SRK and Shriya set the stage on fire

Shah Rukh Khan on stage is nothing new. He's been charming audiences for years, be it in India, across Europe, even the United States. So, when he took the stage at the IPL Opening Ceremony at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday night, we knew he would be his charming self.

The show started off with SRK performing to the superhit 'Chak De India', but this version was remixed in a very different way. He then moved on to the hits, 'Love Mera Hit Hit' and 'Marjaani' from Billu in true crowd pleasing King Khan style.

Next SRK surprised the crowd by grabbing a water bottle, holding it as a microphone, and mouthing a greeting in Tamil (his voice had been recorded earlier), which brought cheers from the crowd. He told the crowd that Chennai's energy is the highest, their Rajni is the best, and their whistles are the loudest. From the King to the Super Kings.

He then surprised the crowd again, inviting Shriya Saran on stage to dance with him to some Tamil songs. Chennai's crowd lived up to his earlier words, bursting with energy and applause.

The performance ended with a night sky lit with fireworks, kicking off the 2011 IPL season. Best of luck to SRK's team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, and all the other IPL franchises. Here's to another great season!

Miss.Britain Preeti Desai gets tips from SRK

She has made history, becoming the first woman of color - a British Indian - to win the title of Miss Great Britain. Now she has made all the way to Bollywood, already starring in upcoming movie, Balaji Telefilms Shor in the City co-starring the Hollywood actor Sendhil Ramamuthry. Preeti Desai is her name, newly working her way up B-Town's lane, all thanks to advice imparted to her by the famous SRK, yes THE SRK!

True indeed, as sources suggest, is the fact that London based Preeti Desai initially considered coming down to India to give acting a shot, because that is what - 'The Badshah of Bollywood' - Shah Rukh Khan himself suggested to her. Apparently Shah Rukh knows a family friend of Preeti, through whom he met her, which is when he advised her to come down to India and give acting a shot, recommending that she join Anupam Kher's acting classes called 'Actor Prepares'.

Already having her own share of the celebrity life, former 'Miss Great Britain' seriously considered working on the thought and next thing you know, Shor in the City happens.

Zoa nervous about her debut

She’s young, uninhibited and spontaneous… and set to debut in Shah Rukh Khan’s Always Kabhi Kabhi. Zoa Morani is not new to tinsel town. Daughter of producer Karim Morani, Zoa, who just turned 22, is expected to be one of the hottest and most promising Bollywood discoveries.

“I have always wanted to be an actor and knew that I would end up in the movies,” says Zoa confidently. “I've nurtured this wish since I was six. I would go for my father's shows fire up the stage and watch the stars dance. I loved the music and dance and promised myself that I would land there someday. At home, I would gather all the cousins and we would dress up in ghagra-cholis and imitate the stars. We used to have our own mini dance shows and talk about having our own film show,” she laughs.

Zoa was “in heaven” when a friend showed her pictures to director Roshan Abbas for a possible role in a film. And she “was floored” when SRK’s Red Chilli Productions offered her a part. “I didn’t know the film was being produced by SRK,” she says with excitement. “I play this girl Nandini. The film focuses on four students. played by Ali Fazal, Giselle Monteiro, Satyadev Dubey and me — who are in the last year of school and how one incident changes their lives forever.”

Like her film character, Zoa says she too was defiant till she was 15. “I’ve changed a lot since then but the rebelliousness is still there.” No wonder she has no inhibitions speaking about boyfriend Shamik Raja openly. “Shamik has been extremely supportive and is currently in India to support me. He’s a hedge-fund manager in Canada,” she states.

Zoa’s entry into films also involved some mutiny. Her parents were unhappy with her decision to join films. “My dad refused to let me be a part of the film world,” she says. And it was only in the face of her stubborn determination that “he relented”. Asked if having a famous dad makes it easy for her, Zoa says, “Having a famous father puts more pressure on me, I have to prove myself and not let my parents down.”

Zoa has worked behind the screen with Farah Khan in Om Shanti Om and Rajkumar Santoshi in Halla Bol. “Not that I wanted to become a director,” she explains, “But working behind the camera helps you learn the nuances of acting.” Subsequently, she joined Anupam Kher’s academy and Barry John’s acting classes too. Yet, “I was very nervous on my first day of shoot,” she smiles. “Though everyone on the set was very helpful and my sister, who is assistant to Roshan Abbas, was also there, I was jumpy. I even broke my heel six times while performing a dance sequence!”

Asked whom she would love to work with in the future, she says diplomatically, “There are so many I can’t just name one. For now, I’m just waiting for the release of Always Kabhi Kabhi and praying that it will work wonders for me.”

Akon all to set celebrate birthday with SRK

Singer, songwriter and producer Akon will celebrate his birthday in Mumbai with Shah Rukh Khan, a day before his concerts kick off in India.

He is expected to perform in Gurgaon on April 16 and Bengaluru on April 17. The singer will be bringing in his birthday with his friends in Bollywood and fans on April 15 - a day before his actual birthday.

Mumbai and Pune were skipped on the concert itinerary because of the high entertainment taxes levied on concerts in the state.

According to unconfirmed reports, the singer, who features in Shah Rukh Khan's Ra.One, will rock at a private gig either in Mumbai or Pune.

A source said, "The concerts were actually supposed to kick off this weekend. But he postponed his trip to be able to celebrate his birthday here. He has a major gig in Los Angeles the week after that. This will be the first time the star will celebrate his birthday away from his home. Invites have already gone out to his close friends from B-Town. SRK and gang are expected to attend."

SRK depends on Gambhir

The actor rocks IPL's inaugural ceremony

"It's great to be in Chennai," announced Shah Rukh Khan, disembarking from his car in style. Facing a barrage of TV microphones and flashbulbs, the actor said, "I'm excited to be here."

Later in the evening, in a glitzy event that kickstarted the Indian Premier League, the baadshah of Bollywood decided to inject local flavour to the proceedings... and shook a leg to the superhit Naka Muka... number, apart from a couple of fast-paced Tamil kuthu songs and Bollywood numbers.

His team might not have had successful seasons in the past but that's not deterring him from supporting the bunch of cricketers that he's picked. So, what does he reckon about Team Kolkata's chances this time around? "They're a bunch of smart and good cricketers. The team is looking great and I hope they perform well." It's evident that the actor-team owner is banking heavily on the new captain of the team, Gautham Gambhir, to deliver the goods. "Gauti is a good man with a good head. I'm sure he'll do well."

So, has he learnt any Bengali now that he's been with Team Kolkata for the past few years? "Oh no, I haven't. I just know a few words."

Shriya sizzles with SRK

As the fireworks display peppered the night sky with brilliant hues here on Friday, a patch of green once again captured the nation's attention and imagination.

Though the World Cup got over just a few days ago, a packed M.A. Chidambaram stadium lapped up ałl that the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL-4) had to offer as the mega sporting event got off to a thunderous start.

At the opening ceremony, Bollywood was out in full strength, led by its Badshah, Shahrukh Khan.

The master entertainer sent the crowd into raptures when he launched into peppy Tamil numbers along with actor Shriya Saran.

Shankar Narayanan, who has been to every IPL match that took place in Chennai, screamed, “I never expected Shahrukh to perform to Tamil numbers. Kalakkitta maamu [You rocked dude]!”

Outside the stadium, cricket fanatics such as S. Srinivas (13) were waiting to get their faces painted. Being a Kolkata Knight Riders supporter, he kept saying to all the paraphernalia sellers, “I'm not CSK!”

Explaining the reason, he said: “I like Gambhir. So I shifted loyalties.”

His mom Vanitha, a die-hard CSK supporter, cannot forgive Srinivas. “He's a traitor,” she said.

Despite the infectious enthusiasm, there were quite a few offering tickets for half the price showing that ‘World Cup hangover' seems to be true for at least a section of the fans.

E. Jaishree (11), from Villupuram, a beneficiary of the Save A Child's Heart Foundation project of Apollo Hospitals, walked with the two team captains on the pitch.

Arjun Rampal and his rings

Arjun Rampal is hot. He is also been doing rather well with his films post Om Shanti Om. And he was one of the few left in the industry still to consult an astrologer for good luck.

Until, of course, we saw this. With a ring in every possible finger, it looked like Arjun was trying hard to please lady luck. Considering the fact that he had gone to cheer Team India wearing the stones, maybe, he just wore one for each of the players.

Wonder who he left out though...Or perhaps he just wants to gather some superluck for his forthcoming superhero flick RA.One with good friend Shah Rukh Khan.

SRK plays super hero in real life

Khan accosted a man who tried to act fresh with the dusky actress

It was the rowdiest night in 28 years. When India lifted the World Cup on April 2 the country went berserk. Some were happy, some high and several others got unruly. And all hell broke loose outside producer Ritesh Sidhwani's building Quantum Park in the suburbs soon after the match.

A recap of that night On April 2 Ritesh and Shah Rukh Khan decided not to go to the stadium to watch the India-Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup final. Instead they watched it at Ritesh's home with family and friends. So who turns up? Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and gang.

When the match is over PC made a move to leave. And the most chivalrous man on the scene, SRK volunteered to drop her to her car. Below the building there is pandemonium already. And the commotion increases when the crowds spot the Bollywood Badshah making way for Priyanka. Our source says, "In the midst of all this chaos, a bystander sneaked up to Priyanka and tried to grab the actress. SRK saw red. He grabbed that man's collar and reigned blows on him. Of course, the other crowd joined in and in between all this tamasha, the man beat a hasty exit."

Shah Rukh, apparently, then saw a slightly off-colour Priyanka to the safety of her vehicle. Ritesh who was also with SRK says such an incident didn't happen. However, our source maintains that there was an altercation between SRK and a bystander who did try to grab PC.

SRK - Hrithik end their mini war

SRK and Hrithik Roshan seem to have patched up after their mini-war...

There were talks that actors Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan weren't on talking terms. And it was all around the time Hugh Jackman was in Mumbai. Apparently, Hrithik Roshan was miffed that SRK didn't invite him and wife Susanne at the bash at Mannat, SRK's residence thrown in honour of Hugh Jackman.

There were talks that Hrithik was going to adopt the eye-for-an-eye attitude and not invite Shah Rukh and Gauri for a bash hosted by him, but all seems to be well now. With the cricket World Cup came about a spirit of friendship and unity.

Hrithik and Susanne Roshan made it to Shah Rukh Khan's house to watch the India-Sri Lanka finals with much luxury and with friends. The actors later went outside and even danced with the crowds gathered there in jubilant furore when the Men in Blue brought home the cup!

So, there's no bad blood between SRK and Hrithik. MS Dhoni, Sachin and the boys seem to have undone what Hugh did!

Vidya dances with Hugh Jackman

The closing ceremony of FICCI Frames in Mumbai turned out to be more fun than expected with Shahrukh Khan and Hugh Jackman entertaining the gathering with their wit and dance. The duo was joined by actress Vidya Balan.

Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan was sharing dais with Hugh Jackman for a discussion on Hollywood and Bollywood at Ficci Frames 2011 event, and once it got over, Shahrukh thought to teach Jackman what is called truly Bollywood. The star offered to teach the X-Man star a few desi steps and the actor was game.

Jackman removed his coat and stood next to Shahrukh, very eager to learn. Shahrukh Khan surprised everyone when he made Hugh Jackman shake a hip to Madhuri Dixit's hit number Dhak dhak karne laga.

During the discussion, Jackman exclaimed: “I love My Name Is Khan and I think I should act in the sequel to the film, which we can call 'My Name Is Jackman' with a tagline - and I'm not a tourist.”

Vidya Balan won the Best Actress award for her work in Ishqiya. She wore a green Sabayasachi sari at the event.

Zoa Morani to debut under SRK's production

Zoa Morani’s cup of joy is brimming over. Not only has she fulfilled her dream of being an actress and bagged a launch vehicle produced by Shah Rukh Khan, but she has also succeeded at convincing her father Karim Morani, a renowned Bollywood producer, to come around to her choice of profession.

Though Karim Morani has produced umpteen successful Hindi films like Damini (1993), Raja Hindustani (1996) and Arjun (1985), he was still averse to the idea of his daughter being a Bollywood actress.

21-year-old Zoa, who is currently elated at being signed for a film co-produced by Shah Rukh Khan and the Moranis and directed by Roshan Abbas (anchor), recollects her struggle to get acceptance from her dad. She begins by informing us about her protective upbringing. Zoa said, “I belong to a very conservative family. So much so that even today I cannot go out for late nights, unless I am at a very close friend’s house. I am also expected to leave specific details of my outings with my friends like where I am and what time I will return home.”

Zoa had cherished the dream of being an actress since she was knee high, but of course no one took her seriously then. But when she disclosed her career choice to her family, especially her dad, it created ripples. She admits, “Initially, my dad was not too happy with my decision to be an actress.”

Zoa Morani

Though Zoa had to struggle to get things done her way and her determination was tested many times, she succeeded finally, thanks to her mother, Zahra, who was her pillar of strength. Zoa revealed, “My mother played a big role in convincing my dad that I should be allowed to realise my dream.”

To convince her dad, Zoa decided to get her message across in the most subtle manner possible. She said, “I became a very obedient child at home. I would follow his instruction to the T but was stuck on my demand to be an actress. Eventually, he saw through my firm determination and agreed that I should get behind the scenes to begin with. I became an assistant director to Rajkumar Santoshi for Halla Bol for a few days. Later, I was the last assistant director to Farah Khan for Om Shanti Om. Meanwhile, things started falling in place and my father not just allowed me to be an actress but is also co-producing my debut film.”

Once, Zoa got a green signal from her dad, she enrolled in Anupam Kher’s acting school to get her basics right. Thereafter she did a three months training with the famed theatre actor Barry John (who has tutored SRK). The once pleasantly plump Zoa is heavily into a workout regime where she practises yoga for one and a half hour religiously.

Now that the storm is behind her, what is her father’s advice to her? “My father had advised me to keep my head on my shoulders and be cautious of the company I keep. I will be consulting my father at every stage in my life. As regarding intimate scenes, I will not do anything that will upset or embarrass my parents.”

Zoa’s debut film is expected to hit the floors later this year.

Kela Award for Worst Actress to Sonam Kapoor

The Kela for the worst actress of the year goes to — Sonam Kapoor for Aisha. Keeping her company as the worst actor was King Khan Shah Rukh, for My Name is Khan. Anchor Cyrus Broacha didn’t expect either to be present at the third annual Golden Kela Awards on Friday at Rock Dome, a hall at the Ambience Mall in Gurgaon, and he wasn’t disappointed. The Bollywood equivalent of the Razzies, this is one award ceremony the filmy crowd loves to ignore.

Ben Kingsley had the dubious honour of winning a newly instituted award, “Baawra Ho Gaya Hai Kya Award” for Teen Patti while the “Jajantaram Mamantaram Award” for the worst named film was given to Lafangey Parindey. The winner of the “Sonu Nigam Career Suicide Award” was Sukhwinder Singh for Kuch Kariye.

This year, the Kela also recognised the saviours of 2010 in the form of an award called “The Saving Grace Award”. Unlike previous years, there was some Bollywood presence this year on the red carpet of the Golden Kela Awards — directors Habib Faisal, Vishal Bhardwaj, Abhishek Chaubey and actor Pradhuman Singh were present in the front row. Faisal received the Saving Grace award for Do Dooni Chaar while Bhardwaj and Chaubey won it for Ishqiya.

SRK, Sallu cant be friends

Salman Khan is at his frankest best on Shaina NC's TV show titled India First. The socialite-cum-politician, who is friends with the actor, has managed to talk about the one subject he hates Shah Rukh Khan.

In an interview that appears tomorrow, Salman Bhai reveals why he and SRK can't be friends' Shah Rukh Khan har show par jaa kar maafi mangte hai. Woh chahate to mere ghar par bhi aa kar maafi mang sakte the.

Lekin ab wo bhi samay gaya. Is jhagade ko shah rukh ne shuru kiya hai so use maintain bhi kare. Shah Rukh se dosti ke sare raaste band. He talked about the poaching case against him in Jaipur, Us din main akela nahi tha. Mere sath waha 12 log aur bhi the. Lekin vivado me main hi tha. Kyuki mera nam Salman Khan hai. Mujhe Rajsthan ke sadko ke bare me nahi pata to waha ke jungleloon ke raste kaise pata honge?

Waiting for Don 2 to complete: SRK

Even superstars have bad hair days.

When Shah Rukh Khan launched a documentary on K Asif's classic Mughal-e-Azam, he was obviously facing a hair crisis, thanks to his new Don 2 look.

"I respect women," Shah Rukh said. "I am suffering since the time I put on these (hair) extensions. Now I understand how tough it is for a woman to manage her hair. I respect them even more. I am waiting for the Don 2 shoot to get over to get rid of my messy look."

He also joked that she wanted to give him a bath. "The other day Suhana told me I looked very bad and desperately needed a bath! She was ready to give me one," he said.

SRK's Zor Ka Jhatka records lowest TRPs

Zor Ka Jhatka hosted by Shah Rukh Khan has made a new record of having lowest TRPs for any show hosted by a Bollywood star.

Even Rakhi Ka Insaaf had better ratings. "My Rakhi Ka Insaaf on the same channel (Imagine) had more viewership than Zor Ka Jhatka.

Zor Ka Jhatka opened with a 2.6 TVR but could not manage to attract audience in the second week and its average rating dropped to 1.7 to 1.4 TVR reportedly. Rakhi Ka Swayamvar opened with a rating of 4.12 TVR and maintained an average rating of 3.04 TVR.

SRK's decision to host the Indian version of international reality show Total Wipeout is being questioned. Shah Rukh needed big investment for his sci-fi production Ra.One. Buzz is that he was paid Rs 20 crore for the show and he agreed to do the show as it involved a huge sum for a few days of work, reported the tabloid.

And moreover, he doesn't even travel to Argentina to shoot for his portions of the show, instead his shots are taken in chroma in Yash Raj Studios reportedly.

Will his film also fail to woo the audience just like his show? Time will tell!