SRK in Hirani's next!

SRK in Hirani's next!

setting the stage: Shah Rukh Khan

Will co-produce with the banner he convinced Raju to float
Amul Sharma
hitlist@mid-day.com

Shah Rukh Khan had a showdown with producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra some months ago over a film, slated to star him, and to be directed by Rajkumar(Raju)Hirani. But now King Khan has emerged out of the situation a winner!
Making his move
A source close to SRK says, "Shah Rukh might have an image of being a friend in the industry but when someone tries to cross him, he knows how to get back. It is a known fact that Shah Rukh offered to produce Raju's film that is based on Chetan Bhagat's novel, Five Point Someone. It is a known fact that Vidhu is very possessive about his directors. Vidhu didn't take SRK's move too kindly and shot off a letter to express his stance. Shah Rukh sat on the letter for over four months and has finally made his move now."
It is reliably learnt that the actor and Hirani had a hush-hush meeting in the past week. Adds the source, "At the meeting Shah Rukh convinced Hirani to float his own banner. The first film that the director will make will be a joint venture with Shah Rukh's Red Chillies. But prior to this, Hirani will finish Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Idiot, which stars Aamir Khan and Kajol. The film goes on the floors this year-end."
Shah Rukh, however, denied any such meeting with Hirani. The actor simply said an emphatic "No" when quizzed about the project. Hirani remained unavailable for comment.
The new project, it is reliably learnt, will be backed by Eros International.