My films are competing with each other: Kareena

With 'Ra.One' touted to cross the 100-crore mark at the box office as it releases this Diwali, Kareena Kapoor is staring at her fourth film to achieve such a feat and the actress says it is great that her films are competing with each other.

Her earlier films '3 Idiots', 'Golmaal 3' and 'Bodyguard' grossed more than Rs 100 crores and 'Ra.One' might become Kareena's fourth film to break the box office record, making her the only actor in the history of Indian cinema to achieve this feat.

"It is a wonderful stint to be a part of. To have such great successes like '3 Idiots', 'Golmaal 3' and 'Bodyguard' with Aamir, Ajay and Salman is a wonderful thing. Now with Shahrukh, I am looking forward to 'Ra. One'.

"I keep hearing all such fantabulous box office figures every now and then. If 'Ra.One' indeed manages to do as well as predicted, then nothing better than that. My films are competing with my own films and that is a great feeling," Kareena told PTI.

'Bodyguard' netted over 100 crores in it's extended first week and 'Ra.One' may break the record with a much bigger release on the extended weekend of Diwali.

With such commercial successes in her kitty, Kareena, 31, is well aware of the number game in Bollywood and says the commercial viability of a star is important.

"In this industry you are as good as your last film. Eventually it is all about the commercial viability of the stars. Bollywood is about entertainment; this is what sells here and we can't change that. In fact we must not try to change that and balance it all."

"I may try to please everyone but at the end of it all, basically I have to entertain my fans. I can never forget that basic aspect of my journey as an actress," Kareena said.

It was this thought that made her sign a film like 'Bodyguard' where she knew that the focus would be on co-star Salman Khan. "Bodyguard is the only film in my career where I knew that it would be an instant blockbuster on it's release. Yes there was Salman in it, which is a huge factor, but ultimately I believed in the power of the script."

"Regardless of what is sold about the movie, ultimately there has to be something in it that clicks with the audience, else it won't work. 'Bodyguard' had a superb story and some fantastic twists that added to the film's appeal. Otherwise, as a brand, the film wouldn't have been successful in all languages," she said.

Talking about language, Kareena seems to be having some fun time in 'Ra. One', what with her on-screen son reprimanding her for mouthing words that sound like abuses. "That was sheer fun. I enjoy doing comedy and now after 'Golmaal Returns' and 'Golmaal 3', my role in 'Ra.One' too is a light hearted one. I play this fun loving wife of Shahrukh Khan in the film. There is a lot of 'gaali galaauj' here but then these are words that just seem like 'gaalis' instead of being the real ones. So no stress here."

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Bollywood pays its last respects to Jagjit Singh

Several film personalities came down to Chandanwadi crematorium in Marine Lines, South Mumbai, at noon on Tuesday to say their last goodbyes to ghazal singer Jagjit Singh, who passed away early Monday morning.

Sonu Nigam appeared visibly upset as he spoke of the late singer. "We know ghazals only because of one man -- Jagjit Singh. It's such sad news that he is not present among us today. The loss is irreparable. He was such a lively person. I am shocked. I don't know how he succumbed to his illness. A few days ago, there was news that the hospital had removed the ventilators and his health was improving. His contribution not only to music but the world of entertainment is priceless. He was not only a ghazal singer but he also sang spiritual songs, bhajans and gurbanis. He also sang romantic Hindi film songs.

"He is the only person who has never seen a downfall in his career. Every actor and singer must face downfall but Jagjit Singh just kept rising. He was so active; he sang till the age of 70. I had met him recently during the voting of the GIMA awards. I'd pulled his cheeks and had so much fun. I didn't know we would be meeting for the last time. He was planning to go for a tour to America next year," Sonu added.

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Poonam Pandey Photo Shoot 3

Hi friends .. after yesterday's article about the poonam pandey. today we are going share a video. The another reason Why Poonam Pandey is still trending in twitter. So without wasting your time .. lets have a look...

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Foreign singers: Did 'Chammak Challo' set a trend?

New Delhi: Shah Rukh Khan's highly publicized film 'Ra.One' boasts of ultra modern robots and fine animation technique, in addition to Kareena Kapoor's foot tapping number 'Chammak Challo'.

International pop star Akon is coming to India with 'Chammak Challo'. The presence of Akon's name on the credit list makes the song a potential hit, and its catching up fast too. However, Akon is not the first big international star to feature in Hindi film industry.

The trend of foreign singers lending their voice to Indian numbers had started with stalwarts such as Mehdi Hasan and Ghulam Ali. They ruled the ghazal scenario in India for a long time, till Jagjit Singh, Chandan Das and some others made their entries. 

Mehdi Hasan avoided playback singing, but Ghulam Ali accepted BR Chopra's request to sing in 'Nikaah'.

These two singers paved the way for many others to enter the broad Indian music market.

Reshma had become quite a sensation in Pakistan till 1981. Her credits included super popular tracks as 'dama dam mast kalandar' and 'ankhiyon ko rehne de', and thus she was approached by Subhash Ghai, who was looking for a haunting voice for 'Hero'.

The immensely successful song became the anthem of separated lovers and many other foreign singers booked their tickets for Mumbai, the film hub.

Several good voices, inspired by the vocal accomplishments of Reshma and Runa Laila appeared on the scene but none of them became the golden voice to look out for.

Then arrived one of the greatest singers of all time, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The phenomenal success of his non commercial albums earned him the respect and place in the industry as the most sought after musician in Bollywood.

He hit the bull's eye with the film music too. 'Aur Pyar Ho Gaya', 'Kachche Dhaage', 'Kartoos', 'Bandit Queen', 'Dillagi' and 'Dhadkan', whatever he touched as singer or composer turned into gold.

Moderately popular Samantha Fox also came to India during mid 90's, on the invitation of Bappi Lahiri. She sang in the Govinda-starrer Rock Dancer, but the song and the film, both flopped. An era finished with the unexpected demise of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

The new epoch began in the new millennium and a whole new breed of NRI singers started to gain ascendance throughout the world.

Some of them decided to feature in Bollywood. Adnan Sami, the famous pianist, get all the right breaks and hogged the limelight initially but soon other singers such as Veronica, Rishi Rich, and Jay Sean sang to the tunes of Indian composers. Anu Malik directed them in 'Kya Kool Hai Hum'. Snoop Dogg sang for Akshay Kumar's 'Singh is King' as per the notes of music director Pritam.

Music maestro A.R. Rahman is also introducing Italian-Canadian singer Natalie Di Luccio in Imtiaz Ali's upcoming film 'Rockstar'. Rahman is known for his unusual choice of singers, and thus Natalie Di Luccio is sure to be noticed at least.

As far as the Indian film music industry and role of foreigners in it is concerned, Pakistanis dominated the scene.

Firstly, it was Strings, then Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and then Atif Aslam. These three associated with Adnan Sami hoisted the Pakistani flag higher than ever.

Now, when a singer of Akon's stature has landed, this might be another turning point for foreign singers' in India, as these international stars are constantly looking for new markets. The continuously emerging global market of India could be the platform they are searching for.

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Hot finale with Kat, Imran and semi-nude men

As is the case with most fashion week finales, the one of VHIMW'11 too had spectators wait endlessly before the designer duo, Karan Johar and Varun Bahl, could weave their 'Mediterranean dream' on stage.

The trials and tribulations were soon put to rest once the much awaited finale commenced.

'Mediterranean Magic and Bollywood': A vision of 'Mediterranean chic'that the designer-duo wished to present was high on Bollywood with Imran Khan opening the show. Dressed in charcoal black jacket and a pair of white trousers, the enviable combination reflected spelled sensuality, luxury and high-class fashion.

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Ranbir Kapoor milks cows

Actors go any length to get into the skin of their characters in their films, and to promote them. Ranbir Kapoor is no exception.

The actor was recently spotted living with a Jat family in the outskirts of Delhi to experience their lifestyle as a part of a research for his character in his upcoming film, Rockstar, directed by Imtiaz Ali. Ranbir plays Janardan Jakhar, the youngest son in a traditional Jat family and it was important for him to pick up their mannerisms to play his role to perfection.

Imtiaz and Ranbir spent an entire day with a family based in the outskirts of Delhi. They were seen hanging around with the boys of the family, sleeping on the cots, eating out at the local dhabas and enjoying hookah in the evening. In fact, Ranbir was even seen helping men in the family milk cows, says a source from the unit.

The source continues, It was such an amusing sight and everyone was in splits. The duo learnt a lot about the lifestyle of a typical Jat family and also had a great time doing things they wouldnt get to experience otherwise.

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No visa for Badrinath; Poonam Pandey to replace Sachin Tendulkar!

 

The hyperactive selection committee chaired by Krishnamachari Srikkanth took a sensational decision on Tuesday. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajiv Shukla told the media on Monday that S Badrinath is not in a position to fly out to England as replacement for the injured Sachin Tendulkar. And then the bombshell – literally and figuratively! Jaws dropped as he told the huge gathering of mediapersons that Poonam Pandey will be flying out as reinforcement!

Shukla explained,”Badrinath had some issues getting his visa and the selectors were left with very little options as most deserving and available cricketers have already been sent as replacements to England. The only worthy person who came across our mind in the present scenario is Ms. Pandey as she seems to be more passionate about Indian cricket than any other Indian cricketer.”

Shukla also explained the reasons behind her selection, “The entire country will recall how much Poonam wanted to help Team India during the World Cup. We didn’t need her then because the boys were performing. The selectors felt her passion and presence in the dressing room will help the team to rise to the occasion (no pun intended!).”

Sources close to Team India say that the players have not been as excited as they are now on hearing that Ms Poonam will be joining them in the dressing room. Apparently, even Yuvraj has submitted his fitness certificate to the BCCI and has made himself available when the next person reports unfit. But while an injury could be a possibility, it’s unlikely anybody is going to reveal it!

One media person fired the expected question that everyone in the gathering wanted to ask: “Mr Shukla, can you tell us if Ms Poonam will be stripping nude in the dressing room to motivate our team?”

Shukla, deadpan as ever, replied: “It’s common knowledge that players roam around in various state of nudity in the dressing room anywhere in the world. That’s a private area… err, I mean the dressing room….What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!”

Another reporter tried to pin down Shukla by asking him what experience Ms Poonam has as a cricketer.

Shukla grinned, knowing fully well that the question would be asked,”What experience I had as a cricketer to become BCCI vice-president? Jokes apart, her motivational act is one of the most awaited event in Indian cricket, ahead of even Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th international hundred. Let me reveal something…when the Indian team was doing badly in the initial stages of the World Cup, it was Ms Poonam’s motivation that powered India to the World Cup win. Public memory maybe short, but the BCCI’s memory is not.”

The media wanted to know about the role Ms Poonam would be playing. “Well, she can bat well, bowl a bit, and is a brilliant strip…err… I meant a brilliant slip. She will also be multi-tasking as the team’s masseuse.”

 Shukla said once Poonam joins the team, the boys will start performing well.

“Poonam has an extremely fit body as all of you would unquestionably have noted. She will raise the fitness standards of the Indian team. The benefits will be seen in our fielding and no one will call us donkey again!” opined Shukla.

Before the day ended, news from the grapevine has it that Veena Malik will motivate Team Pakistan the way Ms Poonam motivates Team India!

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Hot Poonam Pandey keeps her promise; tweets new picture

19-year-old model Poonam Pandey, who recently made headlines for posting her semi-nude photographs supposedly to motivate the beleagured Indian Cricket team, has kept her promise of posting a fresh picture on Twitter everyday the team takes on the field.

Poonam wrote on her Twitter page, “very time Team India takes the field, my heart beats faster. Come on India, Let d World kno we r No.1 " Motivational Surprise" on its Way!"


While sharing the picture she said, “My Country, My Team..... Lets Win the World... Luv u all u muwwwaaaaaahhh!! Xoxo.”

Poonam shot to limelight when she made statement to strip for the Indian team if they win the 2011 World Cup. But the controversial model did not strip despite India’s success. Later, she claimed that she will strip whenever and wherever the team asks her to.

On Monday, she tweeted to post a new picture every time India takes the field, "Time for Men in Blue to Win ne how at ne Cost!!! Will b Releasing a sensational Pic as they get on the field!! i am with them! keep Watching."

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Ra.One is simply MINDBLOWING!!

To start with, we, at Box Office India, had the privilege to watch a sizeable portion and songs of Shah Rukh Khan’s ambitious venture RA.One. we were, and still are, speechless. It’s simply MINDBLOWING, and needless to say, every single scene is a treat for cinema lovers. After the film releases on October 26, we’ll have to coin a better word to describe the film than GRANDEUR.
It’s hard to pick a highlight of the film because every scene is awesome, and the SFX is definitely at par with Hollywood standards. King Khan says his proudest moment will be when someone asks if this film was actually made in Bollywood, and he replies, “Yes, RA.One was made in a studio in Andheri, Mumbai.” And mark our words, it will be a proud moment for not just SRK but for the film fraternity as well as cine lovers.
We were also privy to the RA.One merchandise, which SRK and his team have worked so hard on. Again, the merchandise is of international standards. In short, this film is expected to not only create history at the ticket window but also in every aspect of Indian filmmaking and marketing.

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FORCE song: Khwabon Khwabon

Check out the lovely number from Force, starring John Abraham and Genelia D’souza

Directed by Nishikanth Kamath, Force is a romantic-action thriller – a remake of Tamil film Kaakha Kaakha starring Surya and Jyothika. Check out John and Genelia’s chemistry and tell us if you like it!

Yashvardhan (John Abraham) is a hard-headed senior narcotics officer who doesn’t play by the book but always ensures that justice is served. He believes that the only way to eradicate crime is to give criminals the bullet – not hand cuffs. In the midst of his most dangerous and significant operation to crack down on India’s drug cartels, Yashvardhan encounters a ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing until he gets his revenge for the damage done to his business by the narcotics team. He also meets the free-spirited Maya (Genelia), whose love pushes him to make a choice between the life he already knows and the life he could have with her. Yashvardhan’s decision to let happiness and normalcy into his life changes his life forever.

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India's First Social Game for Ra.One

India's First Social Game for Ra.One

Actor-producer Shah Rukh Khan’s latest offering, Ra.One, has roped in UTV Indiagames to design a social game based on the film. A first in India, the social game would be based on the character G.One and would have its own identity. The game is part of Red Chillies’ efforts to woo users in the digital space. The company is investing around $3-4 million (Rs 13-18 crore) for the film's online promotion. “This is different from what we have done so far in Bollywood. Games have been used as part of the marketing strategy. But these (social games) are just one-off games. In the case of Ra.One, we work with the character and create stories around it,” says UTV Indiagames chief executive Vishal Gondal. Social games are played as a way of social interaction. Successful social games include Farmville, Cityville and Mafia War. Globally, social gaming is a $1-billion market. According to the Ficci-KPMG Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2011, India accounts for an estimated 8-10 million social media gamers. Zynga, one of the most successful social game developers, has close to 270 million active monthly users, with almost five per cent of this base paying to play an advance version of the game. Indiagames has already invested around Rs 4.5 crore in developing the game. The social games would be based on a freemium model, which means while the primary game would be free, users would have to pay for advanced features and accessories. Each of these microtransactions would range between Rs 5 and Rs 100. The social games targeted at the mass market would be launched across platforms like mobiles, tablet PCs, the direct-to-home platform and social networking sites like Facebook. “The games would also be targeted at gamers across countries. People who know about Shah Rukh Khan and Ra.One would probably come and play, but the idea is to take it to gamers who like to play superhero games,” says Gondal. According to Red Chillies Entertainment digital and new media head Shailja Gupta, the idea behind the digital marketing is to create a franchisee for Ra.One. “Social gaming is just one part of the digit marketing strategy. The unique part of the social game is the integration of merchandise and gaming. Never before has anyone tried this model in India,” she says. UTV Indiagames would also develop digital comics based on the Ra.One character. The comic available for the mobile platform would have weekly episodes. Gupta explains G.One is first of-its-kind Indian superhero brand with full-fledged merchandising and licensing plans. “In a novel approach, G.One transforms the character of a silver screen superhero into a multifaceted franchise, from graphic novels to social games and action figures. The G.One brand and the franchise has been conceptualised keeping in mind two identities—G.One and Little G.One—who live in parallel universes. We bring to you action figures, toys, graphic novels, home furnishing, fashion accessories, back-to-school, mobile, social and console games, graphic card, mobiles and much more,” she adds. As part of the digital strategy, Red Chillies, along with UTV Indiagames, would also launch digital comics for the mobile platform. The comics would have weekly episodes for users. Gupta adds the company plans to build on the superhero concept, rather than just Shah Rukh Khan. “We want to create an experience for the user around Ra.One, and we would want to exploit the digital medium for this experience,” said Gupta. In case of the Ra.One social game, the business model would be similar to what is being used online, except the merchandising aspect would be much more integrated. The merchandise to be sold in the market would have a coupon with a unique code. This would allow the user to get information on the game and also initiate them into it. It would also have a reward system, through which a gamer can buy virtual merchandise and goods. Console game manufacturer and developer Sony Playstation will develop the game for its various consoles. Ra.One-The Game, would be available for all PSP models. Sony PS has developed a full-cycle console game, which offers more than 20 game environments. The total cost of developing and promoting the game is over $1 million. Source: Business standard http://bit.ly/ngmzP6

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RA.One goes international

Though known to be a perfectionist even otherwise, King Khan it seems wants to put all his energies in making his production RA.One, an international success.

Not too long ago, Shah Rukh Khan signed the pop icon Akon to sing one of the songs in the film. And now, the grapevine has it that SRK has signed German composer Hans Zimmer to work on the background score of the film. And if all goes well, this will be the first time Hans will be composing music for a Bollywood movie.

Hans Zimmer is recognised as one of Hollywood’s most innovative musical talents for having worked on super hits like The Lion King, Gladiator, The Last Samurai, Pirates of The Caribbean series, The Da Vinci Code, The Dark Knight, Sherlock Holmes and even the much-talked-abut Inception.

A source from the unit reveals, “Shah Rukh has roped in a lot of foreign technicians for his sci-fi flick.

He wants the film to be of international standards. It was his director Anubhav Sinha who suggested Hans Zimmer’s name for the background score.

Anubhav took the help of his contacts to arrange for a meeting between Hans and SRK. With time, Hans agreed to come on board.”

Apparently, Hans has refused several Bollywood offers in the past and this time, he has agreed to make an exception for Shah Rukh’s film RA.One.

You wonder if King Khan’s charms won the day.

Well surely, but the buzz is that Hans has been paid a whopping 2 crore just to compose the background music for the film

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God resides in our heart: Shahrukh Khan

Ahead of the Ram Janmabhoomi- Babri Masjid verdict, a host of Bollywood celebrities have come together to appeal people to maintain peace and harmony and not be swayed by aggressive sentiments or elements if not happy with the verdict.

Superstar Shahrukh Khan too has stepped in by saying that God doesn’t reside in manmade monuments.

“Allah, God, Bhagwan in whichever name we pray to the supreme power, resides in man's heart, not in man-made houses for Him,” SRK wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

The actor said any belief should first take root in the heart.

“I mean first our beliefs should take seed and grow in our hearts and then only we should manifest that in places of prayer and God,” the actor tweeted.

In the light of the Commonwealth Games he added that it’s easier to demolish than to build.

“I hope we Indians realise how difficult it is to build stadiums and respect and so easy to break monuments and disrespect each others’ beliefs,” he wrote.

The Ayodhya land dispute verdict was supposed to come out on September 24 but has been deferred with Supreme Court deciding to hear the plea for postponement on September 28.

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Shah Rukh Khan´s ´Ra.One´ At Hotel Rafayel Battersea London

Producer-actor Shah Rukh Khan is shooting for his upcoming 'Ra.One' At Hotel Rafayel Battersea London.


As is by now well known, 'Ra.One' is an upcoming Bollywood science-fiction superhero film directed by Anubhav Sinha of 'Tum Bin' and 'Dus' fame.


For those who are unaware, The Hotel Rafayel Battersea, which opened in December as London’s first luxury hotel, has embraced cutting-edge green technologies creating minimal environmental impact without compromising on 5-star luxury, quality or comfort.

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Shahana Goswami is back in Bollywood with meaty roles and big projects!!!

Shahana Goswami has come a long way from her days as the angsty Debbie in Abhishek Kapoor’s Rock On!!. While her passion for acting has increased manifold, her appearance has undergone a makeover of sorts. Those extra kilos have been shed, the wavy locks straightened and the face glowing more than ever. But the actor says it’s all part of the plan.


There’s a whole lot of projects at hand and Goswami wants to enjoy every last bit of it. She plays the role of a non-conforming journalist in director Abhinay Deo’s Game, a happy-go-lucky Parsi girl in Danish Aslam’s Break Ke Baad and a video game designer in Shahrukh Khan’s home production Ra.One. The shooting schedules of these films have made her a globetrotter. “I was in Istanbul for the shoot of Game and then went to Mauritius for Break Ke Baad,” says the actor, who is hoping to have a small vacation with her family in the Capital before zooming off to London, where she shoots for the Anubhav Sinha-directed Ra.One

After her return, she will start work on Abhay Deol’s home production Basra. “It is a busy year, but I am happier this way. I also have two releases the year— Mirch and Break Ke Baad,” she says. It’s a welcome change from the previous year, when after a nuanced performance in Rock On!! the actor disappeared from the scene for a while. “I was typecast as the feisty woman. People came to me with roles of older characters. Although I don’t blame them for doing that, I really wanted to explore newer arenas,” she says. Of the few films she signed, many did not take off at the scheduled time. “For a year, I did not shoot. I spent a year in anticipation,” shrugs the 24-year-old.

For someone like Goswami, who is an outsider in Bollywood, the struggle is still far from over. “I am still struggling to find that elusive solo heroine project,” she smiles, adding, “While big banner films do matter a lot, small budget films gain a lot of recognition.” For now, Goswami says, she would like to find a balance between offbeat and mainstream cinema. “I want to do both kinds. Doing fluff at all times doesn’t give you that much satisfaction, after all,” she says.

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SRK and kids head to the World Cup finals

Football fever has hit tinsel-towners now. Apart from following each and every match a few of them are flying down to South Africa to watch the finals. And Shah Rukh Khan tops that list. SRK would be taking his kids Aryan and Suhana along all the way to South Africa.

Our source said, “Aryan is an ardent football fan, like his father and will be flying to South Africa to watch the finals. At the moment, the entire family is holidaying in London. Shah Rukh was on a Europe tour and cruise with his family spending quality time with his kids, his wife and a couple of friends.

Shah Rukh and the kids have been following football religiously even there and are very keen to watch the finals at the stadium in South Africa because all the action will now be live.”

Apparently, Shah Rukh’s mother was a big football fan as well and they both used to stay up all night watching football matches. Clearly, the genes have passed on to the next generation. The source added, “Both Shah Rukh’s kids love football SRK also plays and coaches his daughter and her friends in football.

The family’s favourite teams are Argentina, Spain, Germany, and Brazil amongst which Germany and Spain will be playing against each other to qualify for the finals.”

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SRK loses weight due to HARD WORK in Ra.One

Shooting for Ra.One is adversely affecting Shah Rukh Khan's health. The actor has to don prosthetic make up for 8 to 10 hours a day without a break, even though the make up makes it impossible for him to eat or drink. Removing the make up is not possible either as it is a very delicate cast and even the slightest pressure can break it. It takes hours for the artists to redo it again. As a result, he has lost some kgs since shooting began.



However, Shah Rukh will be back to his old self once shooting ends.

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