Will Akshay Kumar’s ‘Desi Boyz’ beat Shahrukh Khan’s ‘RA.One’?

Desi Boyz is doing well at the BO but might not make it to the 100cr club a la King Khan’s superhero film

Akshay Kumar and John Abraham’s first outing together, Garam Masala, was a decent hit and now we heard that Desi Boyz, even with an ‘A’ certificate, has managed to collect a net Rs. 9cr on the first day. On Saturday, the collections went up slightly to Rs. 9.25cr. The collections on Sunday were Rs. 10cr, taking the 3-day total to Rs. 28.25cr, managing to achieve footfalls not just in multiplexes but single screens as well. We can safely say that the Rs. 100cr mark – which 3 Idiots, Golmaal 3, Dabangg, Bodyguard, Singham, RA.One, Ready crossed – will be difficult for Desi Boyz to achieve because at the rate at which it’s going, it seems by the end of the first week it will make about Rs. 35-40cr. Even if it really does pick up tremendously in the second week, the most optimistic figure we can expect is Rs. 60cr.

The biggest deterrent for Desi Boyz in the second week is the fact that Vidya Balan’s The Dirty Picture will hit the screens. Once that happens, Desi Boyz will lose more ground and will remain a second option for moviegoers. Neither Akshay nor John has had a huge solo-hero hit to boast of in the past two years. John’s last film Force fared better than many of Akshay’s recent duds but he still has a long way to go to join the big league. While trade pundits seem to think that the film will do well, it definitely will not manage to be a milestone in the career of the desi boyz. Wethinks it will take more than just beefcake bods to break into the zone where the Khans reign supreme. Do you agree? Tell us!

Is it hard to grow a beard? Yes, says SRK

Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the film will release Dec 23 and has Priyanka Chopra in the lead role.

Big B remembers father

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has thanked his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan on his birthday for giving him the right guidance and making him the person he is.

"My father's Birth Anniversary today, 27th Nov... In prayer and in thoughts with him... a great human, great mind, and a great Father," Big B posted on twitter.

"All that I am is because of him... his guidance, his morals, his culture and his ethics... now just fond memories of his to live with. A day spent in remembering his words his wisdom and his presence... prayer for his peace in his heavenly abode," he added.

These days the 69-year-old is enjoying the company of his granddaughter.

Arshad Warsi, a busy man

Working simultaneously on three films is taking a toll on Arshad Warsi's life and he is hoping to get some free time.

"By default working on 3 films at a time, it's a bad idea, it takes up all ur time n energy... Desperately need time out," he posted on twitter.

The 43-year-old is currently shooting for "Hai Rabba", "Zilla Ghaziabad" and "Jolly LLB".

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Gauri Khan is missing SRK

Anushka Sharma in a ‘Veer Zaara’-like film? No!

The Ladies vs Ricky Bahl actor’s role in her next film with Yash Chopra might be along the lines of a similar role in the veteran director’s 2004 hit

The first time we heard Anushka Sharma has been signed on to essay an important role in Yash Chopra’s directorial comeback, we were indifferent. With Shahrukh Khan and Katrina Kaif in the same film, we didn’t expect she’ll have too much screen time. Anushka may be a good actor – though we are yet to see evidence of that – but she just doesn’t make a good pair with SRK. It will be interesting to see how his chemistry will be with Katrina. Then we heard something that shocked us straight out of our chairs: the as-yet-untitled film is a sequel to Veer Zaara! And Anushka’s character is along the lines of Rani Mukerji’s in the film! What? Unbelievable, isn’t it? There is no official confirmation or denial about it yet, so we are really hoping this is one buzz that isn’t true. Veer Zaara may have its imperfections, and we would love to watch a sequel, but with Anushka in it? No way! We are sure even those who are not fans of the Shahrukh-Preity Zinta-Rani starrer will say the same thing. Yashji, Aditya Chopra, are you reading this? You remember why you didn’t take her for Ishaqzaade? Because she was too loud? Just keep that in mind when you make this film. ‘Cause we are rooting for Katrina!

Shahrukh Khan enjoys being Don

For his last film Shahrukh Khan was a superhero and he could fight any number of villains, but it seems the King Khan enjoys more being Don. Why so! Don ko pakadna mushkil hai but he doesn’t have superpowers, we all know!

However, Shahrukh Khan has something else in his mind as he essays the menacing man on the trail of his dangerous dushmans in Don sequel. It’s getting to do thing he can’t otherwise.

“Doing a music video for Don2...I really enjoy being Don... all that I am not I get to do,” Shahrukh tweets.
The star is also struggling to get a beard for the music video of Don 2. Usually seen clean-shaven, Shahrukh has grown beard for some sequences in the film, but for the shoot of the music video he finds it hard to grow it. Nevertheless, he enjoyed being Don once again and thanked everyone for the music video.

“Having fun shooting Don2 song...its so heartwarming to be with ppl who lov u as they work. Thanx Vaibhavi Farhan & Bose..feel happy at shoot,” Shahrukh Khan posted on twitter.

Don 2 will also release in 3D on December 23

Shahrukh Khan in Kanchana remake?

The buzz is that Bollywood Baadhshah Shahrukh Khan is going to act in the Bollywood remake of super hit film Kanchana. Earlier, Salman Khan was approached to play the role but the news is that the actor has stepped out of the project due to some unknown reasons. It seems, now the opportunity has knocked SRK_s door and the actor is showing interest to play the leading man of the film. The remake rights of the film were acquired by Sahara One Motion Pictures. Sanjay Dutt is going to play the role of Sarath Kumar in this film. The actor is currently busy with his next release Agneepath where he is playing antagonist of the film. Hrithik Roshan plays the legendary Vijay Deenanath Chauhan role which is actually essayed by Amitabh Bachchan. The remake of Kanchana is yet to be titled and the makers are now searching for the right person to helm this project. Stay tuned for more updates.

Shahrukh Khan replaces Salman in ‘Kanchana’ remake

Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan are at it again. The two Khans of Bollywood clearly leave no opportunity to pull the rug from under each other’s feet. And just when we thought that they are finally ready to bury the hatchet and move on

At a recent awards function, Shahrukh Khan was called to give an award to Salman Khan. As usual Salman did not turn up for the show, to which SRK said that he wished Salman had been there to take the award personally. Maybe Shahrukh was just being politically correct, but it did cross our minds whether he was going to call a truce at last. Now we hear Shahrukh has no such intentions. According to the latest buzz in the filmy circuit, the King Khan has bagged a role in the remake of the Tamil film Kanchana – a role originally offered to Salman. But because Salman’s brother Sohail wanted to buy the remake rights of the film and director Lawrence did not want to part with the rights, he approached SRK. The Badshaah agreed to do the project. So now Kanchana will be remade with Shahrukh in the lead role and the Khans’ common friend Sanjay Dutt in a supporting but pivotal role. Looks like SRK was only too eager to take the movie from right under Sallu’s nose!

Don 2 Has It Locked Up!

The fearless Don aka Shahrukh Khan has hit the nail hard and bang on with his dreadlocked look in the film as seen in the trailers.

The star who sports a special haircut for his jail sequence, has been getting muddy and dirty as he packs punches with the inmates.

Shahrukh shot for this scene at the Malacca Prison in Malaysia. Explaining the sequence, a crew member said 'Don has an ace up his sleeves and has already masterminded a prison break.'

Shahrukh Khan takes on the inmates of the jail and those who dared to question how he landed up behind the high walls. The actor shot with several local Malaysian artists for this sequence which was physically taxing.

The film was shot in a real prison with real prisoners behind the jail and a complete section of the prison block was made available to shoot.

In order to avoid any hitches, special crew t-shirts were made to differentiate crew members from the prisoners as it was a high security zone. None of the crew members were allowed to carry their mobile phones and laptops.

Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and director Farhan Akhtar who is also the director of the flick, Don 2 is slated to break into screens on the 21st December 2011.

Dhanush's Kolaveri smashes Chammak Challo

With just a single track, the team '3' has shaken the entire world. 'Why this Kolaveri di...' is the sensational song in every nuke and corner of the globe. Now the song has crossed 8 Million Views in youtube and have broken the records of Akon's Chammak Challo!!!

Chammak Challo was the song from Shahrukh Khan's movie Ra One sung by international pop star Akon. The song which got released similarly like WTKdi on the internet just got 7millions in 80days and 8000 above likes even after all the publicity and promotions done for the film.

But 'Why This Kolaveri Di' has smashed those records within 10days of it's release, with over 8million views and above 87,000 stunning likes on youtube. Also it is crossing language barriers across the world, Cricket stars, movie stars and people who all stay young at heart are enjoying the song to the core.

But do you know how much time did they workout to bring this Epic Song, Anirudh the musician and Dhanush the singer together says '6mins or above we think so'.

Farah Khan admits ‘Tees Maar Khan’ was a bad film!

The director confessed on Arjun Rampal’s chat show, Love 2 Hate U. Was Shirish Kunder watching?

Even Akshay Kumar’s fans will admit that the dud Tees Maar Khan is not exactly his best work. But director Farah Khan had a lot riding on the film, as it was her first without Shahrukh Khan. So it was mighty surprising when a year after its release, Farah admitted on national television that TMK was indeed a bad film. She said it when she met her hater on Arjun Rampal’s chat show, Love 2 Hate U. Farah accepted her mistake with TMK and said she will try to make better films henceforth. Her candid confession changed her hater’s mind, who turned into a fan of hers. He even told her that it required a lot of guts to admit that your film was bad on a public platform like the show. We agree too. Kudos to Farah! Of course, she did not stop there. She admitted too that she deliberately did not push Shahrukh out of his comfort zone in Om Shanti Om and Main Hoon Na, the way Ashutosh Gowariker did in Swades. But it did not take long for Farah to return to her usual self and berate the hater for doing a Telugu film for the heck of it. She gave him a lecture on how he should only do work that he believes in, and then gave him an assistant director’s post in her next production. We were impressed. Farah faced her hater with dignity and left with her pride intact. We do wonder if Shirish Kunder watched the show and what he thinks about her statement. After all, he did write the film’s story and screenplay, and even score background music! So does this mean there is a rift between husband and wife? Or does Shirish really not mind if Farah makes such a statement? Something to think about!

Shahrukh, Bipasha flag off Delhi Half Marathon

Shah Rukh khan whistles during press conference

Shah Rukh Khan More Pics

Shah Rukh khan, who was in Delhi for Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, sounded upbeat about his participation in the event.

While the King Khan was busy answering questions to the media, a kid, kept screaming " G One" to express her excitement to see the star. King Khan tried to ignore it for some time, but when it continued, he looked at the kid, whistled and politely asked the kid to be silent. But the kid, enthused to meet her star, didn't obey.

Anushka Sharma to do 'Veer-Zaara' sequel with Shahrukh Khan

It was said that she is too loud for the Yashraj Films’ Ishaqzaade and hence wasn’t cast in it. But the bold and beautiful Anushka Sharma who has earned her stripes for her acting rubbishes such reports and is looking forward to work with Shahrukh Khan again in Veer-Zaara sequel.

Yes, Anushka was ‘the’ original choice for the film that also stars Katrina Kaif in main lead. Is she going to play a character on the lines of Rani Mukherjee’s role in Veer-Zaara? The suspense lingers for now.

What’s more, the film is going to be directed by the veteran director Yash Chopra, who will return to film direction after seven years. Anushka is excited and can’t stop counting her blessings. It’s a rare chance and the actress is quoted as saying, “It is a great honour to be in a Yash Chopra film and this film is the high point of my career. I look forward to sharing screen space with Shah Rukh and Katrina.”

Anushka also has no qualms for not being offered Ishaqzaade as she was very well aware that the film was supposed to be made with the newcomers, and she certainly is not one after giving hits Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Band Baaja Baaraat.

Anushka Sharma’s is also excited about her first film with Vishal Bhardwaj. Matru Ki Biwi Ka Man Dola is going to be a laugh riot and she plays a loud chick in the film.

SRK offers ‘Heather Graham’ a Bollywood film

Shah Rukh Khan was recently present at the International Film Festival of India that is held in Goa. He was invited there to inaugurate the event which has many national and international cinema enthusiasts in attendance. It was here that he crossed the paths with "The Hangover" fame actress Heather Graham.

The light eyed actress revealed that she knew that SRK was a global star but it was at IFFI that she actually experienced his craze amongst the masses. The two chatted over their starry lives and common interest of films and quality cinema. However the actress recently stunned everyone when she revealed that while in the conversation Bollywood’s renowned King Khan actually invited her to work in Hindi films.

They have even discussed a prospect of working together and as per her statement SRK will soon get back to her with a possible offer. Heather exclaimed that she is eagerly waiting for the offer to come as soon as possible. SRK stated that with Bollywood going global it is the right time to sign these international stars.

Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin and Zoya Akhtar’s true confessions at IFFI Goa

Cineswami managed to know some secrets of the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara stars and director, at the 42nd International Film Festival of India in Goa

The secret is out. Abhay Deol and Zoya Akhtar have confessed that they don’t watch non-Bollywood films, that is, films made outside Mumbai in the other Indian states. Kalki Koechlin said that she’d watched a few Marathi films, but only when she was, in her own word, “dragged” to screenings by hubby Anurag Kashyap. The trio were on a panel at the just concluded Film Bazaar organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) that ran alongside the International Film Festival of India in Goa. Interestingly, though the discussion was about new trends in Indian cinema, the august panel spoke only about Bollywood. The trio were jolted out of their smug mutual back scratching when an intrepid and very polite member of the audience asked them the loaded question about whether they watched films in other Indian languages.

Zoya confessed to not watching any regional films but trotted out the excuse that subtitled DVDs were not available. As everyone knows, that’s a poor excuse indeed as any major DVD store in India has sections devoted to other language cinemas that are subtitled. Abhay was caught off guard and he didn’t even proffer an excuse, saying that though he knows Punjabi, he didn’t watch any films in the language. Abhay also got into a slanging match with a film critic from a regional language newspaper that said that only regional language cinemas are making India hold up her head in pride worldwide. Kalki confessed to downloading world cinema films with subtitles. If that’s the case, why not Indian cinema, since this is the country that feeds you, nurtures you and keeps you in work? Guess Bollywood is just not interested. Only actor/producer Sanjay Suri, who was also on the panel, spoke for the rest of India when he commented that Bollywood makes up only 25 percent of the Indian film industry.

On another panel, a television film reviewer known for his shrill style interviewed Farah Khan on stage. As Farah had nothing new to say, Cineswami will spare you the agony. Hollywood actor Heather Graham was prowling around the IFFI, but alas, not many punters recognised her. Off-Bollywood fest regulars like Anurag Kashyap and his gang were hanging around as usual. His six-hour epic Gangs of Wasseypur is generating some buzz. Dibakar Banerjee was present too, hoping to attract finance for his new film The Boy and the Bandit, as was Ketan Mehta with Noor – The Princess Spy.

The biggest cheers at the Film Bazaar were reserved for Gandu director Q, who showed the promo of his new film Tasher Desh (Land of Cards), based on a Rabindranath Tagore opera. The kinetic and electrifying trailer fired the audience’s imagination when it was screened thrice to packed theatres. This is one to look out for in 2012. There was also Ashim Ahluwalia’s Miss Lovely, a delightful and controversial satire set in the seediest segments of Bollywood that generated considerable interest.

Heather Graham gets offer from SRK

Heather Graham at IFFI in Goa

Shah Rukh Khan has apparently offered " The Hangover" actress Heather Graham a role in one of his films. He was at the International Film Festival of India ( IFFI) in Goa to inaugurate the event, which the actress is attending.

Heather said, "I always knew Shah Rukh Khan was big in Bollywood, but I got a first hand view of his super star power. Yes, we did discuss our common interest - films - and he invited me to come and work in Indian films. He said he will revert with the details of the project and I am eagerly waiting for it!"

SRK added, "We are in the golden era of Bollywood now and our magic is spreading across the world. As we get global audiences, it's time to take global stars."

Shah Rukh Khan in Lawrence's Kanchana remake

Shah Rukh Khan More Pics

Tamil actor-director Lawrence will be directing SRK in his Bollywood debut, the remake of his hit film Kanchana

Ever since the comic-horror flick Kanchana became a runaway hit in Kollywood, everyone's eyes were set to checking out who would be doing its Hindi remake. The initial buzz was that the director of the Tamil original, Lawrence, would be directing Salman Khan in the Bollywood remake of the film.

While Lawrence will be making his Bollywood debut with this film, the final casting reveals that Salman isn't playing the lead role. Instead, Salman's friend-turned-for Shah Rukh Khan will be the one acting in this film, which will have Sanjay Dutt playing an important character as well.

Now, we've got to see who will be the heroine cast for this film, which saw Lakshmi Rai win rave reviews in the original.

Salman Khan aping Shah Rukh Khan?

New Delhi: It seems as if the enmity between Bollywood biggies Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan will never cease to exist. Stories of cold war involving these two industry heavyweights have made rounds time and again. And, here is yet another chapter.


Salman’s team’s poster for the Celebrity Cricket league bears striking resemblance to that of Shah Rukh’s `Chak De! India`.

Talking to a website, a publicity designer on the condition of anonymity said, “At first sight, the poster indeed looks similar, but it`s not the stars` fault. Design team should have done the research and come up with something new.”

However, film critic Atul Mohan had a different view point. He said, “I would say it`s nothing but a coincidence as you can`t think of much creative designs with 11 team members and one face who is the captain or the brand ambassador. The creative has to look serious and one can`t afford to have funny creative in the name of being different.”

`Dabangg` Khan’s team failed miserably last time when they played cricket so they are all set to prove their mettle in the next season. They are now a rejuvenated team.

The matches are scheduled to be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on January 13 and 14, 2012.

We really do not know if either one out of SRK or Salman will ever extend an olive branch, for now this rivalry seems never ending, Phew!

Shahrukh Khan honoured by

Shahrukh Khan honoured by UNESCO

King Khan is the first Indian to be recognized by the international organisation UNESCO for his charitable acts. He was honoured the Pyramid con Marni award for at a star-studded event in Germany. Initially, the organisers invited SRK for the event in March, however he was busy with RA.One and so expressed inability to attend. Apart from receiving the prestigious honour our superstar made some special memories. SRK hobnobbed with Chinese superstar Jet Li who turns out to be his son Aryan’s favourite action star and he told it to Li. Many other personalities like Mikhail Gorbachev, Noami Campbell and Ute Ohoven were present at the evening. Anyway, we are proud that SRK was bestowed with this international award, but isn’t Salman Khan supposed to be the most charitable actor in B-town?

Is Shahrukh Khan having an affair with Priyanka Chopra?

After being loyal to his wife for 20 years, Shahrukh Khan is reportedly seeing his Don 2 co-star Priyanka Chopra and they are quite an item

Shahrukh Khan has always maintained a very ‘loyal to my wife’ image in tinseltown, even as he romanced so many beauties on the big screen. Seeing pictures of Gauri and SRK in film and fashion magazines only added to the aura of their ‘sacred’ marital relationship. The only leading ladies he was rumoured to have had a ‘thing’ with are his fave co-stars Juhi Chawla and Kajol. The gossip seemed obvious, since he had some of the most successful films of his career with them. Apart from that, it was Deepa Sahi in Maya Memsaab whom he got intimate with in order to show great chemistry in that famous sex scene. Otherwise, King Khan’s image has been the cleanest amongst the Khans, especially where extra-marital goings-on have been in focus. But it seems that now, after fathering two lovely kids and doting on Gauri for a couple of decades, Shahrukh is going through a mid-life crisis. (Or a mid-wife crisis, shall we say?) These days, showbiz parties and gatherings are not complete without people talking about the torrid affair SRK is allegedly having with his Don 2 co-star, hottie Priyanka Chopra. It’s been more than six months that the ‘thing’ has been on, they say. Sharing spicy bits, the rumourmongers tell us that it was at one of SRK’s private dos that Gauri had a spat with hubby dearest over inviting Priyanka. Gauri was backed by Twinkle Khanna, and understandably so – remember the Akshay Kumar-Priyanka affair (during Aitraaz) that had serious implications? Hmm, looks like Tina knows only too well the love games that PC is capable of playing! And so she has warned Gauri. SRK meanwhile is simply saying he is fond of Priyanka, gushing about her good looks and her ‘talent’ – and insisting that there is nothing more to it. He has never denied his fondness for Kajol and Juhi as well, with the latter being his business partner in film production and the Indian Premier League. But Priyanka seems special, as is evident from the way he hugs her or interacts with her, or pays surprise visits to her house. He recently said in a newspaper interview that she is his “tame rat” and how he loved getting “kinky” with her in a scene in Don 2. Well, well, so much for a 46-year-old man’s fantasies! But these wet dreams might just die down after Don 2 releases. Meanwhile, Bolly B plans to keep her eyes and ears open for more goss on the two. But tell us what you think: Are Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra an item?

Shahrukh Khan is sick of carrying cigarettes

There is no doubt about the fact that Shahrukh Khan looked mighty sexy on screen when he smoked a cigar in Don. However, smoking cigarettes in real life has its own ill effects and SRK is aware of them!

King Khan has said several times in the past that he has been trying hard to get rid of this damaging habit. However, he has been unsuccessful in doing so!

Shahrukh Khan said recently: “I hate carrying cigarettes. I think it is the most sickening habit someone can have.” He even revealed that he has now come down to six-seven cigarettes a day!

Shahrukh also said that his daughter hates his smoking habit: “Today, when I was leaving home she (his daughter) wasn't happy to see me carry a pack. But one needs time to give up a habit you have developed for so many years.”

One can recall that while promoting Ra.One, too, SRK had said that he is trying hard to give up smoking! We all have already seen the scene in Ra.One which shows the ill effects of smoking!

Back then, Shahrukh had said that he requests all the youngsters not to smoke coz it takes a toll on your health, declines you stamina, gives you bad breath, yellows your nails and what not!

Shahrukh, cigarette sung jo mail rachaya, fir kabhi na choote uska saaya! Just kidding! We hope our Baadshah quits smoking soon!

Shahrukh Khan says Don-2 is original

Shahrukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan is upset with writers'' who wake up at the last minute and make allegations about their works being stolen or infringed up.

When a copyright infringement issue was reportedly raised by Nariman Films the makers of the Amitabh Bachchan Don recently; SRK told newsmen in Mumbai that his Don-2 is original and has not been copied/or taken from anywhere. Said SRK, My producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar and I are wondering where such stories come from. Even when we made the original 2006 version of Don; we had done our due diligence and taken whatever permissions where there to be sought from the script point of view. While my producers are best qualified to give a fitting reply to the whole matter, I as a lead actor can say that as for the sequel, the Amitabh Bachchan Don never had a sequel. So where is the question of us copying anything. Farhan and his team have worked on the script, I know for a fact that we haven't copied from anywhere and this is an original script.'' SRK added, It is irresponsible even on the part of those reporting to say someone has infringed the copyright because there are always people who raise their heads at the nth hour with allegations. The media must also look into the merits of the entire case before reporting. After all many people have worked hard on the script. I have full respect for the media and I know that 99 per cent of the people do not fall for wrong leads; however even that one percent who tend to get swayed must try and hear out both versions of a story.'' Excel Entertainment has not infringed any copyright leave alone that of Don, starring Amitabh Bachchan by producing Don 2. Further, Excel Entertainment is the bona-fide author and owner of copyright of the Films "Don The Chase Begins Again" (i.e. Don 1), which has been confirmed by Nariman Films in writing. Excel is also the owner of the copyrights of Don 2. In 2005, Nariman Films has given rights to Excel Entertainment, in perpetuity, for making "Don The Chase Begins Again".

Don 2 is a sequel of "Don The Chase Begins Again" alongwith the ownership to the underlying work therein. The entire story and dialogue of Don 2 has been prepared by Farhan and the other team members of Excel Entertainment. The title of Don 2 has been approved by AMPTPP in favour of Excel Entertainment. Excel Entertainment states that there has been no undue influence on persons of Nariman Films. Nariman Films, with their malafide intention and to extort unjustified and unearned monies from Excel Entertainment, have given the legal notice, which is baseless and devoid of merits. Excel Entertainment is suitably replying to the legal notice sent by the Advocates of Nariman Films. Excel Entertainment shall defend themselves and shall not permit Nariman Films to hamper the release of Don-2 under any circumstances whatsoever. The fact of Excel Entertainment making Don 2 has been in the public domain since 2009. It seems that it has now become a practice to give notices just before release of a film to extract monies. We at Excel Entertainment have done nothing wrong and shall stick to the correct legal and moral principals and defend what is right.

Shahrukh Khan says Don-2 is original

Shahrukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan is upset with writers'' who wake up at the last minute and make allegations about their works being stolen or infringed up.

When a copyright infringement issue was reportedly raised by Nariman Films the makers of the Amitabh Bachchan Don recently; SRK told newsmen in Mumbai that his Don-2 is original and has not been copied/or taken from anywhere. Said SRK, My producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar and I are wondering where such stories come from. Even when we made the original 2006 version of Don; we had done our due diligence and taken whatever permissions where there to be sought from the script point of view. While my producers are best qualified to give a fitting reply to the whole matter, I as a lead actor can say that as for the sequel, the Amitabh Bachchan Don never had a sequel. So where is the question of us copying anything. Farhan and his team have worked on the script, I know for a fact that we haven't copied from anywhere and this is an original script.'' SRK added, It is irresponsible even on the part of those reporting to say someone has infringed the copyright because there are always people who raise their heads at the nth hour with allegations. The media must also look into the merits of the entire case before reporting. After all many people have worked hard on the script. I have full respect for the media and I know that 99 per cent of the people do not fall for wrong leads; however even that one percent who tend to get swayed must try and hear out both versions of a story.'' Excel Entertainment has not infringed any copyright leave alone that of Don, starring Amitabh Bachchan by producing Don 2. Further, Excel Entertainment is the bona-fide author and owner of copyright of the Films "Don The Chase Begins Again" (i.e. Don 1), which has been confirmed by Nariman Films in writing. Excel is also the owner of the copyrights of Don 2. In 2005, Nariman Films has given rights to Excel Entertainment, in perpetuity, for making "Don The Chase Begins Again".

Don 2 is a sequel of "Don The Chase Begins Again" alongwith the ownership to the underlying work therein. The entire story and dialogue of Don 2 has been prepared by Farhan and the other team members of Excel Entertainment. The title of Don 2 has been approved by AMPTPP in favour of Excel Entertainment. Excel Entertainment states that there has been no undue influence on persons of Nariman Films. Nariman Films, with their malafide intention and to extort unjustified and unearned monies from Excel Entertainment, have given the legal notice, which is baseless and devoid of merits. Excel Entertainment is suitably replying to the legal notice sent by the Advocates of Nariman Films. Excel Entertainment shall defend themselves and shall not permit Nariman Films to hamper the release of Don-2 under any circumstances whatsoever. The fact of Excel Entertainment making Don 2 has been in the public domain since 2009. It seems that it has now become a practice to give notices just before release of a film to extract monies. We at Excel Entertainment have done nothing wrong and shall stick to the correct legal and moral principals and defend what is right.

I do not have the time to give up smoking – Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan has received a lot of flak for his habit of smoking as it may negatively influence a lot of his fans as well. In a recent interview he said, “I use various platforms to advice people not to smoke but am ashamed to say I smoke myself. I want to give it up but I don’t have the time to do so.”

SRK also confessed that his daughter and family too scold him about this habit of his. King Khan though is determined to curb this evil in his life. He has already limited his cigarettes to 6-7 a day as opposed to his chain smoking habits. In the next month or so he wants to concentrate on working out and work towards giving it up or transforming into a social smoker. “I hate carrying cigarettes. I think it is the most sickening habit someone can have.”

Ooh La La! Vidya to beat SRK, Akki and John?

Mumbai: Sleaze seems to be the latest ‘in thing’ in the world of entertainment. `Bigg Boss` on the small screen is getting raunchier with time and so is Bollywood. Sex is certainly selling like hot cakes!

Trade analysts in Bollywood, who have been taking a closer look at the way things are shaping up ahead of the release of big films starring Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and John Abraham feel that Vidya Balan might snatch all the limelight with her oomph in `The Dirty Picture`.

Ranbir Kapoor’s `Rockstar` proved to be a huge disappointment at the Box Office despite the hype. Akki and John’s `Desi Boyz` is round the corner for its release and so is King Khan’s `Don 2`. But Vidya Balan might just steal the show with her sizzling hot avatar in her latest.

Talking to a tabloid, a trade expert said, “It`s probable that the movie (`The Dirty Picture`) will garner much money given its subject matter and universal appeal. It`s a film that will do well in the interiors as well as enchant the metro audience. Also, the budget of the movie isn`t as great as of `Don 2`. The storyline of `Desi Boyz` isn`t very family-friendly. So considering the pros and cons of the releases, it looks like `The Dirty Picture` will make the rosiest picture in the account books.”

Milan Luthria, director of `The Dirty Picture` said, “The response is good so far. We have worked with much dedication. As a filmmaker, I wish every film does well. Every film is unique in its own way, has a place of its own and looks promising. I don`t think you can really compare two films, because each has a different story to tell. Let`s wish for the best because that`s really all that we can do.

Hay Kerala Fest: Feminist icon refers to B'wood, SRK

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 19 (PTI) Iconic international feminist writer Germine Greer, stole many hearts with her nuanced reading on Shakespeare's lovers here in a session that was liberally sprinkled with references to Bollywood. The Australian writer and academic, one of the star highlights of the three-day Hay Festival that began here on November 17, talked about how the English playwright's works was full of younger men wooing older women. "When it comes to wooing women, boys were much better at it than men," said Greer addressing the lecture "Shakespeare's lovers" at a fully-packed Palace Hall of the Kanakakannu Palace of the erstwhile royal family of Kerala. "During the times of Shakespeare, young people did not hang around together or have a say in most matrimonial matches. They were initiated by friends or family ... marriage was a sort of negotiation.... just like in India," said Greer. The noted writer said the playwright's heroines "easily and readily give their hearts away and then do not think about taking it back.... almost like in a Hindi movie situation". In Shakespeare, there was said to be a bubbling scandal in the royal courts with the Queen of England said to have an affair with the Duke, said the author. "A young boy was wooing an older woman and this was on the minds of Londoners when Shakespeare was wooing his future wife," said Greer. "You may think that is odd that the lover is just out of school but actually that has never been the situation... As you can see Justin Beiber is a favourite with women and when you ask them when did they fall in love with him, you realise the actor was just 13." (more) PTI ANS PAL

Hay Kerala Fest: Feminist icon refers to B'wood, SRK

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 19 (PTI) Iconic international feminist writer Germine Greer, stole many hearts with her nuanced reading on Shakespeare's lovers here in a session that was liberally sprinkled with references to Bollywood. The Australian writer and academic, one of the star highlights of the three-day Hay Festival that began here on November 17, talked about how the English playwright's works was full of younger men wooing older women. "When it comes to wooing women, boys were much better at it than men," said Greer addressing the lecture "Shakespeare's lovers" at a fully-packed Palace Hall of the Kanakakannu Palace of the erstwhile royal family of Kerala. "During the times of Shakespeare, young people did not hang around together or have a say in most matrimonial matches. They were initiated by friends or family ... marriage was a sort of negotiation.... just like in India," said Greer. The noted writer said the playwright's heroines "easily and readily give their hearts away and then do not think about taking it back.... almost like in a Hindi movie situation". In Shakespeare, there was said to be a bubbling scandal in the royal courts with the Queen of England said to have an affair with the Duke, said the author. "A young boy was wooing an older woman and this was on the minds of Londoners when Shakespeare was wooing his future wife," said Greer. "You may think that is odd that the lover is just out of school but actually that has never been the situation... As you can see Justin Beiber is a favourite with women and when you ask them when did they fall in love with him, you realise the actor was just 13." (more) PTI ANS PAL

anaji: Shahrukh to Open, Suriya to Close IFFI 2011

South indian actor Suriya would be the chief guest for the concluding ceremony of International film festival of india, 2011 scheduled in Goa from November 23 onwards, the organisers said.

IFFI Director Shankar Mohan said that more than 100 films from 65 countries would be screened during the ten day long event that would be flagged off by Hindi film actor Shahrukh Khan.

“While the opening ceremony brings in the King of Bollywood, the closing ceremony will have the Southern Superstar Suriya best known for his super hit movies like ‘Perazhagan’, ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ and ‘Rakht Charitra’ adding spice to the proceedings,” Mohan said in a statement.

The concluding ceremony will also have eminent French filmmaker Luc Besson and International action super actress Michelle Yeoh, whose films are being screened at the festival.

Mohan said that 42nd IFFI is billed as the ‘festival of change’ as it seeks to bring in novelty into the concept of the festival. Acclaimed art director Thota Tharani has designed the concept of this year’s festival.

The festival would be inaugurated at Ravindra Bhavan, a 1000-odd seating capacity hall in the town of Margao, 40 kms away from Panaji.

IFFI 2011 will have special packages like ‘Master Classes’ by renowned film personalities like Milcho Manchevski, Hugh Welchman, Laurence Kardish; a first of its kind package of 3D and animation movies; Retrospective of Luc Besson and Phil Noyce; a special package on ‘Soccer in Cinema’; country focus on USA; screening of Russian Classics and much more.

Apart from cinematic geniuses on show, in this 42nd International Film Festival of India expect luminaries like Luc Besson, Bertrand Tavernier, Michelle Yeoh, Laurance Kardish, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Dan Wolman and others along with glamour celebrities like Raima Sen, Dino Morea and Prem Chopra, Mohan said.

anaji: Shahrukh to Open, Suriya to Close IFFI 2011

South indian actor Suriya would be the chief guest for the concluding ceremony of International film festival of india, 2011 scheduled in Goa from November 23 onwards, the organisers said.

IFFI Director Shankar Mohan said that more than 100 films from 65 countries would be screened during the ten day long event that would be flagged off by Hindi film actor Shahrukh Khan.

“While the opening ceremony brings in the King of Bollywood, the closing ceremony will have the Southern Superstar Suriya best known for his super hit movies like ‘Perazhagan’, ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ and ‘Rakht Charitra’ adding spice to the proceedings,” Mohan said in a statement.

The concluding ceremony will also have eminent French filmmaker Luc Besson and International action super actress Michelle Yeoh, whose films are being screened at the festival.

Mohan said that 42nd IFFI is billed as the ‘festival of change’ as it seeks to bring in novelty into the concept of the festival. Acclaimed art director Thota Tharani has designed the concept of this year’s festival.

The festival would be inaugurated at Ravindra Bhavan, a 1000-odd seating capacity hall in the town of Margao, 40 kms away from Panaji.

IFFI 2011 will have special packages like ‘Master Classes’ by renowned film personalities like Milcho Manchevski, Hugh Welchman, Laurence Kardish; a first of its kind package of 3D and animation movies; Retrospective of Luc Besson and Phil Noyce; a special package on ‘Soccer in Cinema’; country focus on USA; screening of Russian Classics and much more.

Apart from cinematic geniuses on show, in this 42nd International Film Festival of India expect luminaries like Luc Besson, Bertrand Tavernier, Michelle Yeoh, Laurance Kardish, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Dan Wolman and others along with glamour celebrities like Raima Sen, Dino Morea and Prem Chopra, Mohan said.

Shahrukh Khan at Unesco Awards

Shah Rukh Khan attends the 20th UNESCO charity gala at Maritim Hotel in Duesseldorf, Germany. (GETTY/GALLO)

Shah Rukh Khan attends the 20th UNESCO charity gala at Maritim Hotel in Duesseldorf, Germany. (GETTY/GALLO)

Shah Rukh Khan attends the 20th UNESCO charity gala at Maritim Hotel in Duesseldorf, Germany. (GETTY/GALLO)

Shah Rukh Khan and Ute Ohoven attend the 20th UNESCO charity gala at Maritim Hotel in Duesseldorf, Germany. (GETTY/GALLO)

Shah Rukh Khan and Ute Ohoven attend the 20th UNESCO charity gala at Maritim Hotel in Duesseldorf, Germany. (GETTY/GALLO)

Naomi Campbell and Vladislav Doronin attend the 20th Unesco charity gala at Maritim Hotel in Duesseldorf, Germany. (GETTY/GALLO)

(L-R) Irina Virganskaya, Mikhail Gorbacheva and Ute Ohoven attend the 20th UNESCO charity gala at Maritim Hotel in Duesseldorf, Germany. (GETTY/GALLO)

Melanie C performs during the 20th UNESCO charity gala at Maritim Hotel in Duesseldorf, Germany. (GETTY/GALLO)

Chris de Burgh and Rosanna Davison attend the 20th UNESCO charity gala at Maritim Hotel in Duesseldorf, Germany. (GETTY/GALLO)

Priyanka, SRK to host an award function in Macau

Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra will host a film awards event organised by a channel in Macau. It is slated for January 21. Considering how she flutters her lashes and goes all coy at the mere mention of King Khan's name, almost bordering on swooning, hope PC can stand upright and host the show alright! Tee hee!

John Abraham misses his flight for fans!

John Abraham who was in New Delhi to promote his film had to fly down to Mumbai for a few hours to attend an event. Apparently the crowd at a mall just wouldn't let him go, leading to John missing his flight back to Delhi. But obviously Johnny boy was revelling in the attention considering that he steps out only when his film is up for release.

Adult film actress Sunny Leone arrives in Mumbai

IBNLive

Parental guidance needed: Indo-Canadian adult film star Sunny Leone arrived in Mumbai in the early hours of Friday. The 30-year-old, whose real name is Karen Malhotra, will soon be part of a reality show hosted by Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt. Skinfest on show soon.

Will Shah Rukh Khan host Zor Ka Jhatka season 2?

Last year, Shah Rukh Khan made a re-entry into our houses with Zor Ka Jhatka – Total Wipeout and he was apparently supposed to host the second installment of the serial too. But, going by the latest reports, we might not be able to see our superstar don the hat of an anchor this time around.

Baadshah Khan needed a huge investment for his ambitious project Ra.One and that is why he took up the project. However, he’s not sure if he would host the second season of the show as he has still not received the offer.

Reportedly, the actor was in talks with a TV channel for another show, but nothing concrete happened with that as well.

So, it still remains a mystery whether his fans will see the actor on small screen again.

Photos : Shahrukh Khan meets GoJiyo-Ra.One contest winner

At The Event

King Khan Shahrukh Khan met the GoJiyo-Ra.One contest winners at Taj Land’s End, Bandra, Mumbai. At the event, Shahrukh Khan kept it casual and was seen in a cool T-shirt and jeans combo. His aviators totally complemented his overall appearance. Shahrukh Khan even interacted with the media and said: “People today realize the evolution of technology and how closely it has seeped into our lives to make it simple. The latest technological privilege gives them the opportunity to do something that they never imagined before. It is amazing to see how GoJiyo has used technology so beautifully that it gives one a brilliant virtual world experience. It is my pleasure to be associated with a brand that is ahead of its time and taken India on the global map of digital gaming space.” Speaking about GoJiyo, it is a free online virtual world from India - part game, part social network and full of fun! Don your avatar and fly through this 3D world, seeing incredible sights and engaging in exciting activities like snowboarding, sky diving, play cricket and go bunjee jumping whilst making new friends and meeting up with old ones. GoJiyo is a Godrej initiative. Anyhow, you catch the images of SRK here: At The Event Photo Gallery / Stills / Images / pictures

How Shah Rukh Khan changed Bollywood's game

Ra.One’s' fate at the box-office has done little to undermine King Khan’s zeal to try something new

Shah Rukh Khan (GETTY/GALLO)

Shah Rukh Khan is on a vacation these days and yet his mind is working overtime. Ask him what and the Khan is pretty much excited of talking about his new found interest: technology in Indian cinema.

Says the actor, “Why not? Our cinemas have already come a long way . Be it in terms of entertainment, good, heartfelt scripts or techniques, they are bang on. What we lack is right technology that would put us on par with International cinemas. Today, technical up gradation is an essential part of growth, and we as filmmakers should understand and capitalise on it.”

The Khan does have a point there, especially after helming a tech-heavy project like ‘Ra.One’. He says, “There are social sites that serve as perfect platform for the promotion of your product. In fact these sites constantly keep on promoting your films, even as you focus on other things involved.”

In fact, it’s all science and technology that SRK can think of these days “I just read a quote from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, which says, ‘We need to keep up proper space with the science or our foot may slip off.’ I think that it stands true for our cinemas as well. We need to enhance our cinema technically, by leaps and bounds at least, to make the International audience to take more than just a note.”

Known for his great association with brands and clever use of them in each of his films, Shah Rukh says, “I am an emotional person. I like to carry forward my relationship with all those who get associated with me. Long time relationships/bonding is something I believe in. It’s one of the many ways that I get motivated.”

However, the one thing the Badshah of Bollywood doesn’t like is the role of a reviewer. “In the industry, there are only two kinds of people I know. One, who make films and see it as a virtuous product of their plan, and the other, a more intellectual lot who view it for critical appreciation. But I really don’t care much about them. The only reviewers who matter to me are my audience across the world. I think they are the ones who make us the stars that we are. I am a filmmaker and I prefer making films. Once I am done with a film, I do not sit back and evaluate. I hate doing that for any film, including the ones I act in.”

Next in SRK agenda is also the Unesco Charity-Gala in Düsseldorf in Germany, (November 19, 2011), where the star will be felicitated with the Unesco Award. “It is a privilege to get awarded .This is not an appreciation for me alone as a person, I have been awarded as an Indian. I feel humbled and happy about it,” says the badshah.

Ask him to talk about the latest craze of social networking sites and he says, “For the youths, it is very attractive and essential to be on the social network. I personally do not tweet much, but at times when I do, I often end up jotting down advice to the youth, which aren’t much appreciated. So I work to restrain myself by using the cool dude lingo.”

Shahrukh, who is on a self-explained break these days, rues, “Yes, I am on a holiday, I suppose. But I am not getting much of time for myself. I do steal some time to read some books.” A complete hands-on dad, SRK admits that the best thing about the break is spending time with his children.

“These days my kids are rehearsing for their annual function, so they go to school late and come in late too, which is a boon as I am a late riser. So I get enough time to spend with them, even late at night when I am working. Once their annual function is over, I would not have that liberty, as I will start shooting for Yash Raj Films’ next from January. I also plan to go on a holiday to some exotic location soon.”

The Don also clears the issue about ‘Don2’. He says, “We need to know a little more about the legal aspect of anything before putting pen to paper. We have already purchased the rights of the earlier ‘Don’, though the sequel has no connection whatsoever with the earlier version. We are clear as far as the legal issues are concerned. I just feel filmmakers need to be more pragmatic about the legal issues related to their films. It makes a lot of difference.”

Aamir or Shahrukh, who will play BENGALI DETECTIVE in Fox Searchlight's feature film?

A documentary based on the life of a Kolkata based private detective Rajesh Ji titled BENGALI DETECTIVE, directed by Philip Cox, had created quite a stir in the film festival circuit and Fox Searchlight, the parent company of Fox Star Studios, India, had bought its feature film remaking rights at Sundance 2011.

	AAMIR KHAN and SHAH RUKH

The news is that Fox Searchlight has handed over the direction duties of the proposed feature film to the British director Stephen Frears who has won Oscar nominations for his films like THE QUEEN, and THE GRIFTERS while D.V. DeVentis will write its script. Both of them have worked together on films like HIGH FIDELITY, and LAY THE FAVORITE.

Now, since the director and the writer are in place, and the script is under development, the casting process will soon be under way and those who wish to take a shot at the title role are advised to get a DVD copy of the original documentary to study the character of Rajesh Ji, and alert their agents abroad.

However, the big question is who can play the title role in the film being made by the distributors of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE? It is almost certain that the director, producers, and distributors of the film will be looking for an actor from the Indian sub-continent, probably a big time star, to lead the cast to get maximum traction from the fast expanding domestic film market of India.

Who will it be? The role has all the ingredients of becoming popular with international audiences and requires an actor in middle ages. The two names that instantly come to mind are Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan. It will be an opportunity for them to play a leading role in an international project and achieve global stardom and acclaim. Last time SRK missed the bus when he refused SLUMDOG MILIONNAIRE that went on to create Oscar history. Anil Kapoor got lucky at that time. SRK will certainly be wiser now, more so because it's a leading role unlike SLUMDOG...

On the other hand Aamir may also be keen to do a truly world class film helmed by a top of the line director to establish his acting credentials worldwide. He may not admit it but the fact is that his production house has been constantly trying to develop a film that works equally well with global as well as domestic audiences. He had also tasted international fame with LAGAAN ten years ago, which proved to be the big turning point of his life. BENGALI DETECTIVE can be a natural choice for him as a part of his carefully calibrated career strategy and plan.

Should we expect the rivalry between the Khans reaching a new level of intensity over this?

Sharukh Khan plan to present a car for Rajinikanth

Shahrukh Khan has booked some of the high end BMW series. The Bollywood actor wants to thank those, who made Ra.One special, and has planned to gift a swanky car each for actor Arjun Rampal, director Anubhav Sinha and Rajinikanth. However, the Tamil superstar, who still prefers his old car for travelling in the city, may reject his gift.

Rajinikanth leads a simple life and he never likes to take luxurious gifts from anyone. Even if he accepts it, the actor may give it to his close friends or relatives, reports further add.

However, this is not for the first time, where Shahrukh Khan is gifting luxurious cars. Earlier, he had presented an expensive car for Farah Khan after the success of Om Shanti Om

Sharukh Khan plan to present a car for Rajinikanth

Shahrukh Khan has booked some of the high end BMW series. The Bollywood actor wants to thank those, who made Ra.One special, and has planned to gift a swanky car each for actor Arjun Rampal, director Anubhav Sinha and Rajinikanth. However, the Tamil superstar, who still prefers his old car for travelling in the city, may reject his gift.

Rajinikanth leads a simple life and he never likes to take luxurious gifts from anyone. Even if he accepts it, the actor may give it to his close friends or relatives, reports further add.

However, this is not for the first time, where Shahrukh Khan is gifting luxurious cars. Earlier, he had presented an expensive car for Farah Khan after the success of Om Shanti Om

DON 2 new song: Hai ye maya!

In this latest song from Don 2 – The King is back, Usha Uthup croons for Shahrukh Khan!

Not exactly for Shahrukh Khan as the song is more of a background track, but the Badshaah does feature in this song from Don 2. Or rather, that’s what we gathered from the teaser of the song. Either way, it’s a really great track that you must not miss. Especially if you are one of those who were not impressed by Zara dil ko thaam lo. There’s a lot more sizzle in this one with both Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra making an appearance. Then there is Kunal Kapoor looking really good (we might not miss Arjun Rampal after all!) and Shahrukh riding a bike! Watch it just once, and we guarantee you’ll be left wanting more!

Don 2 hits the screens on December 23 this year.

Watch: Shahrukh Khan looks handsome like never before in ‘Hai Ye Maya’ from 'Don 2'

The fans of Shahrukh Khan have been craving since long to watch their superstar riding a stylish bike. And we love being the hauler of good news. The wait is finally over! Shahrukh Khan is seeing vrooming a bike in the teaser of the song Hai Ye Maya from Don 2.

Though Shahrukh Khan rode a bike in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and the recently released Ra.One as well, but he has never looked this classy! His shades do nothing but add charisma to his overall appearance.

Apart from the biker boy avatar, Shahrukh Khan looks really cool in his skull cap. His persona as Don is truly unrivaled!

Well, speaking about the track, Hai Ye Maya has a fairly retro feel attached to it. And for those who loved Zara dil ko thaam lo, you’ll love Hai Ye Maya even more!

A scene shown in the song which is surely going to be welcomed with wolf whistles is where Shahrukh Khan mouths the word BOOM and a car blasts. This Khan is so effing stylish!

Anyhow, catch the song Hai Ye Maya from Don 2 here:

Don 2 Music Review

Compared with the hype surrounding Shahrukh Khan’s Ra.One, his second and last release for the 2011, Don 2: The Chase Continues (Don 2) makes its entry with a whisper rather than bang. While Don: The Chase Begins Again (Don 1) had immense pressure on the makers to aesthetically re-create the yesteryear favourite, the sequel has not been subject to such expectations. Don 2 is an entirely new and different concept, opening the makers to a goldmine of creative opportunities. Arguably, this applies to the music directors, Shankar-Eshaan-Loy (SEL), more so than the reminder of the film’s cast and crew.

Don 2 sees SEL reprise their role as music directors while Javed Akhtar reprises his as lyricist. No surprises there as all Excel Entertainment ventures have featured the lyrical and musical combination of SEL and Javed Akhtar exclusively since their advent in 1999. The album comprises of 11 tracks and features the vocal talents of Vishal Dadlani (I Hate Luv Storys – Title Track), Shankar Mahadevan (Desi Girl – Dostana), KK (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan – Title Track), Anusha Mani (Lazy Lamhe – Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic), Caralisa Monteiro (Phir Dekhiye – Rock On!) and the legendry Usha Uthup (Darling – 7 Khoon Maaf).

Don 2 hits cinemas Christmas 2011.

Shahrukh Khan gets into the skin of Don with Aa Raha Hoon Palat Ke and sets the tone of the soundtrack, confirming that the King really is back!

Vishal Dadlani and Anusha Mani render the recently unveiled Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo, a trendy yet retro number with an appetite for the sinister. While Anusha gets the track off to the good start, the song clearly belongs to Vishal Dadlani who embodies Don’s irresistible evil charm to perfection. The lyrics are definitely not award-worthy but music and vocals more than make up for it.

Hai Yeh Maya is delivered amazingly well by Usha Uthup, naturally. However, it suffers from one flaw, an atrocious chorus line. The trumpets take away from the slick-philosophical-action-thriller number (like the 007 title songs) and sounds very amateurish. The rest of the track is fine but since the cringe-worthy chorus line obviously repeats at regular intervals the whole track more or less falters. That is why the remix of the track by Shane Mendonsa is a godsend. Uthup’s vocals get the strong pulsating musical background they deserve.

Dushman Mera begins with what sounds like bongo drums, an immediate deal breaker. The rest of the track unfortunately does not make up for this travesty as more mediocrity follows, the most appalling of which is the vocalisation of the second interlude of Don 1’s title track. Further, the tacky lyrics make the song more unbearable. Sunitha and Shankar’s vocals are wasted. In a nutshell, Skip!

SEL get their groove back with thematic piece, The King Is Back. It commences with Sunitha Sarathay melodiously asking ‘look who is back?’ which is followed by some pulsating techno/rock that leads up to Don theme. Also included is a nice interlude with violins and piano on the tunes introduced in Zara Dil Ko Tham Lo. All that mixed with Shahrukh’s echoes of “Don” and the track is an instant winner!

Mujhko Pehchaan Lo, the renewed version of Don 1’s title track is perfectly alright if you can effectively gets Shaan tongue-in-cheek rendition of the prior track out of your mind. K.K does an impressive job but he lacks the way Shaan embodied the irresistible bad-romance feel of the original number. KK does a great job rendering the following line:

“duniya mujhe jo bhi kahe, iski mujhe parwah kya; mukhko to hai yeh dekhna, jeetne ki hai rah kya”

And why not since this is the only bit that is not a rehash of the original. Arguably, KK’s rendition is more work and less play and the same can be said of the music. While the original had an intoxicating elegance about it, Mujhko Pehchaan Lo is more sleek and purposeful. The remix of Mujhko Pehchaan Lo is a mess at best that muffles KK’s vocals and has the dialogue, ‘Don to pakadna mushqil hi nahin, namumkin hai” in an infinite insufferable loop. Two words, epic fail.

The album ends with the The Don Waltz, a beautiful classical thematic piece at odds with its predecessors. SEL’s clever insertion of the Don’s theme, particularly the one vocalised by Sunitha Sarathy has to be commended.

In summary, even in the absence of pressures of living up to the 1978 original, SEL did not manage to create an impressive album with Don 2. Their work in box-office disaster The Game that featured similar themes with Don 2 was more commendable than this. In addition to Shaan, Midival Punditz (Don Revisited) and DJ Rudolph (Main Hoon Don – Funcinternational Mix) were sorely missed. Also, we have seen Javed Akhtar pen out better lyrics than the likes of this album. Here’s hoping his regains his eloquent talent soon.

In any event Zara Dil Ko Tham Lo, The King is Back and Yeh Hai Maya (Remix) are the pick of the pack. Maybe Mujhko Pehchaan Lo if Don fans manage get over Shaan’s Main Hoon Don. The Don Waltz may be effective as part of the film’s narration but does not do any favours to the OST while Dushman Mera is a total write off.

Pics - Shahrukh Khan enjoys with junglee billis and Priyanka Chopra

Shahrukh and junglee billis

After the hectic, tiring days of the promotions of Ra.One, Shahrukh Khan has shifted gears for the publicity of Don 2. The cast and crew of the film were on a Radio Trail yesterday for promoting the music of ‘Don 2’, and guess what, Shahrukh Khan even met some junglee billis on his way and not to forget the original wild cat Priyanka Chopra was also there. Don 2 promotions have started, finally. The movie will release in 3D and 2D, and it’s also expected to be dubbed in Telugu and Tamil, apart from the Hindi version. Shahrukh again is in no mood to rest as the movie releases on December 23. Producer-director Farhan Akhtar is also catching up with the promotion frenzy. The director tweeted, “Fanfare begins for the return of the King. Don 2 music releases today... Happy listening.” While partner and co-producer Ritesh Sidhwani writes, “Don and his crew on the run...in Dons den doing interviews.. Fun!” Priyanka Chopra sported cool casuals for the event but we can’t take our eyes off from her green pants, while Shahrukh Khan was comfortable and at ease even when enjoying the adulation of junglee billis (female fans dressed like cat). Was it fun reading this? You can catch some more full-on masti while looking at these images from the Don 2 Radio Trail:

Shahrukh Khan, Suriya to brush shoulders with international stars at IFFI Goa

Shahrukh Khan will open the 42nd International Film Festival of India while south star Suriya will close it

Fresh from the success of RA.One and ahead of the release of Don 2, actor Shahrukh Khan will inaugurate the 42nd International Film Festival of India to be held in Panaji, Goa from November 23-December 3. “Shahrukh will flag off the 42nd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2011 in Goa. He would formally inaugurate the 10-day extravaganza on November 23 at Ravindra Bhavan auditorium in Margao,” festival director Shankar Mohan confirmed. The festival’s opening will include the screening of the Portuguese film The Consul of Bordeaux directed by Francisco Manso and Joao Correa. IFFI will screen more than 100 movies from 65 countries during the festival. The closing ceremony will have southern superstar Suriya, who is known for superhit movies like Ghajini, Perazhagan, Vaaranam Aayiram, Rakht Charitra and the recently released 7aam Arivu. Eminent French filmmaker Luc Besson and Hollywood action star Michelle Yeoh will also be a part of the closing. Other guests in the list of attendees include Laurance Kardish, Dan Wolman, Raima Sen, Dino Morea and Prem Chopra.