SRK won't perform at Commonwealth Games (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

Shah Rukh Khan will not be performing at the October 3 opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games (CWG), organisers have confirmed.

"Shah Rukh is definitely not performing at the opening ceremony. However, I don't know if he is planning to attend the event or if he has received any invite from the organising committee. But he is not performing," Viraf Sarkari, director of Wizcraft International Entertainment, said.

The opening ceremony of the Oct 3-14 mega sports event will be a melange of Indian dances and songs, said Sarkari. Wizcraft is behind the cultural evening at the event.

A R Rahman will be performing a few songs, apart from the latest version of the CWG anthem. But the Bollywood quotient will take a back seat as India's cultural heritage will rule the stage on D-day, added Sarkari.

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh won't be attending another international event where he's the focus. SRK is seen as an icon of religious unity by many the world over and experts will deliberate upon the topic at a three-day conference at Vienna University.

Titled 'Shah Rukh Khan and Global Bollywood', the meet will not be attended by the superstar himself, but he has said he feels humbled by the endeavour. Some 40 speakers from universities around the world will discuss a wide range of topics revolving around Shah Rukh who is seen as a global cultural phenomenon.

The actor is lauded for playing both Hindu and Muslim characters on screen.

Shah Rukh, who is shooting round the clock for 'Ra.One', said in an e-mail forwarded by Karuna Badwal, executive assistant at his company Red Chillies Entertainment, that he has prior commitments but sends his very best wishes.

London-based filmmaker Nasreen Munni Kabir will kick-start the conference with a paper on 'The Worlds of Shah Rukh Khan' at the 19th century building of Vienna's Museum of Ethnology, near the imperial palace. Kabir produced the documentary 'The Inner and the Outer World of Shah Rukh Khan' in 2004.

To the question why Shah Rukh, Professor Elke Mader, Dean Cultural and Social Anthropology Institute of Vienna University, said: "In German-speaking countries his films have developed a cult media and a very active fan culture. Khan's capacity to negotiate and to integrate opposites and extremes and to connect with diverse audiences worldwide as well as his art of expressing emotions make him not only a superstar but a very significant figure in times of global mediascapes and cultural flows."

Shahrukh Khan joined Arjun and Kareena in press meet to promote We Are Family

Shah Rukh Khan has decided he will be part of every Karan Johar production in some capacity or the other. In I Hate LUV Storys, Shah Rukh did a small voiceover. Unfortunately, he couldn't be accommodated anywhere in We Are Family although SRK was quite adamant to feature somehow.

"Ek photo hi daal do kisi shot mein," he kept urging Karan.

Not one to give up even when his wish has gone way past its fulfilment phase, SRK barged in sportingly at a media meet with Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal and insisted on conducting an interview with the pair...

"Just as a good luck charm," as SRK put it.

On Wednesday afternoon SRK just decided to drop in at the venue of the interview and said, "Even I am part of the family. So I'm joining them to promote the film."

Director Siddharth Malhotra can't get over the magic of the moment. "It is such gestures that make Shah Rukh who he is. It is his ability to make people feel special that makes him the superstar and the King."

Siddharth had entered the media meet when he saw an exceptional bustle at the venue. He jokingly asked what the clamour was about.

"SRK aa gaya kya? I asked sarcastically. Imagine my surprise when someone turned around and said that's precisely what has happened and that SRK was doing an interview with Kareena and Arjun for my film."

One now hears that SRK will make his presence felt in all of Karan Johar's films on one way or another.

Says Karan, "Shah Rukh is just about the most generous human being I know."

Shahrukh Khan, the highest paid host ever?

Looks like Shah Rukh Khan is proving that he is the 'Badshah' even of Tellyland. TOI has learned that King Khan is apparently charging Rs 2.5 crore per episode for his forthcoming reality show Zor Ka Jhatka on TV.

Top industry sources claim that with this astronomical amount, SRK certainly becomes the costliest B-town A-lister to be signed on for a reality show. Whenever Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan have hosted TV shows, the industry debated whether they were the highest paid actors. However, this time it looks like the figures are on SRK's side. A source from the show reveals, "No one will speak openly about how much he is earning, but SRK charging Rs.2.5 crore certainly seems a believable figure.

As of now what can be revealed is that Shah Rukh is on for four weeks, Monday to Thursday, and if you calculate it, he is getting Rs 40 crore for 16 episodes. Bring on the superstar who can charge so much even after his last stint on TV (Kya Hum Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain) was panned and did not get the TRP that he got during Kaun Banega Crorepati."

Russian President Dmitry meets Yash Chopra and Shahrukh Khan

 

They say art and culture has no language and this became apparent during the recent visit of the Russian President H.E. Dmitry A. Medvedev to India when he took out time from his two day visit to head to Yash Raj Studio.

The agenda was quite simple; it was to further strengthen the ties of the two countries with special emphasis on promoting cultural exchanges between Russia and India and for the President to get an opportunity to directly meet with the members of the Indian film industry.

Not many know that Indian Films have been very popular with Russian audiences for over 60 years since the time of the legendary Raj Kapoor. And this fond memory helped to get the President's meeting off to a very cordial beginning and set the mood for what followed.

Russian President Dmitry meets Yash Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan Click here to add this article to My Clips

By Bollywood Hungama News Network, December 24, 2010 - 18:08 IST

Yash Chopra, Mukesh Bhatt, Dmitri Medvedev, Randhir Kapoor, Ramesh Sippy, Manmohan Desai

They say art and culture has no language and this became apparent during the recent visit of the Russian President H.E. Dmitry A. Medvedev to India when he took out time from his two day visit to head to Yash Raj Studio.

The agenda was quite simple; it was to further strengthen the ties of the two countries with special emphasis on promoting cultural exchanges between Russia and India and for the President to get an opportunity to directly meet with the members of the Indian film industry.

Not many know that Indian Films have been very popular with Russian audiences for over 60 years since the time of the legendary Raj Kapoor. And this fond memory helped to get the President's meeting off to a very cordial beginning and set the mood for what followed.

Shahrukh Khan, Dmitri Medvedev, Yash Chopra, Kareena Kapoor

President Dmitry Medvedev was very happy that he was able to spend some time at the studio along with Yash Chopra and meet with the members of the Film Producers Guild of India and others. He said that his association and love for Indian films started way back in 1970 with Raj Kapoor's Shree 420, a popular and iconic film in Russia. He also said that cinemas are a common language and that he looked forward to receiving good proposals from the Indian Film Industry.

Even Yash Chopra was thrilled to meet the President as he said, "We are honoured to have the President of Russia, H.E. Medvedev, who took time off during his very short visit to India, to come visit us. Speaking on behalf of all of us present here and particularly the film fraternity, I am confident that this visit will most certainly help us to build on our already strong cultural and emotional relationship that has existed over many years. With this as our heritage, we should be looking at doing things collectively going forward."

While at the studio Yash Chopra invited the Russia President to the sets of Ra.One to meet Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor. This was a special occasion for the President, being the first time that he was on the sets of an Indian film shoot. In his unique and witty style, Shah Rukh Khan said that there is a great diversity of Russian and Indian culture which can be mutually drawn upon. He suggested that we should go there to learn the ballet and Russia should come here to learn the bhangra!

At Mehboob Studios...

Shah Rukh Khan at a photoshoot for the suiting brand he endorses.

Deepika Padukone shooting for Break Ke Baad.

Arjun Rampal and Kareena Kapoor at a promotional event for We Are Family

Farah and I are friends: Shahrukh Khan (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

Shah Rukh Khan has cleared the air over a reported rift with choreographer-director Farah Khan, saying that just because he wasn't on her next project didn't mean that they weren't friends.

He wished her luck for her next film Tees Maar Khan, for which she signed on Akshay Kumar instead of Shah Rukh.

"My friendship with all is as it was before, love them the same way. Many times if we are not working with each other doesn't mean that I hate her or end of friendship. I don't take my wife's decision, how could I take others. I want to see everyone doing well.

"When I am shooting with someone, I am more in touch with him. This time I am not in touch with Farah but wish her all the success and hope this film (Tees Maar Khan) becomes a bigger hit than Om Shanti Om, which was her last film. I just hope she become even a bigger producer. Yes, she is a friend of mine. I am not doing a film with her, which doesn't mean I don't love her," said Shah Rukh.

Shah Rukh played the lead role in Farah's last film Om Shanti Om.

"I'm too old to work in films" - Gauri Khan

Gauri has her doubts about B'wood, but she is teaming up with Shah Rukh for an ad

Shah Rukh Khan's wife Gauri, who is considered a super stylish and glam celeb spouse, feels she is too old to get into films.

"I am quite old now. Had I been young, I would have done one," Gauri told Shah Rukh when he asked her if she would work in films as well.

She said this at an event on August 26 to annouce them as the brand ambassadors of D'Décor, the world's third largest furnishing company.

This is the first time that Shah Rukh and Gauri have teamed up for an ad.

"I feel very humble and happy when any company signs me as their brand ambassador and so I am very happy to be part of D'Décor," Shah Rukh said after he and his wife were officially declared the brand ambassadors.

Gauri added: "I haven't worked so hard ever, so after working for two long days, I slept last two days. It was a fantastic experience."

Shah Rukh, known as a caring husband and father, was quite attentive at the event and made sure Gauri was comfortable. He helped Gauri in holding the microphone properly so that the media could hear whatever little she had to say.

Ajay Arora, managing director of D'Décor, decided to sign them as brand ambassadors because he felt they were the best examples of perfect homemakers.

"We thought that apart from being celebrities, Shah Rukh and Gauri have made a wonderful home, both by decor and feeling, so we decided to make them brand ambassadors of the company," said Arora.

Shahrukh Khan's 'hijack' drama (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

Shah Rukh Khan's bond with Karan Johar is the stuff of family (They're brothers and more, everyone knows). So it was only natural that SRK wanted to be a part of the promotions for Karan's new movie 'We Are Family'. But some news channels didn't quite see it that way, and here's what the star had to say about that.

"Did interview for We r Family with Arjun & Kareena, cos i feel karan is family. 1 channel said I hijacked interview for my gain. How low? ha ha"

Trust SRK to laugh this off, and also get complimenting his star buddies. He added, "Met 3 beautiful women. Deepika, Kareena & Shahana (Goswami). I get such warm wonderful hugs from them. Still smelling of youth, beauty & talent from hug."

And then there was some philosophy in store, "Wot others say u cant control...wot u make of it, learn, understand, disregard, mull over it & take it out of ur system, is in ur hand & heart."

SRK ended in his usual after-tweet mode, posting, "Think i have vented enough. Anymore & twitter will get choked."

Shahrukh gets spiritual (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

It is futile for people to fight over religious monuments, Shah Rukh Khan said in an indirect message for peace ahead of the verdict on the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi dispute.

"I hope we Indians realise how difficult it is to build stadiums and respect and so easy to break monuments and disrespect each others' beliefs. I believe that Allah, god, bhagwan, whichever name we pray to the supreme power by, resides in man's heart, not in manmade houses for Him," Shah Rukh posted on Twitter page.

"I mean first our beliefs should take seed and grow in our hearts and then and only then we should manifest that in places of prayer and god," he added.

A devout Muslim, Shah Rukh married Gauri Chhibber, who is a Hindu, in 1991.

The verdict on the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi title suit case was due to be delivered September 24. But now it has been rescheduled for September 28.

SRK, Priyanka shoot Don 2 in Germany - Photos

SRK's prediction for Berlin

Shah Rukh Khan, who is filming his latest action movie Don 2 in Berlin, predicted Friday that the film's success would encourage millions of Indians to visit the German capital.

"You will have problems getting rid of all the Indians again," Khan joked at a press conference.

"We are proud that we have discovered Berlin for Indians," the Bollywood star said, adding the city could supplant Paris and London as favourite European destinations.

The action thriller, which also showcases Indian stars Priyanka Chopra and Boman Irani, features famous Berlin landmarks - including a scene in which Khan appears to dive 125 metres from a building near Berlin's TV tower.

SRK-Gauri's 'Dabangg' time (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

All of the world's watching Salman Khan's blockbuster 'Dabangg' and Shah Rukh Khan's family is no different. It seems that SRK and wife Gauri both had special screenings of 'Dabangg' organised at Mannat, their home in Mumbai.

Apparently, SRK himself requested the first screening - no, he didn't call up Salman, or even his brother Arbaaz Khan, who produced 'Dabangg'. He wrote to the production company Ashtavinayak to organise a screening. But of course producer Arbaaz's permission was required for it, which he gladly gave.

Then it was Gauri's turn. We hear SRK's biwi called up Arbaaz's wife Malaika Arora Khan to organise a screening for her kids Aryan and Suhana. Once again, Arbaaz organised it.

Wonder what SRK and family thought of Chulbul Pandey and family? Will SRK get in touch with Sallu to share his feedback, even after that comment from the 'Dabangg' star that the two can never get together? Watch this space for updates.

"My dad was the strongest"

Shah Rukh Khan misses his dad, Taj Mohammed Khan, a lot even 30 years after his death. And on September 19, his dad's death anniversary, the star got expressing those feelings.

SRK posted on his Twitter page, "Thirty years ago this day my dad died. Never said wot I should be. I want to be a gentle & funny father more than any other title. Miss him lots."

"On days when issues surround me that need strength...I wish he was here to beat up all. My dad was the strongest...& the handsomest. I don't remember my dad's skin...his touch or his voice anymore. Only his eyes...& his smile...full of promise that he will always be there," the 44-year-old added.

Shah Rukh's father had died of cancer.

SRK also urged his fans to hug their fathers at least once a week.

"One last thing before I miss my dad even more. All of you go & give a hug to your dads once a week, without reason...fathers like that. I know."

Bollywood's top tax payers revealed

Shah Rukh Khan has got back his position as Bollywood's top tax payer. For 2010- 2011, he's paid more taxes than Akshay Kumar, who'd topped the list for 2010-2009. SRK has paid Rs. 5 crores for the second quarter this time round, compared to Akki's 4.5 crores.

They are followed by Aamir Khan, who paid Rs 4 crores. The fourth place is shared by Saif Ali Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, both paying Rs 2.5 crores.

Katrina leads the B'wood heroine brigade, with Rs 1.3 crore. She's followed closely by Kareena Kapoor, who's paid Rs 1 crore.

Someone who's really fallen on this chart is Hrithik Roshan, who's only paid Rs 50 lakhs for the year, compared to Rs 3 crores last year.

Shahrukh Khan on 'Tere Bin Laden' (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

'Tere Bin Laden' just keeps getting more and more fans. After Salman and many other stars tweeted about the movie, it's now the Badshah's turn.

Shah Rukh Khan saw the Ali Zafar movie recently, and this is what he had to say, "Just saw Tere Bin Laden...havent laughed so much since its a mad,mad..world and jaane bhi do yaaron...awesome shetty sisters & whole team."

He added, "Kids alone with me. mom hoping i teach them, i'm making them watch movies they can laugh with.thats good education too..learning to laugh."

Ali Zafar tweeted right back at SRK, "You yourself have made people smile for so many years. The least we could do was make you laugh for 95 mins. Thank u!"

Looks like we're going to see more bonding between these two stars. After all, now they're both Yash Raj heroes too!

Next SRK's RA.One schedule in September (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

The cast and crew returned over the weekend after a long shooting spell in London

The next schedule of RA.One rolls after a short break in the first week of September. A special set is being erected at Filmistan Studios for a round-table conference sequence.

Shah Rukh Khan returned from a long spell of shooting in London for his production over the weekend. The actor is slated to have two schedules of filming of his superhero flick, directed by Anubhav Sinha, in the city.

Says a source, "The sequence at Filmistan is for a lavish round-table conference meet. As Shah Rukh has just arrived, the details of the set design are being worked out."

Adds the source, "Shooting of the action sequences is extremely time consuming due to the technicalities involved so the plan is to have two different schedules."

SRK's RA.One co-star Kareena Kapoor is out of Mumbai presently. She is slated to return to the city only in September around the same time the project rolls again.

Adds the source, "As soon as Kareena's ongoing Switzerland holiday with Saif Ali Khan ends, the couple will start shooting for Agent Vinod. The actress will be back in Mumbai for a few days in the last week of August for the promotions of We Are Family after which she takes off for Latvia for the shoot of her beau's movie. She is slated to be back in Mumbai only around September 9."

Shahrukh's father-in-law in hospital (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

Shah Rukh Khan's father-in-law R P Chhiba has been admitted to a hospital in Delhi after a possible heart attack. SRK and Gauri flew to Delhi on hearing the news, and are with him now.

It seems Gauri's dad was in a very serious condition when he was taken to the hospital but is thought to be doing better now.

SRK confirmed this by posting on his Twitter page, "Father in law better. He is a tough army man. Matters of the heart complicated but not unsurmountable for him. inshaallah will be fit soon."

He added, "Mind and heart a bit heavy...will be back later. thanx for ur wishes...love to all."

SRK and Gauri are both originally from Delhi, and Gauri's family is still settled there. On his trips to the city, SRK often talks about his close bond with the place. Gauri's family being there surely adds to his connection, and we hope all is perfectly well with them soon.

SRK back from London (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

Shah Rukh Khan at the International airport on his arrival from London. The star returned over the weekend after a long schedule of RA.1

B’wood says 'Jai Ho' on Independence Day

The spirit of Independence Day is running strong through Bollywood and here's what the stars are saying today:

Shah Rukh Khan had his own unique take on the day, "Freedom of the mind...freedom to make mistakes...freedom from being judged...& the courage to want these freedoms. Happy courage day to all.

Bipasha Basu: Today is an iconic day in the history of India. Let's spend a minute and salute the people who laid their lives to give us independence!

Lara Dutta: Wishing everyone a Happy Independence day!! Wave your flag and be a proud and responsible Indian! Jai Hind!

Preity Zinta: Happy Independence day India! Hope we can free ourselves from corruption & be d country Gandhi & all d freedom fighters aspired 4! JAI HIND!

Abhishek Bachchan: Swatantrata diwas ke shubh kamnaye. Sare jahan se achcha, hindustan hamara. Jai Hind! Today on our independence day a tribute to all who fought for our freedom. Vande Mataram!!!

Amitabh Bachchan: Happy Independence Day ..!! May India no longer be 'the third world country' or a 'developing nation' but FIRST WORLD and DEVELOPED !!

Arjun Rampal: Rahman's Vande Mataram playing at the airport, can't help but smile,feel proud to be Indian, can see it in the many faces around me too.

Riteish Deshmukh: SAARE JAHAN SE ACCHAA- HINDUSTAN HAMAARA -lets not take our independence for granted-lets do out bit to make INDIA a better place- JAI HIND

Ameesha Patel: Happy independence day. I'm proud of our country’s achievements

Sachin Tendulkar: I wish everyone a Happy Independence day.All of us in our small way should contribute to make our country a better place. Jai Hind

Arbaaz Khan: Good morning India ! Happy independence day :) Proud to be an Indian Jai ho !!!

Gul Panag: Happy Independence Day! May we have freedom OF opportunity, expresion & choice.And freedom FROM hunger, terrorism & corruption.

Anupam Kher: Happy Independence Day to every INDIAN all over the world. Thanks to all those known and unknown indians who helped us achieve it. :)

Check Out: SRK and Gauri shoot for D'decor furnishing brand (srkthedon.blogspot.com)

Shah Rukh Khan has to his credit countless brand endorsements and has been seen in several TV commercials. However, his endorsement of leading furnishing brand D'decor is extra-special as it also features his wifey dearest Gauri Khan. Only recently the husband-wife duo launched D'decor's latest furnishing line at a grand press conference in Mumbai.

While the ads are yet to be seen, SRK has posted a pic from the ad shoot on Twitter. Says the actor, "Got a pic from the d decor shoot...the furnishing is awesome...the wife looks fine too."

We are sure like all his previous commercials, this one too will be loved by millions of SRK fans.