shahruckk.blogspot.com

Ajay, SRK, Kajol & a few Idiots

2010-12-11T01:32:00.001-08:00

The year 2008 has brought with it a busy schedule for Kajol. Besides doing ‘U, Me Aur Hum’ with hubby Ajay Devgan, Kajol will also be seen with Shah Rukh Khan in Karan Johar’s next film ‘Mr Khan’.

And now, the actress has bagged the female lead in Rajkumar Hirani’s next film ‘Idiots’. In all, it seems to be a very busy year ahead for Kajol.

According to reports, ‘Idiots’ is based on Chetan Bhagat’s story – ‘Five Point Someone’ – dealing with three IIT students.

The film also has Aamir Khan in the male lead and it is learnt that Hirani has approached Saif Ali Khan and John Abraham for different roles in the film that is to begin shooting in a few months’ time.

Sushmita miffed with SRK

2010-12-11T01:29:00.004-08:00

That SINGH IS KINNG is eagerly anticipated by people within and outside the industry can be gauged by the fact that a number of producers are keen to launch/include the promo of their films with SINGH IS KINNG, which opens worldwide on August 8.

Since SINGH IS KINNG is being released by Studio 18, the first look of Ashtavinayak's Sanju-Imran starrer KIDNAP [also distributed by Studio 18], will also be unveiled before SINGH IS KINNG begins. That's not all, the promo of Akki's next release CHANDI CHOWK TO CHINA [the promo was launched with THE DARK KNIGHT] will also make it with the prints of SINGH IS KINNG.

Wait, there's more to follow! Promos of Rituparno Ghosh's THE LAST LEAR [Amitabh, Preity, Arjun, Shefali], Atul Agnihotri's HELLO [Salman, Katrina, Sohail, Sharman], Samir Karnik's multi-starrer HEROES and Ajit Pal's VICTORY [Harman], will also be seen, besides the promo of the newly-launched channel Colours. There's a strong possibility that the promo of Dharmendra's CHAMKU [Bobby] might be included as well. Wow, so many promos…

"I enjoy watching new promos when I watch a film. It generates tremendous excitement. I genuinely wish the distributors and multiplexes are kind enough to play all these promos," SINGH IS KINNG producer Vipul Shah tells me. Expect a bonanza with the most awaited movie of the season!

Billu Barber’ becomes ‘Billu’

2010-12-11T01:29:00.003-08:00

The title of Shah Rukh Khan’s forthcoming release ‘Billu Barber‘ has been changed to ‘Billu’ as the “barber” in the title had invoked the wrath of an association of hairdressers, who felt that the term in the title was derogatory.

Shah Rukh Khan, the producer of the film, has spoken to representatives of the Salon and Beauty Parlors Association about the problem. It is learnt that the term ‘barber’ would be removed from all the hoardings of ‘Billu barber’.

“Posters and hoardings belong to the production, which is Red Chillies. It is a little expensive to try to change the posters, so, that we couldn’t have done,” he a news channel.

Khan said though there is nothing wrong with the title, they did not want to hurt anybody’s sensibilities.

- India Syndicate

Mixed Luck for Katrina

2010-12-11T01:29:00.001-08:00

The repercussions have started. And the first person to be at the receiving end is none other than Katrina Kaif. The actress is finding herself at the receiving end in the much publicized spat between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.
According to rumors, the actress has been dropped from Shah Rukh's world tour, Temptations Unloaded. Of course, there has been no official confirmation of this as yet. But SRK is not known to be the forgiving kinds. It seems that he is in no mood to entertain anyone who is remotely connected to Salman. Hence Katrina is paying the price just like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan did so many years ago, when she was replaced by Rani Mukherjee in Chalte Chalte. This was the last thing that Katrina had wanted. In fact, the whole purpose of the high profile birthday was that she could mingle with the industry's top directors, actors and producers. But then Salman's temper got the better of him. He is feeling the repercussions as well, since it has spelt doom for his relationship with the actress. Katrina has broken all contact with him. She is reportedly out of the relationship. Not only that, she does not want to associate with him professionally as well. If sources are to be believed, then Subhash Ghai's Yuvraj may well be the last film starring the two of them. But the good news for her is that she has bagged the Nakshatra diamond jewellery campaign, from right under Aishwariya's nose. The Bachchan bahu has been the face of the jewellery brand for a while now. But now the brand has shifted their loyalties to Katrina. So every cloud does have a silver, or shall we say, a diamond lining, for Katrina.

Cold War between Amitabh Bacchan and SRK

2010-12-11T01:27:00.000-08:00

Salmaan Khan

Salmaan Khan has also acted well in this movie .Got a lot of emotional and crying sequences through out the movie .But his talking with his dead father became a sort of nuisance after a while .And as everyone knows he doesn't look nice while crying

Aishwarya Rai

But Aishwarya Rai reveals an unquestionable felicity for acting. Convincing even in difficult scenes like her outburst in a library or her confrontations with Vanraj, here's someone who evidently has that impossible combination of breathtaking BEAUTY AND BRIANS ! Cheers!

Ajay Devgan

And Ajay Devgan is first-rate, invoking your empathy and warmth consistently. Listen to him bravely trying to sing Chingari koi bhadke at a family gathering or notice his ever expressive eyes, and you're elated by the fact that he can be marvellously effective even when he isn't merely bashing up the bozos.

Shahrukh Khan cuts smoking

2010-12-11T01:21:00.001-08:00

There has been a long relationship between Bollywood and smoking since early days. Earlier this year Indian government banned smoking scenes to be shown in Bollywood movies. The decision received mixed responses from Bollywood celebrities, but the fact is that the Bollywood icons are so popular that their off-screen life also influences the masses.

Superstar Shahrukh Khan influences millions of fans and is a role model of Indian youth, announced, that he would try to quit smoking, on the eve of his 40th birthday. It seems that it wasn't a false promise, Shahrukh Khan is going forward in right direction. The superstar said ''from 70-80 cigarettes a day, I smoke three to four times [now]. I feel healthy and happy. Smoking is bad and a no-no for a person with back pain.'' Shahrukh lives with constant back and neck pain and went for the back pain in 2003.

Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramdoss, impressed by Shahrukh's resolution, seeked Khan's help for anti-smoking drive. The actor does not feel comfortable advocating, as he thinks its purely an individual's choice. He said ''as a role model, I have been always saying that smoking is bad. I have decided to give up smoking because it is my individual decision and resolve. I always tell the youth that do not do things what your parents say is bad.

Shahrukh Khan to perform in Delhi

2010-12-11T01:20:00.000-08:00

“It’s the time to disco” with Shahrukh Khan. Delhiites have the best reasons to celebrate in this unprecedented cold because on this eve of Christmas, Delhi will rock to the performance of Shahrukh Khan and shake their legs with Badshah Khan.

In a way it is a sort of home-coming for Shahrukh Khan who describes Delhi as “apun ka sheher” as this will be his first-ever live performance in the capital. Delhi has patiently awaited this multi-star extravaganza branded as “Temptation-2005?. The staging of the show was earlier called off just three days prior to the scheduled date on the 17 th of september. Though this time around all the problems have been sorted out beforehand and the show goes live on the 24 th of December at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi.

King Khan will be accompanied by a number of his co-stars, Rani mukherjee, Priyanka chopra, Zayed Khan to name a few, who are themselves luminaries of the tinsel town. The show will be scripted, directed and coordinated by Moranis and Soorma of Cineyug Entertainment.
“Temptation-2005? other than providing entertainment also comes witha noble cause. The show has been organised by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) to raise awarness among the people on the difficulties faced by a disabled man and asks of the citizens and the Government of India to create a conducive environment for the disabled people. Shahrukh has extremely supported this noble cause. He said that he was fortunate for this little contribution of his and he empathises with the disabled people.

Morning Raga and Shahrukh Khans Paheli vying for an Oscar.

2010-12-11T01:19:00.000-08:00

Name - Tabassum
Also known as - Taby, Tubs, Tabs, Tubba, Tabloid, Tobler, Tablet,Tabsy,
Born on - 4th November
Height - 5 feet 6 inches
Studied at - St. Anne's High School, St. Xavier's College
First Film - Hum Naujawan
First film signed - (as lead star)Prem
First film released - (as lead star)Pehla Pehla Pyar
Linguistic Skills - Speaks fluent Hindi, English and Telegu
First Regional Film - Coolie No. 1 (Telegu)
Flowers to send her - Roses
Favorite Getaway - Kashmir, Switzerland
Favorite Film - Roman Holiday
Favorite Singers - Lata, Rafi
Favorite Indian Actor - Rishi Kapoor
Her Motto - Live and Let Live
Her Closest Friend - Her Sister, Farah
Reads - Romantic Books
Colour Of Eyes - Brown
Colour Of Hair - Black
Temperament - short-tempered
Likes - simple dressing, reading and sleeping.
Dislikes - Politics
Favorite City - Hyderabad
Favorite Dish - Baghare Baingan
Forthcoming Films - Biwi No.1, Takshak, Hum Saath Saath Hain

Cinema can help settle Indo-Pak disputes: Shahrukh

2010-12-11T01:18:00.002-08:00

Lahore: Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan has said cinema can play an important role in resolving tensions between India and Pakistan.

Shahrukh, in an interview to the BBC said that cinema could help Indians and Pakistanis realize that they are the same people with the same thoughts and problems and need to sort them out in an amicable manner.

"Cinema needs to be gentler. It can explain to the people that we are one world or we live in the same area and we have the same thoughts, same problems and we need to sort them out in a way that is more amicable than politicising an issue," The News quoted him as saying.

The report said that Shahrukh also expressed a desire to see India and Pakistan united together.

"I do wish we could progress socially, economically and religiously together and I would love it to be one country. We will kick everybody's butt in hockey and cricket, I'm sure - if we got together," Shahrukh added.

Credit: NewKerala

Shahrukh Khan is tired at 40

2010-12-11T01:18:00.001-08:00

Shahrukh Khan - ambassador for ICICI Bank

2010-12-11T01:17:00.004-08:00

Mumbai, Jan 9: India's largest private sector bank, ICICI Bank today signed Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan as its global brand ambassador.

Announcing this, the bank said it felt that Shahrukh Khan was truly global Indian who embodied the Indian winning spirit.

"We are proud to have Shahrukh Khan as our global brand ambassador. Having established our leadership in the retail business over the last five years, the bank is now poised to scale new heights in the global arena," managing director and CEO, K V Kamath, said in a release here.

ICICI Bank has established its presence in 12 countries including the UK, Canada, the US and the Middle East.

Shahrukh's image and popularity with the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) segment will further reinforce ICICI Bank's global identity, the release said. (Agencies)

Bollywood Hockey Coach Now Cheers for Cricket

2010-12-11T01:17:00.003-08:00

Sharukh Beats Tom Cruise

2010-12-11T01:17:00.001-08:00

Well guys, guess what Sharukh is more famous then Tom Cruise.

Known for his wit, when asked to comment about this King khan gave a witty answer that although he is famous, he is paid lesser than Cruise.

Sharukh with the world going global, you would not have to worry about this. With the number of Cinema Theaters coming up all over and with internet and mails and blogs and websites singing your praises am sure you will beat Tom Cruise.

Mobile phone usage, coupled with the Indians’ everlasting passion for music, will ensure new media revenues grow for Bollywood.

Bollywood is going global people …………………:)

Om Shanti Om has created ripples all over the world. And will ensure that he gets maximum publicity.

What do you think people!!!!

Does Sharukh deserve such attention?????

SRK never created problems for Dulha Mil Gaya - Viveck Vaswani

2010-12-11T01:16:00.001-08:00

Viveck Vaswani is a happy man. His Dulha Mil Gaya, which has been in the making for around 1 and half years now, is fast nearing the finishing mark. The film would be more than 90% through this week as a marathon 20 day schedule comes to a close. In fact in the days gone by, the crew has already shot a substantial portion of the film in Panchgani, Vashi and Pune.

Says Viveck in a relaxed tone, "Over the months there have been media speculations around the completion of Dulha Mil Gaya. It was amusing since more than me they seemed to be worried about the film. There were all kinds of stories circulating around the so-called troubles that the film was facing but my only response to them was - 'Keep Speculating'."

But weren't there murmurs around Shah Rukh Khan being the cause of film's delay? Apparently, he wasn't too willing to spare his dates for the film even as he was busy keeping his other commitments.

"Even I read about this but again, as I said, all this was plain speculation and a wrong one too", smiles Viveck, "Any big film would take its own sweet time to be completed. Yes, there were minor issues but none of them had anything to do with Shah Rukh Khan. He never created problems for Dulha Mil Gaya. My father was unwell for quite some time and I was busy there. He expired some time back and after a mourning period, I resumed work on the film."

Questioning those who have been spreading false stories about SRK being uncooperative, Viveck challenges back, "Have you read any news piece where Shah Rukh himself has quoted anything about being unhappy with DMG? We interact on a regular basis and he has never opened his mouth against the film. Yes, there have been instances where he has been busy but that's understandable. It is a professional thing to do. I don't see any reason why it should be considered as a scoop enough?"

So when do we see SRK's scenes being canned? "This week the film would be more than 90% complete and only a few scenes with SRK remain to be canned", informs Viveck, "There are 7 songs in the film and 6 have already been shot. One song with SRK remains and we can shoot for it anytime in August, September or October, whenever his dates permit."

"We are not in hurry because the technicians at our production house are already on the job. They are keeping busy with the post production and making sure that the end product turns out to be good. It isn't as if the office is running all these years on a film which has been supposedly stalled. Sorry to disappoint a few, but we all are quite charged about Dulha Mil Gaya and making sure that it turns out to be the most talked about film", says Viveck in an excited tone.

So the million dollar question is, when does Dulha Mil Gaya eventually release? "Approximately we are eyeing a January 2009 release. Things are going as per the plan and I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be able to make it on that day", concludes Viveck.

indiafm.com

MTV to make movies with Shah Rukh, Hrithik, Aamir

2010-12-11T01:15:00.000-08:00

Popular music channel MTV is all set to make three films with the reigning stars of today - Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan.
All the three movies will be regular commercial productions to be made on a grand scale, a source at MTV told IANS.

Right now, the actors signed by the channel are busy working in their respective movies. Shah Rukh is currently shooting for Yash Raj Films' 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', Hrithik with home production 'Kites' and Aamir with his much-awaited 'Ghajini.'

Since these movies are slated for release later this year, the proposed MTV productions are likely to mount the sets next year. The channel, however, refused to elaborate on it.

MTV India's past attempt at filmmaking, however, was not encouraging. In 2006, the channel made 'Ghoom', a 45-minute spoof on Yash Raj Films' 'Dhoom', but it bombed at the box-office.

- IANS

Shah Rukh developing property in UAE

2010-12-11T01:14:00.001-08:00

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is developing a cluster of signature buildings on Al Dana Island in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE's seven emirates, a media report said.
The project in association with the TSA International Investments is called Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard.
According to the Arabian Business Magazine the actor will be in Dubai from October 6 to 9 to announce the project at real estate expo Cityscape Dubai.
Shah Rukh has reportedly been keenly involved in the conceptualisation of the project that has been designed by celebrity architect Tony Ashai.
Buyers have been invited to offer refundable 'expression of interest' cheques for the proposed studio, one and two bedroom apartments, but sales will begin only after the official launch by Khan on October 20.
- Press Trust of India

Shah Rukh’s shoulder injury postpones My Name Is Khan shoot

2010-12-11T01:12:00.000-08:00

By Subhash K. Jha, February 19, 2009 - 14:16 IST
Contrary to reports that Shah Rukh Khan's shoulder would've healed on its own if he didn't have to do serious stunts right away, the actor's shoulder needed immediate and urgent repairing.
Says a source, "As usual Shah Rukh was busy making light of his discomfort even hours after surgery, but the fact is, the injury was far more serious than it appeared. The doctors had recommended quick and urgent surgery months ago. But the workaholic that he is, Shah Rukh kept postponing the inevitable surgery until after Karan Johar's schedule of My Name Is Khan and the promotion of Billu."
The healing process after the surgery is going to take at least a couple of months. Says a source, "Karan Johar has willingly postponed the next schedule. But Shabana Azmi who was supposed to play Shah Rukh's mother would not have the required dates. Her role would now have to be recast as per Shah Rukh's recovery and renewal of shooting."

Shah Rukh Khan set to do a Broadway style Indian musical

2010-12-11T01:11:00.000-08:00

Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan is an entertainer cum entrepreneur who knows how to spot good opportunities. The actor, who is known to diversify and experiment, has now given his nod to a Broadway-style, big budget Indian musical, the second to be attempted after the ‘City of Dreams`.
As per reports, this is the first time ever that such an Indian musical will be made on such a large scale. But if sources are to be believed, then the Bollywood Badshah will only do a cameo which will have a crucial impact on the plot.
Talking to a news daily, a source from the event management company that is making this musical said, “A full-fledged publicity plan is being devised cashing in on SRK`s presence in the show as this is now it’s USP”.
However, getting Shah Rukh on board wasn`t easy. In order to convince King Khan, help of the Morani brothers, with whom the actor has worked for many years, was taken.
“It took quite a lot of time for Shah Rukh to get convinced because he wanted to be sure that the project is actually big,” said the source.

SRK as Gautam Buddha?

2010-12-11T01:03:00.000-08:00

Ashutosh Gowariker's magnum-opus Buddha to have an all international crew
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, May 22, 2010 - 15:39 IST
Even before his next film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey releases, Ashutosh Gowariker has already moved on to his big budget project Buddha. Produced by Dr.Bhupendra Kumar Modi and directed by Gowariker, Buddha tells the journey of Gautam Buddha right from when he was known as Prince Siddhartha to his moment of enlightenment when he became Buddha. While the hunt for the actor who will play the lead role is still on, it's quite interesting to note that the film will primarily have an all-international crew except production designer Nitin Chandrakant Desai who has worked with Gowariker on most of his films.
Some of the international crew members are:
.
David S. Ward (USA) - Screen writer (best known for his Oscar winning screenplay in The Sting and Sleepless in Seattle)
Michel Shane (USA) - Executive Producer (who is known for having worked on films like I Robot and Catch Me If You Can)
Karl Walter Lindenlaub (USA) - Director of Photography (German born Lindenlaub has done been the DOP on films such as Independence Day, The Jackal, The Princess Diaries, Maid in Manhattan, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Ninja Assassin)
April Ferry (USA) - Costume Designer (Academy Award, BAFTA and Emmy award winner who has worked on Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Maverick, Free Willy, Frailty, National Security)
Glenn Boswell (AUS) - 2nd Unit director / Stunt coordinator (has worked on films like X-Men Wolverine, I, Robot, all three Matrix films, Dark City, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Thin Red Line)
Jarrod Linton(AUS) - Previz Supervisor (has worked on films like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Da Vinci Code, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Troy, The Spirit, X-Men Wolverine)
David Russell (AUS) - Story Board artist (a renowned storyboard artist and illustrator having contributed to over 80 films including Hollywood blockbusters such as Star Wars, X-Men Wolverine, Batman, Terminator II, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Tombstone, Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rouge)
Dileep Singh Rathore (IND/USA) - Co-producer / Line Producer (With over 20 years experience in producing and handling domestic and international productions, Dileep's credits include Peter Weir's upcoming release The Way Back, Disney's Hexe Lilli, Warner Bros.' Das Wilde Leben, Blood Diamond, and films such as City of Joy, Flames in Paradise, Maya, Return to Rajapur among others.)
Speaking on making a film with such a top-notch international crew, producer Dr.Modi says, "Buddha, is a truly global film and we needed a team that would have a global sensibility and transcend language barriers."
Ashutosh Gowariker says, "The first important decision that Dr. Modi took was to make Buddha in English. And that got me immediately interested because I have always felt that when it comes to religion, you must cater to an international audience, especially so in the case of Buddha. The past two months of pre-production have been exciting. It has been exhilarating to be working with the DOP Karl Walter Lindenlaub, Oscar nominated Costume Designer and Stunt Co-ordinator Glenn Boswell. The movies that these people have worked on are ones that I have admired and seen over and over again. So, I feel privileged to be working with them on Buddha.
This is the first time that I have done pre-visualisation for a film. It has been an amazing learning curve to be working with Jarrod Linton who is the pre-viz supervisor on the film. Dr. Modi and his co-producer Dileep Singh Rathore are leaving no stone unturned to give me technicians of my choice that will help create 500 B.C. accurately on screen."
As for the lead actor, Gowariker says, "The search for the actor to play Buddha continues. I am going through the hundreds of auditions that have come in and I must say, we are getting closer to our Buddha."

SRK - Kat teamed?

2010-12-11T01:02:00.000-08:00

By Taran Adarsh, August 17, 2010
Another combination people are extremely keen to watch is that of Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. There's talk that at least two top notch producers are keen on casting SRK and Katrina together because [a] they haven't worked together at all and [b] both are in the prime of their careers. In fact, the rumour gained momentum when SRK announced plans of making RA.ONE. At that point of time, there was speculation that Kat was being considered for the project. But the role eventually went to Kareena Kapoor.
The latest is, a leading production house is keen on casting SRK and Katrina for its ambitious venture. Katrina, however, maintains that they haven't signed any film so far. "Yes, people are keen to see us together, but there's nothing on the platter yet. The only film I've signed is Yash Raj's next with Imran Khan. That's it," she tells me.

Exclusives On Shahrukh Khan

2010-12-11T00:58:00.001-08:00

	Check out the first picture of ace choreographer Saroj Khan demonstrating a dance step from the hit number Yeh Ishq from Jab We Met to Kareena Kapoor in Manali. Kareena attentively observes Saroj ji both with an air of confidence and trepidation.
	In the next picture we see Kareena in action, having followed Saroj ji's instructions to the tee! The Yeh Ishq number from Jab We Met has been

facts

2010-12-11T00:57:00.002-08:00

He did his High school from St Columbus High School in New Delhi
Shahrukh Khan has back and knee problems.
He has been voted the sexiest man in Asia by the Jade magazine.
He was an ace in electronics and biology but wasn't good at all in mathematics. Overall a brilliant student.
He captained all teams in football, hockey, and played cricket at zone and national level.
He graduated from Hansraj College, Delhi University and followed it up with a Masters Degree in Mass Communications (Film making) from Jamiya Miliya Islamiya, in Delhi, but quit it in a year.
The reason he took up on Mass Communications (Film making) is because he loved the TV commercials.
For a short spell, Shahrukh Khan ran a restaurant in Darya Ganj, New Delhi.
He also joined theatre with Barry John. He started out as an actor on the small screen, in Dil Dariya (directed by Lekh Tandon) where he almost went unrecognized because he played a sardarji. Then came his teleserials Fauji, Ummeed & Circus.
Shahrukh Khan is a chain smoker.
In school there were four of them and called themselves the ‘c’ gang. As they were from the c-section. They are still friends and are married friends. Like he married Gauri who’s best friend is married to Vikas. He has never had more friends and close friends than these three-except perhaps, Chikki. Anyway, they were very cool, yanky gang, very American. They loved wearing Nike and they’d have a little spring in their walk, like the Americans and the blacks do. Like in Grease.
Shahrukh Khan has campaigned for Pepsi, Bagpiper, Santro, Omega etc
Shahrukh Khan launched his perfume "SK" with the French perfumers, Jeannes Arthes.
Fun with Teachers: Whenever they got a new teacher, he’d pretend to have an epileptic fit. The students would pull off his shoes and would force him to walk bare feet. Everybody knew that Shah Rukh was probably taking his ass. He was really very wicked.
Relationship he shared with his teachers: One person who really shaped his life was Brother Eric D’Souza. He was short and sweet. He taught him all the games and a lot about life. He used to smoke a lot and Shah Rukh used to tell him that only weak people smoked so much. Now he does it.
The Arrogance: Shah Rukh would return home at nine every night, after taking part in elocution, exhibitions, or rehearsing. Later at night he would play Cricket under the street lamp. He would study at the last minute as he had a good memory. At college he was quite lost as he came from a sophisticated school. But he wasn’t a pseudo guy with an accent like most guys from St. Columbus’s get. He admits that he learnt to be arrogant because of the atmosphere in school. He had it for 13 years in school. That amount of arrogance he says is good. Then that attitude continued at Stephens College, which he left after a year. He then joined Hansraj College.
Any Girlfriends at College: He had very good friends but never affairs. He would sit with girls. Some would help him write his notes like Usha and Anju Shah. He never sat with a girl and chatted with her. He was always in a gang. Coming from a segregated school, his relationship with girls had always been from a distance. St. Columbus made him a sort of Dennis the Menace, where falling in love was stupid-macho men don’t fall in love

Shahrukh Khan not interested in Hollywood

2010-12-11T00:57:00.001-08:00

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is developing a cluster of signature buildings on Al Dana Island in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE's seven emirates, a media report said.

The project in association with the TSA International Investments is called Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard.

According to the Arabian Business Magazine the actor will be in Dubai from October 6 to 9 to announce the project at real estate expo Cityscape Dubai.

Shah Rukh has reportedly been keenly involved in the conceptualisation of the project that has been designed by celebrity architect Tony Ashai.

Buyers have been invited to offer refundable 'expression of interest' cheques for the proposed studio, one and two bedroom apartments, but sales will begin only after the official launch by Khan on October 20.

- Press Trust of India

Awards

2010-12-11T00:56:00.000-08:00

Face to Face Interview - Shahrukh Khan

2010-12-10T03:38:00.000-08:00

By Monisha Pratap-Shah

It was late in the evening and Shah Rukh Khan had been nursing a bad cold all day. “Fifteen minutes, right?” he said as he ushered me, swaggering into his plush mahogany office. “That’s not enough!” I wailed. Shah Rukh turned on his dimpled smile, and I realized he’d been teasing me. And sure enough, he then kept talking—fast, animated, and often bursting into laughter between the sniffles—for the next 90 minutes, long after his staff had left for the day.
Here I was with the man who’s arguably
been, for well over a decade, Bollywood’s top star, heartthrob-in-chief, and winner of innumerable awards, but not once did Shah Rukh, 39, do or say anything to suggest any of that. Instead, he reflected cheerfully on the things he holds most dear—among them his marriage and family, his work, religious beliefs, favourite books, and his weakness for video games.

RD: Let’s begin with you and your wife. What brought you and Gauri
together?
Shah Rukh Khan: I have known her since I was 18 and she was 14. She was the first girl I asked for a dance. I was shy with women.

RD: Did you face opposition at the time of your marriage?
SRK: There were organizations that kept a lookout at the civil courts to see which Hindu is getting married to which Muslim. But we gave wrong
addresses.

RD: What about Gauri’s parents?
SRK: It was strange for them, for I am from a different religion, I don’t have parents and I wanted to join Hindi films. I, too, would be little wary of somebody like that. But once her parents met me, they were quite alright with it. Now her parents shout at her more than they shout at me!

RD: What were you like at school and college?
SRK: I was naughty in school. In college, I spent most of my time on sports. My school was very strict. At that time the discipline seemed harsh but as time goes by I think this has helped me a lot. Discipline to me means: If you have to do something you follow it to the end.

RD: If you weren’t a film star what would you have been?
SRK: Perhaps I would have gone into advertising, making ad films. Perhaps I would have been a teacher; I like teaching.

RD: For a Hindi actor, you’re not a traditional good-looker.
SRK: Yes, I’ve been completely unconventional [laughs].

RD: Besides the fame, what pleasure do you get out of acting?
SRK: For 21/2 hours I am able to control people’s emotions in the sense that I lend a smile to their faces and take them away from everyday problems. That’s a great achievement. The rest is peripheral—the labels attached to me, King Khan, Badshah of Bollywood, XYZ…

RD: Earlier, top Muslim stars like Dilip Kumar and Meena Kumari changed their names to mask their identity. Today’s top stars are openly Muslim. Do you see films as a secularizing force?
SRK: I don’t think they changed their names to conceal their religion. Non-Muslims like Jeetendra saheb and Ashok Kumar changed their names. I think there was a time when there used to be stage names for all actors. Our industry is so secular—so many Muslims in it are doing so well. Art is not unsecular.

RD: You are secular. You have “Om” and “Allah” inscribed in your house. Did your parents instill this attitude in you?
SRK: Yes. My parents always told me that God is one. I go to temples with my friends. I celebrate both Id and Diwali. I’m teaching my kids to read the Koran in English.

RD: Would you promote secularism through your work?
SRK: I am here to entertain, not to promote secularism.

RD: Whom do you turn to in times of trouble?
SRK: I talk to Allah—I pray to him.

RD: You stopped praying after you lost your mother—what made you reconnect to God?
SRK: I was very angry with God for a little while but then I realized if I remain angry with God there is no chance I will ever meet my mother again. If you are not friendly with God there is no heaven and no hell.

RD: You lost your parents when you were very young. Has this made you insecure in terms of spending time with your kids?
SRK: I don’t think so. But it’s important that in their formative years they do not feel that their father has not been around because he is busy making movies. I like to be home by 6:30 so I can spend a couple of hours with them before they sleep. I put them to bed, take them to school. I go for PTA meetings like any other parent. All the normal things everyone does.

RD: What memories do you have of your parents?
SRK: Mum taught us that if you need something, you must work for it, not just sit and pray for it. Mother’s been dead for 15 years, my father for 25. One memory I have is of them being both soft and stern at the same time. They were physically demonstrative, they used to hug us a lot, and so that’s something I do to my children.

RD: A children’s ward has been named after your mother at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital. How did you think of donating for the cause? Are you doing other charitable work as well?
SRK: I went to that hospital one day to see the child of someone who was working with me. I felt conditions were not very good, and when I asked why, they said they needed funds. So I decided to donate money and they were kind enough to name the ward after my mother. I’ve seen it once—when I went to open it—and I felt it was wonderful. I want to do more charity, inshallah. We are trying to see that whichever film makes money, a part of it will go for charity. We have to do something with Main Hoon Na. Maybe a cancer ward…

RD: Any desire to do something for the country? Ever thought of joining politics?
SRK: I think I do my bit—I entertain the country! But no politics for me. I don’t think I’ll be good at it.

RD: Apart from spinal surgery, have you faced any other difficult times? Has surgery changed your perspective on life?
SRK: I am a believer in divine retribution. I believe I got the injury because I deserved it. I must have done something that made me deserve to be in so much pain. Now that I have gone through the pain, I have absolutely absolved myself of the wrong that I must have done.

RD: Do you believe in astrologers?
SRK: I don’t believe in astrology I believe only in God. I don’t mean Allah, but the God that I think is close to my heart—I don’t know what he or she looks like.

RD: Any fears now, especially while doing action scenes?
SRK: I am scared every time I exert myself or travel a long distance, because the pain comes back. But it’s something one has to live with.

RD: It’s been said that you’re prone to insomnia.
SRK: Not really. When I sleep, I sleep like a log—nobody can wake me up. I sleep for four to five hours. If I sleep longer, I have a problem.

RD: One keeps reading about your high energy levels.
SRK: Strange, I too hear about it. I thought everyone was like that. Everybody has to get up in the morning and go about his life and that’s what I also do. I have a simple middle-class lifestyle but because it is larger than life on screen it seems that way in real life too.

RD: You’re a chain smoker—any plans to give up smoking?
SRK: I’m not really a chain smoker—if I don’t have cigarettes, I don’t smoke. But I’m planning to quit and I have cut back.

RD: You are writing your autobiography. Is it cathartic? Does it help you to get over unpleasant issues?
SRK: By nature, I leave the good and bad behind—it’s not because of writing the book that I’ve become like that. I understand very deeply that things only matter at one point in time. If you’re hurt, you must let the moment be and go on. But I don’t forget. I remember everything that is said or done to me. But I don’t hold it to heart.

RD: You are a gizmo freak—computers and video games are your passion. Does technology stimulate you?
SRK: Technology to me is a great thing. New things turn me on. I get video games for my kids that are too advanced for them and play with them myself.

RD: You are a voracious reader. Which book are you reading currently?
SRK: I read three or four books at a time. I’ve just finished a thriller called Digital Fortress and now I’m reading a book on the Kabbala, an ancient religion. I’m also reading The Five People You Meet in Heaven [a novel about how every person on earth matters]. Before that, I read a book called The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. I go to bookstores when I’m in London or America. I get a coffee and keep browsing for hours—something I can’t do in India. I come back home with a bagful of books. I’m always stopped at customs as they think I’m carrying some heavy electronic items!

RD: Your business venture, Dreamz Unlimited, did not do too well. Now you have started a production company called Red Chillies. What kind of movies will you make?
SRK: I’ve always made movies close to my heart. Any story is nice as long as it makes you feel good. I have no socially relevant or women emancipation subjects close to my heart. I’m an entertainer.

RD: Are you a good businessman?
SRK: I don’t think so. I don’t know how to ask for money. I don’t know how to deal with money. But I’m not a fool either—I am very clear in my business dealings; they are very transparent and up front. Also, very few people tend to cheat me. They know I’m the means to an end—so why kill the golden goose? [laughs]. Also, I do carry a bit of a clout.

RD: Are you interested in directing films?
SRK: Directing is a very lonely job. The responsibility and the stress are so great and the end result is never your own. But if I become a director, I must have enough money to produce my own films. I’d be an expensive director, and I don’t want to utilize someone else’s money for my whims and fancies.

RD: You’ve tried your hand at almost everything—recently you even lent your voice to a cartoon film. What if you reach a stage where you find that nothing stimulates you?
SRK: I hope I never reach that stage. If things don’t happen to you, you have to make them happen. You never wait for life to happen to you—you rush towards life with open arms.