheer impact of films on Indian society.

Woven around a long journey across the country, Singh chronicles Indian history from the time of independence to present with real persons representing the different era's that the nation has passed through, with Bollywood songs in the backdrop.

Encompassing diverse lifestyles and coming from all backgrounds, he has interviewed the likes of NR Narayan Murthy-Chairman of Infosys, historian-Romila Thapar, cricketer-Bishen Singh Bedi, Uday Shankar-CEO of Star TV, Mahasha Dharmapal of MDH spices group to choreographer Saroj Khan and Anjali, a domestic maid in Mumbai.

Has Shahrukh lost interest in Ra.One?

Shahrukh Khan has so far been quite upbeat about his upcoming action-packed venture Ra.One. King Khan however, seems to be losing interest in action movies as his preference of romance over action says it all.

He confesses the same on the micro-blogging site, “Harness hugging my crotch. No crying but eyes water because of smoke. No wind in my hair but sugar glass. Romantic heroes have more fun I think.”

Well, best buddy Karan Johar must have filled the void for him as the former directed the romantic shots between latter and Kareena Kapoor. But wonder, will SRK ever do action movie again.

Sajid awaiting Shahrukh's approval

Sajid Khan can only fulfill his biggest dream if Shahrukh Khan gives him a positive nod. Yes, the director desires to rope in reigning superstars SRK and Akshay Kumar in his next film. He however, can’t move an inch without SRK’s agreement.

It may be noted here, Sajid had managed to bring Shahrukh to do an item number Mastkalandar in his much-celebrated Heyy Babyy. The director now aims to fetch King Khan for a lead role along with Akki.

Sajid currently is engrossed with two scripts which will go on the floors soon. One of the films is action-packed starring again his two favourites Akshay and Ritesh Deshmukh.

Shahrukh Khan celebrates with Kajol

The millennium most celebratedon-screen couple Shahrukh Khan ad Kajol have got yet another reason to celebrate.And the reason is the completion of 800 weeks of their much-celebrated film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge in the cinema halls.

Yash Chopra would be announcing the call for a mega celebration next week when movie will comlete its 800 weeks. DDLJ has beaten Sholay for Ramesh Sippy’s masterpiece lasted for 286 weeks in Minerva theatre in Mumbai.

The celebration are planned to take palce next year in Febraury either in Maratha Mandir where the film has been showcased since 1995 or some five star hotel.

Happy Birthday, Kajol!

It’s Kajol’s birthday today and the dusky beauty is beaming with the joy of motherhood once again. Presently expecting her second baby (she already has a daughter named Nysa), Kajol says this birthday is special because her life and her career are going great guns.

The success of My Name Is Khan has put Kajol’s sagging career back on track and the curiosity that’s building around her upcoming release We Are Family would flatter any actress who’s in her mid thirties. Remember, in Bollywood, an actress’s career is cut short the day she outgrows the lovely twenties.

This birthday, Kajol is getting a special gift from good friend Karan Johar. It’s Karan’s home production We Are Family which will release on September 3, less than a month from her birthday. And of course, her loving hubby Ajay Devgan, and no less loving in-laws, have something planned for the birthday lady.

We wish Kajol a very happy birthday.

Sukhwinder sings for Shahrukh Khan

Playback singer Sukhwinder Singh has recorded a song to be lip-synched by Shah Rukh Khan in Ra.One. This is Singh’s third song for Khan in 13 years. Chaiyya chaiyya (Dil Se..) and Haule haule (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi) were chartbusters.

Would this song hit high notes too? “I’m not an astrologer, so I can’t predict that. With my experience as a playback singer for the last 15-16 years, I know that this song, like the previous two, matches Shah Rukh’s personality and might become synonymous with Ra.One,” asserts Singh.

The song has been composed by South stalwart Ilayaraja. “It’s the first time in my career that I recorded a song for nine hours, non-stop. The song is worth our effort because it sounds fresh and different from the work I’ve done lately. It’s quite subdued,” Singh adds.

Sukhwinder SinghSporting encounter

Singh also recorded the title track for Chak De! India, which featured Shah Rukh Khan but he didn’t lip-sync it. The playback singer is not disappointed. “The song was filmed in such a way that it still had Shah Rukh’s energy and the enthusiasm of the girls in the hockey team. It was their anthem. Had it been picturised only on Shah Rukh, it wouldn’t have translated well on screen and the country-wide impact the song made would have been lost,” explains Singh.

So, which South stalwart does he prefer: Oscar-winner AR Rahman or Ilayaraja? Singh answers diplomatically, “It’s unfair to compare their style of working or their compositions. I’ve worked closely with Rahman and he hasn’t changed as a person and professional. Ilayaraja is someone I learnt tremendously from in the course of this song.”

Singh, popular for his high-pitched numbers, was expected to be present for the launch of the Rafi Academy in the city on the weekend. “I’m a Rafi fan. On Saturday, I was stuck somewhere and couldn’t make it to the launch,” he grouses. “I’m happy that his son has opened an avenue for youngsters to learn music and learn about the rare gem, Mohd Rafi.”