“Controversy has nothing to do with MNIK’s success” -- Gauri Khan

The Shiv Saniks may have threatened to go on a rampage if the film 'My Name Is Khan' was shown in Maharashtra but this move has only induced empathy among millions of Shahrukh fans, who thronged Mumbai theatres to watch the film.

Released in a jubilant note after being swathed in controversy for 10 days with protests and threats from the Shiv Saniks, MNIK now has the likes of Maharashtra's chief minister endorsing it.

However, Gauri Khan, co-producer of the film, contradicted the conjecture that controversy had caused the massive response and said that the positive response MNIK was receiving was not due to the ongoing controversy on the eve of the film's release.

Gauri Khan said, "Karan has worked for three years on it. It is because of this hard work that it is doing so well. A movie does not do well because of a controversy."

Gauri Khan humbled by his fans
On Saturday, in the absence of Sharukh Khan, his wife Gauri returned the favor to his fans by personally thanking everyone for their strong support and watching 'My Name Is Khan.'

Gauri Khan who was overwhelmed with joy said: "The response has been extremely overwhelming. We are really happy. Today [Saturday] the film is opening everywhere. I think the best thing to say would be, 'Jai Maharashtra.' And we love Mumbai."

Shahrukh and Karan would meet fans on Sunday
While at the theatre, Gauri informed the media that Shahrukh was very happy that everyone has come out and supported him. She also informed that he would turn up at Inox on Sunday to thank everyone personally.

A visibly relaxed Gauri stated, "I think he would be coming to all the cinemas on Sunday with Karan [Johar] to meet all his fans. Had he been here today [Saturday], he would have gone everywhere. Today [Saturday] he is very happy and he would be meeting everyone tomorrow."

Trade circles had predicted that this film would be a record smashing hit even before its release, and now with too much controversy surrounding this film, the big question remains whether MNIK will ever have dry run.

Source: http://www.totalfilmy.com/feature/20100214/controversy_has_nothing_do_mnik_s_success_clarifies_gauri_khan-28669.html