It's steel blue, crafted of reinforced latex and costs… a mere crore! Shah Rukh Khan has earned the right to beam as the owner of the costliest body suit in B town history, styled expressly for his role of a super hero in the Anubhav Sinha directed 'Ra.One'.
The special outfit, fitted with micro computer circuitry, was created for him in Los Angeles and SRK has unforgettable memories associated with it's fabrication.
The winning 'MNIK' star was required to stand in a 12x3 chamber, when the warm latex liquid would be slowly released until it reached his neck. Once the mould solidified, it was slit from the side and gently peeled off his celeb body. The process took close to an hour. A concealed zipper was used to join the two separated halves together.
Says a close insider, "The body suit is meant to provide both protection and flexibility. It acts as a tough exterior to minimise external injury, while it is flexible enough not to hamper movement while performing stunts."
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.
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 percent 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.
TV actress Shubhangi Atre, who became popular after playing title role in 'Kasturi', says movies are her ultimate dream and that she would love to pick earthy and realistic roles just as Konkona Sen Sharma.
'I won't deny that I am living my dream life in a way because I always wanted to be an actor and thanks to Balaji Telefilms and Rajshri Productions, I got two very good shows. It was my childhood dream of being an actor and I've been very lucky. But my ultimate dream is to make it big in cinema and I want to go there,' Shubhangi told IANS in an interview.
The actress, who currently features on NDTV Imagine's show 'Do Hanson Ka Jodaa', says offbeat films excite her most as an actor.
'I really like the kind of roles that Konkona Sen does or even Nandita Das for that matter. I am more into art movies and offbeat films. Films like 'Rudaali', 'Dasvidaniya', 'Wake Up Sid' and 'Paa' are more like my taste. Even though these were commercial films, there was something in these that touched the heart.'
'Films with an earthy, real and natural feel are my love, acting in them is my passion. I love raw characters with grey shades,' she added.
Asked whether she has received any such offers for the big screen yet, Shubhangi said: 'I am getting offers. I got an offer and I auditioned for it. I am waiting for a response so I can't talk about the details as of now.'
Shubhangi is currently being seen in 'Do Hanson Ka Jodaa' as a dreamy girl, who is married off to a bespectacled simpleton, played by actor Shaleen Bhanot.
She says she is enjoying the show a lot.
'I am really happy with the cast and crew of this show. The biggest thing to make a show or film a success is that all actors, especially lead actors should gel well. Otherwise the work atmosphere won't be good. But I have a great camaraderie with all of them.'
'Reema-ji is a pool of talent, we can take so much from her. Very few actors can switch on and switch off, but she is awesome and Shaleen is very friendly and professional,' she said.
Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My name is Khan' has opened in all theatres in Mumbai, Pune and across Maharashtra, a spokesperson of director Karan Johar said Saturday.
'All centres in Mumbai, Pune and Maharashra have opened 'My Name is Khan',' the spokesperson told IANS.
Meanwhile, Karan Johar, who is attending the Berlin Film Festival where his film had a red-carpet premiere Friday, said in an SMS: 'I truly wish I was home on the day of our release... I am overwhelmed with all the feedback... I have never received so much love on any film before.'
On Friday, only 13 theatres in the city had released the film, including six multiplexes and four single-screen halls. The movie was originally set to be released in 63 theatres.
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh's wife Gauri Khan is visiting two theatres in the city Saturday to speak to fans.
According to reports, Gauri is to visit the Imax theatres at Wadala, near Bandra, and the Metro theatre downtown.
No untoward situation was reported from theatres screening the film on Saturday, police said.
On Friday, thousands had thronged cinema halls to see 'My Name is Khan', giving the thumbs down to the Shiv Sena that called for its boycott to protest the Bollywood megastar's advocacy of Pakistani cricketers.
To prove a point, Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil and Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe had purchased tickets and watched the movie at INOX cinema in south Mumbai.
Many of Shah Rukh Khan's fans in Mumbai vowed Saturday to watch 'My Name is Khan', saying the superstar hadn't make any mistake by remarking against the exclusion of Pakistani cricketers from the Indian Premier League (IPL).
'We were always with him. No one should have pointed a finger at Shah Rukh Khan who has given so much to Mumbai and is a big Bollywood star. I have seen his movies since childhood and I am planning to go to watch this one as well. All I want to say is that he didn't do anything wrong,' Shaukat Ali, 36, a bag vendor in Bandra, told IANS.
The Shiv Sena had opposed the release of 'My Name Is Khan' after Shah Rukh refused to apologise for saying Pakistani cricketers should have been included in this year's IPL.
Despite Sena activists vandalising several theatres in Mumbai that were to screen 'My Name Is Khan', fans of 'King Khan' thronged cinema halls where the film released Friday.
But there were certain areas where the movie wasn't shown, leaving his fans disappointed.
'On Friday, there was adequate security in the Navi Mumbai theatres and the crowd was there to watch the movie, yet it was not screened. Hope to watch it this weekend,' said Apar Mathur, 23, a medical intern.
'I am not sure whether it is being screened yet but I am very keen to watch it,' he added.
Ketaki Mishra, a resident, pointed out that the format of IPL matches was such that players from all countries were allowed to participate in it and what Shah Rukh said about the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers made sense.
'Frankly speaking, what Shah Rukh Khan had said didn't call for such ruckus and controversies. It was a generic statement and the issue has been blown out of proportion. He didn't say anything wrong or make any mistake. Why such a big fuss?' she asked.
Shopkeeper Aayaz Khan said: 'I am a big fan of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. I will watch the movie next week.'
Five seconds of SRK's mega star power! Blink, blink… Berlin sold its heart out to Shah Rukh Khan. The online tickets for 'My Name Is Khan' were sold out in five seconds before dawn and were reportedly auctioned on ebay at 1000 euros (Rs 60,000) each!!
Fans had not slept all night in the sub zero temperature in Berlin, keeping their place in the queue and those who showed up at 6 a.m for booking were reduced to tears. More good news… 'MNIK' opened in 121 theatres in the US and Canada on Feb 12 and has set the cash registers resounding with success.
In Mumbai too, a heartening picture was emerging. From 13 to 35 to… 50, out of 63 cinema halls in Mumbai screened 'MNIK' even as Sena supporters did their best to create mayhem. Fun, Fame Adlabs, Big Cinemas, Inox and PVR all reported decent ticket sales after they opened their shows.
The "phased release" of 'MNIK' at the chain of multiplexes (each of them opened one cinema hall each) foiled the plans of the Sena. Stumped by the strategy and the undeniable support of SRK admirers, the Sena was forced to eat humble pie.
Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, however, swiftly labelled his moral policing as a "success,", asserting that, "We wanted Shah Rukh Khan to apologise to the nation, and not to the Shiv Sena."
The unflinching support of the Mumbaikars have gladdened the celeb heart of SRK. In a Twitter post from Berlin, he expressed his happiness calling Mumbaizens, the true heroes. "I am not a hero, u r (sic)."
SRK, confessing to be "humbled and overwhelmed" has apologised… to his fans. "I am sorry for all the stress caused to my fans," tweeted the 44 year old star icon, who reportedly has 1,31,435 followers on the micro blogging website.
In a bid to show support and defy the Sena, Gauri Khan strode into a multilplex, purchasing her ticket to view 'MNIK'. "Shah Rukh is just happy that the film has been released," King Khan's spouse remarked to the scribe tribe. Flying high 'Kites' actor, Hrithik Roshan too tweeted in favour of Khan stating, "Spread humanity with a vengeance, go watch 'MNIK' "
Billboards across the country lament the dismal fate of tigers. 'Only 1411 tigers left.' Blogs, SMSs, emails… are in overdrive highlighting the endangered species.
Salman Khan's flogging the competition in the cine market and blogging away to glory, as well. Reportedly, Sal Man, the man who loves forging bonds with fans, was diligently writing his blogs as 'Veer'.
But the chequered response to his historical flick didn't exactly buoy his spirits. Net result: the shirtless Khan stopped his blogging bit, pronto.
But bingo! The flood of responses that he earned, requesting Khan to communicate again, made him do a furious rethink. Suitably impressed and thrilled beyond doubt, 'Veer' Khan is back to being on the write path.
Gauri Khan is doing what she does best -- managing the home turf for husband and Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan.
While Khan is attending the Berlin Film Festival, where his movie 'My Name is Khan' received a red carpet premiere Friday, Gauri was out Saturday thanking Mumbaikars for the overwhelming response to the film.
'I think the best way would be to say 'Jai Maharashtra'. We love Mumbai and Shah Rukh is really excited and will be coming to the cinemas tomorrow along with (director) Karan (Johar),' Gauri, with daughter Suhana in tow, told reporters at the Inox theater here.
The movie generated quite a controversy after the Shiv Sena called for its boycott to protest Khan's advocacy of Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
'I thank all fans on behalf of Shah Rukh and Karan,' Gauri, who is the co-producer of the movie, added.
'MNIK' was screened in all theatres in Mumbai, Pune and across Maharashtra Saturday.
On Friday, only 13 theatres in the city, including six multiplexes and four single-screen halls, had released the film. The movie was originally set to be released in 63 theatres.
He's had an enduring affair with football. And Salman Khan plans to vroom into South Africa between June 11 and July 11 to catch the 2010 FIFA World Cup TM action, live in the host nation.
"Sport speaks a universal language," he says. His earlier quote: 'Sports and religion should not mix', though, made headlines and earned him the communal ire of the Sena.
The shirtless Khan has made several trips to South Africa, and has also had the good fortune of playing around with 'Zakumi'
(a leopard with green hair), the official mascot for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Incidentally, the tournament's official slogan goes: 'Ke Nako' meaning, 'It is time'.
The backfoot has transformed into… a step forward! Earlier, the Shiv Sena's declarations that it would allow a peaceful release of 'My Name Is Khan' seems to be a matter of the past.
Reportedly, the opening of advance booking for 'MNIK' seems to have fanned the ire of the Sena, once again! Screens across Mumbai multiplexes and theatres earned dicey cuts, as many of their screens were ripped and film posters torn up.
Over 300 Shiv Sainiks allegedly involved in the incidents have been arrested, and there have also been mass demonstrations at other locations.
Apart from tight security measures, SRK's Feb 12 flick will also boast of a unique feature: cops in plain clothes, who will be among regular cine patrons, since Sena activists are also expected to book tickets in advance in order to create chaos.
Earlier, filmmaker Karan Johar and a clutch of distributors met up with top cop D Sivanandan to work around the prickly issue. "He has assured us of tight security measures at all theatres and multiplexes where 'MNIK' is being screened," reveals a guarded Karan Johar. "The advance booking has started and we are on board for the Friday release."
With more than 1,000 Shiv Sena workers being arrested for vandalism and the Maharashtra government rallying around the Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name Is Khan', several theatre owners banked on the earnest assurances of security and reopened advance booking Wednesday evening.
The much-discussed film, targeted by the Shiv Sena after Shah Rukh spoke out for Pakistani cricketers being included in the Indian Premier League (IPL) would release across Mumbai this Friday under what will probably be an unprecedented security cover.
The Shiv Sena's grandstanding continued with leaders like Manohar Joshi saying that Shah Rukh 'would have to apologise' for his comments and that the party's struggle was in the 'national interest'. But the state government pulled out all the stops to ensure that it did not get away with its threats and that people felt safe enough to go watch the film.
More than 1,000 Shiv Sena workers were arrested from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning under various charges like trespassing and rioting, and Chief Minister Ashok Chavan reiterated: 'Providing security to all people is the duty of the government and we shall do it; nobody will be allowed to break the law.'
His home minister Ramesh Bagwe said strict action would be taken against those preventing 'patrons from taking the law in their hands'.
Mumbai Police guidelines were exhaustive - first three rows being kept vacant for security personnel who would also cover the foyer and other areas, an I-card check of all patrons, CCTV cameras inside and outside all theatres to record all activity and more.
Some theatre owners, who had hurriedly stopped advance bookings, did a rethink by the evening. Ticket counters at BIG Cinemas opened as did those at Fun Republic Cinemas.
Said Vishal Kapur, CEO of Fun Republic: 'Senior officers have assured full support and in lieu of tht we have opened the advance bookings as of now. We have have been constantly monitoring the situation because we hve to assure the safety of people.'
However, single screen theatres like Mehul in Mulund and Shreyas in Ghatkopar, which had been vandalised on Tuesday, continued to be undecided.
The film, directed by Karan Johar and also starring Kajol, is pitched as a blockbuster and the Shiv Sena's campaign could still affect its chances.
As Kapur put it, the bookings have been weak but 'I am sure on the day of the release it will be a different scenario'.
Said 22-year-old Priyanka Ukue: 'Despite the controversy we would love to go and watch the movie but when things settle down.'
Maya, a young professional, was more emphatic: 'The Sena has given themselves negative publicity. Even if 'My Name is Khan' is not a good film, it will get a good opening. Just for the sake of curiosity, people will go watch and give it good business.'
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's estranged daughter-in-law Smita seemed to echo her when she said: 'In a democracy, such things can be sorted out across the table. Nobody has the right to take the law in their own hands.'
Ironically, Shiv Sena leaders had unofficially backed down from the protests against the film Saturday, prompting Shah Rukh to tell reporters he was glad the party understood his point of view. But the U-turn came only too quickly.
After SRK, it's his svelte star who earned a note of negativity… and twitter is presently giving the heebie jeebies to Kajol. Reportedly, a tweet from an account labelled '@kajolnysa' has proved to be the fountainhead of worry.
The tweet said, "@ all mumbaikars, Dont worry people, even chengez khan cant stop MNIK release, relax and let all your positive energy flow here."
Refuting the allegation, a distressed Kajol voiced her sentiments to the scribe tribe stating, "Those comments on twitter are NOT me. It is a fake ID. I have not commented on Twitter on any issues. I am not on Twitter."
Hubby Ajay Devgn, tweeting cannily from October 29, 2009, confirms her stance. His tweet declares,"Those comments on Twitter are not of Kajol. Its a fake id. Kajol has not commented on any issues and she is not on Twitter."
He's being framed! And what's worse… it's on an eerie note too. Shreyas Talpade gears up to send a spine chilling shiver up collective spines with Sangeeth Sivan's 'Click.' Reportedly, the movie is an "inspired" version of the Thai horror drama 'Shutter'.
"I'm playing a fashion photographer who clicks the pictures of top models," reveals Shreyas. "But he notices that apart from the models, there is something else too in the frames! What happens thereafter is how the film unfolds.
Adds he, "The movie is essentially a love story with the element of horror thrown in. Normally horror films don't have songs, but this one has and each one of them has been picturised well. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process of making this film. I feel that you need a different kind of psyche to scare audiences, to create scenes that will have viewers at the edge of the seat."
The escalating tension took a celeb toll. And SRK crumbled under the stress of the Sena communal ire, breaking down at a Press con.
His apology, however, was a far cry from the expected. "I am really sorry," Khan told an eager media."I would like to apologise to Kajol, Karan Johar and our business partners. The film is going to be affected because of what I said. 'My Name Is Khan,' is not my film alone. It has Kajol, Karan ( Johar) and 150 other people whose livelihood depends upon it."
King Khan, though, categorically refused apologising to the Sena. "I have done nothing wrong in saying what I did about the Pakistani players, and I said that as an Indian." Amid super tight security at the airport and at 'Mannat', SRK strode right back to Mumbai.
An estimated 89 crores are at stake, and the film's distributors have written to Bal Thackeray requesting his express permission before the flick's release. Reportedly, there has been no response from the Sena supremo as yet.
Incidentally, 'My Name Is Khan' will have to amass collections worth Rs 100 crore merely to break even. The prickly controversy has fuelled further interest in K Jo's movie, and as a topline trade analyst points out in a tabloid quote, "A controversy never backfires. Theatres taking down 'MNIK' posters have already made front page news and given the film more mileage than traditional publicity."
Fighting it out with machismo and muscle, the stage was geared up for a live boxing match. Braving some serious punches, Salman Khan, Bollywood's 'Bad Boy' emerged the true victor!
The boxing bout, incidentally, was meant to draw a parallel with Khan, who has also fought his tribulations and risen from disaster to success, time and again.
In keeping with his indomitable spirit, Dixcy Scott, the inner wear brand declared Salman Khan as their new triumphant brand ambassador. Besides, the company's former name: Prem Hosiery is perfectly in tandem with Prem, Khan's screen name in the Barjatya movies. 'Inner'connection, Khan?
Maneesh Sharma, Associate Director on the immensely successful RAB NE BANA DI JODI, which created box office history for both Yash Raj Films and Shah Rukh Khan, has been entrusted with directing the next YRF film.
Produced by Aditya Chopra, the film will star newcomer Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma as the lead pair.
Ranveer, a complete fresher with no modelling or acting experience, was selected after his very first audition, having impressed Aditya Chopra instantly.
Anushka Sharma, after her dream debut in RAB NE BANA DI JODI, takes on this challenging role in her third film with YRF.
Just out of Delhi University, Shruti (Anushka Sharma) and Bittoo (Ranveer Singh) reluctantly set out on their tumultuous entrepreneurial venture. Together their friendship and business enters the ups and downs of the lavish world of the glamour and glitz of Delhi baaraats and weddings!
The untitled film starts shooting from today and is scheduled for release later in the year.
Maneesh has been with the Yash Raj Banner for many years and, apart from RAB NE BANA DI JODI, has also assisted on films such as FANAA and AAJA NACHLE.
Salman Khan did give sleepless nights to… another Khan. This time around, though, it was for a creative cause. Mudassar Khan, 25, happens to be the recent beneficiary of 'Veer' Khan's goodness.
Apparently, SK spotted Mudassar performing with his troupe 'Sharp Shooters' at a local Mumbai mall, when he showed up at a promotional event for 'Wanted.' And the mercurial Khan was bowled over by his moves.
"Salman sir liked my work so much that he asked me to choreograph his dance for an awards night," gushes Mudassar in a tabloid chat. "I took it as a responsibility more than an opportunity."
Impressed with the results, SK has roped in Khan for a new song number in the actor's new venture 'Dabanng'. "It's a great song called 'humka peena hai' and Salman sir has been helping me to learn in so many ways. He never behaves like a big star."
Notch one more admirer to Khan's swelling fan base…
He's braving unrelenting ire from the Shiv Sena. But meanwhile, the Gods seem to be beaming upon him too. Shah Rukh Khan is fast becoming a steady collector of 'firsts' to his credit. The premier star (alongside Kajol) to ring the share market gong at NASDAQ and the first Hindi star to give away Golden Globes, has now notched up yet another high.
Even as the waxwork at Madame Tussauds continues to enthrall admirers, SRK has pocketed another waxy highlight! The Los Angeles Wax Museum has also ushered in a replica of the global super icon, in recognition of his star power and undeniable appeal across continents. This honour makes it a 'first' for any Hindi cinedom actor.
The artists' community Thursday extended strong support to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan following the Shiv Sena's threats to stop the release of his latest film in the wake of his remark favouring Pakistani players' participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
A statement by the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (SAHMAT)- an umbrella organisation of artists - said: 'We, the community of artists, actors, musicians and cultural artists are in full solidarity with the clear stand taken by Shah Rukh Khan in facing the recent threats against him by the Shiv Sena'.
'This threat issued by the Shiv Sena is only the latest in a series of campaigns by sections of the Hindu right wing against actors, artists and writers. We salute the courage of Shah Rukh Khan in standing up to these threats and want him to know that the entire creative arts community stands by him,' said the statement, signed by well-known theatre personality M.K.Raina, artist and photojournalist Ram Rahman, artist Vivan Sundaram, designer and filmmaker Parthiv Shah and author Indira Chandrasekhar.
Raina said: 'The state government in Maharashtra and the central government should act immediately against those issuing these violent threats. People should come forward in defence of cinema houses which screen Shah Rukh Khan's films'.
Shah Rukh Khan's latest film 'My Name is Khan' is all set to hit the screens Feb 12.
Yash Raj Films is launching newcomer Ranveer Singh opposite 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' actress Anushka Sharma in their next project.
The film will be directed by Maneesh Sharma, who worked as an assistant director on Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'. The untitled venture will be produced by Aditya Chopra.
The shooting has started and it is scheduled for a release later this year.
The story revolves around Shruti (Anushka Sharma) and Bittoo (Ranveer Singh) who start a business after passing out from Delhi University. Their friendship and business enters lavish world of Delhi's baaraats and weddings.
Maneesh had also assisted on other Yash Raj projects like 'Fanaa' and 'Aaja Nachle'.
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