Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Shahrukh Khan's work wrapped on My Name Is Khan

It all began as a rumor that Shahrukh Khan, Kajol and Karan Johar would be working together again. Then we got word that this dream team was indeed working on a project called My Name is Khan. We learned that it was not your average masala film and that it was set in the after math of 9/11. In December of 2008, the film went to the floor and though we know a bit more about it, the story is still very much under wraps.

Shahrukh said in an interview with TOI that, "My Name Is Khan is the most special film for both Karan Johar and me. And unlike the rumors, it's not about terrorism, or 9/11. It's about a relationship between two people, between an individual and the State, and between an individual and the country. In short, there the three important components: love story, Islam and a mild form of autism, which forms the core of MNIK."

In what is said to be one of his most challenging roles, Shahrukh plays a man with Asperger syndrome, which is a mild form of autism. According to autism.about.com, "People with AS develop language normally, but often have difficulty with social interactions, fine and gross motor coordination, and eye contact. They may be extremely passionate about just one or two topics, with little patience for small talk. They also may struggle to handle normal daily activities, such as organizing time, managing conflict, or even facing the sensory overload presented by malls and grocery stores." In the film, Shahrukh is suspected of being a terrorists after the 9/11 attacks not only because of his disease but also because of his name. Kajol plays his wife in the film.

In an earlier interview with Subhash K Jha, Karan Johar said of SRK's performance, "Time and again I'm blown away by Shahrukh. At times I wonder how can he bring so many variations in his character when he already has so much on his plate. He has done monumental research on his autistic character in the film. I was zapped by how much he knew about the subject. And he brought all the knowledge on the sets without any strain. He had written reams of notes on how he wanted to interpret his character. And for him it was no big deal. I think he's ready to direct a film. He will be outstanding at it. His understanding of human nature and emotions can never be matched by me."

We can now report that after months of long and hard work Shahrukh Khan has finished his shooting schedule for My Name is Khan and the director still has nothing but praise for the actors performance. KJo wrote on the social site Twitter, "Shahrukh just wrapped on MNIK... He has been so amazing through the shoot... He deserves every bit of his legendary status!!"
Source: bollyspice

King-size comeback for ‘militant’ model


Three years ago, the glamourous life of Tariq Ahmad Dar — a Kashmiri who had made a big splash in Bangladesh's fashion circles — came to an abrupt end.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/2009/10/SRK.jpg
Tariq Ahmad Dar (left) is thrilled as he's doing an ad film with Shah Rukh Khan. HT Photo

The Bangladesh government suddenly declared him an Indian spy, arrested him and deported him to India. As soon as he reached India, Indian authorities in turn took him into custody, suspecting him to be a Lashkar-e-Tayyeba operative.

He was subjected to intense questioning and tortured.

But ultimately he had to be released for lack of evidence.  Once out of jail, Dar, far from losing heart, decided to go back to what he was best at — this time in Mumbai.

Ignoring the cloud over his past, Mumbai has welcomed him. He has begun working in ad films — including one with Shah Rukh Khan.

"I was delighted at the opportunity to meet Shah Rukh Khan and shoot at Yash Raj studios," Dar told HT.

 It was a far cry from 2006 when Dar spent 40 days, from September 15 to October 25, in a Bangladesh prison. Or the two months that followed in a Delhi prison, till a court order in January 2007 got him released Yet Dar never lost faith in the Indian system. "There were many who stood by me and helped me back on my feet," he said.

Source: hindustantimes

Enlighten launches Shah Rukh Khan's Fauji on DVD

Enlighten Film Company has launched Shah Rukh Khan starrer TV series Fauji on DVD for the first time. The launch of the DVD coincided with the 50th Anniversary of pubcaster Doordarshan on which it was aired.

Fauji will be available on home video across Indian stores from 28 September onwards.

Doordarshan aired Fauji in 1988 wherein Khan played the character of Abhimanyu Rai.

Enlighten home entertainment head Varun Verma says, "It was the show that changed the destiny of King Khan and what better time to launch this serial on home video than now when Doordarshan completes its 50 glorious years."

The complete TV series on a two DVD pack is priced at Rs 699.
Source: BusinessofCinema

Here is an opportunity to run with Shah Rukh Khan!


New Delhi: Here is a chance for big-hearted Dilliwallas to run with the reigning superstar of Bollywood – Shah Rukh Khan. The actor, who is a Delhite himself, is euphoric over the idea of running with Delhi for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon in November. While interacting with a news daily, the actor turned nostalgic and talked about his beautiful memories related with the city.


"I was born here, in Talwar Nursing Home. I lived here for more than two decades in Rajinder Nagar. It is here that I studied, met Gauri for the first time and even started my career with serials like Fauji and Dil Darya. I remember I used to be the galli cricket champion. We used to play between parked vehicles and dodge cycle rickshaws. In between all this, we would still manage to remain focussed on the game," he reminisced.

The actor stated that when Airtel invited him to be a part of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon on November 1, he simply could not resist it. "The very idea of coming back to my own house, returning to the same streets and mingling with Dilliwallas while they take to the streets was extremely tempting. It almost feels like Delhi has got its very own carnival. And I can't miss it for anything," King Khan reflected.

With Shah Rukh joining Delhi on November 1, the Marathon will surely turn out to be one of it's kind.

Source: spicezee

SRK to run for Delhi

Dilli ka munda, ya, that's me. I was born here, in Talwar Nursing Home. I lived here for more than two decades in Rajinder Nagar.
Shah Rukh Khan




It is here that I studied, met Gauri for the first time and even started my career with serials like Fauji and Dil Darya. I remember I used to be the galli cricket champion. We used to play between parked vehicles and dodge cycle rickshaws. In between all this, we would still manage to remain focussed on the game. It did not matter how narrow the bylanes of Rajinder Nagar were or how much traffic there would be on the roads. What mattered most to us was the score. Those memories are still fresh and never fail to bring a smile to my face.

When Airtel invited me to be part of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon on November 1, I simply could not resist it. The very idea of coming back to my own house, returning to the same streets and mingling with Dilliwalas while they take to the streets was extremely tempting. It almost feels like Delhi has got its very own carnival. And I can't miss it for anything.

I saw the marathon on television last year. It almost looked like people had left behind their daily chores and shed all inhibitions for the sheer joy of running on the streets. It was almost like everyone had become a child again.

So Dilliwalas, on, November 1, I will be here. Join me!
Source: Times of India

Karan loses sleep over My Name Is Khan





Image
Karan Johar, who was at a radio station promoting his next production Wake Up Sid, claimed he was losing sleep over My Name Is Khan.

"A lot has been happening on the front. We are busy shooting but I am so worked up that I can't sleep properly these days," he said.

Though in a positive mood, he is still bruised about the Shah Rukh Khan-US airport detention episode and the fact that the media is claiming it was a publicity stunt for this film.

"My Name Is Khan is a simple, honest film and we don't need any such strategy to promote it," he said.

For Wake Up Sid, he said, "It is not a film but an emotion that we have all been through. Sid is simply at crossroads in life and undecided about what to do, where to go. And we have all been there."
Source:
Courtesy: Mail Today   


Monday, September 28, 2009

SRK's my idol, says Sallu!

Salman Khan might not like SRK's personal attitude, but he is all praises for the actor's dedication, professional attitude and physical features.

The actor was all praises for his Khan counterpart duting his television show Dus Ka Dum.

In one episode of the game show on Sony Television, Salman said, "When it comes to romantic scenes nobody can do it better than Shah Rukh Khan. He is professionally great."

As if this was not enough, Salman went on to say that Shah Rukh has beautiful eyes.

"SRK has such beautiful eyes, it can make anyone go crazy," Salman said, adding, "SRK is the king of romance."

Salman also praised the sincerity and dedication of Shah Rukh. He said that no one can be more professional than SRK and that he marvels at his dedication towards work. SRK was his idol when it comes to his attitude for work, Salman added.

Source: hindustantimes


SRK will always be my idol: Priyanka


Priyanka Chopra has thousands of fans, but who is the actress's all-time idol? The man she admires most is adored by millions across the globe as well... who else but superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

"Shah Rukh Khan is my idol and has always been. He has been a favourite actor of course, but I really look up to him also as a person . Looking at where he came from and how he became who he is today, I find it extremely fascinating," Priyanka said.

"He started with theatre, did plays, got a break in TV - he turned from a regular college kid to a mega superstar... and all that completely on his own with no help from anybody in the film industry. I admire a lot about him and I think it's just fantastic," said the actress who has bagged the youth award icon for entertainment.

In the past, Priyanka has teamed up with Shah Rukh for Farhan Akhtar's Don and did a cameo in a song with him in Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om and also in Billu.

Priyanka and Hrithik Roshan bagged the youth icon awards in the entertainment field at the inaugural edition of the India Youth Icon Awards at an awards ceremony in Gurgaon Friday.

The actress is currently on cloud nine after getting rave reviews for essaying 12 roles in Ashutosh Gowariker's What's Your Rashee?, which also stars Hurman Baweja.

"It's been great feedback so far. People are enjoying the film...I had an author-backed role which included playing 12 different characters - very difficult to do. And it feels fantastic to be encouraged and be told that I pulled it off well," she said.

The 27-year-old actor said she was extremely nervous before the film's release Friday.

"My biggest worry was - 'Oh God! Will I ever be able to pull this off or not?'. Since most people who get to play multiple roles in a movie get it after a lot of experience, I was nervous. I have spent a short span to do roles as difficult as the one in 'What's Your Rashee', but as an actor all I can say is that I do my work with as much honesty as possible and the rest is destiny," she said.

If What's Your Rashee? hits the jackpot at the box office, it will be her fourth consecutive hit in a row after Fashion, Dostana and Kaminey.

But she is unmoved. "Hits and flops are a part of the business, isn't it?" she said.

Asked how she handles success at a young age, the former Miss World said: "I have always been grounded. I have an incredible passion for what I do (acting). I don't know how to do anything else, I don't want to do anything else and I love what I do. There's nothing else that affects me."

What about growing expectations from audiences and critics?

"It scares me when my films release. I wonder if people will like it or not. That for me is the most important thing. But at the same time I think: what's the point of living a life without any expectations? You will just stagnate, become complacent - that's not the kind of person I am. I like striving, I like things that challenge me; I take up difficult films and difficult roles to challenge myself," Priyanka said.

"I like it when people say things like Fashion was a female-centric movie and yet it was successful and that Kaminey was an all-boys film, still my part was really appreciated, and Dostana was majorly on gay guys, and it ended so well. I enjoy that - I like the fact that I can take up different scripts.

"It's just that I like to take up challenges," she added.

Priyanka's next will see her paired with Uday Chopra in Yash Raj Films' Pyaar Impossible, where she will play the beauty and the latter a geek.

Source: NDTVmovies

Shah Rukh dampens Farah’s ‘Happy New Year’ plans!


Looks like Shah Rukh Khan's superhero dreams have taken over his friendship with choreographer/director Farah Khan for the actor is apparently giving a preference to director Anubhav Sinha over Farah.



According to reports, SRK is keener to start with his big money venture 'Ra 1'. The flick, which is a superhero movie of sorts, will be directed by Sinha. Sources suggest that SRK wants to begin with 'Ra 1' than Farah's 'Happy New Year', which has been surprisingly on hold for real long.

"Shah Rukh Khan was earlier in two minds whether to go on floors first with Farah`s film or Anubhav Sinha`s. But apparently he has made up his mind to do the action adventure movie 'Ra 1', which has a superhero backdrop. It will begin shooting from early next year and will be extensively shot on foreign locations. Shah Rukh has already begun preparing for the role by working out on his physique and is again aiming to acquire six-pack abs", suggests a source.

Now that SRK has made up his mind, good friend Farah has no other option but to wait till end of 2010 to begin with her dream project 'Happy New Year' making her New Year- a rather lackluster one!

Source: spicezee

Kamal, Mohan Lal and Shah Rukh in ‘Pazhassi Raja’

Padmashree Kamal Haasan has dubbed a prologue for Mammooty-Sarath Kumar multilingual starrer "Pazhassi Raja'. The film is directed by Hariharan and is crafted by ace writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair. Kamal Haasan, who happens to be an ardent buff of Vasudevan Nair, had voluntarily approached Hariharan to offer him the opportunity.

Well, the Malayalam version will have Mohan Lal introducing Pazhassi Raja to audiences with a 45-sec prologue. It has been revealed that Shah Rukh Khan will dub for the same part in Hindi version.

The film is based on historical epic of Pazhassi Raja, a native king of Wynad in Malabar area of Kerala while Sarath Kumar plays the role of Edachena Kunkan, Pazhassi Raja's "Thalapathy' (Commander in Chief).

Maestro Ilayaraja has scored music while academy award winner Resul Pookutty is the sound editor. Earlier plans were to release the film for Ramzan and now it has been postponed to October 2.

Source: Theindian-R. Richard Mahesh/ Sampurn Media


SRK will act and do voiceovers in his production, Fauji 2

Buzz is that Shah Rukh Khan will act and do voiceovers in his television production, Fauji 2. The actor is revisiting the soap that was his small screen debut over two decades ago.

It is learnt that SRK will appear as the father of Abhimanyu Singh - the character he played.



Providing inspiration
Says a source, "Shah Rukh will be seen providing guidance to Abhimanyu. He will appear without recourse to any gray hair. Khan will be providing inspirational and pep talks  to Abhimanyu in an army kind of look."
 
There is also talk that Pulkit Samrat (Lakshya of Kyunki) has been approached to essay the character of Abhimanyu. He has gone through the auditions and look tests. As reported Jackie and Ayesha's son Jai aka Tiger, was earlier approached. However, he declined the offer.

Fauji 2, slated for Colors in 2010, is being produced by SRK's Red Chillies Idiot Box Productions. Casting is taking time the creative team is looking for the right candidates to play the various roles. Several fresh faces are also being considered.

The source further adds, "Red Chillies is keeping things under wraps for now so no one wants to go on record at this juncture."

What is Fauji?
Directed by Colonel R K Kapoor, the TV show was telecast in 1988 on Doordarshan. It was about a batch of trainees in a commando school, their training and eventual induction as soldiers. The 'I say. chaps', the lingo of one of the cadets Varun became the catchphrase at that time.


Source: Mid-day

Saturday, September 26, 2009

MEET SRK's new WIFE!


Shah Rukh Khan is all set to tie the knot. And this time, on screen! Only on screen actually. The King Khan will play husband to Tollywood's sexy lady Rituparna Sengupta in the upcoming Emami Chyawanprash ad.

In the ad, SRK, true to his Rab Ne... image plays a common man. And Rituparna plays the wife. And of course it is not love but Emami Chyawanprash that keeps them together!

Incidentally, Rituparna is also doing a film titled SRK with Vinay Pathak. And the Tollywood queen has graced many Kolkata Knight Riders match during the first season of IPL.

And the actress is super excited about shooting with the King Khan. Rituparna says, "I was the brand abasador of Emami Boroplus for Eastern Region and now I am shooting for Emami. I had met SRK couple of times during IPL matches in Kolkata. Actually I was invited to see the match. That time we had a lot of fun. This time I am also very excited."
Source: Buzz18

SRK and Kajol: The magical jodi in ‘Vogue’

SRK-Kajol-vogue

The magical jodi
of Shahrukh Khan and Kajol have given the industry many mage hits like 'Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham' and so on.
After a long hitch of seven years the two are coming together for Karan Johar's 'My Name Is Khan' which has Kajol playing SRK's wife.

Kajol and SRK appear on the cover page of Vogue Magazine's Indian Edition for the month of October 2009.
As they look magical on the cover together, SRK expresses the fact that he is quite happy to be a part of 'Vogue' as his wife Gauri has already achieved this glory and he was yet to have this glory.


SRK dub for Malayalam film

The film, written by one of the best writers in India, MT Vasudevan Nair and directed by veteran Hariharan has Malayalam mega star Mammootty playing the title role and Sarath Kumar playing his deputy. The film is being dubbed into three other Indian languages — Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Now, the latest we hear is that Kamal Haasan has dubbed a prologue for the film in Tamil, while the Hindi version has Shah Rukh Khan's voice. It will be Kamal and SRK who will introduce Pazhassiraja to the audience through a 45-second prologue. The voice over for the Malayalam original has been done by Mohanlal.

Says producer Gokulam Gopalan, "The historical needs an introduction and what better voice than Kamal Haasan in Tamil and King Khan in Hindi. The audiences are familiar with their voices and trusts them."

Jayamohan, the famous Tamil writer has been chosen by MT Vasudevan Nair to translate the Malayalam dialogues of the film into Tamil. Monisha, an associate of Priyadarshan has done the Hindi dialogues for the film. Pazhassiraja will release in Malayalam on October 2, and will hit the screens on October 30 in other languages.

Source: TimesofIndia

SRK funding solar power projects for Orissa villages



Okilapala (Orissa): Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan is being hailed as a hero in the villages of Orissa after he helped light up thousands of houses across seven villages by funding a solar electricity project.

Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh funded rural electrification project in Ahriajpur, Banhipal, Okilapala, Palachua, Rangani, Denlasahi and Gupti villages, which uses solar energy that was implemented by The Energy and Research Institute (TERI).

For the villagers in Okilapala, Shahrukh has come as messiah as his funding helped these people to see the light of the day after 61 years of the country's independence.

"All the 270 families in our village cannot forget Shahrukh Khan's help. The contribution of this great man is incomparable. He has helped us very much. We were living in bad condition, without any light, he provided us with solar lights and villagers have to pay just Rs. 3 to get the light. We are getting the light at very cheap rates," said, Tulsi Das, a villager.

The villagers have also been provided with solar lamps for which they have to pay a fee of Rs. 3, while a recharging station has been set up in the village and solar panels have also been installed to enable the villagers to charge their lamps everyday.

"Now we have no problems. Though we have to pay Rs. 3 for night, we are getting many benefits. Our children can study now, women can work properly. Earlier, there used to be many problems while using kerosene lamps, but now we avail many benefits. We have got lights from Shahrukh Khan. We had no idea about him, but now we have come to know about him," said Kalindi Nayak, another villager.

ANI

Source: MSNINDIA



GOSS: SRK ditches Farah Khan?

Shah Rukh Khan had to make probably the toughest decision of his life - choose between good friend Farah Khan's film Happy New Year and Anubhav Sinha's superhero flick Ra.1 for his next production.

While Farah is an extremely close friend of the King Khan, Anubhav's film is something the actor has been extremely excited about for quite a while now.

A little birdie tells me that the choice has finally been made. And guess what, SRK has picked Sinha over his close friend.

Now, Anubhav Sinha's Ra.1 will go on the floors as the next film of Red Chillies Entertainment. Friend Farah will however have to wait.

Sinha's Ra.1 is a superhero adventure movie and will apparently have some heavy duty action scenes. Apparently, the King Khan is also working out to get his body in shape for the same.

Hope Farah doesn't mind his decision though. In times like these one cannot afford to lose too many friends.

Source: Buzz18


Friday, September 25, 2009

Shahrukh Khan & Rituparna Sengupta to tie the knot!


SHAHRUKH KHAN and RITUPARNA SENGUPTA
Fikar not, this knot is not going to be tied in real life! Bollywood's King Khan Shahrukh Khan and Tollywood Queen would be playing husband-wife in an AD film for Emami's Chyawanprash, for which they are going to shoot in Mumbai's Film City.

SRK plays a commoner in the AD and Rituparna his wife. And, of course, it's the chyawanprash that keeps them together.


Well, SRK and Rituparna still have one more connection... Rituparna is doing a film called SRK with Vinay Pathak and she even cheered his Kolkata Knight Riders in the first IPL season. Now that she is working with him, she is super excited and nervous! As for SRK, he thought she did a great job in her film, MAIN MERI PATNI AUR WOH and also remembered her from the IPL match, so it didn't take him much to do the Ad film.

The ad film will be directed by Ram Madhvani, who directed the song 'Bheja kum' in TAARE ZAMEEN PAR. Madhvani admits that he is looking forward to working with the Bong beauty for the first time. The ad will be on air by October end. Rituparna, in the meanwhile, is busy working for her Bengali films and also for Bollywood film. She is currently working for Priyadarshan's film starring Akshaye Khanna, Ajay Devgan and Bipasha Basu.
Source: Glamsham.com

No tiff between SRK, Shirish: Farah


Farah Khan may have the reputation of grilling Bollywood celebs and getting juicy tidbits about their lives out on her TV show, but the choreographer-cum-director is equally willing to talk about all the controversies surrounding her.

Be it the reported tiff between her husband Shirish Kunder and Shah Rukh Khan, the showdown with Australian singer Kylie Minogue or with Deepika Padukone, Farah is more than willing to talk and clear the air.

Reports of differences between Shah Rukh and Shirish began when the actor turned down two films offered by Shirish. But Farah has a different story to tell.

"There are no differences. Shah Rukh and Shirish will never have differences with each other because they both know they are such important parts of my life. They both love me too much," she says.

But Farah does not disagree about the tiff that once existed. "They may not be the best of friends and be back-slapping each other but there were absolutely no differences," she says.

Buzz has it that Farah also had trouble with Kylie while choreographing her for a film song. Kylie reportedly experienced Farah's infamous temper when she couldn't match her steps.

But Farah calls the story "completely fabricated". "One cannot have a tiff with Kylie. She is the most wonderful, sweet natured and kind-hearted person I have ever worked with," she says.

On her infamous tiff with Deepika Padukone, whom she launched in Om Shanti Om, Farah candidly says: "Yes I was a bit upset with Deepika. I felt I was her mentor and love her so much but she is ignoring me."

So could Deepika be a candidate for any of Farah's future films? "Well, everyone is a candidate. So everyone should be nice to me," she says jokingly.

Source: Indiatoday

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Shah Rukh is outstanding, says Salman Khan


Mumbai: After dancing on every chance to snub and slight Shah Rukh Khan, archenemy Salman has finally bestowed some words of appreciation on his worthy rival. Acknowledging the obvious, Salman for the first time since their fall out last year, praised SRK for his professionalism and his moving intense performances in romantic roles. And what makes Sallu's extol for King Khan so genuine is the fact that the actor gave his wit a rest and admired SRK sans any malice.
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As for where this wonder happened, it was Salman's show 'Dus Ka Dum'. In a yet to be aired episode Salman heaped praise on SRK. The episode features Riteish Deshmukh and Govinda.

It so happened that Salman asked Riteish, who is known for his mimicking talent, to imitate someone. So when Riteish mimicked Shah Rukh, Salman complimented him and said: "When it comes to romantic scenes, Shah Rukh is outstanding. Nobody can do it better than Shah Rukh Khan. He has the intensity in his eyes and is utterly romantic."

And it did not stop there; lavish with his praise Salman went on to say "Professionally, Shah Rukh is simply great."

Talking to a news daily, Anita Basu, the producer of 'Dus Ka Dum', said: "Salman has been very gracious in his compliments about Shah Rukh. No snide remark was passed. Salman is a thorough professional who likes SRK`s work and he acknowledged it when people asked his about SRK."

Source: Zeenews


Shah Rukh & Kajol on Vogue cover


The golden couple ShahRukh-Kajol who not only set the screen on fire but also the box office are now ....

The golden couple Shah Rukh-Kajol who not only set the screen on fire but also the box office are now heating up the classy Vogue! 

The celebrated duo with a chemistry that casts a spell, the couple have been hailed to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine (India) on its 2nd anniversary.
 
Shah Rukh told a TV channel (NDTV)  that it is a 'relief' that he was finally picked to be on the cover of Vogue. "I'm very excited I'm the Vogue cover. My wife was on the Vogue cover when it started off, and that's something everyone in the house teases me about. So this is my claim to fame, and hopefully now I'll be looked up to in my house."

Kajol too said that she had a great time shooting for the portfolio although the camera was  different and the Vogue team worked hard to fashion well, the easy and natural glamor the couple has been known to exude for much over a decade now.
 
Its a sort of coup for the magazine to get the two superstars together as both of them are uncomfortable modeling, more so Kajol.
 
SRK and Kajol shared that there are many differences between a movie camera and a still camera. It took them some time to get attuned to the still camera and give a perfect shoot. 
 
SRK witty as ever claimed the joke upon self. and remarked, "We are not the best people to be posing, we don't pout, we don't know how to smile, we don't know which side to look. We do silly things, we laugh, we joke, we kept looking in the wrong direction." Its been one of the reasons behind his reluctance for such shoots over the years.

So, what makes them the hottest couple? Kajol promptly took the mike, "We have done so many films together that have done well, and they happen to be love stories...I think it is great. I don't understand it myself so I can't explain it."
The Vogue cover is a great treat for all SRK-Kajol fans, and one can't help but notice how perfectly it has been timed to precede the release of their much awaited My Name is KHAN.
Source: india-forums

Shahrukh Khan spoils Farah's Happy New Year


it seems is preferring to shoot Anubhav Sinha (Dus, Cash) directed action thriller Ra.1 rather than going in for Farah Khan's Happy New Year after he completes My Name Is Khan. Both Ra.1 and Happy New Year are being made under the King [^] Khan's home banner Red Chillies Entertainment.

Buzz up!
A source reveals, "Shahrukh Khan [^] was earlier in two minds whether to go on floors first with Farah's film or Anubhav [^] Sinha's. But apparently he has made up his mind to do the action adventure movie Ra.1, which has a superhero backdrop. It will begin shooting from early next year and will be extensively shot on foreign locations. Shahrukh has already begun preparing for the role by working out on his physique and is again aiming to acquire six-pack abs."


He was also recently quoted stating, "I want to put on my tights and my kids blanket on my back. I want to do this film for my children. I've always wanted [^] to make a superhero film, but I never had six-pack-abs. Now that I have them, I want to do this. It's not an animation film, as many people believe; I would like to clarify that. It's a live action film.'"

Farah Khan's film, our source adds, will now go on floors in the end of 2010.

SRK to design for KJo



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Shahrukh-Akshay joint Film

SRK and Akshay Kumar seem to have become friends. Yesterday, both of them were shooting at Film City (Akshay for Blue and SRK for an ad film) when suddenly SRK decided to drop by to meet Akshay. Akshay was surprised. The two seemed very friendly with each other. The two stars discussed doing a film together. Talk for the film, which will be produced jointly by Akshay's production house, Hari Om Productions and by SRK's Red Chillies, have been on for quite some time now. They film will have a fabulous star cast if the two go ahead with it.

-Sampurn Media

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

SRK to design for KJo

It seems there could be an addition to King Khan's resume. Being a superstar, producing megahits and owning an IPL team is clearly not enough to keep Shah Rukh Khan occupied. The Bollywood Badshah now wants to be a designer as well.

Vogue magazine's second anniversary issue celebrates the power of two with Shah Rukh and his ultimate leading lady Kajol. But there is another element to this power pair. And that is the director of their forthcoming film, their good friend, their interviewer and, evidently, their style guru as well - Karan Johar - who admits, "It's undoubtedly me; out of the three of us, I definitely take the style crown."

We're not arguing the point. But even if Karan's got his couture down pat, Shah Rukh is not letting that dampen his own aspirations as a budding designer.

"I will be designing an outfit for Karan, which he will wear for his show. I think he makes me look very dandified and I want him to look a little more relaxed. So me and Shiraz, who sometimes designs for me, are putting together an outfit for him," says Shah Rukh.

And what does Karan, who will make his own debut as a fashion designer at the forthcoming Couture Week, make of this? "Shah Rukh doesn't like my clothes. So he said he would wear my clothes only if I walked in his!" admits the young filmmaker.

Well that's trade off we're only too happy to accept.

And if you're wondering when you can get your hands on the King Khan collection, it may take a while coming.

"Just in case you don't like what you see, it's because Karan is a bad model, and not because the clothes are bad," insists Shah Rukh.

The good news is that modelling is just another one of KJo's many skills. So if he pulls this one off, the King Khan line could be just a fashion rack away!

Source: NDTVMovies

Shahrukh, Kajol sizzle on Vogue cover

They are the most sizzling couple that Bollywood ever had; their romance and chemistry on silver screen are amazing and always talked about. Bollywood's most powerful romantic couple, Shahrukh Khan and Kajol has been chosen to grace Vogue magazine. Shahrukh is the superstar of Bollywood but he has never been chosen for the magazine and feels elated that finally, he has been picked up for Vogue. "I'm very excited I'm the Vogue cover. My wife was on the Vogue cover when it started off, and that's something everyone in the house teases me about that I have not made it to a cover that my wife did. So this is my claim to fame, and hopefully now I'll be looked up to in my house", said Shahrukh.

While Kajol quips, "I expected it to be a lot tougher than it actually was, but everybody really rallied together and made us look fashionable, so we didn't have to try too hard."

Both Shahrukh and Kajol feel that they are not good-looking and not suitable for still photos and that they are
good for moving cameras only. Says SRK, "We are not the best people to be posing, we don't pout, we don't know how to smile, we don't know which side to look. We do silly things, we laugh, we joke, we kept looking in the wrong direction."

Well, we can all say that it's not only their looks that make them most happening but their awesome combination, screen presence and fabulous acting are what that make them darling of millions hearts.
Source: Bollywood Mantra

Here come the superheroes

Ever since Hrithik Roshan hit jackpot at the box office with his superhero act in Krrish (the first superhero film made in India), interest in the genre has been on the rise. Now we learn that Neil Nitin Mukesh has gotten ambitious and wants to challenge his acting skills in a forthcoming film titled Magic Man in which he will have magical powers. "It is one of our new films which we are still to announce," says Shailendra Singh of Percept Picture Company.

Neil's not the only one dabbling in the genre as Shah Rukh Khan is also readying himself for a futuristic sci-fi thriller Ra.1. Though the plot is under wraps, we hear that SRK will play a super robot that works with the intelligence agency.

"There is great scope for the superhero genre. I believe we all fantasise about being a superhero, especially in our childhood. By doing this role, I will get to live my dream. I think this genre will work if made correctly," says Shah Rukh about his movie that will be directed by Anubhav Sinha.

Even Kunal Kapoor is looking to play the classic Raj Comics character Doga -- a sort of an anti-hero. The film, to be directed by Anurag Kashyap, has got Kunal really kicked. "Imagine wearing costumes and the kind of acting you get to do. It will certainly be one of my most challenging roles," says Kunal.

Both SRK and Kunal Kapoor will flaunt their abs in their respective movies and even Neil Nitin is shaping up. The actors say these will be physically challenging roles as they need to do a lot of stunts. "You cannot imagine a superhero without a great body. I'm getting fit as the role demands me to be athletic," says Kunal.

Bollywood, the largest in the world by volume of movies and ticket sales, has never really dabbled in big budget ventures especially in animation and sci-fi. The average cost of a Bollywood movie is somewhere close to $500,000 as compared to the average $14 million spent for a Hollywood movie. The Hindi movie industry generally sees most of its movies bomb at the box office. So why is Bollywood getting into such ambitious ventures?

Says Bobby Chawla, of Red Chillies Entertainment: "It is high time we pushed the envelope and took some risks in creating good films. We should try to make good products and we will surely taste success even in a genre like animation or sci-fi which hardly sees hits in India."

Source: DNAIndia



Monday, September 21, 2009

SRK to marry Rituparna! - King Khan & Tolly queen play man and wife in ad film

PRATIM D. GUPTA AND KUSHALI NAG

This Mahasaptami, Shah Rukh Khan will be married to Rituparna Sengupta.

Before you go into shock (or awe), let us set things straight. Bollywood's Hero No. 1 and Tollywood's Heroine No. 1 will play husband and wife for a product promotion to be shot in Mumbai's Filmcity on Friday.

SRK will play a common man and Rituparna his homemaker wife. And the (Ayurvedic) magic potion that keeps them together? Chyawanprash, from the stable of Calcutta-based Emami Group.

"Both of them are our brand ambassadors, and so we thought pairing them would be the perfect marriage for the brand," said Emami director Aditya Agarwal. "Shah Rukh will provide the national connect while Rituparna will provide the regional connect."

The superstar with more than a national connect is learnt to be happy at the prospect of working with the regional rage, continuing his long tradition of romancing Bengali beauties on screen, from Kajol to Rani.

"Shah Rukh has seen Rituparna's work in Main Meri Patni Aur Woh and also remembers her coming to Eden Gardens to support his Kolkata Knight Riders team in the first IPL season," said a source. "He okayed the concept of the commercial at one go."

Rituparna, too, did not waste time before saying 'I do'.

"I am very excited but I am very nervous too," she admitted. "I will be shooting with the Shah Rukh Khan. I am a huge fan of his.... Plus, I have recently done a film titled SRK with Vinay Pathak. And now, I will be shooting with SRK himself!"

Rituparna, who will be going to Mumbai on Tuesday for a pre-shoot session, is now busy juggling Bolly and Tolly, with shooting on for Priyadarshan's untitled film co-starring Akshaye Khanna, Ajay Devgan and Bipasha Basu.

Shah Rukh is dividing his work time between the last schedule of Karan Johar's My Name is Khan and shooting lots of advertisements as part of his brand commitments.

The Chyawanprash ad film will be directed by Ram Madhvani of Equinox Films, who shot the Bheja kum song in Taare Zameen Par, and is also slated to direct Amitabh Bachchan in the forthcoming Vidhu Vinod Chopra production Taalismaan.

"I have seen her in a couple of Bengali films apart from Main Meri Patni Aur Woh," said Madhvani.

"I think she is just fantastic and I am really looking forward to working with her for the first time. I have worked with Shah Rukh before and the two of them would make an unusual but good pairing," he added, from Mumbai.

The SRK-RS commercial will go on air from end-October. Star Bollywood photographer Dabboo Ratnani will shoot the stills.


source: TimesofIndia


Shah Rukh Khan gears up for action-packed 2010




 

MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan's fans have seen little of the actor in 2009. After his Rab Ne Bana De Jodi released in the December of 2008, the actor has been in the news for his Indian Premier League team, Kolkata Knight Riders and its controversies and his US trip where he was questioned at length by the airport security authorities on India's Independence Day. But the Badshah promises to change everything in 2010 as he gears up for an action packed year.

The year will begin with the release of Karan Johar's My Name is Khan. In March SRK will get into the boots of a league owner and guide his team, KKR in the third edition of IPL. All of March and April, the actor will devote to his cricket team and ensure that his team puts up a better fight this year.

Shah Rukh will also start shooting for Farah Khan's next film. The choreographer turned director is currently scripting her film and should be ready to roll by the end of the first quarter of the year. Come August, King Khan will gear up for Don. The sequel will be once again directed by Farhan Akhtar and has a long European schedule. Shooting for the film will be in the locales of London, Dublin and Frankfurt with a short schedule in Berlin. Also on the pipeline is Anubhav Sinha's Raavana and another film with a debutant director.

Shah Rukh had to take it easy for some time as he was recuperating from a shoulder operation after he hurt himself shooting for Viveck Vaswani's Dulha Mil Gaya. However, before the year ends, this film will release and audiences can get to see SRK in an extended special appearance for this film.

As they say there is always a lull before the storm and one can expect to see SRK in full action mode in 2010.
Source: TimesofIndia

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Eid Mubarak

SRK stoops to conquer

Shah Rukh Khan receiving an award is not a new sight to those who have seen the actor walk on the stage many times in his career, but it's only
Shah Rukh Khan

a few times that he has been asked to give someone an award.


And this time around, it wasn't just a co-actor, who he was presenting an award to, but someone special. SRK made it a point to be give away award to the people who work behind the camera. The actor did not only present an award to his make-up artist Ravi Indulkar, but also expressed his gratitude towards him by touching his feet. Talking about Ravi, who has been the make artist for Hema Malini too, SRK said that Ravi mama did his best to make him as graceful as Hema Malini "but I know it is difficult," he chuckled. Inspired by SRK's gesture, Kareena too thanked her hair stylist Hema Sawant by touching her feet.


Source: TimesofIndia

Saturday, September 19, 2009

What was SRK doing on the sets of ‘Blue’?

Everyone on the sets of Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.'s "Blue' was in for a pleasant surprise yesterday afternoon when none other than Shah Rukh Khan dropped on the sets to meet Akshay Kumar!
The team of "Blue' was shooting for a special number "Fikrana' and the BLUE theme song with Akshay Kumar and Zayed Khan.
While the crew was in the middle of the shoot, SRK walked on to the sets and greeted Akshay Kumar. The crowds went berserk seeing the two super stars together. The duo then stepped into Akki's vanity van where they spent nearly 15-20 minutes chatting with each other.
An eyewitness says, "We knew SRK was shooting nearby, but no one expected him to come on the sets of Blue. He surprised everyone including Akshay. They both even posed together for photographs!"
"While we were shooting for Blue on Floor 1 at Filmcity, SRK was shooting on Floor 12 for an automobile commercial. Though the distance is considerably large, Shahrukh Khan actually walked down all the way to meet Akshay. That was simply incredible!" says a source from the production team.
Looks like a new friendship is brewing in B-town!

What was SRK doing on the sets of 'Blue'?

SRK, Karan have great taste in men: John

Believe it or not, the Bollywood hunk also dealt with pimples in his
John Abraham


younger days.




John speaks of having so many pimples when he was young that he always used to look down and speak to girls, he revealed on the show Tere Mere Beach Mein.
 John told host Farah Khan, says, "I used to be very shy. There was a time when my face was full of pimples and I just never used to look up when in the company of girls so much so that they used to feel that I was such a shy, sweet, decent boy. Only I couldn't tell them that my face is full of pimples and that's the only reason I'm looking down!" John then goes on to reveal that he always lost out to girls he had a crush on in school due to his shyness. He says, "I was very shy in school and all the girls I had a crush on liked someone else...now it's changed a bit." Farah asks if it was then Bipasha who 'pataofied' him and John quips, "No, I had changed totally by then... I had become like a raging bull."
 
Farah takes John back to his modelling days when he was the hottest male model. John then reveals that the judges at Gladrags competition were none other than Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar. To which, Farah in her characteristic humour says, "Wow...I must say their choice in men is good!" Farah quizzes John on whose poster he had on his wall just like a survey revealed that most girls today have a poster of John in their rooms.
 
John says, "I just have one international star as my hero..Tom Cruise." Farah asks, "Koi ladki ya heroine ke nahi thi?" John says no and Farah reverts, "That's why you did Dostana!"
John smiles, "Tabhi Dostana ki...pehle Tom Cruise, then Abhishek Bachchan..then Shah Rukh Khan." Farah sums it up saying, "so you were into guys as a kid!" John laughs, "Farah, I was never into guys."

Friday, September 18, 2009

SRK walks over to Akshay

A picture speaks a thousand words. Going by these, which were clicked yesterday, superstars Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan have forgotten all
Shahrukh Khan


their differences about who is the No 1 star in Bollywood. Yesterday, they were seen together at Film City where Akshay was shooting for Blue while SRK was shooting an ad film.


Interestingly, it was SRK who took the initiative to meet Akshay by suddenly landing up on the sets of Blue. Akshay, of course, was pleasantly surprised by this unexpected visit from SRK.

A source present on the sets of the film said, "SRK walked in on the sets of Blue yesterday afternoon to meet Akshay. SRK was shooting nearby on floor no 12 for an ad film when he heard that Akshay was shooting on floor no 1 for Blue. There were some media persons who were present on the sets of Blue.

They were surprised to suddenly see SRK on the sets of Akshay's film. As soon as he heard about SRK's visit, Akshay came out of his vanity van to greet him. Their body language was very friendly.

The two stars chatted inside the vanity van for 20 minutes. They have been discussing the possibility of a joint venture. Earlier too they had discussed the possibility of doing a film together at Preity Zinta's birthday party. Now they have taken their discussion a step ahead. The film will be jointly produced by SRK's production company Red Chillies and Akshay's Hari Om Productions."

According to the source, both are keen to make a film together and they will be meeting again soon to take things further. "Akshay and SRK know that it will be nothing short of a dream cast if they are seen together in a film made by them," said the source.
Source: Timesofindia

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Shah Rukh, John and Aamir get set for ‘Bombay Velvet’

Mumbai: Acclaimed directors Danny Boyle and Anurag Kashyap's joint project 'Bombay Velvet' is getting bigger and better by the day. The film that has been in news ever since it reported to bring together ace Khans, Aamir and Shah Rukh, has now confirmed to add eye candy John Abraham to its list of high-flying stars. Earlier, there were reports that Aamir had replaced John, but the latest news has confirmed his presence in the film.


Touted to be an international epic, the film is stated to be a three-segment drama with Shah Rukh playing the protagonist in the first and John and Aamir starring in the second and the third segments respectively.

As for John's admission to this star coup of sorts, it's all owing to pal Anurag Kashyap. According to industry insiders, after 'No Smoking', Abraham and Kashyap formed a rare pact to work together. Driven by mutual admiration, the two have been looking for an opportunity to work together for long. And when 'Bombay Velvet' was born, Kashyap immediately decided to get John on board.

As per reports, John will play a real-life 1960s hero of the masses. The role requires the actor to completely change his body language and to get rid of his very contemporary body language and mannerisms.

And now, even though John has been confirmed to be a part of the project, the actor was left dumbfounded when a section of the media had reported that Aamir had replaced him.

Confirming the news, a daily quoted a source as saying, "When he heard that Aamir was signed, John was really happy for Anurag. People told John that Aamir had replaced him but John knew the truth. Even if it was true, he'd have been happy for Anurag. However, Anurag would never ever drop John. After 10 years of struggle in the film industry, John was the first hero who took Anurag seriously."

Well, looks like Anurag is paying back the favour.
Source: spicezee

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Arjun is all set


Arjun Mathur's Bollywood dream is definitely taking shape slowly, but it's not just 'luck by
Arjun Mathur


chance'.



"It does help to know the right people, but its equally important to be hardworking and dedicated," says the actor who doesn't really have any filmi connections to back him. But armed with acting courses from The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, New York, Barry John's institute and Kishore Namit Kapoor's acting school, the actor has been noticed in Bollywood. He has already worked with some big names like Shabana Azmi, Boman Irani, Irrfan Khan and Farhan Akhtar.

Arjun started his career by doing short films that were mostly based on a social issue like Positive, which was directed by Farhan Akhtar and where he played Shabana Azmi's son. That was followed by Migration, a film made by Mira Nair that spoke about AIDS. In B-town, Arjun may have acted only in a few movies, but both Barah Aana and Luck by Chance got him a lot of appreciation. Now the actor is moving on to things that seem to be getting bigger and better.

The actor is a part of Onir's I am and Karan Johar's My Name is Khan. And though the actor is excited about sharing screen space with Shah Rukh Khan, this is not the first time he's facing the camera alongside the superstar. "I have worked with Shah Rukh Khan before. I have done a TV commercial with him and there was also a scene during the pre-climax of Luck By Chance," he tells us. And the actor is all praise for King Khan, "I think SRK is just amazing. He oozes energy and ease. He is so polite and a lovely human being to be with. It feels great to work with him as I have grown up admiring him."

Source: TimesofIndia

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

SRK, it’s the wrong dish!


Shah Rukh Khan takes crores to endorse one satellite dish and then installs another at his
Shahrukh Khan


office...


When Shah Rukh Khan dimples prettily from your TV screen asking if you don't want a better deal and clearer picture by using the satellite dish he is selling, you almost want to run out and get it. Such is the badshah's persuasive prowess. And that is why companies shell out crore to create superstar brand ambassadors.

Over years Shah Rukh has been impeccable ensuring his life-style choices were aligned with the brands he endorsed, whether it's the watch he wears, or more famously, the soft drink he endorsed until not too long ago. He's been the brand ambassador for this particular satellite dish company since 2007 and his contract was renewed three months ago for another eighteen months.

Which is why we were surprised to see the large satellite installed atop Khan's multi-storey office-cum-leisure space in the extension behind Mannat. It's not the Dish that SRK wants everyone to buy but a rival brand which is endorsed by none other than Shah Rukh's current bete noire, Aamir Khan. In a spate of recent interviews both have claimed to be the better marketer. Going by his preference in dish antennae, is Shah Rukh buying into Aamir's sales spiel?
Source: TimesofIndia

Monday, September 14, 2009

My Name is Khan 'a tiring experience'


Shahrukh Khan's upcoming film 'My name is Khan' may well be worth a hundred crores, but according to director Karan Johar it was a torturous experience shooting it.

According to KJo, SRK tried his hand at 'method acting' to prepare for the role and even during filming; the actor remained in character even off screen. Shahrukh became Rizwan Khan through and through, "It has taken its toll on me and Shah Rukh. It's true Shah Rukh remained in character as Rizwan Khan even at home. At home in his body language he's always Rizwan. I see him doing it all the time. I don't think he has got out of it. Even when he's with his children at home." KJo said.

So how did Karan Johar go about researching autism for the character of Rizwan Khan? "Shibani and I met the couple. They were gracious enough to meet us in London. And that couple's relationship became the basis of Rizwan and Mandira's relationsip in 'My Name Is Khan.' At its core level this film is a love story," he said.

"My writer Shibani Bhatija researched extensively on various aspects of an autistic disorder and contacted the various National Autistic Centres. Shibani and I personally met a lot of autistic people, took notes went to U-Tube. Then Shah Shah Rukh did his own research." he added. He also said that the strenuous shoot has sapped him of all his strength and that he would kike to day a few weeks off. "I need to go away for a month. I don't think it will happen. But no harm in dreaming." he said.

However, KJo vehemently denies claims of 'My name is Khan' resembling the likes of such films as Forest Gump. "It's not Tom Hanks in 'Forrest Gump' at all. That was a totally different strain of autism. It's nearer to Dustin Hoffman in 'Rain Man', though still very different. It's what we call high-functional autism. You can have a regular life, be married, have children. But the syndrome does convey a fair amount of quirks and eccentricities. But his character is not essentially neuro-typical. The film has made me understand human behaviour and how to be compassionate and humane."

Source: India(dot)com

'Idiot' Aamir snubs SRK again

Aamir made a dig at Shah Rukh at the Mumbai airport on Sunday by slyly hinting that the latter's detention at the US airport was a


People thought that the war between the two superstars, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, was over after they came together on a common platform for the multiplex issue.

But it's never as simple as that. On Sunday night, Aamir Khan made another dig at Shah Rukh when he returned to Mumbai after vacationing in France.

An eye witness present at the international airport says, "When Aamir walked in late on Sunday night, he was approached for an interview by a TV reporter. Since Aamir had returned from France, the reporter wanted to know whether, he too, like SRK, was stopped at international airports and interrogated for being a Khan. That's when Aamir retorted that such checks are a routine matter. He also added tongue-in-cheek that, 'No one checks me as I am an idiot', obviously referring to his forthcoming film, 3 Idiots. Then he went on to add that SRK had a problem as he is very intelligent. Aamir's obvious reference means that the fuss created by SRK about being stopped at the airports was a mere publicity stunt. Now it remains to be seen when SRK will respond."

This war of words has been raging for long between the two stars, with Shah Rukh and Aamir regularly taking potshots at each other. However, when the film industry got together for the multiplex issue, the two Khans forgetting their differences, came together on the same platform to express their solidarity. But now, again, Aamir's dig at SRK has set tongues wagging in the film industry about the so-called bonhomie between the two superstars.

Incidentally, Salman Khan had also made similar comments about SRK on the same issue by saying that everyone has to go through these routine security checks at international airports, so what's the big deal?

Source: TimesofIndia

Shah Rukh Khan lights up seven Orissa villages


Bhubaneswar: Remember the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Swades, where lead protagonist Mohan Bhargava, an NRI working in NASA, returns to his former nanny's village in India and resolves the irregular electricity problem by setting up a hydro power plant. In a case of real life imitating reel life, Khan has lighted up seven remote coastal villages in Orissa by funding a solar electricity project.

The effort has dramatically changed the lives of the people of Ahriajpur, Banhipal, Okilapala, Palachua, Rangani, Denlasahi and Gupti villages in Kendrapara district, about 150 km from here. Each village has a population of 500 people and most of them fall in the below poverty line bracket. They mostly depend on fishing and agriculture for their livelihood. For the villagers, Khan is a messiah.

The rural electrification project used solar energy to produce electricity. Khan funded the project under the NDTV's Greenathon initiative titled 'Light a Billion Lives'. The project was implemented by The Energy & Research Institute (TERI).

Local coordinator of the project Biraja Prasad Pati said, "Can you imagine even after 61 years of Independence, they did not have electricity. But the project changed their lives.

Once dusk sets in, they all rush back to their houses and savour the pleasure of having electricity at home. Can you imagine even after 61 years of Independence, they did not have electricity," he said. Earlier, kerosene lanterns were the only source of light.

Now, the villagers have been provided with solar lanterns. "Life now starts after sun set," Pati said, adding that villagers had taken the cost-effective solar lanterns after paying the users' fees of Rs3 towards charging.But occasional users pay Rs5 by way of charging fees.

A recharging station has been installed in each village. Solar panels have also been set on rooftops to allow villagers to charge their lanterns every morning. "Now people are happy and know more about Khan," said local ward member Tapas Mandal.Ironically, the state government is clueless about the project.

Source: DNA

Sunday, September 13, 2009

For Orissa villagers Shah Rukh is a hero, not just a star

axmi Mondal of Banhipal village in Orissa's Kendrapara district has never watched any of Shah Rukh Khan's movies, as the village has been without electricity all these years. But for this poor village woman the Bollywood actor has turned into a real life hero by lighting up their lives.

Shah Rukh has funded a solar power harnessing project which provides light to the village after sunset.

"There is no electricity in our village and we don't expect it to be provided by the government in the near future. So the electric lanterns have become very handy for us. Though we used kerosene lanterns earlier, they couldn't be relied upon due to the brisk breeze throughout the day as our village is just a few kilometres away from the Bay of Bengal," said Mondal.

Banhipal is not the only village which is a beneficiary of Shah Rukh's largesse. There are six other villages - Ahirajpur, Okilapala, Palachua, Rangani, Denlasahi and Gupti in Kendrapara district which have benefited from this solar harnessing project which has been fully funded by Shah Rukh Khan.

The project is part of the Greenathon initiative of NDTV called 'Lighting Billon Lives'. Technical assistance has been provided by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

Each village has been provided with about 50 solar lanterns with a single charging point. The lanterns are charged every morning through solar panels set on rooftops.

The charging of lanterns, distribution and collection of money are mainly manned by women members of the village.

Though Shah Rukh has borne the installation cost, the maintenance cost is taken care of by the villagers themselves.

"We have a corpus to meet the running expenses of these lanterns. We raise the corpus by charging just Rs.2.50 from every villager. We charge extra if one takes the lanterns for use during festivals and special occasions. And if a person from a neighbouring village takes it then he is charged Rs.10 per night," said Biraja Prasad Pati, of Nature Club, a local NGO which implemented the project.

These villages are primarily small clusters of Bengali-speaking people. The villagers use these lanterns not only to light their homes but also for other purposes.

"We use these lanterns for different purposes. Our men take these lanterns to scare away wild boars during night as they often destroy our standing paddy. The fishermen take these lanterns for fishing during night and our children study with these lanterns," said Urmila Modal, from Okilapala village, adding that they often give these lanterns free of cost to meritorious students of the village.

Apart from these seven villages, Shah Rukh's generosity has helped in bringing light to two other villages - Jadapala and Tarajodi in Mayurbhanj district of the state.

Source: Thaindian

SRK, an honorary professor now?

After getting an honorary doctorate, Shah Rukh Khan might soon be on his way to being an honorary professor too!
Shah Rukh Khan



Routes to Roots, the NGO that got him the honorary doctor's degree in arts and culture from Britain's University of Bedfordshire, is now planning to get the actor a professorship from the Coventry University in UK.

The secretary of Routes to Roots, Rakesh Gupta, confirming that this honour will be conferred upon SRK "very soon", said, "Shah Rukh has done a lot for charity and helping people out. There are some villages in Rajasthan, Orissa, etc., which have got electricity because of SRK. People in these villages don't even know SRK, because they don't see many movies. Secondly, the electrification of the village is by alternative sources of energy. So, while it's good for the human beings, it's also good for nature."

Source: TimesOfIndia

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Shah Rukh salutes his make-up dada

Shah Rukh Khan knows how to show respect to his elders and he didn't shy away from showing that at a public platform.

He was invited as a guest along with other celebrities such as Jaya Bachchan and Juhi Chawla to attend a function to award the film industry's noted technicians.

Shah Rukh gave an award to his make- up man, Ravi dada.

In his speech, SRK spoke very fondly of Ravi.

"He is a father figure to me. He was the first makeup man I ever had. I had borrowed him from Hema ji (Malini) and I told him to make me as pretty as her. Later, he stayed with me, but couldn't make me pretty," he quipped.

He showed respect for his make-up man, who has been with him through his long Bollywood journey, by touching his feet on stage. Ravi couldn't hold back his tears.
Courtesy: Mail Today

Shah Rukh Khan´s Red Chillies, With TERI Launches ‘Lighting A Billion Lives’

Red Chillies in association with TERI (The Energy and Resource Institute) recently sponsored the launch of the 'Lighting a Billion Lives' campaign in five remote villages namely Jadapal, Tarajodi and Ahirajpur villages in Orissa and Panchpadi and Bhanwata villages in Rajasthan.

The majority portions of these villages were un-electrified and used kerosene as their source of energy. As a part of the campaign solar lanterns are begin introduced in these villages.

The implementation of this project will be done by the end of April. Once the implementation process is completed, updates will follow in a month's time.

The implementation of the campaign was also helped by NGOs such as Society for People's Awareness and Rural Development Action (SPARDA) and Forum for Integrated Development and Research (FIDR) in Orissa and Humana People to People India in Rajasthan. Red Chillies is proud to bring smiles and touch lives through this initiative.




Friday, September 11, 2009

King Khan and Kendrapara village

They neither had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of his blockbusters nor the popular TV shows anchored by the superstar, yet Shah Rukh Khan has a large fan following in a remote village here.

Reason: the remote village now has light after daybreak, courtesy the generosity of the King Khan.

Ahirajpur village under Rajnagar tehsil lays its claim to fame for the fact that it has come under solar energy harnessing project funded by Shah Rukh.

But for SRK's contribution, Ahirajpur would have still remained shrouded in darkness.

Shah Rukh had fully funded the project and The Energy & Research Institute (TERI) implemented the solar energy harnessing project as part of NDTV's Greenathon initiative titled Light a Billion Lives, said the project's local coordinator Biraja Prasad Pati.

It's a sort of dream come true for residents of this perennially backward village.

Source: PTINews

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

SRK fan Ayesha won't wash hands

For starters, Ayesha Takia wants everyone to know she's right here signing films and is not planning to disappear into the woodwork postmarriage, she says
"Hey people, I just wanna
 make it clear that I will be doing lots more films! I love films and will continue to do them."


The Shah Rukh Khan fan was at "an award function dedicated to make up and hair", where she bumped into the star. She posts online, "At this same function I shook Shah Rukh Khan's hand to say hi and I dont think I ever wanna wash my hand again!"

The actress, who loves plays girl-next-door on celluloid, insists she feels like one in real life too. "Yup, actually I just feel like any other girl who has dreams and aspirations," says Ayesha , "I contemplate and am on the fence about a lot of things!" She asks, "I've just realized that I'm a normal, confused young person of 2009... by normal I mean real and someone who is sometimes confused and doesn't decide in an instant!" Keep the thinking cap on, Ayesha, and keep us posted!

Source: Timesofindia