Sunday, February 28, 2010

Akon in SRK-starrer ‘Ra.One’?

American singer-songwriter Akon is reportedly appearing in Bollywood big-budget action film "Ra.One", starring megastar Shahrukh Khan.

Akon, 36, and Filmfare winner Shahrukh reportedly recently met in Los Angeles (USA). Akon, besides one song, will reportedly also form part of the cast. Directed by Anubhav Sinha (Tum Bin), science-fiction superhero hi-tech film "Ra.One" is written by David Benullo (Shadow Man), cinematography by Ueli Steiger (The Maiden Heist), and music by Vishal-Shekhar. Besides Shahrukh, it also reportedly stars Filmfare winners Kareena Kapoor (Jab We Met) and Vivek Oberoi (Company).


Shahrukh reportedly plays a Miami software engineer Shekhar in the film, who as a video-game hero takes on his self-created techno-monster "Ra.One". Shooting locations include Miami (Florida, USA) and Shahrukh's wife Gauri Khan (Billu) is the producer.

Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, welcoming this Bollywood-Hollywood music collaboration, pointed out in a statement in Nevada (USA) today that while adapting to Western music, we should not completely forget India's rich musical heritage, elements of whose theory go back to Sama-Veda.

Grammy nominated Akon of Senegal background, born as Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam, has 40 "Billboard Hot 100" songs. Various other international pop stars have done numbers for Bollywood in the past, like Samantha Fox (Rock Dancer), Snoop Dogg (Singh is Kinng), and Kylie Minogue (Blue).

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Akon-in-SRK-starrer-RaOne/articleshow/5627746.cms

Bollywood films quietly attracting crowds

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/host.madison.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/d/c8/2ff/dc82ff20-22e6-11df-af6a-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1267196081

The movies smash box office records around the world. The songs on the soundtracks top the pop charts. The stars are recognized everywhere they go, and are thought of not just as movie stars, but "heroes."

But can Bollywood make it in America?

After "Slumdog Millionaire," the Mumbai-set romantic drama from British director Danny Boyle, won the Academy Award for Best Picture a year ago, many moviegoers thought its success would usher in a wave of Indian films into American theaters.

Poised to capitalize on that attention was Bollywood, a nickname (combining Hollywood and Bombay) for the Hindi-language film industry in India. The movies tend to be long, melodramatic epics that mix romance, comedy, intrigue, action, and most memorably, show-stopping musical numbers.

"The idea is that you have to some way make a film that appeals to my 90-year-old grandmother and to the 9-year-old kid," Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan told National Public Radio recently. Khan is the biggest movie star in India, which, since India has a population of over a billion people, makes him the biggest movie star in the world.

A year later, the picture for Bollywood in America isn't so clear. Only a handful of Bollywood movies have made it to American screens, where they've tended to open and close quietly in theaters without much fanfare.

The comedy "3 Idiots" became the highest grossing Bollywood film of all time last year, making the equivalent of $70 million in its first 18 days of release. But in Madison, "3 Idiots" opened quietly at Point Cinemas in January and only played for a couple of weeks.

Marcus spokesman Carlo Petrick said he's seen Bollywood films make some small inroads into American theaters. But audiences are more likely to see films like "Slumdog Millionare" that are generated by U.S. and British movie studios.

"I think Bollywood films are becoming a little more mainstream than they had in the past," Petrick said. "There does seem to be a resurgence lately in the films that have at least had an Indian theme. We've seen 'The Darjeeling Limited' and 'The Namesake.'"

The latest and biggest attempt for a Bollywood film to break into the U.S. market is "My Name is Khan," which features Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. Khan plays a Muslim with Asperger's syndrome who lives in San Francisco, and, after he's mistaken for a terrorist by the Department of Homeland Security, wanders the country helping people.

The film is being distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures, which also released "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Crazy Heart," and opened on 120 screens nationwide when it opened on Feb. 18. It's currently playing in Milwaukee, and although a Madison date has not yet been set, it's getting good reviews and seems poised for a nationwide rollout.

But the question remains whether "Khan" can attract a crossover audience or will come and go with barely a ripple like "3 Idiots" did.

Ironically, Indian films do play in Madison theaters almost every weekend to packed houses. Local distributors like Nemanth Teegala rents out theaters at Market Square and Sundance Cinemas for special one-time only showings of Bollywood films.

The films are sent out by a private distributor in New York City to 40-50 cities including Madison. Teegala markets directly to those in the local Indian community, putting up posters at Indian grocery stores and ads on Web sites like madindians.com. He said Indian audiences respond to the unique cultural values of the films; for example, in nearly every Bollywood film, the hero's mother plays a key role.

"You can see a little bit of Indian traditional values, the costumes are more colorful," Teegala said of the films in 2008. "It's more like a drama."

Such screenings operate completely under the radar of the rest of Madison's filmgoing community. The Indian movies aren't even listed as part of the theater's movie listings.

"These are rarely marketed to anybody outside of Madison's Hindi community," said Wisconsin Film Festival director Meg Hamel. "We've had the chance to see many of these films the day that they open in India. The folks that are showing those films really are looking at the ethnic population in Madison to market to."

Hamel occasionally books Bollywood films as part of the film festival and has had some success at it. Last year, over 300 people came to see "Ghajini," described as a Bollywood remake of the twisty thriller "Memento," even though the three-hour film didn't start until 10:30 p.m. at night. The reaction was wildly positive.

"Though American audiences won't be used to the genre switching, it's part of what sustains the momentum," reviewer Rick Stemm wrote on the Dane101.com Web site after the screening. "Extremely high production values give this the look of a Hollywood blockbuster, though its feel is all its own."

Part of what made the "Ghajini" screening a success, Hamel said, is that it had an advocate for it in the film festival, which gave curious audiences a sense of what they were getting themselves into. Bollywood films aren't like American films, and many American moviegoers might be confused if they walk in cold to a Bollywood movie that's showing at a multiplex like Point.

"What I think that could make or break a film in Madison applies to everything," Hamel said. "At the Wisconsin Film Festival, somebody's made the effort to say 'I like this movie, I think you'll like it too.' If local movie theaters made that same effort, they would be able to fill their screens with all kinds of films and not rely on studio blockbusters."

Ultimately, Hamel said she's bullish on the prospects for a Bollywood movie breaking through to American audiences, if only because the movies are so darn entertaining.

Source: http://host.madison.com/entertainment/movies/article_e577ce84-f178-515b-97c2-6d28066261fa.html

"In the best instances, the music and the choreography is as good as anything else you've ever seen in films," she said. "I agree that the potential is very, very good. So many of these films are absolutely delightful."


I missed Kareena at Filmfare Awards: SRK

Before getting some shut-eye after an exhausting night co-hosting the 55th Idea Filmfare Awards 2009 with Saif Ali Khan, Shah Rukh decided to do some tweeting.

He said, "Friends tell me that I shouldn't make fun of myself at shows. I believe if I can't laugh at myself, I have no right to ask you to laugh with me." He added, "Saif was marvellous...& I had a good time."


On the girls, SRK commented, "Vidya Balan looked ravishing..Bipasha towering...Deepika lovely & Katrina awesome. Missed Kareena..." He also had thanks to hand out, to "Kiran Kotria and Veerdas & his team for the script. Alpa. Mushtaq. Great inputs. Hope people find it as much fun as much as we had making it. All the girls who help us backstage...Ganesh Hegde..Sanjiv..my fantastic dancers...thanx for making it so easy and nice. Nothing without you."

To Shahid Kapoor, who performed live to Michael Jackson's This Is It, he said, "You were awesome. Well done, my man. God bless you...you are a treat to watch dancing."

The show will be telecast on Sony on March 7.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/I-missed-Kareena-at-Filmfare-Awards-SRK/articleshow/5627555.cms

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Shah Rukh to sing, dance for KKR during IPL

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday said he would sing and dance to cheer his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team during all the
seven matches at Eden Gardens in the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) next month.

"I will sing, I will dance, I will be there to cheer up the boys," KKR co-owner King Khan told reporters via video-conference.

SRK, as Shah Rukh is popularly known, had gone to South Africa to encourage his side during the first five matches of the IPL last year.

He said KKR, in association with Nokia, will host Para (neighbourhood) cricket to create a platform for a new generation of cricketers.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Shah-Rukh-to-sing-dance-for-KKR-during-IPL/articleshow/5625030.cms

American pop-sensation Akon in Bollywood’s “Ra.One”

American singer-songwriter Akon (Locked Up) is reportedly appearing in Bollywood big-budget action film "Ra.One", starring megastar Shahrukh Khan.

Akon, 36, and Shahrukh reportedly recently met in Los Angeles (USA). Akon, besides one song, will reportedly also form part of the cast. Directed by Anubhav Sinha (Tum Bin), science-fiction superhero hi-tech film "Ra.One" is written by David Benullo (Shadow Man), cinematography by Ueli Steiger (The Maiden Heist), and music by Vishal-Shekhar. Besides Shahrukh, it also reportedly stars Filmfare winners Kareena Kapoor (Jab We Met) and Vivek Oberoi (Company).
 
Shahrukh reportedly plays a Miami software engineer Shekhar in the film, who as a video-game hero takes on his self-created techno-monster "Ra.One". Shooting locations include Miami (Florida, USA) and Shahrukh's wife Gauri Khan (Billu) is the producer.
 
Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, welcoming this Bollywood-Hollywood music collaboration, pointed out in a statement today that while adapting to Western music, we should not completely forget India's rich musical heritage, elements of whose theory go back to Sama-Veda.
 
Grammy nominated Akon of Senegal background, born as Aliaune Badara Akon Thiam, has 40 "Billboard Hot 100" songs. Various other international pop stars have done numbers for Bollywood in the past, like Samantha Fox (Rock Dancer), Snoop Dogg (Singh is Kinng), and Kylie Minogue (Blue).

Source: http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=73031&n_tit=American+pop-sensation+Akon+in+Bollywood%92s+%93Ra.One%94

SRK to sing, dance for KKR during IPL

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday said he would sing and dance to cheer his Kolkata Knight Riders team during all the seven matches at Eden Gardens in the third edition of the Indian Premier League next month.

"I will sing, I will dance, I will be there to cheer up the boys," KKR co-owner Shah Rukh told reporters via video-conference.

SRK, as Shah Rukh is popularly known, had gone to South Africa to encourage his side during the first five matches of the IPL last year.

He said KKR, in association with Nokia, will host Para (neighbourhood) cricket to create a platform for a new generation of cricketers.

Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/news/srk-to-sing-dance-for-kkr-during-ipl/47195-13.html?from=tn

Shah Rukh promises to entertain KKR fans during all Eden matches

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan today said he would sing and dance to cheer his IPL-2010 team, Kolkata Knight Riders, in all seven matches to be held at Eden Gardens in March and April.

 

The cine star said he was overjoyed that he would be able to share his happiness with cricket fans at Eden Gardens following return of T-20 to India as well as in Kolkata after a gap of one year.

 

The Second IPL was shifted to South Africa following the 26/11 attack and General Elections in first half of 2009.

 

Khan, the owner of KKR, told reporters via video conference that he could not make it to the city today to open a ''Para Cricket'' in West Bengal owing to a preoccupation in Mumbai, but always enjoyed the spirit of the city.

 

He said KKR, in association with Nokia, will host Para cricket in order to create platform for new generation of cricketers.

 

Khan promised that winners of Para cricket will have chance to play first eleven with KKR this time.

 

Eden Gardens will host its first match of IPL-3, KKR versus Royal Challengers Bangalore, on March 14.


Source: http://www.sakaaltimes.com/SakaalTimesBeta/20100227/5568448427728179939.htm

SRK-Kajol Starrer ‘DDLJ’ Completes 750 Weeks

Love story "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", one of the biggest smash hits of Bollywood, has attained yet another record after finishing 750 weeks of continuous play in a theatre.

This Sunday, the heartwarming film will complete 750 weeks of continuous screening at the Maratha Mandir theatre in Mumbai.

Directed by Aditya Chopra and featuring the ideal pair of Shahrukh Khan and Kajol, the film opened to jam-packed houses and rave reviews throughout the world way back on October 20, 1995.

This evergreen Yash Raj Film continues the longest running movie in the record of Hindi film industry, as it passes one milestone after another, and is currently running in its 15th year.

The delight of the movie keeps pulling viewers back year after year.

Grossing more than Rs 580 million in the Indiaan market and Rs 175 million abroad, DDLJ became the biggest Bollywood hit of all time.

The film completed its 700 weeks during March 2009.

On October 20th, 2009 the movie finished 15 years of non-stop play and it was included in the Cinema India showcase, "The Changing Face of Indian Cinema", which traveled US in July and August 2004.

Indiatimes Movies grades the film amongst the 25 Must See Hindi Movies.

Moreover, DDLJ was also named among the only two Bollywood movies in the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die list. (With Input from Agencies)

Source: http://www.topnews.in/srkkajol-starrer-ddlj-completes-750-weeks-2254913

MNIK first truly global Bollywood film, say distributors

Having earned around Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion/$35 million) worldwide in 10 days, distributors Fox STAR Studios say they are extremely happy with the "truly global" response to Shah Rukh Khan-starrer My Name Is Khan (MNIK). They now plan to increase the Bollywood presence in the Middle East through the film and also release it in countries like Germany, Poland and Egypt.

"We genuinely believe that My Name Is Khan is the first truly global Bollywood film. It has received an exhilarating response in India and the 40 countries that we released it on Feb 12 and we are expecting the same in other countries," Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox STAR Studios, told IANS.

Singh said it has been doing extremely well in the US, Canada, Britain and the Middle East.

Fox STAR, which is the Indian arm of US-based 20th Century Fox International, has planned the distribution of MNIK in a unique way - by releasing it in phases in 25 more countries over the next six months.

"We have planned to increase the Bollywood presence in the Middle East with this film. We have also decided to release it in Germany, Poland and in new markets like Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon because it is a very globally appealing film," said Singh.

My Name Is Khan, directed by Karan Johar, co-stars actress Kajol. Exploring lives in the post-9/11 period in the US, the movie also has Shah Rukh playing a man with Asperger's Syndrome.

It was even promoted at international platforms like on Britain's Jonathan Ross Show and at the world's biggest stock exchange NASDAQ. It is being released with a record number of prints in many countries.

"In Germany, we are releasing it on 40 screens and we have released it in eight screens in Egypt - which has never happened before. In Syria, we will be releasing it in nine theatres," he said.

To increase the reach of the film, the company has also planned to dub it in German and Turkish as well as subtitle it in Polish.

As for the movie's collections dipping after the opening weekend, Singh said: "Comparing My Name Is Khan with the collections of 3 Idiots won't be fine.

"One needs to understand that December (when 3 Idiots was released) is a holiday period and February is an exam period. While a lot of people don't mind going to watch a movie on December weekdays, it isn't possible during this period."
Source: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100133010&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=bollywood

Friday, February 26, 2010

HOUR QUESTION

Karan Johar for the first time speaks out on the MNIK controversy, the challenge of realistic cinema and going global

Filmmaker Karan Johar, fresh from the success of My Name Is Khan visited the Screen office for a candid chat and bowled everyone with his charm and inimitable style.

Dressed casually in a black and grey T-shirt paired with a blue jeans, a Louis Vuitton bag, sneakers and a Blackberry, the ace director looked ready to take on the world, literally, what with MNIK opening new markets worldwide. MNIK, said Johar, has been the most creatively satisfying film for him. "It has challenged me and made me think out-of-the-box."

From the pre-release controversies surrounding MNIK, his vulnerability during the release of Wake Up Sid to Kurbaan's failure at the box-office, he patiently put to rest all queries we had. What's more, he delighted us with info on his forthcoming film I Hate Luv Stories, which has Imran Khan playing an assistant director, Sonam Kapoor as a production designer and Sammir Dattani playing Karan Johar. Then there's his popular chat show Koffee With Karan coming back with a third season on STAR World. And the juiciest bit of all, he conceded that with some persuasion from the Twitterati, he is 'thinking' of casting Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in a Dharma Production
film, adding that the pair has a huge fan base on the social networking site, which calls it 'Shahika'.

A lot of ground was covered and an hour and a half went by in a jiffy courtesy his ready wit and loads of self-depreciating humour. For a snapshot of the fun and informative session, read on.

New age cinema
Karan Johar opens up on his changing perception of movies
"Everyone thought I had lost it when I said I wanted to make My Name Is Khan," says Karan Johar as he begins the conversation. "I am all for bubblegum and candy floss. I have moved on. I shall be 40 soon and for me to do bubblegum and mush is a bit too much. I just feel that I can't be bored while making my own film."

Johar, in fact, wishes his audience to cry a bucket with the remake of Stepmom, which he admits, "is a chick flick." "I do not have an understanding of horror or sci-fi so I won't make those films. I am open to doing films about people in the real world be it edgy, alternate or anything else," he offers by way of explaining the kind of cinema Dharma Productions aspires to make.

MNIK which is a step in that direction. But he defends his definition of boredom by saying that a little bit of 'Karan Johar feel' will always be there in all his films. "I can't change my core self even if I try because it's me. My influence will come up in the film. An SRK-Kajol mush moment will come only from me because that is what I am. But the chemistry between them is unusual. He is a man with a disorder and she is a divorcee with a six-year old kid. A lot of their chemistry has been taken from a real life couple who dealt with autism. We also borrowed an instance about two real life women who were the best of friends all thier lives and the repercussions of 9/11 on their lives. This film was everything I didn't know and I had to be accurate with my research. Of course within that realm I will show off as a film maker."

Going back to MNIK, which Johar claims is his "most creatively satisfying film", he says people didn't believe him when he said he wanted to make a film dealing with an issue like this. "Assistants used to come to work with me thinking there would be huge chandeliers, beautiful sets and picturesque locations. When I narrated the script of MNIK to them, I could see the disappointment in their faces. I remember Manish Malhotra's disappointed face. He is so used to shopping for beautiful clothes for a month before the film starts that he was heartbroken there were just 22 changes. When Sharmishta Roy, my production designer and I were doing a recce in a lane at Kandivali we both burst out laughing when she said, 'Karan, I don't believe I am standing here with you.'"

Johar also believes that Aditya Chopra and he have been the only people (directors) who have witnessed the transition of the industry. Back in 2001 when his film Kabhie Khushi, Kabhie Gham was up for release, he wasn't prepared to compete with Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai and Ashutosh Gowariker's Lagaan, two films that altered the meaning of cinema in the coming years. "When I was making K3G, I felt bad for Gowariker and Farhan because I thought who would want to see Aamir Khan in a dhoti playing cricket and a film about three friends, which apparently had no story. It was only when I came out of the theatre after watching Lagaan did I realise I was doomed. I was royally assaulted by both commerce and art. After that Anil Sharma's Gadar came which again went on to become a huge success. That year was great in terms of different kinds of cinema. It gave more freedom to film-makers to portray whatever they wanted to on screen and get away with it."
Sneha Mahadevan

Our conviction gave us courage
Just as MNIK was to hit screens worldwide on February 12, it got embroiled in a controversy. Karan Johar shares his views on the incident …
For Johar, "it was the toughest 10 days of our life." Having worked on the film for three years, he says, "When the film lives with you for three years it literally becomes a member of your family. It consumes and absorbs you completely. And at the brink of the release of the labour of your love; when you see a roadblock of this magnitude, it was obviously very disheartening and sad. For us, it was emotionally tough." Since Johar has only directed MNIK, he says monetary losses may not be his priority but he always looks at a project from the producer or a filmmaker's point of view. Always one to go for the best irrespective of the cost, for Johar, it is all about creating that best moment "that is what leaves a legacy behind and so yes it was really tough for Shah Rukh Khan and me." He however believes that there has to be some pay back for what the universe gives you, for trying to do something noble and human. "Today I am just happy that is over," said the young filmmaker. His jovial mood reiterated this.

Johar applauded Shah Rukh for sticking to his stand. "It was very brave of him, for a lead protagonist of such a mainstream endeavour to play this character. It was a big film on a big scale, shot on a big budget with the lead character that has a disorder. And then everything was working against us. Eventually it was our conviction that gave us courage.

At a time when nothing was going right for the film, Johar says the support that they got from unexpected quarters was phenomenal. He even got encouraging phone calls and smses. This incident has brought the film fraternity closer, he reiterates. "However, there is a section that comes together and some that remains silent so we have to take it in the spirit."

The young filmmaker recalls how, during the moment of crisis, both he and Shah Rukh stood by each other. "I was standing there holding his hand throughout. That was support enough. Now enough has been spoken about the issue, if we get into it further, it will be misrepresented. I don't think we expected anything to get to this monumental level and we are happy it is over."

Reflecting on how business affected the film during the release week, Johar stated that there was a definite loss of business in Mumbai and Maharashta. Looking at the scenario in Mumbai, many did not go to the theatres fearing political ramifications. "We lost the weekend. We lost out on a tremendous amount. People even did not venture to catch the paid-previews."

Talking about the Wake Up Sid controversy, Johar said that after leading a sheltered life, he was suddenly exposed to the atrocities of the outside world. "When it happened to me the first time, I took an immediate call about the situation without thinking about the circumstances. The maker is more vulnerable and weak on a Friday. He just listens and follows what people around him tell him." The filmmaker is of the opinion that he may have reacted differently today if faced with the same situation. It was the first time his film was embroiled in a controversy and he did not think objectively as 'in the moment of crisis, one reacts impulsively. He however didn't want to comment on whether what he did then was right or wrong or may be that the repercussions of that was the second event (MNIK controversy) happened. He however stated that, "They are two different circumstances. Two bad experiences and within a short span seem to have taught him a lot. "I am a different person today. It can be said that I am an older and wiser person post My Name Is Khan. I understood so much about the machinery, the industry and the people. I felt like I grew up 10 years in those 10 days. Now I have become more aware. My father was a crisis man. In such circumstances, he would know what to do and how to speak to people. I lost him when I was 32 and at that time I didn't even know who my chartered accountant was. If my father was alive, it would have been a great emotional support for both Shah Rukh and me. We would have turned to him for everything and would have been more protected."
Namita Nivas

MNIK, opening news markets
Apart from box office history, director Karan Johar's latest directorial venture has also broken all geographical boundaries
The release is phased, each territory having a different release date, allowing the publicity storm to gather pace before releasing in a new area. MNIK, which premiered at the Berlin film festival "is the first global film to open up new markets across the globe," according to Johar.

MNIK is reportedly being distributed in over 70 countries, presenting new distribution, and commercial opportunities for further releases.

MNIK met with astounding audience response in Germany. Germany has the third highest population of international migrants worldwide. Johar believes that "NRI people are far more Indian, far more traditional and far more conservative than any of us living here. It does not mean they are evolved and take anything that is modern".

For Johar, "The diaspora audience is different in USA, UK and UAE and they react differently. You never know how things will work where. It has been fantastic. I see a lot of non Asian people venturing into cinema hall and it has been great."

MNIK had its world premiere in Abu Dhabi, a decision taken by Fox. "When you have a big studio with you, you go with the flow," said Johar. In the East, Bahrain has six prints, Qatar four, Kuwait four, and Egypt eight, although reports abound that 30 more prints have been ordered for Egypt, marking significant breakthroughs for Hindi cinema.

If replicated globally, this could secure Bollywood cinema in 'non traditional' reception areas. The film opened in Oman, on February 18. Previously, Bollywood films were released midweek before a weekend opening in India. It is to release in nine theatres in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, from March. MNIK will be dubbed into German and Turkish, and released with subtitles on 50 screens in Poland, ten times the amount for a Bollywood release previously. Johar previously called his work 'a handshake' between east and west and with the backing of Fox Star Studio. "It is opening many doors and windows. This has been possible because of Fox who has offices all across the world" said Johar. He said that the real impact of the film's success will only be known by the end of 2010 after it releases theatrically across countries like Poland, Oman, Germany and Russia.

MNIK is the first Bollywood film to be carried by a major Hollywood studio for global distribution.

MNIK is cited by Johar, as an example of new age Indian cinema. MNIK is potentially a shift away from what those in the west tend to perceive as being a format of singing and dancing 'escapism', and is accompanied by an industry shift in distribution. MNIK was bought by Fox Star Studios for a reported Rs. 90.2 crore. "We wanted to put Indian cinema on the map and which is why we teamed up with Fox. I wanted people of all cultures and communities to understand that the film resonated the new age Indian cinema", says Johar, "we are not the frivolous singing and dancing nation of movie makers. We are somebody who can project cinema soulfully, emotionally and relevantly".
Ed Vollans

Music with a difference
Song and dance sequences, especially the hero-heroine lip-syncing to songs, are a quintessential part of Hindi films. Karan Johar on the changing role of music in today's cinema
However, the concept is gradually changing and instead of lip-syncing, songs are now increasingly being played in the background. Even My Name Is Khan, that comes from Dharma Productions has few numbers in the film and that too in the background. Song and dance sequences, especially the hero-heroine lip-syncing to songs, are a quintessential part of Hindi films. Says Johar, "A man with autism can't sing a song. You and I do not sing to each other. When we are talking about a film that is highlighting such a rampant, relevant problem we can't break into songs. The first sequence of a film sets the tone. My film has the hero walking into an airport followed by his interrogation. When you have set this tone, you can do everything you want within that. I cannot have 100 dancers during Sajda dancing to choreographed steps. I cannot show a grand wedding and perfectly dressed people. Yes, the films of Guru Dutt and Hrishikesh Mukherjee in the past were also about real people and there would be lip-synched songs, but in that era it was a given thing that the lead artistes would sing. But now cinema has travelled beyond.

In fact, Rang De Basantiwas the best film that used music so well without a single lip-synced song. I think that this is the new way music will be used in Hindi cinema and though it is unfortunate, I definitely think that it is better in the long run.

"Frankly I do not see myself shooting a party song like in Kabhi Alvida... or a song in the mountains between the lead pair. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the music directors of the movie, were definitely surprised and disappointed when I told them that neither Sajda nor Tere naina will be filmed with lip-sync. But even Kajol singing to Shah Rukh would have made people laugh."

Source:  http://www.screenindia.com/news/HOUR-QUESTION/584442/

Shah Rukh to host Filmfare?

Bollywood's biggest stars will get together at Yash Raj studios in Mumbai on Saturday 27th Feb only to be a part of the 55th Idea Filmfare Awards 2009.

Apparently Shah Rukh Khan is all set to make a comeback as a host of the event, displaying his trademark wit and sarcasm.

According to our sources, SRK will take digs at actors this year too but in a harmless way.

Shah Rukh will also be performing at the event this year. "SRK was busy practising Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo, his KKR anthem at Yash Raj on Thursday and is planning to rope in one of his brightest knights Sourav Ganguly to do a bit of a jiggy in the act too" said our source who witnessed SRK's rehearsal.

There is a strong speculation that Katrina Kaif and Saif Ali Khan will also co-host the event with SRK.

We are watching you Shah Rukh...
Source: http://movies.indiatimes.com/News/Shah-Rukh-to-host-Filmfare-/articleshow/5621020.cms

His Name Is Khan

Shah Rukh is more than just the hero of My Name Is Khan. He is a hero. Full stop. Oddly enough, there aren't too many of them in our filmdom. In the fictional land we call Bollywood, when it comes to the screen, there are no actors, only heroes. They are so much larger than life, they routinely vanquish whole armies with their bare fists; they need only two and a half hours to decimate the ungodly and clean up the streets of crime. Yet they dare not take their shoes off in public. Because if they did, you could see their feet are made of clay. Over the years, how often have Mumbaikars cringed to see the sickening spectacle of these 'heroes' being brought to their knees by some local bully who has issued a 'decree' against them? It's not just actors we are talking about: producers and directors too belong to the category of men who loom like Gulliver before us Lilliputians, but when it comes to people who threaten and browbeat, they shrink to the proportion of Gulliver before the Brobdingnagians.
    To some extent you can under
stand why they so readily leave behind their swagger and go cap in hand to ask for forgiveness from extra-constitutional authorities: films are a collective enterprise and expensive to produce. To take a tough stand may then seem like a needless heroic gesture, likely to bring financial ruin to many of those involved in the project. This becomes even more so when the government in power is unable to control the goons who want to stop the screening of a film. But the capitulation of our 'heroes' perpetuates the power of the various Senas that now patrol the land. In the event, it would have been so easy for Shah Rukh Khan to have succumbed to the temptation and given the apology the Shiv Sena wanted. He was particularly vulnerable on two counts. First, My Name Is Khan is a big film so a lot of money is involved. Second, and even more important, Shah Rukh's name is Khan, and the Sena hostility for the Muslim community is well known and has a long and violent history behind it. People say Shah Rukh Khan acts too much; others say he often talks too much. But when it mattered, he did the brave thing and firmly kept his mouth shut. For that this Khan is a real-life hero.

Source: Timesoindia

Thursday, February 25, 2010

MNIK: Strikes a chord

I enjoy Karan Johar's films as they are entertaining and emotional but MNIK is different as it conveys a delicate message beautifully. The controversy before the release of the film surrounding SRK and protests by Shiv Sena indirectly helped its prospects and the message, the film conveys. The beautiful film proves without doubt that Karan Johar is one of the finest directors and SRK one of the finest actors. I have seen three films
on terrorism post 9/11 namely New York, Kurbaan and MNIK with different perspectives. While New York and Kurbaan dealt with darker side of terrorism, it didn't touch the brighter side of humanity. MNIK deals with both. Essentially it conveys the message of love and humanity in the world of violence, fear and hatred through Rizwan Khan. The film touches the heart and leaves the audience spellbound. Certainly such films are above entertainment that inspires people to impress upon good rather than on evil. This film will encourage those producers who wish to make films with a noble purpose.
JPN Agrawal (received on e-mail)

Source: http://www.screenindia.com/news/MNIK--Strikes-a-chord/583932/

Read more: Living With A Superstar: Shah Rukh Khan | CNNGo.com

This week Discovery Travel & Living are releasing "Living with a Superstar: Shah Rukh Khan" a 10-part prime time reality television series on the unseen life of one of India's most influential contemporary icons. 

Bollywood fans book your rehab session now, this is one slickly produced piece of celebrity voyeurism. Millions are expected to tune in across the nation and abroad to ogle at the enviable lifestyle of one of the planet's biggest superstars. 

To do this the producers shadowed Shah Rukh accross four continents to film episodes that cover vacationing with him in London, one of his favorite cities; a personal tour of Mannat, his Mumbai castle and meeting the people who form the backbone of his day-to-day life; access to his home in Dubai; private time spent with his family; first-hand disclosures on the controversies, decisions and game plan for his Indian Premier League cricket team the Kolkata Knight Riders; an exclusive acting master class, where Khan deconstructs the art and technique of performance, as he sees it, and a whole lot of extra 'Shahrukhisms' that cover the actor's views on "living, loving, creating and letting go." 

SRK, KJo's moment of history

That My Name is Khan is one of the biggest Bollywood global grossers ever is not just a professional triumph for two of the Hindi film industry's most powerful names — Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar; it's also a personal victory for them.

"Every time we have come together, something special has happened," says the Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan. SRK, who has witnessed Karan's graph rise with each of their films — be it Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho or Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and now My Name is Khan, smiles affectionately as he remembers their first meeting. "He was very young when he came to me to make Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. But even then, he was crystal clear in what he wanted to say," he remembers.

"With each passing film I have seen him grow in stature as a person and as a film-maker. Karan is family. Gauri and my kids — Aryan and Suhana — love him. And I feel a personal pride in seeing him scale the heights he has," he adds.

For Karan, the journey of Khan is an emotional high. "Well, I'm ecstatic that the film has become the global phenomenon that it has. It has broken records,'' says Karan. "But for me, what is of even more significance is the fact that SRK and I have an emotional connect. This makes our professional triumph even more special." He admits that giving five-record-breaking films together is the result of "great synergy between the both of us. And, what makes this record even more meaningful for me is the fact that Shah Rukh and I share an emotional bond."

If SRK has seen Karan mature from a boy to a man, Karan has also seen Bollywood biggest brand rise right in front of his eyes. "Professionally Shah Rukh is the biggest, most widely accepted Bollywood brand across the globe. And personally I have seen him grow from a husband to a father. The birth of his children changed him forever. He is now more restrained as a person. As far as his celluloid growth is concerned, well I don't need to say it. Even those remotely connected to the movies will stand testimony for the fact that Shah Rukh is indeed King.''
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/SRK-KJos-moment-of-history/articleshow/5615764.cms

Khan wants to ovetake Tharoor on Twitter

Shah Rukh Khan has claimed that his latest aim is to get more followers than politician Shashi Tharoor on Twitter.

The actor, 44, has just 169,565 followers but Tharoor, India's minister for external affairs, has 661,456.

"In few months I am going to overtake Shashi Tharoor on Twitter. I am going for him. He is our god," Khan told Indian Express.

Tharoor claimed that he would be delighted to be overtaken by someone of Khan's popularity.

"I had predicted this the day Shah Rukh joined Twitter. I will be happy rather than regret it," he said.

Source: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/bollywood/news/a205187/khan-wants-to-ovetake-tharoor-on-twitter.html

Ra1 can wait, say yes to Farah: SRK

Shah Rukh doesn't want to delay Tees Maar Khan, tells composer duo (common to both films) Vishal-Shekhar to score music for her film

Shah Rukh and Farah might have fallen out professionally, but they are still friends. Both  have projects that are going on the floor shortly. While SRK is getting ready to roll his fantasy action Ra1, Farah begins shooting for Tees Maar Khan in less than a week.



Both SRK and Farah have composer duo Vishal-Shekhar scoring music for their films. And it could've been an awkward situation for the duo. Ultimately, it worked out well.

Simultaneously
When Shah Rukh heard that Farah's film was going on floors first, he told the music directors to give her the dates they had blocked for Ra1. He didn't want Tees Maar Khan to get delayed because of the music score. However, the music directors couldn't delay SRK's film either, as Ra1 director Anubhav Sinha is eager to begin shooting. So the composers decided to work on both the films simultaneously.

No issues here
Vishal confirms, "Both Farah and SRK allow comfort and space for each other's recordings. So, both are being recorded simultaneously. Our dates and schedules are mapped out and pretty soild, so no issues there. Luckily, the styles for both films are so different that we get to try new and different things for both."

While Ra1 will have a more futuristic score, Tees Maar Khan will have a popular mainstream sound for the masses.

Source: http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2010/feb/250210-Shahrukh-Khan-Ra1-Tees-Maar-Khan-Vishal-Shekhar.htm

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

NDTV awards: Amitabh, SRK, Ash icons of Indian entertainment

Megastars Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan were among those honoured with the NDTV's Indian of the Year 2009 awards at a glittering function.

Bachchan, who first gained popularity in the early 1970s as the angry young man of Bollywood cinema and has since become one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian cinema, was presented with the Icon of 21 years of
Entertainment award.

Khan, who had recently got embroiled into a controversy over his comment on non-inclusion of Pakistani players in IPL, also got the Icon of 21 years of Entertainment award along with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who established herself as one of the leading contemporary actresses in the Indian film industry.

Presenting the award to Khan, Home Minister P Chidambaram said, "I would love to watch SRK-starrer My Name is Khan...I am waiting for the English subtitles...It was great the way Khan brought out Mumbai's solidarity...The attack on the movie (by Shiv Sena) was not an attack on the film, it was an attack on the idea of India."

Legendary musician A R Rahman received the Global Indian Entertainer award.

The 'Mozart of Madras' began his film scoring career in the early 1990s. He has won 13 Filmfare Awards, four National Film Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, two Grammy Awards and two Academy Awards.

Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who has successfully achieved the tag of being one of the most bankable young stars with two consecutive hits Wake Up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, got the Male Entertainer of the Year award.

Priyanka Chopra, who bagged her first National Award for her performance in Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion (2008), received the Female Entertainer of the Year Award.

Director Anurag Kashyap got the Special Jury Award for his critically acclaimed films.

Considered as one of the most versatile and prolific
filmmakers in contemporary Hindi cinema, Kashyap had hogged limelight and courted controversy for his film on 1993 Bombay bombings Black Friday. He has also directed critically acclaimed movies -- No Smoking, Dev D and Gulaal.

Director Karan Johar got Social Networking Icon of the Year award for introducing Bollywood to tweeter.

Johar, who made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai starring Sharukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukherjee in 1998, had given a slew of romantic hits like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehana.

His latest flick My Name Is Khan has raked in Rs 150 crore during the first week of its release.

http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20100132627&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=bollywood

My Name is Khan - Review - Review by Margaret Pomeranz, Australia

MY NAME IS KHAN is a Indian film that we didn't review when it was first released because there were no previews. It's had a simultaneous release around the world and is breaking box office records for a Hindi film.

Set mainly in America where Rizwan Khan – played by Bollywood superstar SHAHRUKH KHAN – moved with his mother to live with his brother. Rizwan is autistic, he has Asperger's Syndrome but that doesn't prevent him establishing a lovely relationship with single mother Mandira – Kajol…

The film is nearly three hours long, with a ten minute intermission. The first part is really the romance that develops between Rizwan and Mandira, the second part moves into darker territory as Rizwan, a Muslim, and his family experience the backlash caused by 9/11.

Directed by the very successful Karan Johar, the film is shamelessly manipulative, a real tear jerker, it certainly jerked them out of me. Kajol is lovely as Mandira and Shahrukh Khan is affecting as the Asperger's-affected hero on a mission to meet the President of the United States.

It is very like Forrest Gump; its message, which is that people are either good or bad, regardless of their ethnicity or religion, comes through loud and clear. The music, such a feature of Indian cinema is terrific, is largely on the soundtrack, with no big song and dance numbers.

I'd give the film 3½ stars.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2824439.htm

SRK pledges not to kiss

When most of his colleagues like Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Abhay Deol are on a kissing spree, SRK is firm on his stand that he won't kiss his co-actresses.

Give him any difficult scene and he'll put all his effort to make it look real but when it comes to kissing, he withdraws himself. This may sound quite strange as Shah Rukh Khan is known for his romantic hero image.

Playing the characters of Raj and Rahul in most of his films, SRK has made his female fans fall in love with him time and again but there is something that keeps him from locking lips. "I don't kiss heroines on screen. I feel shy," says King Khan who is adored for his filmi romantic guy image around the globe.
Source: http://movies.indiatimes.com/news-gossip/news/SRK-pledges-not-to-kiss/articleshow/5612170.cms

SRK back as Filmfare host

The 55th Filmfare Awards are round the corner and Shah Rukh Khan who has been busy promoting his film My Name Is Khan of late, will now step into the shoes of host for the night on Saturday night.
The actor has been working on his monologue for the past couple of days with his writers.

"He has been so busy that he hasn't had any time to prepare for the award night. Normally by now his sessions with the writers is done and he is well on his way to memorizing his monologue and stuff. But he only had the first session with his writers last night," says our source.

And like every year this year too we can be ready for a whole lot of laughs in true King Khan style.

"Shah Rukh is very clear that he will poke fun at people present there. But it is never nasty or personal. And this year too, he is adding his own gags and one liners to the act," adds the source.

The person behind the script this year is Vir Das. The standup comedian has worked with Khan earlier too and is aware of his likes and dislikes.

"The two sat together last evening to go through what Vir had come up with so far. Vir had been working on the script for over a fortnight now. SRK was satisfied with most of what was there. However, knowing SRK he will make some additions as he goes along," adds the source.

The Filmfare Awards are this weekend at the Yash Raj studios. Expected to perform on the night are Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor. 3IdiotsPaa are expected to walk away with the most honours as well.

Source: http://www.starboxoffice.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2010/February/News_20100224_119

Shah Rukh Khan RA 1 is hundred crore extravaganza, not in English!!

Heard this?? Shah Rukh Khan, the badshah of bollywood is not sitting idle after the success of 'My Name Is Khan' and preparing to start superhero flick 'Ra1'( opposite sexy siren Kareena Kapoor), which will cost around hundred crore rupees.

Due to its huge cost, Shah Rukh Khan has decided to produce the film through his own production house Red Chillies for director Anubhav Sinha. However, King Khan's superhero flick will not be made in English as he wants it to be made only for Indian audiences in Hindi. Earlier, there was some talk of the film being made in English but Shah Rukh Khan shot down the idea as he was not convinced about the viability of making a film in English when they already had their own 'spider man' and 'superman' etc.

Sources close to Shah Rukh Khan's production house say that 'Ra1' will have breathtaking stunts from King Khan, which will be for the first time not only for him but also for bollywood. The special effects team is being hired from Hollywood to get everything perfect for the gutsy Khan. Shah Rukh Khan has already started working out to prepare himself to be able to perform the daring stunts for the film.

Source: http://www.magnamags.com/index.php/201002245768/stardust/scoop-of-the-day/shah-rukh-khan-ra-1-is-hundred-crore-extravaganza-not-in-english.html

Exclusive Shah Rukh Khan Interview

MNIK first Hindi film with audio description


Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name Is Khan has become the first Bollywood film to be released in cinemas across the country with Hindi audio description (AD) for visually-challenged people.

AD is as important to blind and partially sighted people as subtitles are to those with hearing problems. It is an additional narration that fits between passages of dialogue to describe action sequences, body language, costume and scenery, allowing the viewer to understand exactly what is happening on screen.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) worked with 20th Century Fox to achieve this after research amongst blind or partially-sighted people found that over 55 per cent of respondents were more likely to watch Bollywood films if AD was provided.

"Around 700 films are produced by Bollywood every year and our research tells us that blind and partially sighted fans want AD on these films. We hope other studios will follow 20th Century Fox's lead," said Fazilet Hadi, director of RNIB.

The studio has come out with both English and Hindi AD tracks for My Name Is Khan.

"We are proud to offer for the first time ever a Hindi AD track on My Name is Khan. English-speaking AD has been available on all our films for some time now, so we felt it was natural to progress and offer Hindi AD on our first collaboration with Bollywood," Martin Bromfield, executive director Twentieth Century, said in a statement.

"With help from RNIB and Deluxe Digital Studios, we worked hard to create an English audio descriptive track which was then translated before being recorded by a Hindi speaking audio describer, in time for the second week of release," he added.

Directed by Karan Johar My Name Is Khan features Shah Rukh as Rizwan Khan who embarks on a journey across America to win back the love of his life, Mandira, played by Kajol.

Source: http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14932780



MNIK Crosses 150 CR Worldwide @iamsrk

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Discovery Travel & Living presents Living With a Superstar – Shah Rukh Khan

Discovery Travel & Living will present a new series on the life of Shah Rukh Khan. In this unique television series, for the first time ever viewers will be taken into the private and exclusive world of Shah Rukh Khan.

 

The 10-part series, Living With a Superstar – Shah Rukh Khan will premiere on Discovery Travel & Living every Friday at 9 pm, starting 26 February, 2010.

Offering an ultimate access into the life of Khan, the series will present a complete view of his 24/7 living including family and vacation time; relationships with his kids, wife, sister and friends; entrepreneur spirit, filmmaking process; time management; brand appeal, fans' interaction, celebrations, IPL venture; global lifestyle, his castle Mannat and Shahrukhisms.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific executive vice president and managing director Tom Keaveny said, "Shah Rukh Khan's fame transcends geographical boundaries. I am confident that viewers around the world, especially in Asia, would be thrilled to watch this absolutely entertaining television series."

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior vice president and general manager – India Rahul Johri said, "Discovery Travel & Living has always set the highest production benchmarks by presenting differentiated content and refreshing formats. With this groundbreaking series on Shah Rukh Khan, we have surpassed all established definitions of lifestyle entertainment. We are extremely thrilled with the opportunity to work with Shah Rukh Khan and to provide millions of viewers with uninhibited access to his life."


Khan said, "Discovery Travel & Living is most certainly the definitive lifestyle channel on television. The idea of the series is both exhilarating and unique as it showcases aspects of my life that have seldom been seen in the public domain. I look forward to welcoming you all...

Discovery Travel & Living commissioned Blue Mango Films and Red Chillies Idiot Box will produce the series.

Source: http://businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=15517

'My Name Is Khan' earns Rs 150 cr in a week

Indian Express: Despite less than average theatre occupancy in the weekdays and its share of controversy with Shiv Sena before the release, the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer and Karan Johar-directed Bollywood film My Name Is Khan (MNIK) has managed to rake in Rs 150 crore from its first week of release in India and abroad, say film trade analysts.

This has happened despite the fact that MNIK saw the average theatre occupancy slip to below 40% during the weekdays, especially in single-screen theatres. Initially released with over 1,300 prints, MNIK grossed Rs 90 crore in the first weekend, riding on the controversy surrounding the protest by Shiv Sena over remarks made by Shah Rukh Khan supporting the inclusion of cricketers from Pakistan in IPL-3.

However, the recently released Aamir Khan-starrer 3 Idiots, which is still doing well at the box office, had managed to rake in over Rs 240 crore within 10 days of its release.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/-My-Name-Is-Khan--earns-Rs-150-cr-in-a-week/583003/




My Name Is Khan grosses Rs 1.50 billion worldwide in 10 days

My Name is Khan has done a gross business of Rs 1.50 billion (Rs 150 crore) at the worldwide box office in ten days.

The movie starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol is directed by Karan Johar and distributed by Fox Star Studios.

The film is already the biggest Bollywood film of all time within 10 days in the UAE, South Africa, Holland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, East & West Africa, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Mauritius.

In the Middle East, the film has not only smashed all existing Bollywood records within 10 days, but even beaten the Fox Searchlight's previous highest grosser Slumdog Millionaire in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE and Egypt.

Empire International Middle East head Mario Haddad said, "The film has incredible legs. The drop in the second week is less than 10%. We expect it to have a long run here. Due to the demand, we are opening in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria on March 10."

In the UK, the film has become the fastest film to cross GBP 2 million, managing the feat within just 11 days. The strong run in UK continues even in the second week, and is on its way to breaking the all-time record K3G in the UK within the coming week.

In the US & Canada, MNIK is the highest grossing SRK film of all time.

Fox Star Studios India CEO Vijay Singh said, "We are delighted to be entering this elite group with our first major Bollywood venture. The film was created for a global audience and continues to break records worldwide. It is truly proving to be India's first global Bollywood film."


Source: http://www.businessofcinema.com/news.php?newsid=15514#xyz

I take advice from SRK: Farhan

For Don you had a blueprint of sorts to follow. How does Don 2 take the character forward?
For me, Don's character hinges on his cunning and smartness and the fact that he is playing all the characters in the film and at the same time, he also plays the audience. So, to me, the challenge is to do that again. Of course, you can do great action sequences, you can have great songs, a wonderful looking and talented cast who everybody wants to watch. But this time round, there is now no format to follow. To me that was exciting and what I am focusing again on is how to take Don to almost level two. This film is more of a caper to me than an emotional journey.

And how many 'mulk ki police' will be looking for him in Don 2?
Now I think it's the whole world. Only Antarctica aur Arctic ki police uske peeche nahi padi hai.(laughs)

Could you ever do a mush film? A romcom?
Very honestly I must say that the romcom is one of my least favourite genres, even to watch. There are some of course, which I do thoroughly enjoy but they are very few and far between. Personally, I prefer drama, action and thrillers. If it's a romance I would much prefer a classic romance like a Romeo and Juliet which has drama in it.

You work with actors as a director and compete with them as an actor. How do you differentiate between the two?
The people that I have worked with are the ones that I am good friends with and I do spend a lot of time with. One is obviously Hrithik and the other is Shah Rukh. Hrithik and I have known each other for really really long. We have been friends from way before I decided I wanted to be in films (he kind of always knew he wanted to be in films). So my friendship with him is beyond actor-director, whatever.

With Shah Rukh, I really started hanging out with him post Dil Chahta Hai. I feel a certain kinship with him. We have similar joys in terms of technology, we jam on many things. And many a times he has been someone I have turned to for advice. He is someone I have almost started feeling over time, again without sounding cheesy, like an elder brother. I know for a fact, not that he has told me so, that he is someone I can really count on, if the need arises. Even if we choose in the future to not work together, we will still hang out, we will still be friends.

For me, Don's character hinges on his cunning and smartness and the fact that he is playing all the characters in the film and at the same time, he also plays the audience

Today's actors pay a lot of attention to body and hair, the externals basically. Yesteryear actors looked almost the same in every film but it didn't affect the strength of their performance. Comment.
I completely agree and I think it should go back to being how it was. Because I think, we are slowly but surely working towards this perfect world that everybody should exist in, which is not true. If there is someone on screen who is even relatively chubbier, immediately reviewers say he needs to lose a couple of pounds. Why? Doesn't someone who is chubbier have a right to fall in love with someone? I find it disturbing that we are trying to make a Utopian world where great looking people and great bodies fall in love and nobody else has a right to.

Anyone who is skinny or bald or has a stammer or is fat is relegated to being a comedian, a character who needs help. I find this really disturbing. Did anyone stop to question why people fell in love with Sanjeev Kumar? It's a dangerous obsession because it's going to start limiting talent that's coming in.

OFF THE CUFF

Rate Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan and yourself on a scale of one to ten on the following parameters

Communication skills
SRK - 15
Aamir - 10
Hrithik - 8 or 9
Myself - 5

Life of a party
It is difficult to rate this in numbers. SRK and Hrithik are very funny. Both of them love dancing so once the party kicks off, they are always dancing. Aamir is a lot more reserved. In all honesty, I haven't partied with Aamir since Dil Chahta Hai
SRK - 10
Aamir - 5
Hrithik - 10
Myself - 8 or 9

Easy to direct
Honestly, they were all very easy to direct.
ALL - 10

Willing to admit to mistakes
Again, I think, I would give all of them 10 and that's what makes them good at what they do. I know for a fact that I can be stubborn about certain things.

Emotionally giving
I spend a lot more time with Hrithik and Shah Rukh than I do with Aamir. So it will be really difficult for me to say anything about Aamir on this front.

Extempore speakers
SRK- 10
Aamir - 5
Hrithik - 8
Myself - 5

Aware of the world
All of us are pretty aware of what's happening in the world around us, so I would probably rate them just up there. Even if we want to detach ourselves from what's happening around us you media people don't let it happen. There is no escape. So 10 on 10 for everyone

Be a 3am friend
My friendship is more with Hrithik and Shah Rukh than it is with Aamir. My relationship with Aamir is a lot more professional than personal so to put him into this equation feels very weird as it's unfair to him.

SRK-10
Hrithik-10
Myself - 0
I switch off my phone when I sleep, I love my sleep. I think I don't qualify for this.

Politically correct
SRK-3 or 4, mostly he says what he feels
Hrithik- 10
Myself- 7 or 8, I have the knack of saying wrong things as well

Spontaneous
SRK- 10
Hrithik- 8, He has changed a lot from what he was to what he is now

Animal Charm
SRK-10
Hrithik -10
Both of them are very attractive people.
Myself - I don't know about myself (laughs) how do I rate myself on animal charm?

Readmore: 
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/I-take-advice-from-SRK-Farhan/articleshow/5606230.cms

Shahrukh Khan's 'My Name is Khan' Breaks New Worldwide Records!

Holy Bollywood! As if Shahrukh Khan couldn't become more popular than he already is, his latest movie "My Name is Khan" has already earned a whopping $32 500 000 worldwide!

Talk about box-office hit! The drama is now slated to become SRK's highest grossing movie ever!

Despite all the controversies surrounding the flick and King Khan himself, "My Name is Khan" has been a huge success and keeps setting one record after the other.

It is currently the most successful B-town movie within ten days in countries like the UAE, South Africa, Holland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand!

The only movie to hold that type of record in the Middle East was "Slumdog Millionaire" and that says a lot considering the 2008 Academy Award winning's global appeal.




Source: http://www.desihits.com/news/view/shahrukh-khan-s-my-name-is-khan-sets-new-worldwide-records-20100223

SRK turns the world saver in Ra 1

Here's more news about Ra 1. After playing the under-dog in two successive films Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and My Name Is Khan, Bollywood Badshah will be flying across the sky, arrey yaar we mean a super hero, in his 100 crores home production 'Ra. 1'.

The speculation about the movie being made in English had been given rest and according to our source, the movie will be made in Hindi as SRK doesn't want to pitch the film in English because they already have their Superman and Spiderman.

 We've already revealed to all of you about American Hip-Hop star Akon singing a song in Ra 1. Lets see how many surprises spring up in the due course… . And yes Kareena Kapoor will not be singing any love duets with the superman Shahrukh in the air but will be waiting for her hero to return home in the film like any Indian bride.


Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/54695.html


SRK’s bang in Bollywood with Akon


It seems like there is a trend following introductions of Hollywood actors in Bollywood now. Shahrukh has signed the Senegalese-American Akon, to act in his forthcoming home production RA. 1 (or RA. One). Acclaimed international singer
heart throb is also going to lend his voice for the movie album.

Shahrukh known as King Khan for his unique acting, storylines, and of course for the number of hits in his kitty has this time something different coming up.

Akon's debut
The wheels of the brain have already started to churn with the mere notion of the fact that Akon is going to debut in the Indian movie scenario.

This 'Locked Up' singer was approached by SRK during his recent visit to US.

Sources close to the movie's pre-production said that Shahrukh wanted an international superstar to be casted.

Moreover, recent buzz is that Akon too, willingly showed an inclination towards working with him.

Meanwhile doing promotions of his latest flick 'My Name Is Khan' in US, the meeting between Shahrukh and Akon went so well that for an undisclosed price, he gave his affirmation for RA. 1.

RA. 1, a scientific story
RA. 1 is a science fiction film which has Kareena Kapoor playing the female lead.

Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the storyline says that Shahrukh is a computer games freak who falls in love with Kareena.

Shahrukh said, "I wanted to make it, and I want to start it. Prashant (Shah, line producer for My Name Is Khan) is the producer here, and I've been troubling him for months now. Part of it is to be shot here. It's a special film for me.

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."

A fashion seen
SRK has got some stiff competition from actors like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar. With consecutive hits to their credit, Shahrukh is also set to do the same.

Reportedly, Akshay Kumar roped in Snoop Dogg in Singhh Is King and Kylie Minogue in Blue.

Source: http://www.totalfilmy.com/feature/20100223/srk_s_bang_bollywood_akon-28741.html

Monday, February 22, 2010

Bahraini offers 40 tickets to MPs to watch 'My Name is Khan' and learn from its message

Khalid Al Khayyat, a Bahraini who works with a bank, has offered the 40 MPs tickets to watch the movie in Manama and use its message to spread greater tolerance in the lower chamber and society and foster national unity.

Manama: A Bahraini man is trying to use the Bollywoood hit 'My name is Khan' starring Shah Rukh Khan to help his country's lawmakers overcome the sectarianism that has gripped the parliament and threatened to divide society.

Khalid Al Khayyat, a Bahraini who works with a bank, has offered the 40 MPs tickets to watch the movie in Manama and use its message to spread greater tolerance in the lower chamber and society and foster national unity.

"My name is Khalid and I am not a sectarianist," said Khalid, taking the words from the main line in the movie, 'My name is Khan and I am not a terrorist' that Rizwan Khan, the main Muslim character, needs to tell the people and president of the United States to win back his angry Hindu wife.

"This tickets gift is humble, but the objective is highly significant. I am offering you 40 tickets so that you can watch the movie 'My Name is Khan' and learn from it how mutual love and tolerance are crucial for the development of any society," Khalid said in the letter he sent to the MPs.

"The movie demonstrates how hatred and resentment will only drag us into a maze of ugliness that has terribly affected our lives. The movie is a reminder of a wonderful message, and that is terrorism has no religion or sect. The people of one country, regardless of their sects, must live together as one people, and not as two sects," Khalid said.

The lower chamber has often witnessed standoffs between MPs alongside sectarian lines that brought it to a standstill at times. 
 

Source: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/bahrain/bahraini-offers-40-tickets-to-mps-to-watch-my-name-is-khan-and-learn-from-its-message-1.587120



My Name is Khan - Boxoffice MOJO

Domestic Total as of Feb. 21, 2010: $3,253,168
Distributor: Fox Searchlight Release Date:February 12, 2010
Genre: DramaRuntime: N/A
MPAA Rating: PG-13Production Budget: N/A
TOTAL LIFETIME GROSSES
Domestic: $3,253,168   52.0%
Foreign:  $3,008,639   48.0%

Worldwide:  $6,261,807 

DOMESTIC SUMMARY
Opening Weekend:  $1,944,027
(#13 rank, 120 theaters, $16,200 average)
% of Total Gross: 59.8%
> View All Weekends
Widest Release:  125 theaters
Foreign Total as of Feb. 14, 2010:
$3,008,639

Note: Overall foreign totals are updated weekly for most currently playing movies. The country breakdowns are updated less frequently and do not necessarily add up to the foreign totals.
CountryRelease
Date
Total Gross / As Of
Malaysia2/11/10$31,106 2/14/10
New Zealand and Fiji 2/11/10$184,9332/21/10
Nigeria2/12/10$15,362 2/14/10
South Africa (Entire Region) 2/12/10$177,1192/21/10
United Arab Emirates2/11/10$1,305,466 2/14/10
United Kingdom and Ireland and Malta 2/12/10$1,470,7932/14/10
In Release: 10 days / 1.4 weeks

Source: http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=mynameiskhan.htm