KBC 3(with srk) : Concept and Articles - Page 61

'MY MIDDLE CLASS

Shah Rukh Khan on life after Kaun Banega Crorepati

Princy Jain
Print Edition of HT

Hosting a television show Was great fun. I know it sound s clichd but that's the truth. Professionally it's been very smooth. I didn't even realise that the first season had come to an end.

Of course, it's been tiring, but that's the difference between films and television. The show is based on a set format. So the biggest challenge is to innovate daily within that format. Role reversal Besides getting the money and answers right, the person on the hot seat has one other thing on his mind. He says to himself, "I don't want to make a fool of myself." When I came as a contestant, I was conscious of that too. Also, I was very curious about how it all works. Now, as a host I know it all.

But I'm sure if I ever come as a guest again, I'll still be bothered about not making a fool of myself. Us and them It's strange, but I find myself much closer to reality now. From dawn to sunset, my day is spent in fulfilling creative dreams. No matter how much I've always maintained and spoken about my middle class upbringing, somewhere the touch with the reality was waning.

Being at the studios for years, everything is larger than life for me. From films to my roles, to the hoardings on the road, everything is getting bigger by the day. As the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati, I met normal people and realised what it's like to lead a life, where means are an end in themselves. And some values don't change. For instance, no matter how big or small a person, everyone loves their children to death, everyone has a lucky day and everyone believes in God. Madame Tussauds Yes. Tussauds feels awesome as one would feel after winning two crores. It's momentous since it reflects the significance and reach of the Indian entertainment industry.

On a personal note, if this had happened six years ago, it would have been the ultimate achievement for me. But today, after having come closer to reality, it's been humbling, which makes it special.

Shah Rukh Khan winds up KBC with nostalgia and generosity

Shah Rukh closed Kaun Banega Crorepati on a note of nostalgia and surprising generosity, gifting expensive watches and cars!

When Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan agreed to host the superhit Kaun Banega Crorepati Quiz program on the Star Plus channel, there was a mini storm in the media cup. Crazy fans of Amitabh Bachchan – who was the original host of the show – and of SRK held their breath as they perceived the move as the finale chapter of the legendary Bachchan-Khan war of silent disapproval.

In most interviews, the Big B refused to comment on SRK's style or performance and his silence was, to say the least, taken as complete condemnation of SRK's way of handling the super successful quiz show.

At the start of the season, Shah Rukh Khan was smart enough to defer to the Big B lest he came a cropper. He claimed he was asked to host the show two years ago, when Big B opted out because of illness and surgery. "I refused it then, because the show belongs to Mr. Bachchan.

"This time, however, when Star TV approached me I asked them to make sure that Mr. Bachchan definitely did not want to do the show this season. Only when the channel produced a letter to prove that Mr. Bachchan wanted to opt out, I accepted the assignment."

The most attractive part of SRK's anchoring was his wonderful body language and humour!

"Shah Rukh's greatest asset is his body language," say a loyal fan. "Every turn of his dimpled face shows his nature. He is everyone's well-wisher and truly wants all people from every strata of society to do well. "There is apparently not a mean bone in his body. He has no starry airs and talks like the boy next door. Even if this is a put on, his courtesy and compassion are attractive. His repartee is rib tickling and humour, truly funny. He is comfortable with the lingo of the common man and speaks with an appealing sense of equality with everyone. "The secret of his riveting presence is that he enjoys the show hugely and that is obvious in every move of his body. His energy is mind-blowing! By far, he is the top star of Bollywood, and now even Latin Diva Shakira, who performed her signature item 'Hips Don't Lie' in Mumbai recently, has said that she admires him and would love to work with him!"

Super show of generosity at the end of KBC season!

SRK himself believes he had done a good job as a host.

"To begin with, there was a great deal of criticism because audiences missed Mr. Bachchan's voice and style. But I settled down and then the going was good." He says.

"The show is seen by an average of nine million people in India and other countries and I enjoyed every minute of it."

As the show comes to the end of its first season, there is a distinct air of nostalgia in the air. SRK himself is feeling a little sad to take leave of the many contestants and audiences that he has interacted with in the past months.

"They were real people with dreams in their eyes," he said, "It was a welcome change for me. When I make films, I stay on the sets and meet people only from the film industry. But here were people who live real lives out there, and they come from all walks of life."

"People want my advice to improve or set up their businesses!" – says SRK

"I can't believe this," exclaims Shah Rukh Khan, "But KBC participants have been wanting to consult me for their businesses or even start films! They are talking to my office and are sending mails that they have saved the prize amount to devote to this end. I don't mind helping them out with their business plans and will surely meet them after KBC closes for this season.

"At the moment, my plans are to devote the next few months to develop the special effects division of my studio and make it world class! Film technology is going ballistic and we want to make the best facilities available to producers in India."

"My mother did not know that she would produce a joker!"

Evidently, Shah Rukh Khan has been adding new skills to his repertoire. He is an actor, an anchor or host on TV and live shows, a humorist, a dancer, a sharp businessman and now an icon to ambitious young people who want to achieve success in their lives. But what he enjoys most is being a joker!

"When my mother was expecting me, she prayed to God that He should give her a happy child. Little did she know that she would produce a joker!" he says.

news.sawf.org

"I try never to be in a bad mood"

You've finished shooting for the first season of KBC, what are your thoughts right now?

I'm feeling a little bad that the first season is almost over. I'm going to miss it.

Were you apprehensive in the beginning?

As an artist, I always do something for myself and then hope others will like it. That's how I approached KBC also. The initial feedback that I got from the core team was that I was making it too light and funny. Chances were that it could go wrong, but chances were also that it could go right. I decided to give it a shot anyway.

How do you explain the intense speculation on the TRP of the show?

I did get angry when a national newspaper carried a page one story on how the show's TRP is falling. I took it personally but better sense prevailed. I took on the show as a challenge and told myself that I'll do it my way.

Did you learn something about yourself during the show?

I learnt that I could reach the shooting in time. Jokes aside, I always knew that I could pick up things fast but KBC reinforced it. I also realised that I can connect with people and maybe that's why I work as a movie star. It's a nice feeling to know that people don't mind me.

With so much interaction with so many people, do you ever feel that you have to always be in a good mood?

I try never to be in a bad mood. I understand that people who come on the show want to take back a good memory. That way, I'm quite magnanimous. Personally, I'm a recluse and I tell myself that I've to be with people for only six hours. So I try to make the most of it.

What's the best compliment you've got for the show?

I think it's what Siddharth (Basu) said, "That boy is a joy to watch. Even friends like Ashutosh (Gowariker) send me nice messages like, "Shah, it looks like you've been doing this all your life." Last night my son, Aryan told me, "Papa, you know, this show is awesome." When I asked him what he meant by it, he said, "My friends in school tell me that they see your show and that my dad is awesome."

So when Amitabh Bachchan says that "SRK is fine" on the show, how do you interpret the word 'fine'?

It's okay. It's not that important either to me or to him. I'm sure he watches the show but because there are rumours of problems between us, the word 'fine' takes on another meaning. To me, a buzz is more important than a singular reaction.

Is it true that there is soon going to be a biopic on you?

Not at all. The guys at Madame Tussauds want to shoot a documentary on the making of my wax statute. That's all. Anyway, biopics are made on guys who didn't achieve much or who are no longer doing anything.

Do you feel like it's time to sit down and sort it out with Samajwadi party leader, Amar Singh?

I've nothing to sort with anyone. It's just that I don't like people coming outside my house and making my family uncomfortable. I don't deserve it and neither does my family.

Why did you say that you're a "demented Pathan" in a recent interview?

What I meant was that I'm capable of handling 20 people on my own. I can even handle 20,000 people because I'm a Pathan. Like the Rajputs, Pathans are considered warriors. My father was a Pathan who fought for the freedom of my country and I have the same genes. That said, I'm courteous to everyone. It's just that I didn't like certain things said about me. It was said that my wife should apologise. My wife will never apologise to anyone on my account. When I came to Mumbai, I told my friends that whatever work I do in life, I'll never embarass my family.

cities.expressindia.com

Gandhigiri makes its way on KBC....

Munnabhai's comic pair Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani appear in the special celebrity episode of KBC this week. Sanjay and Boman will dash the spirit of goodness as practiced in their movie Munnabhai. In their riveting humour and ishtyle, the pair will get on with the game, as the star host- SRK, warmly welcomes them to celebrate the Gandhi's dictum 'Kar bhala toh ho bhala', as he invites them to play for a noble cause!

As the show proceeds with a comical sidekick, Sanjay tries out some of his popular Munnabhai frolics playing along, he once tries to slide an earphone in jest to aid him with an answer, while he is caught by Boman and SRK! Sometimes even consulting Bapu (the famous imaginary character of Munnabhai-2) whom, only he can see, to guide him to the correct answers. All the three master pranksters (SRK, Sanjay and Boman) pull a fast one on Arshad Warsi (aka Circuit, the trusted aide of Munnabhai), when they call him to tell that he is on their Phone-A-Friend, helpline as they are stuck on the big- 2 crore question! Arshad, caught completely off-guard, becomes numb and topples over to just guess an answer, of the hard-hitting question. SRK surprises the audiences, as he tells them about Sanjay's hidden talent of 'air guitaring' and requests him to demonstrate a small piece of his skill on the show. He requests Boman to sing the International popular number- 'We are the world...' that had originally been sung by various artistes. At this Boman leaves everyone jaw dropped as he actually modulates his voice singing and mimicking all the original singers! Catch the two hour special on March 29 at 9 pm.

http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=15337

Salman sets up NGO

By: Upala KBR
March 31, 2007

Say na something: Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif

Telling it like it is: Shah Rukh Khan

In a recent interview to HiTLIST, Shah Rukh Khan had hinted that he was planning a big coup on Kaun Banega Crorepati 3.

Now, we've discovered SRK's big secret. SRK has roped in Salman Khan and girlfriend Katrina Kaif for a special episode of KBC3, which will air in April.

The episode has already been filmed and Salman and Kat have won Rs 50 lakh, which they will donate to the Salman Khan Foundation.

Says the source, "Salman has applied to register the foundation, which will help the poor and needy."

The special episode will be aired on Star Plus on April 19. When contacted, Katrina was hesitant, saying, "I can't comment on how much we won and which organisation we have donated the money to. You will have to ask Salman or Shah Rukh about that."

Pehli baar

A source from the channel says, "It's one of those rare events. Salman and Shah Rukh have come together for the first time in the history of Indian TV. The special episode will also feature Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor.

It has been reported that they are professional rivals, but going by the friendly banter between them on the KBC sets, one would never have guessed. It was a very warm and friendly atmosphere."

Salim Khan on the SKF

Salim Khan says that they are in the process of setting up the Salman Khan Foundation.

"We are getting the legalities formalised. It's a foundation that will take up the cause of needy and deserving people in society, people who want to do something but don't have the means.

The SKF will give them financial backing and will also provide money for important things like heart surgeries and other medical emergencies."

http://www.mid-day.com/hitlist/2007/march/154513.htm

"...I find myself much closer to reality now" - SRK

By Krishna Jewel, AllBollywood.com Staff
March 29, 2007

New Delhi: Princy Jain of Hindustan Times recently had the pleasure of interviewing SRK in a candid ten-minute conversation over the phone.

The KBC experience Was great fun. I know it sounds cliched, but that's the truth. Professionally it has been very smooth. I didn't even realise that the first season had come to an end. Of course, it's been tiring, but that's the difference between film and television. The show is based on a set format. So the biggest challenge is to innovate daily within the format.

Role Reversal Besides getting the money and the answers right, the person on the hot seat has one other thing on his mind. He says to himself, "I don't want to make a fool of myself." When I came as a contestant, I was conscious of the same. Also, I was very curious about how it all works. Now, as a host I know it all.

But I'm sure, if I come as a guest once again, I will still be bothered about not making a fool of myself.

Us and them It is strange, but I find myself much closer to reality now. From sunup to sunset my day is spent in fulfilling creative dreams. No matter how much I have always maintained and spoken about my middle class upbringing, somewhere the touch with the reality was waning.

Being in the arclights for years, everything is larger than life for me. From the films to the roles, to the hoardings on the road, everything is getting bigger by the day. As the host of KBC, I met normal people and realised what it's like to live a life, where means are an end in themselves. And some values unchanging. For instance, no matter how big or small a person, everyone loves their children to death, everyone has a lucky day, everyone believes in God...

Madame Tussauds Yes. It feels awesome as one would feel after winning two crores. It is momentous since it reflects the significance and reach of the Indian entertainment industry. On a personal note, had this happened six years back, it would have been the ultimate achievement for me. But today, after having come closer to reality, it has been humbling for me, which makes it special.

http://www.allbollywood.com/v2/bd/stc/nws/2007/3/29/23208.sh tml

Shah Rukh Khan winds up KBC

Shah Rukh Khan is all set to wind up this season of KBC and he doesn't want anyone to go without winning something. So the way out is to gift all the contestants with a Hundai Santro car. Yes, you have heard this strategy earlier and even Shah Rukh remembers it- The Oprah Winfrey Act! But whatever be the strategy, no contestant from the nine players will go empty-handed on the last day of the season which will be on the 28th of March.

Also Shahrukh's cordial gesture with the participants behind the scenes has ended in his secretary settling business partnership offers with the contestants. And SRK is seriously pondering upon some of the offers. I tell you that he is a sweetheart!

http://bollywood.celebden.com/?cat=8

SRK puts BIg B on the hotseat

JYOTHI PRABHAKAR
[ 31 Mar, 2007 2040hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK >

KBC's present and ex star anchors have decided to put rumours about a rift between them to rest by appearing on the show together.

Now this is a story worth telling – in fact, it's a scoop! It's not an unknown fact that there was a slight, though unspoken, tussle of egos between the two kings of Bollywood – one who goes by the title of Badshah (that's Shah Rukh Khan) and the other, the Shahenshah, Amitabh Bachchan.

Well, seems like they've decided to bury the hatchet, and set to rest all the rumours that were doing the rounds by teaming up for... hold your breath... the final episode of this season's Kaun Banega Crorepati!

"We're thrilled with this development. Can you imagine what a coup it's going to be when Amitabh finally sits on the hotseat? And the two had a blast while shooting for the episode,"says a Star representative.

So, what happened to their 'war'? Laughs SRK, "Even I don't know. In fact, when I returned from NY after shooting for KANK and went to see Amitji, who was in hospital at that time, he laughed and greeted me with, 'oh, now what will everyone write?' I was glad to know that all that had appeared in the media did not affect him in the least."

Adds a mutual friend, "Differences? Not at all! In fact, at that time, Shah Rukh was keeping close tabs on Amitabh's health from NY.

He was in a hurry to return so he could personally visit Amitji ASAP. Shah Rukh was very sweet."Ask the same question to Bachchan senior and he responds in his usual cryptic manner, "You tell me. You guys seem to know all about it better than I do."

So, how did the channel manage to persuade both of them? The mutual friend tells us as it is, "It happened when both SRK and Amitji met on the sets of Yash Raj's next, titled Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. Both are to do a guest appearance in the film, which is to be directed by Shaad Ali and will have Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta in the lead. One evening, when we were all waiting for the rain to stop, Shah Rukh jokingly told Amitji that he would like to quiz Big B on the hotseat, to which AB replied, 'Theek hai. Aap questions taiyyar kariye, mein jawab dhoondne lagta hoon.' I guess this got around and in no time, the Star guys approached them."

And that's how the ball got rolling. Enthuses Shailaja Kejriwal, Star's programming head, "The two shared a great camaraderie on the sets of KBC. Both of them knew the format well, and would joke around like two old college buddies."Reveals SRK, "Now, will everyone believe that we're friends?

We've even discussed doing a sequel to my Don. Impatient as I am, I just can't wait to finalise Don II. Just wait and watch, we'll rock the world together!"

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City_Supplements/Delhi_Ti mes/SRK_puts_BIg_B_on_the_hotseat/articleshow/1839331.cms

KBC experience will make me a better actor: Shah Rukh Khan

31st Mar 2007 22.00 IST
By Agencies

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has said the experience of hosting television show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) will make him a better actor.

Talking to reporters recently on the sets of the game show at Film City in suburban Mumbai, SRK said he was feeling bad that the show is coming to an end.

''Over the last three months, I met over 100 contestants and interacted with them backstage as well. Belief in god, love for children and sense of humour was common trait among all contestants. There should be an essence of simplicity in our lives. I think the experience of interacting with different kinds of people will make a positive difference in my acting skills,'' SRK said.

The 52-episode season will end on April 20 and the actor will shoot the last episode on Wednesday. ''There will be a sense of emptiness with me when the show ends. Earlier, I felt 52 episodes would be too long and now I am feeling that the season is coming to an end so soon,'' SRK added.

''I will miss the fear of coming to KBC sets,'' the King Khan added.

Speaking about his experience on the show, SRK said he had tried to bring humour, entertainment and ease on the sets while interacting with contestants.

Lauding the efforts of the KBC crew for their prcised programming, SRK said the backend was amazingly handled for this show, which is a serious entertaining stuff.

To a question on criticism that he was awkward in the initial episodes and later comfortably settled in the role of an anchor, SRK said, ''It is true that I am restless and move a lot. I have read media reports that I was awkward initially. May be it's true. Even Siddharth Basu and other members of the crew would bring it to my notice.''

SRK said as a KBC host, he was closest to what he was in real life.

When asked about difference between the show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan and himself, SRK said the difference lay in the personalities of the hosts involved. Each has his own individual style. Novelty of the show has its own success ratio. Besides, it has great production value.

''I have my own style. I cant say whether it was good or bad. I am just doing my job. Comparisons should not have been made. But, they were inevitable. I do not look back on the work I have done. In fact, I do not even watch my own films,'' SRK added.

To a question on the gifts he presented to contestants who did not do well, SRK said ''I have a sense of humour and am easy with people. Presenting contestants with gifts was a spontaneous thought. The gifts like my personal watches were given to very young contestants whom I genuinely felt should do well in life.''

Presenting Santro cars to nine contestants on Tuesday night's episode was a gesture on part of the car manufacturers to make the contestants feel special. ''It was not a commercial aspect. I think I played my part as a host in making my guests feel at home and very special,'' SRK added.

SRK said the second season will begin by the end of this year or early 2008 depending on adjustment of his dates with that of Siddharth Basu's Synergy Adlabs and Star India.

http://apunkachoice.com/scoop/interviews/20070331-0.html

Salman Khan unveils NGO on KBC

By IndiaFM News Bureau, March 31, 2007 - 12:18 IST

Salman Khan has received a lot of flak for his infamous deeds in the past. However, the actor has made genuine efforts to rectify his image ever since. After extending financial help to a cancer-stricken child, the brawny actor has decided to institutionalize the cause of helping the disadvantaged.

Salman has applied for the registration of an NGO called the Salman Khan Foundation, which will render support to the poor and needy masses. He decided to throw light on his cause in a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 3. Hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, the episode was shot recently with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif on the hot seats. It is speculated that the duo have won a prize amount of Rs. 50 lakh on the particular show, which they will forward to the Salman Khan Foundation.

It is learned that Bollywood babes Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor will also be seen together in that episode of KBC.

http://www.indiafm.com/news/2007/03/31/9194/index.html