Shah Rukh Khan for Couture grand finale

Bagging top-notch celebs to showcase his collection at the Couture week Salman Khan might have given Shah Rukh Khan’s popularity a beating, but when it comes to the grand prize it is King Khan who has emerged a clear winner.

After a month long tussle among the warring Khans, it has now become official that it’s Shah Rukh and not Salman who will be walking at the grand finale.

So while King Khan will be the showstopper, Salman will have to parade his big Bollywood brigade on Oct 13.

Shah Rukh will be walking with his wife Gauri Khan for Karan Johar’s clothesline. Confirms a source, “Salman did not want the grand finale. He is walking for charity. His show is not the couture show per se. He and the other actors with him will walk the ramp on Oct 13. We had blocked the dates of every star walking in the event two months ago. Salman won’t even be here in Mumbai on the day of the grand finale.”

And even though that’s the official version, sources state that Salman never had a choice to walk for the grand finale. Even though the macho actor has managed to get exclusive celebs to walk the ramp for him, it was SRK who was the final choice for the grand bash.

Both Shah Rukh and Salman were keen to do the grand finale. A grand finale in a fashion event is always very special.

Asin gives a royal snub to Shah Rukh Khan

While most of the B-town ladies go through their entire careers wishing to star opposite the three Khans, Asin has put aside the rare opportunity for reasons not known.

The lissome beauty whose blockbuster ‘Ghajini’ debut opposite Aamir Khan is followed by ‘London Dreams’ with Salman had been offered a chance to act with Shah Rukh- a glorious prospect that she chose to snub.

The southern bombshell, who has been making waves ever since her smash-hit debut, was reportedly very keen to work with SRK. So much was the stunner in awe of SRK that she had also expressed her desire to share the screen with him on Farah’s chat show.

Flattered by Asin’s adoration for SRK, Farah had approached the actress for a role opposite King Khan in ‘Happy New Year’. And though the actress mulled over the role for quite some time, she refused Farah’s offer on unknown grounds.

Confirming the story a source said, “Ever since Asin appeared on Farah’s show ‘Tere Mere Beach Mein’, they have been in touch. When Farah offered her the role, initially Asin was quite excited. It is not known why she refused Farah’s film”.

Rejecting Farah’s offer, the actress cited date problem as the reason for her refusal. “She conveyed that the dates which Farah needed would be clashing with her other assignments,” adds the source.

Nevertheless when King Khan is involved there can never be a shortage of leading ladies. As of now Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor are fighting neck to neck for the part.

Colgate Palmolive signs Shah Rukh Khan as Brand Ambassador

When it comes to brand endorsements there can be no bigger star than Shah Rukh Khan. After endorsing countless top brands such as Pepsi, ICICI Bank, Nokia, Hyundai, Tag Heuer etc, SRK will now be seen endorsing yet another premiere brand. According to sources, SRK has been roped in as a brand ambassador by FMCG major Colgate Palmolive. The deal with the superstar was signed a couple of days ago.

Colgate-Palmolive is a key player in the oral care category - toothpaste, toothbrush, toothpowder and whitening products. Now with SRK endorsing Colgate, things are only going to get bigger and better for the FMCG giant. As for SRK, after bagging this premium endorsement deal, he has indeed proved that they don't call him 'King Khan' for nothing.

SRK - Aamir may recieve National Awards

The latest B-town news is that two of the biggest Bollywood superstars, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan are in contention for National Awards in the ‘Best Actor’ category. While SRK has been nominated for his in ‘Chak De India’, Aamir Khan is in the running for his performance the critically acclaimed flick ‘Taare Zameen Par’.

‘Taare Zameen Par’ has also been nominated in the ‘Best Film’ category. Darsheel Safari is being considered for the Best child actor award for his performance as the dyslexic Ishaan Awasthi in ‘TZP’.

Shah Rukh’s home production, ‘Om Shanti Om’ has also been nominated for a National Award for ‘Best Feature Film’ in the entertainment category. This award was previously won by Aamir for ‘Lagaan’ in 2001.

I&B Minister Ambika Soni is likely to announce the National Awards next week and President Pratibha Patil is scheduled to give away the awards in Delhi in October this year.

Shah Rukh ‘Khan’ grilled at New York airport

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was detained early on Saturday at the New York airport in the US for as long as two hours. Thanks to his surname ‘Khan’ that features on the alert list after the 9/11 attacks. Shah Rukh is on a visit to the US to attend an Indian Independence Day event as the guest of honour.

The actor was detained after his name flashed on the computer. King Khan was asked several questions about the purpose of his visit. His luggage was checked and he was not even allowed to make a single phone call for about an hour. He was finally released after intervention from Congress MP Rajiv Shukla, who spoke to the authorities in the US.

“I told them I was a movie star and had recently visited the country for the shooting of my film. Nothing seemed to convince the immigration officer. There were other immigration officers who even vouched for me but this particular officer did not listen to anyone. I even told them I had an invitation from the South Asian community and was there to attend an event,”said SRK.

This episode comes at a time when SRK is wrapping up Karan Johar’s ‘My Name Is Khan’, a film that touches upon the same issue- that of the minority being targeted for no fault of theirs only because of suspicion and no solid proof.

Shah Rukh Khan buys 20 mn pounds apartment in London

After wooing the UAE, Shah Rukh Khan is all set to woo UK, for SRK has bought a 20 million pound apartment in the heart of London.

Shah Rukh has bought a plush piece of property in London’s Park Lane area, making Khan the only Bollywood actor to be holding such a highly priced property in a foreign land.

It is a known fact that King Khan likes to visit London every year for vacation with his family. He generally stays in the best of the hotels on his visits there, but for past few months he was eyeing an apartment in London’s plush area for himself, so that he doesn’t have to stay in hotels every time. After going through many choices both him and wife Gauri ended up liking this particular place. But given its very high cost they took some while to take the final decision. Finally, as he went there this time with his kids, even they liked the place a lot and he there and then decided to lock it forever.

With this acquisition, SRK has become the proud owner of two international properties with his Dubai villa being the first one.

Shah Rukh Khan called a Kafir

Shah Rukh Khan’s comments on Prophet Mohammed seem to have taken a grave turn for him. Mufti Mohammed Shoeb Raza Qadri and Mufti Muti-ur-Rehman of the ‘Darul-uloom-Mazhar-e-Islam’, has issued a fatwa against SRK over the same.

Mufti Mohammed has apparently called Shah Rukh a ‘Kafir’. He also went on to say that such a person should be thrown out of the Muslim community. Mufti has gone on to comment that Shah Rukh’s marriage with Gauri was nullified and Shah Rukh must not be allowed to be buried in any Muslim graveyard.

However, the Bareilly-based Markazi Darul Ifta, responsible for issuing fatwas dismissed the decree saying the move by the two clerics was ‘unnecessary’. Shah Rukh has also strongly denied the comments attributed to him.

IIPM ropes in Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan is all set to turn a quizmaster yet again. This time not for a TV show but for a B-school.

Shah Rukh, who helped many aspiring millionaires to attain the moolah they had only dreamt of, through his popular TV show, ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ (KBC), will now throw rapid-fire questions at B-school students from all over. Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) has roped in SRK to host their annual business and marketing quiz for three long years.

IIPM is believed to be wanting to make this India’s premiere B-school quizzing event and hence they chose SRK for his overall appeal. IIPM wants it to be an important annual calendar event in the B-school fest circuit, and is expecting a huge number of international B-schools to participate in the same.

The annual event will be held in association with Planman Media’s magazine, 4Ps Business and Marketing.

According to Arindam Chaudhuri, Dean, IIPM, “The idea is to bring world-class elements in terms of education and the campus life of the students. Who else in India can make an event global by his sheer global popularity than Shah Rukh? He is perceived as the face of intelligent Bollywood because of his ‘Economics’ education background, his suave marketing skills and sharp intelligence. He is obviously the natural choice”.

Sushmita Sen to shake a leg with Shah Rukh Khan again

Shah Rukh Khan-Sushmita Sen sizzling chemistry in Main Hoon Na had wowed the audience. But Sushmita vanished from the big screen altogether. However, the duo will be seen together again in Dulha Mil Gaya, in which SRK is doing a cameo.

The film has been in the making for a long time. But now, Shah Rukh Khan is said to have given his dates to producer Vivek Vaswani to shoot for the final leg of Dulha Mil Gaya, which involves filming of a song.

Written and directed by Mudassar Aziz, music by Lalit Pandit, lyrics by Mudassar Aziz, ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’ has been made in association with C L communications, based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The film has an eclectic star cast - Fardeen Khan, Sushmita Sen, Mohit Chadda, Tara Sharma, Johny Lever, Parikshat Sahni, Bina Kak, Howard Rosemeyer, Suchitra Pillai, Anushka Manchanda, with Shahrukh Khan in a special appearance.

Asin to romance Shah Rukh Khan

Ghajini Girl Asin seems to be the apple of everyone’s eyes. The Khan trio are vying with each other to rope in Asin for their respective projects. After Aamir and Salman, it is Shah Rukh Khan, who seems to be interested in the Southern beauty. Reportedly, King Khan has recommended her name for an upcoming film, which was earlier to star Katrina Kaif.

It would be real fun watching hugely talent Asin opposite energy-packed King Khan.

DDLJ completes 700 Weeks of Love

In 2001, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) broke the continuous exhibition record which was set by the SHOLAY at Minerva Theatre. And now in March 2009, the movie has set yet another record by completing 700 weeks of continuous play in Mumbai's Maratha Mandir theater.

Directed by Aditya Chopra and starring Shahrukh Khan and Kajol, the movie opened to full houses and rave reviews all over the worldwide on 20th October 1995. The film swept that year's every major award and picked up every single accolade of consequence. Audiences adored DDLJ's talented ensemble cast, soulful music, gorgeous locations and the iconic romantic moments.

DDLJ changed the course of a nation's cinema and became an unparalleled brand by itself. The movie is a blend of western trends with the traditions of the country and it has effortlessly showcased the Indian culture at home and abroad as one.

An achievement, perhaps unmatched anywhere in the world, the magic of the DDLJ keeps pulling audiences back year after year.

Aamir Khan tops Filmfare Power List 2009- Bachchans Out

Aamir Khan tops Filmfare Power List 2009. Shah Rukh Khan closely follows him.

One look at the Filmfare power list and the first question that pops up is – where are the Bachchans? Bachchans, often touted as B-town’s first family, have failed to make it to top 10 ranks of Filmfare Power List 2009.

The three aces, who are a hit with the media owing to big B’s blog act, Aishwarya’s globe totting style and Abhishek’s trail along manner have been ousted of the list.

And while the Bachchans have been left out, what’s interesting is that once low profile now a wow profile, Aamir Khan has topped the list.

The actor’s idiosyncratic perfectionism traits have finally paid off. Giving India its first Rs1 billion movie ‘Ghajini’, the actor has soared past all competition to claim the top spot in the list. Creating history with his vengeful act of a lover destroyed in love, the actor has leaped beyond Bollywood Titans to head the power list.

Shah Rukh Khan is closely following him, who came in at No 2. Big money daddies Yash and Aditya Chopra made it to No 3, while producer Ronnie Screwvala of Jodhaa Akbar fame came in at No 4.

Among ladies, the only beauty who made it to the top ten is Kareena Kapoor. The lissome beauty with her kitty of films and endorsement deals, rules the roost among her contemporaries. None of the Bachchans grace the coveted list this year.

Filmfare Power List-2009
1. Aamir Khan
2. Shah Rukh Khan
3. Yash and Aditya Chopra
4. Ronnie Screwvala
5. Karan Johar
6. Akshay Kumar
7. Farhan Akhtar
8. A R Rahman
9. Hrithik Roshan
10. Kareena Kapoor

Aamir Khan refuses getting waxed at Madame Tussauds

Winners don’t do different things, they do things differently. This phrase perfectly suits the perfectionist Aamir Khan. He is known for his totally different approach from the current league of bollywood actors.

Aamir proved so recently when he turned down the offer to get waxed at the Madame Tussauds wax museum. Madame Tussauds had approached Aamir as they wanted to add another Bollywood bigwig to their existing collection of actors. Some of the big names of bollywood who have already been waxed are Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan etc.

It is believed that Aamir declined the offer by saying that he wasn’t interested. He added that he leaves behind things that don’t interest him, as he has so many things to do. He wants people to see him through his films and nothing else.

Indeed a Genius!!!

Shah Rukh Khan too old for Pepsi Youngistaan

Shah Rukh Khan has been dropped out of Pepsi’s Youngistaan advertisement campaign. The move has come as Pepsi attempts to target the youth and Shah Rukh is considered an old face.

Pepsi’s Youngistaan ad campaign, featured Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor and Shah Rukh Khan, which was a huge sucess. But now the brand is roping in new faces to promote the campaign.

Shah Rukh confirmed that his contract with the company is not being renewed. "I am not a part of the campaign anymore, as of now we are not renewing the contract.”

However, it remains to be seen, who loses more with this move – Shah Rukh or Pepsi?

Shah Rukh Khan among most powerful in world

According to Newsweek magazine, Shah Rukh Khan ranks as the 41st most powerful person in the World. He is one place above Osama Bin Laden and one place below Jeff Bezos, the owner of Amazon.com.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan have been ranked among the 50 most powerful people. US President-elect Barack Obama topped the list.

Placing Mrs. Gandhi at the 17th spot, the magazine said: “Although India’s political scene is driven by factions, Congress remains the strongest national force, and the Italian-born wife of Rajiv Gandhi rules it unchallenged. In the world’s largest democracy, she’s queen.” Shah Rukh Khan, ranked 41st, was described as the “King of Bollywood.

Pakistan army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who controlled the country’s nuclear weapons, was placed 20th on the list of the global “power elite” at the beginning of 2009 in the magazine’s January issue.

Barack Obama, who scripted history by becoming the first black-American to be voted to the White House, was followed by Chinese President Hu Jintao, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, German Chancellor Angela Markel and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. A surprise inclusion, which the magazine admitted was subjective, was Osama Bin Laden, termed a “global terrorist.” North Korean dictator Jim Jong II also found a place.

Others on the list include the Dalai Lama, the former U.S. president, Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, Iranian strongman Ayatollah Ali Khemenei, Saudi King Abdullah-bin-Abdul Aziz-al Saud, American General David Petraeus, Iraqi leader Nouri al-Maliki, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, Pope Benedict XVI, media mogul Rupert Murdoch and popular show host Oprah Winfrey.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi goes to Oscars Library

After having a successful run at the Box Office, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is now heading to Oscars Library for its permanent collection.

It's basically the sensitivity of the screenplay and the unusual love story that attracted the attention of the Oscars Library. The scripts in the collection are kept at the famous Margaret Herrick Library and are made accessible strictly for research purposes only. It's actually the students, filmmakers, writers and actors who can avail of the script. Not just that, the screenplays may only be viewed in the library since they do not get circulated and no screenplay is allowed to be photocopied.

Critics may not have given Rab NeBana Di Jodi, a five star ratings, but being chosen for the Oscars Library is an achievement in itself.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi music hits top spots

The music of the Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is climbing to the top spot in the music charts.

“When we put in a lot of hardwork to make our music we hope that the audience will like our music. We are very happy that people are enjoying the music,” said Salim and Suleiman, music directors of the movie.

“We made the song on Surinder Sahani’s character,” said Jaideep Sahni the lyricist. Sahni says the music is inspired by the characters in the film. From the music to the lyrics there is attention in every detail.

SRK’s transformation from the comically awkward man next door to the man with the right moves has only added to the charm. “We composed the songs according to the mood and flavor of the script narrated by Aditya Chopra”, said Jaideep Sahni.

“If songs that are composed according to the script become a hit, it is bound to make us happy,” said Salim Suleiman, music director.

Music is usually the first step to any film’s success. If the music translates into popularity, success will become easy for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

Next Female Akshay Kumar aka Deepika Padukone

Don’t get shocked to see Deepika in a completely new look. Deepika Padukone dons a new, Chinese look for her new movie Chandni Chowk to China.

The lady boldly claims that she is the female Akshay Kumar of tinsel town. In her own words, “I would like to be called Next Female Akshay Kumar”.

What say Katrina?

It seems miss Padukone is too impressed by Mr. Akshay Khiladi Kumar, or it could just be an strategy to promote Chandni Chowk To China.

There comes one question in mind. Why not saying herself, “Next Female Shahrukh Khan?”

Has Deepika decided to carry on projects with Akshay Kumar?
Isn’t she interested to grab projects with the Badshah of Bollywood aka Shahrukh Khan?

Shah Rukh Khan to be honoured with Datuk title

Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan is set to be conferred the Malaysian title of “Datuk”, akin to the British knighthood, on December 6 and he is expected to receive the honour in traditional Malaysian attire.

The traditional Malaysian black costume with a waistband, a songkok and a black cap is the official attire to receive the award from the Malaccan royal chief, Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

Khan is to be presented with an award from southern Malacca state, which carries the title “Datuk”, equivalent to a British knighthood, after a 2001 film set in Malacca boosted its profile as a tourist destination.

He was to receive the award on 29 November but state officials postponed the event last week.
About 1,000 invitees will witness the ceremony. SRK is scheduled to be in Malaysia for three days.

His being conferred the Datuk title had stirred up much controversy with many questioning whether he really deserves it. Critics had asked what Shah Rukh had done for Malaysia to deserve a Datukship. They also took up cudgels on behalf of local artistes.

Malaccan authorities, however, say Shah Rukh’s shoot of ‘One 2 Ka 4’ in Malaysia had benefited the country immensely, giving it global publicity without any money being spent.

Malaysia has an estimated 2.6 million ethnic Indians and Indian Films are very popular there.

Katrina Kaif opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Yash Chopra Project

The legendary director Yash Chopra is back after four years. For his project he has managed to sign Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Katrina Kaif and Shah Rukh Khan.

The pairing of Katrina with Shah Rukh is odd because of the cold war between Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina’s beau Salman Khan. They were driven to opposite camps after the infamous brawl at Katrina’s birthday party between SRK and Salman.

But Katrina has broken some ice earlier by starring in Shah Rukh Khan’s Temptations Reloaded Tour in the Middle East. Now she has taken a step forward by signing for Yash Chopra’s project as lead actress opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

When Yash Chopra approached her, she could not refuse, as it was a dream for her to work under the legendary director. Most actors will kill for a chance to work with Yash Chopra.

Katrina Kaif lost an opportunity earlier when she was supposed to do Yash Raj Films’ Bachna Ae Haseeno but later refused to do the movie. Fair enough, she is in Yash Raj Films’ next film, New York which is to be directed by Kabir Khan starring Neil Nitin Mukesh and John Abraham.