Aishwarya denies to dance with Shahrukh

While most actresses can only dream of shaking a leg with Shah Rukh, stunning beauty Aishwarya Rai has denied the offer repeatedly at an award function. The actress was approached for performing with Shah Rukh on her hit number ‘Kajra Re’. But no amount of convincing could coax Ash into grooving on the song as she maintained that it was a family song that she performed with her father-in-law and husband exclusively for ‘Bunty Aur Babli’. Confirms a source, "Shah Rukh had planned a gig around Bollywood heroines over the years and he wanted it to conclude with Aishwarya’s performance. He had planned to dance with her to ‘Kajra Re’. But Ash refused. Her argument was that ‘Kajre Re’ was a family song and that she performed the number in ‘Bunty aur Babli’ only with her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan and husband Abhishek and that she will not dance to that song with anyone else.”

Left with no option SRK had little choice but to scrap the plan.

In the past too Ash has never been intimidated by any of the three Khans. The actress has refused offers even if they meant heavy professional losses for her. While she is little seen onscreen with Aamir and SRK, she had completely refused to work with Salman in 2003 by issuing a press release in which she stated, "For the sake of my well-being, sanity, my dignity and the self-respect of my family, I will not work with Salman Khan anymore. I maintained a dignified silence but he attacked the dignity of my family and me with irresponsible rumour mongering. I stood by him, enduring alcoholism, misbehavior, and in turn I was at the receiving end of abuse, infidelity and indignity."

Shah Rukh Khan to be brand ambassador of XXX Energy Drinks

JMJ Group firm XXX Energy Drinks Limited plans to rope in Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador of its products as it embarks on a Rs 100 crore expansion plan by next year. The company, which is looking to garner a sales of Rs 100 crore from the brand by 2015, said it is looking to set up its first production facility for which it is scouting for location. "We are in talks to get Shah Rukh Khan as brand ambassador. We will officially announce in March or April next year," JMJ Group Vice Chairman Sachin Joshi said. Earlier this year, the brand has been associated with Khan’s IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders as its principal sponsor. He, however, did not give further financial details on the contract and the time frame of it.

The company said it is looking at setting up its first facility, planning to introduce more brands in the near future, besides expanding its presence in the overseas markets by next year.

"To set up a manufacturing facility, we need to do a substantial business first. By 2012, hopefully we would start setting up a plant, which could entail an investment of USD 10 million (Rs 45 crore)," he said, adding that the capacity of the plant will be around three million cans a month.

It could be either in Pune or Dubai, where it currently manufactures its products through third party.

Besides, the company is also introducing products at price points between Rs 25-30 as part of its plan to tap into the mass market and expand its presence into the smaller cities.

"We will be launching one more brand soon. One of the main reason for the slow growth of energy drinks in India is the high price. So we are looking at introducing an brand which could cost around Rs 25-30," he said.

At present, the firm sells four brands - XXX, Rejuve, Nicofix and Minus in India and abroad.

On expanding its international presence the company said it is looking at taking to products to around 14 countries across the globe, including UK, African countries and Singapore by the end of 2010. The company is also planning to increase its marketing spend to USD 10 million (Rs 45 crore) from USD 8 (Rs 36 crore) million by next year.

Shah Rukh Khan in wax at Times Square

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan will join the wax figures of the famous at the famed Madame Tussauds at Times Square amid a performance by Bollywood dancers.

The colourfully dressed troupe of dancers will perform to the soundtrack from Shah Rukh starrer ‘My Name Is Khan’, one of the highest-grossing Bollywood titles released in the US as Khan’s figure is unveiled with the DVD release of the film.

Standing in front of a replica of the Taj Mahal, the star’s wax figure will be dressed in a sleek black suit and white button down shirt.

The actor known as ‘King Khan’ is the latest addition to Madame Tussauds brightly-colored, fully-interactive ‘Bollywood Zone’, which allows guests to feel as though they are on a Bollywood film set.

The celebrated Bollywood actor, producer and television host, Khan has starred in more than 50 films throughout his career. The star was also named one of Newsweek’s “50 Most Powerful People in the World” in 2008 and has a fan following numbering in the billions.

Now available from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, the DVD is timed for India’s Independence Day and showcases the changing face of Bollywood, the enamouring on-screen partnership of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, behind-the-scenes featurettes about the story, music from the film and more.

Described by US media as "A potent, energetic heart-tugger" (Los Angeles Times) and "an affecting fairy tale about the perils of goodness" (New York Times), the film relates the story of an Indian man with a unique way of looking at the world.

The protagonist Rizwan (Shah Rukh) moves to San Francisco and meets a vivacious single mother named Mandira (Kajol). They form a special bond and fall in love against all odds, but fate and tragedy conspire to tear them apart.

Just when it appears as though all hope is lost, Rizwan embarks on a remarkable journey across America to win back the love of his life.

"My Name Is Khan" is available on standard DVD for the suggested retail price of $27.98 US / $43.48 Canada.

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.

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.

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.