Shahrukh, Kareena top eBay Bollywood Barometer

The webspace has become the latest hangout for the hip and happening. One of the leading online retail portals eBay announced the results of the latest edition of the eBay Bollywood Barometer. For the unknown, the eBay Bollywood Barometer gauges celebrity popularity on the basis of the number of celebrity related products available for sale on eBay India.

Shahrukh Khan tops the eBay Bollywood Barometer amongst the actors followed closely by Akshay Kumar and John Abraham. On the other hand, among the actresses, Kareena Kapoor tops the eBay Bollywood Barometer followed by Rani Mukherjee and Aishwarya Bachchan. The eBay Bollywood Barometer chooses the Top 10 actors & actresses from the celebrity related merchandise of around 50 Bollywood stars.

Deepa Thomas, Senior Manager-Pop Culture, eBay India, says, "The eBay Bollywood Barometer provides a fun way to track celebrity popularity & saleability. eBay India's entrepreneurial sellers have listed celebrity related products in response to buyer demand and hence all the popular stars feature here."

The eBay Bollywood Barometer has ranked both the Top 10 Actors and the Top 10 Actresses on the basis of movie memorabilia like film magazine covers, DVDs, posters, LPs, dolls, press booklets, lobby cards, movies and books.

"I'd love to work with Shah Rukh Khan" - Barbara Mori

Last week, we heard the news and saw the picture in one of our tabloid newspapers of Barbara Mori along with her new close friends Suzanne Roshan and Hrithik Roshan partying in Mumbai. Well, it was now confession time for the beautiful Barbara Mori when we met her at the Oakwood serviced apartment in Juhu yesterday. Yes, the Mexican actress revealed for the first time her wish list and how it is to be such great friends with Suzanne than Hrithik. On asking her the question, Mori was quick to respond, "My best friend in India is Suzanne Roshan. I am good friends with Hrithik too. But Suzanne really gets a bit personal when it comes to taking care of me. She will keep me at bay from the 'do not do that' or 'do not go for that' list."

Barbara also has her wish list ready when it comes to work and friendship. Just four days ago, Hrithik and Suzanne took Barbara to meet Shah Rukh Khan. The rest, well, Barbara will tell you, "I met Shah Rukh Khan because Suzanne insisted me to meet Gauri and her husband. She told me that Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan are the nicest people I will ever come across in India."

The leading lady of Kites has now seen the palace like mammoth Mannat. But what about the 'king' living in there? What about him? To which Mori answers, "Shah Rukh Khan was really nice as a host on that day and as a person. Shah Rukh has got a very big heart. He takes care of his guests a lot."

And on asking her whether she would want to work with the 'king' in the near future, she replies, "Yes, I'd love to work with Shah Rukh Khan. I haven't seen any films of his but I can say he is a great actor from what I hear and have been told from Suzanne and Hrithik."

One thing's for sure; Barbara Mori isn't a one trip pony. And with a wish list to work with Shah Rukh Khan, you just can't say when you'll be seeing this belleza Barbara soon in her second Hindi feature film, unless our very own SRK does a Mexican film. You never know. Fingers crossed.

SRK's surprise bash for Barbara Mori,

Barbara Mori, who arrived in Mumbai ten days ago to promote Kites and is staying with her brother Kintaro Mori in Juhu, had a surprise party thrown in her honour by Shah Rukh Khan last Sunday.

The Roshans have been more than hospitable to their film’s leading lady in Mumbai and have taken her on shopping sprees and dinners. “They are some of the best people I have met,” said the actress from Mexico. Then came the invite from Mannat. Said Barbara, “Sussanne wanted me to meet her close friend Gauri.”

When she went to the SRK-Gauri home, Barbara found the couple watching the IPL final with Arjun Rampal, Mehr Jessia, Chunky and Bhavna Pandey, Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, Neelam Kothari and Kajal Anand.

“I don’t follow cricket, so initially I was getting bored. But everyone was enjoying themselves. After the match, we really partied hard. Shah Rukh and Gauri are very nice. I met many other people, some of whom are actors, it was nice of them to welcome me to Mumbai.”

''Shah Rukh's unwell''

''The star is down with fever and cold'',
We're so used to seeing Shah Rukh Khan light up rooms with his energy that it's a bit hard to believe that he ever falls ill. But that's just what's happened. SRK is not feeling well. He just posted on his Twitter account, "Down with fever & cold. words are floating & melting as i touch them with the heat & cold. strange v call cold a cold, while the body is warm."

Well, we hope SRK gets all better soon. He does have his 'Ra.One' shoot to get back to. But if you're waiting over eagerly for the release, it's not going to happen any time soon. SRK also posted, "Just so that all know...my new films will take a bit to hit the screens. visual effects take very long in post production.

He added later, "Have to stop. writing feverishly. must be getting delirious. doc waiting with injection. must take a shot as i have a shoot tom. love u all."

I will remain Shah Rukh's friend till I die: Farah Khan

Farah Khan had surprised many by casting Akshay Kumar in 'Tees Maar Khan' instead of favourite Shah Rukh Khan but the director says contrary to rumours her friendship with King Khan continues to be strong.

"So many things have been written since Akshay's name was announced. People do enjoy such things. I guess it is more entertaining. But there is nothing wrong with our friendship.

I will remain Shah Rukh's friend till I die and I hope this is the case with him as well," Farah told PTI in an interview.

The choreographer-turned-director, who returns behind the camera after a gap of almost three years for 'Tees Maar Khan', says she could not wait for a year to start the movie with Shah Rukh being busy with home production 'Ra.One'.

"We had this amazing script. We could not wait for a year.

SRK-Akshay starrer on the cards

Akki's just waiting for Sajid Khan to write a script to bring them together,
Bollywood presenter-turned-director Sajid Khan doesn't deny his dream project is to get Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar together in the lead for a film but only when he has the right script.

"The day I have a script that can carry both Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan (in the lead), I'll come out with it. Both are superstars and who wouldn't like to work with both of them in their film," said Sajid.

"I adore Shah Rukh as a fan and Akshay is my brother. But it will take a lot of time as I will write my next script in six months and then approach them... so it's a lengthy process as of now," he added.

Akshay also said the same.

"These things take time. He will first write the script that will take time and then approach us and then we'll give out the dates. So it's at least more than a year-and-half away even if everything falls in place," said the actor.

Shah Rukh and Akshay have been seen earlier in 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai' and 'Heyy Babyy' but never as parallel leads. While the former had Akshay in a cameo, the latter saw Shah Rukh in a special appearance only for a song.

Sajid and Akshay were here at the DT Cinemas, DLF Promenade on April 27 to promote 'Housefull'. Also present with them was the other star cast of the movie including Riteish Deshmukh, Arjun Rampal, Deepika Padukone and Jiah Khan.

Lara Dutta who also plays a pivotal role in the movie did not make it to the event. Releasing Friday (April 30), the movie has been produced by Sajid Nadiadwala.

MSN India declared Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, ''Actor of the Decade''.

MSN India declared superstar Shah Rukh Khan, ''Actor of the Decade'', Shah Rukh topped with 29 percent votes followed by Aamir Khan with 26 percent and Amitabh Bachchan with 16 percent votes.

Shah Rukh Khan steps in to save his sinking production house

Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan is one tough actor, who doesn’t reel in under pressure. The actor, who is often quoting controversy, is now single handedly managing his business and that too with élan and thoroughness.

Even though the superstar is grief stricken over the illness of his close associate and Red Chillies CEO Bobby Chawla (Juhi Chawla’s brother) who suffered a brain hemorrhage, SRK is taking care of every little thing in his production house.


Ever since Bobby Chawla’s hospitalization, the entire shooting schedule of Ra.One had been a complete mess. After SRK was informed about the problems faced by his production team, he decided to take matters in his own hands.

Confirming the news, a source said, “A few of Bobby Chawla’s duties have been taken up by Ra.One director Anubhav Sinha too, but it is Shah Rukh who is now holding the reins of Ra.One”.

So what exactly has Shah Rukh undertaken? “SRK is mainly taking care of four jobs: calling up every actor of Ra.One and coordinating their dates, discussing their remuneration, making sure that they get their payments on time and talking to technicians (including those coming from abroad) for every single production detail, including the special effects involved in the film,” adds the source.

“Come to think of it, SRK is holding the whole film together. There is production related work, which SRK would have never done otherwise. With Bobby taking care of everything at Red Chillies for all these years, all SRK had to concentrate on was acting. He completely relies on Bobby and is definitely missing him very much. But SRK has decided that he will not give anybody involved with the film a chance to complain about anything,” says the source.

Shah Rukh Khan coordinates dates of Kareena, Arjun for RA 1!!

Shah Rukh Khan, the badshah of bollywood who plays lead in Red Chillies Entertainment’s upcoming flick ‘ Ra.1’ opposite sizzling hot Kareena Kapoor, has been calling up and coordinating her and Arjun Rampal’s dates for the shoot before going on the set.

Shah Rukh Khan’s extra work does not stop here but he has to go all the way asking his technicians for details, if anything was needed on the set to give the required special effects etc (this is important as the film is sci fi and special effects are most important part of it).

Sources close to production house say that Shah Rukh Khan even discusses payment issues with his stars and ensures that they were paid on time without any hassles. Though some of extra work load has also been taken by director Anubhav Sinha, but it is Shah Rukh Khan who has been playing the double role of actor as well as producer and provider of everything to everyone on the sets of the flick.

This all has been necessitated by the fact that Shah Rukh Khan’s most trusted man Bobby Chawla, who is also actress Juhi Chawla’s brother, has been in the hospital for a long time and is unable to perform his duties.

Earlier, Shah Rukh Khan would totally depend on the work of Bobby Chawla who was also the CEO of Red Chillies Entertainment. Shah Rukh Khan was even by the side of Bobby Chawla at the hospital for several days, but eventually work got priority and he returned to shoot for Anubhav Sinha’s ‘Ra.1’.

‘Ra 1’ is an ambitious flick from Shah Rukh Khan’s production house starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and others in prominent roles. Shah Rukh Khan plays a famous scientist in the film, who is based in London and working on developing a robot.

The trouble starts after Shah Rukh Khan has developed the ‘Robot’and his own creation would not listen to him. So much so that the Robot becomes a menace to whole world and the scientist prepares to remove him from this world.

Kareena Kapoor plays Shah Rukh Khan’s wife who stays with him in London. The couple also has an eight year old son. However, this mother role does not restrict Kareena Kapoor from flaunting her beautiful figure in designer’s outfit as the mom is based in UK and does not need to follow Indian wear sari etc.

The film will also see for the first time Shah Rukh Khan playing the part of a super hero in his bollywood career.

SRK explains meaning of the title Ra.One

This year is likely to see the release of two big films with similar sounding titles. Yes...we are indeed referring to Mani Ratnam's Raavan and Shah Rukh Khan's home production Ra.One. However, the two similar sounding films are as different as chalk and cheese when it comes to their plotlines. While Mani's Abhi-Ash starrer is a modern-day adaptation of the mythological epic Ramayan, SRK's flick is a highly stylized film with a lot of gizmos and gadgets.

Coming to Ra.One, while it is known that SRK plays a super-hero kind of character in the film, what is not known is the fact that the title Ra.One is the acronym for 'Random Access-Version One'. This fact has been confirmed by the Superstar himself on Twitter. Says SRK, "Ra.One means Random Access- Version One, u will understand when u see the film. The Superhero is called G.One. Ra.One site will be up soon."

Meanwhile with his close friend and CEO of Red Chillies Entertainment- Bobby Chawla still admitted in the hospital, SRK has to even manage all the work related to production of Ra.One. SRK tweets, "Yes...wish Bobby my friend gets well sooner than soon. He is still in the hospital & the film is soo difficult in terms of production."

Looks like Ra.One is indeed taking a toll on SRK as he not only has to perform some heavy duty action sequences but also has to manage all aspects related to production.

Karan wants to revisit the KKHH days

It seems KJO urf Karan Johar has had enough of those heavy duty social films. Though his MNIK has turned out to be the biggest Bollywood hit in overseas, the director now wants to make something cool, refreshing and funny.

Hmmmmm that sounds like Karan is all set to revisit his KKHH days. When asked who will be the actor, pat came the reply, "I cannot imagine a film without SRK, he is the best."

We all know that Karan and SRK probably has his biggest admirer in Karan. It's not clear when will Karan announce his next bubble gum romancer but the animated version of 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' titled 'Koochie Koochie Hota Hai' release is on cards.

SRK's been busy with flying jumps

But now he's back from the 'Ra.One' shoot to do some 'earthly chores'
Shah Rukh Khan's been quite on the Twitter from these past few days. Ever since he tweeted about the IPL controversy being fast and furious like T20 we haven't heard much from SRK. But now he's back and telling us what he's been doing. And it sounds like he was on an adventure.

"Sorry been out of touch...kinda hard typing when hanging 40 feet in the air. finally over...nice to have my feet back on the ground."

40 feet in the air? We're thinking this was one of those superhero stunts for 'Ra.One'. And by the way, the picture you see here is the first look from the film, posted by SRK himself.

Shah Rukh added later, "Why all this...the jumps..the flying...the risks. is it to prove something...no.i do it cos i believe i can fly. u all made me believe it so."

But the star was truly back on the ground when he posted this, "have to rush for earthly chores. family came to see the shoot...the son gave me a pack of his favourite gum for a job well done."

How cute is that! Let's see what other stunts SRK gets up to, and what gifts he gets in return for them.

Shah Rukh Khan is the most important part of my life: Karan Johar

Karan Johar’s great admiration for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is well known. The director just can’t do away with him. KJo has been so vocal about his admiration for SRK that insiders sense something more in their relationship than normal friendship. Recently, while talking about his new film to a news daily, the director went a little overboard when he was asked about the leading man in his next film, “I will never make a film without Shah Rukh. He is the most important part of my life.”


Talking about his next film, Karan said, “I have had enough of heavy-duty filmmaking for now. I want to make a fresh, funny film. In fact, I am feeling very light-hearted these days.” The director also said that he is undecided about the heroine of his next project.

“I don’t know when it will be ready. It could be six months or even a couple of years. I’ll come back and decide,” Karan added.

Karan also stated that he is happy with the way his film ‘My Name is Khan’ turned out. He says “It opened a lot of new markets. I am very glad that I made this film. In fact, the main agenda of my trip to the US is Phase 2 of ‘My Name Is Khan’ (the international release). Mulling over my next film will happen later.”

So, gear up to see the next offering, which again will be a result of Khan-Johar’s ‘dostana’!

Shah Rukh Khan furious with Yuvi about K Jo Dostana, walks out IPL function??

Shah Rukh Khan, the badshah of bollywood who owns Kolkata Knight Riders team of IPL and hosted IPL awards function in Mumbai, is said to be furious with Yuvraj Singh, the dashing batsman, for his comment that girls did not like him (SRK) because he was stuck with Karan Johar all the time (of course, SRK could read an oblique reference to ‘Dostana’).
In fact, not only Shah Rukh Khan but the audience too was shocked to hear this comment and there was silence for a moment. But King Khan was the host and had to handle the situation, so he just took it in his own stride and let it pass without any fuss.

However, soon after he walked out of the award function, fuming with rage about the insult heaped on him by much younger Yuvraj Singh. Before leaving the venue, SRK even made his displeasure known to those present near him and walked out never to return.

Sources present on the occasion say that it all had started in a very light manner by Shah Rukh Khan lovingly commenting that the girls were crazy about Yuvraj Singh only because of his Casanova image (perhaps, SRK was referring to Deepika Padukone, etc, who had worked with him in ‘Om Shanti Om,’ but dated Yuvi?).

But Yuvraj Singh, never known to mince his words, shot back by saying that girls were not running after Shah Rukh Khan because he was stuck with Karan Johar all the time and obviously they were thinking of them in ‘Dostana’ (Abhishek, John Abraham starrer) terms. The humor was crude; King Khan could not tolerate it and walked out of the venue.

SRK's 'Ra.One' First look, Movie still,

Shahrukh Khan turns a superhero for his home production Ra.One. A sci-fi, action-packed thriller, the movie stars Arjun Rampal as SRK's nemesis. Kareena Kapoor plays King Khan's ladylove. Presently shooting the action sequences for the film, SRK has been d...angling from cables, jumping from dizzy heights and pushing his physical limits. "Every part of my anatomy hurts...action does speak much louder than words...& it says OUCH & OOH," SRK tweeted after a day's shoot recently. Describing the experience of shooting the risky action sequences, he wrote: "Hanging on cables...bruises..heat..dust...sweaty ppl (people) all around...i love the glamourous world of films." SRK posted the first image from the movie on his twitter account. Here's the First Look of Ra.One.

‘My Name Is Khan’ released on DVDS and VCDS.

SRK & Karan Johar’s film ‘My Name Is Khan’ was released on DVDS and VCDS, a few days ago in Mumbai, by the producer, in association with Reliance Big Pictures Home Video.

The film, which has been one of the major success stories of the year, has been also released on a premium collector’s edition pack.

It has 2DVDS. This set includes a package deal of the unseen footage of the film, the thearitical trailer, and also some very special deleted sections of the film.

Karan Johar has given a special introduction about the film and its making. The two most loved songs in the film, Sajda, and Tere Naina, have been given the extra alternative song edition sequence as well.

This release of the DVDS and VCS, will be put into public notice via the Internet websites, the Radio channels, the retail sector in markets and malls, and of course the ever popular ground promotion.

The DVDS are tentatively priced at Rs. 399, and the VCDS are priced at Rs. 149.

Karan Johar, who has a special bonding with the making of this film, has given a very vivid description of the details and the nitty gritties, and this DVD is sure worth investing in, at least for all movie going and loving folks!

SRK's wax figure for Hong Kong's Madame Tussauds

Actor Shah Rukh Khan's wax figure is making a special appearance at the Madame Tussauds museum here.

On loan for three months from London, the 44-year-old's statue will be on display alongside Hollywood stars Jackie Chan, Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp.

The life-size wax statue of the Khan was installed at the London museum in April 2007.

“Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has been receiving many more tourists from India in the last two years. While these guests enjoy meeting our unique collection of 100 international celebrities and world leaders, we are delighted to have Khan join our attraction,” Bret Pidgeon, general manager of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and Shanghai, said in a statement.

This is not the first time that a wax figure of a Hindi film star will be displayed at the museum in the city. Last year, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong displayed the wax figure of actor Amitabh Bachchan.

“Following the success of displaying Bachchan's wax figure as the attraction last year, we anticipate that Khan will be as popular with the Indian community in Hong Kong and guests visiting from abroad.”

His wax figure will be on display at the World Premiere section in the museum until July 21.

SRK, what’s wrong? Who mistaken? other Buddes or SRK?

Things are not happening as per the expectations of The Baadshah of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan. He is losing friends one by one. First he had a spat with Salman who was his close buddy now his arch rival, then his friend Farah dumped him and signed his enemy number one Akshay who at any given time makes sure that he makes dig at SRK and now we hear that Shahrukh and Ritesh Deshmukh are not in talking terms.

It all started with the casting of SRK home production ‘Ra.1’, Ritesh was the first choice to play the villain in the film but finally SRK opted for his close pal Arjun Rampal instead of Ritesh.

This has hurt Ritesh and now SRK and Ritesh don’t even talk with each other.

SRK is known for lending support for his friends but this particular incident the Badshah was in dharma sankat (dilemma) as both Ritesh and Arjun are his buddies.

Anyhow, SRK sudden shift towards Arjun might have some luck factor involved as industry believes in superstition. Everybody knows that in SRK’s blockbuster ‘Om Shanti Om’ Arjun played the villain and he did a good job. Maybe SRK doesn’t want to experiment and would like to repeat the winning combination for commercial reasons.

Anyhow, Ritesh is feeling cheated and every time and again he weeps and wets the shoulders of Jacqueline Fernandez with his tears. SRK should have compensated by giving Ritesh a cameo, what’s wrong SRK,

Shah Rukh is a 'problem child'

That's what his friends call him because he's always in trouble,
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says his friends have started calling him a "problem child" for his constant brush with controversies.

"My friend just called me a 'problem child'... always in trouble. I think it is true...it would be so boring to be a 'solution adult'," Shah Rukh posted on his Twitter page.

In wake of allegations of financial irregularities in the Indian Premier League (IPL), income tax officials had visited Shah Rukh's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) office in Kolkata and claimed to have unearthed vital clues.

The superstar is hoping that clouds of suspicion and uncertainty will soon be over.

"IPL controversy: fast,furious and too much noise. Like the T20 itself. Hope it gets resolved as fast too for our friend Lalit & franchises," added the actor.

S R K IPL Awards Night

Shah Rukh Khan hosts the IPL Awards Night at the Grand Hyatt on April 23,
Yuvraj Singh, Shah Rukh Khan and Adam Gilchrist attends the IPL Awards Night at the Grand Hyatt on April 23,
Shilpa Shetty, Yusuf Pathan and Shah Rukh Khan attend the IPL Awards Night at the Grand Hyatt on April 23,
Shah Rukh Khan and Rahul Dravid attends the IPL Awards Night at the Grand Hyatt on April 23,
Yuvraj Singh (L), Shahrukh Khan (C) & Adam Gilchrist (R) perform on stage during the IPL Awards Night at the Grand Hyatt on April 23,

It's Arjun over Ritesh for SRK

They say three is a crowd. And going by this recent incident, the commonly held belief seems to be true. The close friendship between Shah Rukh Khan, Ritesh Deshmukh and Arjun Rampal has now reached an impasse. The cosy bond now only involves SRK and Arjun while Ritesh has been left to fend for himself.

Buzz is that Shah Rukh chose Arjun over Ritesh to play the villain in his home production Ra.One. Despite Ritesh being the original choice, Shah Rukh eventually brought in Arjun to play the same role.

A source says, “Ritesh and not Arjun was the first choice to play a baddie in Ra.One. Director Anubhav Sinha also wanted Ritesh as the film’s villain as he had worked with the actor in Cash. Everything was going fine and Ritesh was very excited about the project as his look and remuneration was also decided. But the next thing Ritesh read in the papers is that Arjun is playing the bad man in Ra.One.”

“Even when Arjun was suffering from a back problem for a brief period and he was not too sure if he would play the role, SRK didn’t ask Ritesh to step in. Ritesh’s sudden ouster was so unprofessional,” says the source.

Even though Ritesh was shocked at the unfair treatment, he didn’t confront Shah Rukh. “Ritesh is a very mild-mannered guy. He undoubtedly felt very disappointed but he didn’t express his displeasure to SRK. He only talked about it to a few of his close friends. Shah Rukh or Anubhav should have at least informed him that he is no longer in the film,” adds the source.

While Shah Rukh’s character in Ra.One is of a super-hero , buzz is that Arjun will be playing his nemesis. The sci-fi film, which went on the floors early this month, has Kareena Kapoor playing the female lead. The film is based on gaming, bad guys and super heroes.

We sent text messages to Shah Rukh, Anubhav Sinha but they remained unavailable for comment.
However, Ritesh says that he was never offered the film.

Bollywood KING Shahrukh Khan refuses to allow his son to act in films

Shahrukh Khan may be a superstar but he makes sure that he keeps his kids away from the media glare so that they can have a normal childhood. SRK is also averted to the diea of his children acting in films. Recently, when director Anubhav Sinha found his son Aryan suitable for a role in his forthcoming ‘Ra 1’, SRK did not approve to the idea because he does not want to Aryan to act at such a young age. Shahrukh says that he does not mind his son choosing acting as his career when he grows up, but at present he does not want him go get into the glamour world.

I-T issues notices to Knight Riders, Gameplan Sports

The income tax department has issued notices to Knight Riders Sports Private Limited and Gameplan Sports to appear before it in connection with the recent search operations at the offices of the two entities.

"We have issued notices to both Knight Rider Sports and Gameplan," Director General of I-T investigation (East) Vinod Khurana said.

He said the two entities had asked for time till Monday for appearing before the IT department.

Asked whether the I-T sleuths had stumbled across any irregularities so far, Khurana said that the officials were still examining papers.

He said the Kolkata I-T office would only look into details like corporate endorsements, ticket receipts and the various heads under which expenditure was incurred and reflected in the books of the two companies.

Khurana said that the I-T office would also investigate whether TDS was made on payment made to CAB by KR Sports, which owns the KKR team.

The official said that since KR Sports was based in Mumbai, I-T Mumbai would look into the funding and shareholding pattern of KR Sports.

He said that it was not necessary that officials of the two companies would have to appear in person. "They can send their legal counsel also."

IT officials had conducted a search and survey operation in the city offices of KR Sports and Gameplan on Wednesday.

Tax officials claim 'evidence' against Kolkata Knight Riders

Tax officials who conducted search operations at the offices of the Bengal Cricket Association and Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders till the early hours of Thursday here claimed to have found "incriminating evidence" of irregularities.

"We have found incriminating evidence. We will investigate further. We needed to have a look at certain transactions and we've found whatever we were looking for," said Indian Revenue Service Deputy Director Akhilendu Jadhav.

The main angle that the sleuths of the Directorate of Income Tax Investigation were looking for on the probe into the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises was the legality of money transfers from tax havens abroad, primarily Mauritius, officials explained.

This apart, officials of the Directorate of Enforcement were probing the legitimacy of transactions between the franchise and the state's cricket board, the officials added.

Searches at both the board's office at the Eden Gardens stadium and the premises of Kolkata Knight Riders and its parent Red Chillies Entertainment of actor Shah Rukh Khan at ITC Sonar Bangla and Shakespeare Sarani began at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

The federal revenue department had Wednesday broadened the probe into the financial deals of IPL, even conducting search operations on three of its event management and broadcast firms in Mumbai, apart from the franchises.

The 10 franchises under scrutiny are Kochi's Rendezvous Sports, Pune's Sahara group, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Deccan Chargers, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab.

Bollywood's IPL owners in trouble

SRK's team office in Kolkata raided by income tax officials, Preity summoned by court,
The Indian Premier League (IPL) scandal that has rocked the cricketing and Indian political world is now fast spreading to Bollywood. It has been alleged that IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has hidden stakes in teams owned by Shah Rukh Khan (Kolkata Knight Riders), Preity Zinta (Kings XI Punjab) and Shilpa Shetty (Rajasthan Royals. And today (April 21) the Kolkata offices of Shah Rukh's team were raided by income tax officials. The offices of the Cricket Association of Bengal were also raided.

Meanwhile, in Chandigarh, a court has summoned the promoters of Kings XI Punjab. Reportedly, the promoters have not shared details of their financial dealings and balance sheet with the Registrar of Companies.

While there has been no response from Shah Rukh on these developments, Preity had tweeted a few days ago, "Lalit Modi has ABSOLUTELY NO share in Kxip!" She had said earlier, "Media needs 2 b accountable 4 what comes out in press! Am shocked at some of d stories regarding KXIP! No gossip or rumour pls! only news!"

A probe into financial deals of the IPL was broad-based today with searches at offices of three of its event management and broadcast firms in Mumbai, even as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a case to investigate foreign exchange violations by its franchisees.

Also, the income tax probe which started with the IPL Kochi franchise last Wednesday was widened with simultaneous searches in multiple cities.

The 10 franchisees under scrutiny are Kochi's Rendezvous Sports, Pune's Sahara group, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Deccan Chargers, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab.

Earlier in Mumbai, a team of over 50 officials of the Directorate of Income Tax Investigation started the search operations at the premises of Multi Screen Media, World Sports Group and Pat Magnarella Management in Bandra, Khar and Malad suburbs of north-west Mumbai in the morning.

Simultaneously, the ED Mumbai registered a case against "unknown persons" under the Foreign Exchange Management Act to probe unauthorized transfer of huge foreign funds without the permission of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The ED move was prompted by information that huge funds have found their way into the IPL from international tax havens. It would inquire into the root of the IPL finances from dubious sources, officials said.

Earlier called Sony Entertainment Television, Multi Screen Media has the telecast rights for the IPL T20 cricketing extravaganza for 10 years from 2008, while World Sports Group acquired the global media rights for IPL for 10 years for over $1.5 billion.

Pat Magnarella Management is a full-service management, branding, and marketing services company, which in the past specialised in the music business and later made a foray into sports as well, officials said.

In New Delhi, another investigative wing of the finance ministry, the Directorate of Enforcement, registered a preliminary case against the IPL and its franchisees to probe possible violations of foreign exchange rules and regulations.

The case was registered under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act in a bid to help the directorate's officers search the premises of suspected people, seize incriminating material and hold enquiries, officials said.

A probe by the tax department had first started with the Kochi franchise of IPL last Wednesday. A day after, officials from the income tax department visited various offices of the IPL in Mumbai and questioned its commissioner Lalit Modi.

Based on the documents collected, the tax probe was then extended to other cities as well, following which all the wings of the finance ministry were roped in for parallel investigations.

Finance ministry officials said their main concern was whether ill-gotten money stashed abroad was being brought back into the country, as also whether there was tax evasion by IPL and its franchisees.

The question of free equity to some directors of franchises is also being probed.

Big B gets mistaken for Shah Rukh

Do you see a resemblance between Big B and SRK?
And he's wondering whether 'to take it as a compliment or not'!
To take it as a "compliment or not" that is the question on Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan's mind, who was mistaken for Shah Rukh Khan at the Kuala Lampur International Airport (KLIA).

Big B was on his way back to Mumbai from Malaysia after a conference where an officer mistook him for Shah Rukh.

"Airports are strange places. KLIA is no different from any airport where the staff would immediately recognise any celebrity, except a few exceptions. They mob and ask for pictures and stuff...I oblige...it makes them happy," Amitabh posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com Monday.

"They (Malaysians) seem to be obsessed with our cinema and with our artists. One today, uniformed and medalled, walked past me in the crowded duty free, turned back after expressing some recognition and smiled - 'Hello... Mr. Shah Rukh Khan'," he added.

The 67-year-old is now contemplating about how to take the unusual attribution.

"I am still debating in my head whether I should take this as a compliment or not. For the official to find absolute dedication in his name giving, sends me a healthy feeling," he wrote.

Kolkata Knight Riders thrash Mumbai Indians by 9 wickets

Kolkata Knight Riders ended their IPL campaign on a high note, beating table-toppers Mumbai Indians by a convincing nine-wicket margin in the dead rubber at Eden Gardens on Monday.
Already out of the semifinal reckoning, the hosts put up a splendid all round show and finished in the sixth position with 14 points behind Delhi Daredevils.

Delhi also ended with 14 points but due to their better run-rate (+0.02) they finished one place above Kolkata (-0.34).

Exploiting the slow track, Kolkata restricted the new-look Mumbai Indians to 133 for eight and then overhauled the target with 2.3 overs to spare with Brendon McCullum (57 not out) and Sourav Ganguly (42) playing good knocks at top.

It is for the first time in their last six clashes that Kolkata have defeated Mumbai Indians.

Saurabh Tiwary's sensible 37-ball 46 was cornerstone of Mumbai's total as they made wholesome changes to their side, fielding five new players.

Murali Kartik (2/20) and Shane Bond (2/24) set up the win for Kolkata by their brilliant effort as they restricted Mumbai to their lowest score in this season.

Chasing a modest total, and playing under no pressure, McCullum and skipper Ganguly threw their bat at each and everything and produced the one of the best opening stands for their side in this season.

They rattled up 97 in 13.5 overs to lay the foundation for an easy win.

Ganguly's 36-ball knock had four fours and two sixes and McCullum's 56 ball innings was studded with eight fours.

Ganguly began the scoring by hammering a big six off spinner Ali and McCullum played some really exquisite drives off Ryan McLaren and Dilhara Fernando.

The Sri Lankan paceman was punished by Ganguly too as he was hit for a six and four by the former Indian captain.

Dwayne Bravo, who led the side as Sachin Tendulkar opted to rest, produced a chance to break the partnership but McLaren grassed Ganguly's catch when he was on 22.

At half-way mark, Kolkata were comfortably placed at 72 for no loss but the partnership ended soon with the dismissal of Ganguly.

The local southpaw miscued one shot off R Satish and the ball landed in the hands of Bravo, who nearly messed it up with McLaren.

McCullum and David Hussey (20) then guided the team home comfortably.

Earlier, Mumbai Indians found the going tough after winning the toss as stroke-making was tough on the slow strip and the ball was not coming on to bat.

Ambati Rayudu played a good 27-run cameo down the order to take Mumbai Indians to a fighting total in the dead rubber.

Bond gave Kolkata Knight Riders a perfect start by removing both the openers of the table-toppers, who rested their five players including captain Sachin Tendulkar.

The New Zealander sent back Aditya Tare (1) and Shikhar Dhawan (10) in successive overs, reducing the opponents to 14 for two after they opted to bat.

Thereafter, Tiwary in company of JP Duminy began the repair work although it was difficult to score against Kartik and David Hussey.

From 29 for two in five overs, the left-handed duo added 40 runs in next five overs as Mumbai looked reached 69 for two at the half-way mark.

Young paceman Jaidev Unadkat broke the 63-run third wicket partnership when the left-armer castled Duminy (19) with Mumbai's score reading 77 for three in 12.5 overs.

Tiwary followed suit two balls later, becoming Murali Kartik's first victim as the youngster was caught by Brendon McCullum in the mid-wicket.

Tiwary's knock had four fours and a six off rival skipper Sourav Ganguly and showed that he has the ability to adapt to conditions.

Wickets fell in quick succession after that with stand-in skipper Dwayne Bravo (5) also failing with the bat and it was Rayudu, who played a handy knock before running himself out to gave Mumbai bowlers something to fight for.

Praying for favourable results elsewhere, KKR take on MI

Their semifinal hopes have been revived after the win over Rajasthan Royals but the path still remains difficult for Kolkata Knight Riders as they will be up against table-toppers Mumbai Indians in their final league match of the Indian Premier League on Monday.

Their hope and late resurgence may well fizzle out today if the results go against them. They will have a keen eye on the Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab match, which is some sort of a quarterfinal, for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men.

If Chennai beat Punjab in the first match of the day, then Knight Riders can turn their eye on the next edition.

Only a win by Punjab will keep them alive as then it will boil down to the net run-rate factor.

The run rate will again depend on the outcome of the match between Delhi Daredevils and Deccan Chargers, the last match of the day.

If Delhi beat Deccan, Knight Riders will only need to go past the latter's net run rate, which is currently -0.363. But in case of a Deccan win, Kolkata will have an improbable task of going past Delhi's net run rate which is much healthier at +0.066.

Their comprehensive eight-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals last night had kept their hopes alive but they might soon realise that it's a little late for their resurgence in the tournament.

KKR began the season months in advance with much hype by roping in another World Cup winning coach in Dav Whatmore, bowling coach in Pakistani great Wasim Akram and inspirational Sourav Ganguly back as the captain.

But they have been too inconsistent to make a mark in the event.

"We have played some outstanding cricket, have been poor at times like the game against Punjab and Bangalore recently. We lost the way. We have let important moments slip," skipper Sourav Ganguly has admitted.

Knight Riders would need a miracle to beat Mumbai, the most consistent side of the competition so far, with the required run-rate margin.

Besides the Sachin Tendulkar factor, Mumbai Indians have been the team to beat season as they are the big contenders for the title.

In his 21st year as an international cricketer, Tendulkar is as hungry for runs as a young kid, scoring with ease and command.

At top of the order, Tendulkar has been the leading scorer with 561 runs under his belt with an average of 51.00 that keeps him in contention for an Orange cap holder for the IPL 3.

In the middle order, Ambati Rayudu, Jean-Paul Duminy and their big signing Kieron Pollard have made them a formidable unit. Their bowling is also equally threatening with the fiery opening pair of Zaheer Khan and Lasith Malinga, while off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has given them the variety.

Everything going against them, Knight Riders who had begun their season with a lot of promise, will look to sign off with their heads high in front of their home crowd.

Teams:
Kolkata Knight Riders: Sourav Ganguly (captain), Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, Manoj Tiwary, Cheteshwar Pujara, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), David Hussey, Ajit Agarkar, Murali Kartik, Shane Bond, Ishant Sharma, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshad Khadiwale, Varun Aaron, Charl Langeveldt, Iqbal Abdulla, Eklakh Ahmed, Ajantha Mendis, Mashrafe Mortaza, Chirag Pathak, Ashok Dinda, Rohan Gavaskar, Owais Shah, Brad Hodge, Laxmi Ratan Shukla and Ganapati Vignesh.

Mumbai Indians: Sachin Tendulkar (captain), Ryan McLaren, Sanath Jayasuriya, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, Jean-Paul Duminy, Abhishek Nayar, Saurabh Tiwary, Aditya Tare, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Dwyane Bravo, Dhawal Kulkarni, Abu Nacheem Ahmed, Ali Murtaza, Ishan Malhotra and Graham Napier.

American version of My Name Is Khan to be shorter by 35 minutes

If the name Alan Edward Bell doesn't ring a 'bell' in your mind, then, let us tell you that, he is the same man who is responsible for the crisp editing of 500 Days Of Summer. And it is going to be this man who will very soon be the talk of the nation (or is that 'globe'?), as he is the man responsible for 'taming the hurricane'. For the uninitiated, we are talking about the climax of Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan wherein the characters get stranded due to a hurricane. Post the release of the film in India; while the story and screenplay were appreciated to the hilt, this was one particular scene that was panned by critics alike. But, for its US release, KJo has let Bell's hands to do the talking (read 'snipping').

Karan Johan candidly admits that he was expecting this scene not to work in the same wavelength as the film's story. He also added that, it was for this reason, that he let Bell to do his job (without any interference from him) since he wanted an outsider's perspective to the story. This has now resulted in the chopping of the hurricane scene in the US version of My Name Is Khan. Bell's work will be visible in the film, which releases on May 7th in the US, and will have its subtitles and voiceovers in English for the audiences there.

Defeat Shilpa's Royals, still have a chance to make it to the IPL 2010 semi-finals

Looks like Shah Rukh Khan's many Twitter posts underlining his disappointment with his IPL team, Kolkata Knight Riders' performance finally had some effect on the players. At the match played in Kolkata today, SRK's team scored a comfortable win over Shilpa Shetty's Rajasthan Royals. The Knight Riders restricted the Royals to just 132 runs, and then reached 133 with a spectacular innings from captain Sourav Ganguly.

This result means that Shilpa's Royals are out of the semi-finals race now. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Knight Riders still have an outside chance to make it to the final four of IPL 2010.

And Shah Rukh was there to enjoy the victory today (and the hope for a future semi-final spot) with wife Gauri, kids Aryan and Suhana, and friends Arjun and Mehr Rampal, Sussanne Roshan, Bhavna Pandey (Chunky Pandey's wife), Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, and Neelam. SRK looked absolutely thrilled after the win, and had the crowds at the stadium roaring when he blew them a kiss during the post-match presentation ceremony.

And what of Shilpa? Well, she took the defeat in the right spirit. She tweeted after the match, "Okay RR is officially out now!:( anyway time to restructure and regroup and need to come back with a bigger bang next year! Well done KKR:)"

She continued later, "I undrstand the disappoinmnt.can only say sorry nd thanku 4 the supp.Big hug to u all.somethings r not meant to be..RR will com bak stronger."

And what will SRK and his KKR team be doing now? Celebrating of course. Arjun Rampal wrote on his Twitter page, "Made it, amazing game, wish we had done it in 13 overs. Anyway we won and are still alive. Congrats to all of u as well. Full power party on."

Kolkata Knight Riders crush Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets

Sourav Ganguly hammered an unbeaten 75 to guide Kolkata Knight Riders to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in an IPL match on Saturday.
Captain Ganguly played sheet anchor in KKR's run chase of 133 as he carried his bat through the innings, hitting 11 fours and two sixes in 50 balls to help his side reach the target with 23 balls to spare in front of the home crowd at the Eden Gardens.

Cheteshwar Pujara gave him able support with an unbeaten 38-ball 45 which was studded with five fours and a six as the duo shared a 111-run partnership from 80 balls for the unfinished third wicket.

Ganguly hit the winning runs, a single, off Aaron Finch as the home side reached 133 for two in 16.1 overs.

Earlier, electing to bat, Rajasthan Royals could make 132 for nine with Shane Watson top-scoring with a 26-ball 44.

After Saturday's win, KKR still have an outside chance to qualify for the semifinals with 12 points from 13 matches and a net run rate of minus 0.456.

They still need to beat table toppers Mumbai Indians at the same venue on April 19 in their last league match to have any chance of qualifying for the semifinals.

With Saturday's loss, Rajasthan Royals ended their hopes of making it to the semifinals. They have 12 points after their last league match.

KKR looked like they wanted to win the match in quick time to shore up their net run rate with Ganguly and his opening partner Brendon McCullum smashing 21 runs in first two overs.

Ganguly smashed two fours off Yusuf Pathan in the first over and then followed them with another off Shane Watson in the second over before KKR was pegged back by two quick wickets in a space of three balls in the third over bowled by Kamran Khan.

McCullum (6), who opened along with Ganguly instead of Chris Gayle, was the first to go as he offered a Kamran full toss for a simple catch to square leg fielder Shane Watson. Gayle followed McCullum two balls later for a duck to leave KKR at 22 for two.

The dismissal of two big hitters seemed to have boomeranged KKR plans for a quick win and Ganguly and next man in Cheteshwar Pujara retreated into a shell.

The duo ran mostly in singles and waited for loose balls as KKR 50 came in the eighth over.

By the halfway mark, the home side was 69 for two and two overs later Ganguly decided to open up his arms, smashing a four off Pathan and followed by a six off Adam Voges in the 13th over.

Man behind the movie star

Step into the private world of Bollywood's bigger-than-life superstar with the Discovery Channel's exclusive Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan, which premieres on Sun, April 18 at 9pm on TrueVisions D20.

The world-famous superstar generates Elvis-esque hysteria wherever he goes _ and wherever he is rumoured to be. In 2008, Shah Rukh was even listed among Newsweek's 50 Most Powerful People of the World.

This month, Discovery Channel's exclusive programme Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan unveils the media hoopla he generates in his wake, presenting an intimate portrait of a hardworking self-made man who has conquered and popularised Bollywood.

A one-hour special, Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan premieres Sun, April 18 at 9pm on Discovery Channel.

Nicknamed King Khan, Shah Rukh Khan has been ruling box offices and Bollywood unrivalled for almost two decades. His meteoric rise has been astounding, but even more amazing is his journey to success.

Unlike many Bollywood stars who hail from film dynasties, Shah Rukh comes from a middle-class family and is self-made. A Muslim married to a Hindu, Shah Rukh is not only big in India but in other countries around the world, including those where his films are banned.

Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan explores various facets of the superstar, which make him an icon of the contemporary Indian story. Tracing his humble beginnings _ from a struggling director-wannabe to successful entrepreneur and Bollywood's most bankable star _ the programme deconstructs Shah Rukh's appeal at the cusp of his possible transition to international success via his latest blockbuster, My Name Is Khan.

Fans will also get a peek into the private life of this devoted family man. Hear from those who have followed him over the years and from the man himself, and discover the real Shah Rukh Khan, only on Discovery Channel's Revealed: Shah Rukh Khan.

Shah Rukh Khan gets over KKR defeat, in Kolkata for 17th match!!

Shah Rukh Khan, the King of bollywood who had been dejected by the crushing defeat of KKR in Chennai, seems to have recovered from the blow and says that he will never sell his stake in the team as it was all about passion and would also be present in the city of Joy for the next two matches of Sourav Ganguly’s team on 17th and 19th of April.
In fact, Bollywood’s badshah goes on ridiculing those talking in terms of him losing interest in the team by saying that they did not know that SRK meant perseverance and passion and it was because of these two qualities that he had achieved so much in life. Shah Rukh also tweeted that though there was no chance of his team making to semifinals now, still he would go to Kolkata and work for its win in the remaining two games of the tournament.
Shah Rukh Khan also made it clear that Kolkata Knight Riders was his team and will remain so in future. He was so passionately involved with the game and the team that he would never sell his stake in team.
Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders team, which has big international players like Gayle, McCullum, Ishant Sharma, Murli Karthik etc led by Sourav Ganguly, had to face humiliating defeat by Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team in Chennai. This had made Shah Rukh to apologize to his fans and sponsors about defeat and saying that he would never promise that it could win in future.
Shah Rukh Khan was especially miffed by the fact that while every team in IPL and that includes Preity Zinta’s Punjab and Shilpa Shetty’s Rajasthan Royals, had made it to semifinal stage; Kolkata Knight Riders could not make it even in their third successive outing in the tournament.
But as the day passed away, Shah Rukh Khan got his composer back and now wants to work afresh on his team and its performance. Let’s hope for the best for King Khan.