Brash 100 List Honoring Leaders of Change

"Our goal with the Brash 100 and Brash Hall of Fame Lists is to honor the leaders of the world, the men who embody the concept of changing the game and, in doing so, set the brand and aspirational qualities behind the launch of Glam Media's Brash.com," said Scott Schiller, EVP of Global Marketing, Glam Media. "Now more than ever, stories of men who have been bold, the men who stood for their beliefs and helped bring about positive change, is both timely and essential."



The Brash Top 100 List represents a broad range of bold, risk-taking men in the world today. Many of these men, such as Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Rupert Murdoch and Warren Buffett, are visionaries in their fields; their bold decision-making and leadership have resulted in great success. There are prolific athletes, such as David Beckham, Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps, who have set records and continue to inspire millions. Artists and actors on the list include Bono, Johnny Depp, Sean Connery, Shah Rukh Khan and Sean Penn.

Shahrukh Khan (Movies) Bollywood's answer to Brad Pitt, Shahrukh Khan has won an incredible—and unprecedented—thirteen Filmfare Awards, seven of which in the Best Actor category. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Chak De India and Om Shanti Om, movies that he starred in, remain to this day some of Bollywood's biggest hits.

SRK goes high-tech

Shah Rukh Khan has upgraded the security at his residence Mannat by installing several high-tech devices .

When you are one of the biggest superstars of the Hindi film industry, it is expected that you will settle for nothing but the best. While Shah Rukh Khan's Bandra's residence Mannat has always had tight security, the actor recently upgraded the security level by installing state-of-the-art devices at Mannat. It is SRK's way of ensuring that no harm comes to his family or staff at Mannat.

Commenting on the high-tech devices SRK has installed at Mannat, our source said, “Shah Rukh has installed bullet-proof windows in his house. The bullet-proof glass is from Germany.”

Shah Rukh's concern for safety does not end there. Other than the bullet-proof glass, Shah Rukh has an identifying device in the elevator. The doors of the elevator only open when SRK or his family calls for the lift.

SRK's speech at the Producers' PC

SRK: We want fans to see our films!

Filmmaker-actor Shah Rukh Khan shares his views on the multiplex owners versus producers and distributors standoff.


FIRST of all, I would like to say that none of us, whether Aamir, Karan, Rakeshji (Rakesh Roshan), Ratanji (Ratan Jain), me or Yashji (Yash Chopra) or our seniors is the leader of this forum. We are here to share our collective thoughts for a clear perspective.

On calling for a gathering
We are not here to prevent our fans, supporters and well wishers from seeing films. We don’t want to do that at all. I speak very honestly for everyone here. We love films and making them. Our biggest wish is to die making films. The entire fraternity is here because we love to make films and show it to an audience. We are not here to stop showing the films to the audience. Filmmaking is what we do as we know how to do it. Films are being made as we speak.

The problem is, we know how to make films but we don’t know how to take it to the audience. That is why we have partners. There are distributors, theatres and the media for that. This partnership, bond, pipeline or marriage is now suffering. So we are here to repair the problem.

This is not a strike at all. It is a halt due to repairs that we are working towards and we apologise for this halt. This is not a strike and we need to repair the pipeline.


On why the profit sharing ratio must change
We are not doing for this greed or profits or for an extra one or two per cent. None of us are here for that. Some of us are very senior and legendary filmmakers. We are not here to loot anyone. The basic fight is for equality to create a platform for all sorts of films whether big or small, whether good or bad, whether made by an independent producer or by a studio. This fight is more for small films because somewhere along the line, they get left behind in negotiations. They don’t know anything about profit sharing so they just plead to the multiplexes to release the film. In the long run, the rightful path or our slogan, Fair Rights for Friday Nights, will benefit small films more than the big films.

On his take on the multiplexes
We are not here for a power show; (to show) that powerful people have come together on a platform. We will not use our ‘power’ to shake multiplexes. There is nothing like that at all. This is a marriage where we all are partners. The film federation has directors, producers, technicians, actors, studios, distributors, exhibitors and multiplexes as partners. We work together to show films to an audience. This is a show of coming together and of uniting.

A certain part of our family is not on the right path and we want to bring this issue to the forefront. We want a fair dialogue.

This is not a deadlock. We are not saying, “This is it. Take this or leave this. It is our way or the highway”. Not at all!

We have had discussions in good spirit with the multiplex owners for months, but we have not reached a final solution. That is why we have united to present our opinions and thoughts to them. We want to sit across with the multiplex and talk about getting fair rights for Friday nights for everyone.

I am saying this with a lot of humility. As Aamir rightly said, reasons such as bad films or bad content are cited for films not being played at multiplexes. I don’t think that is an issue multiplexes can discuss. No one tries to make a bad film. No matter how the film, it has the right to be seen by the audience that decides the verdict. By the second show on Friday, we know in very clear terms (whether) the film is good or not. I think all these little issues about creativity should be left to the creative people and the audience. The connecting pipeline should not have much say in it.

I would like to say that this issue is not confined to the studios, producers and distributors. It is going to impact everyone. For some time, we will see fewer films. Sadly, we are coming to a halt to repair the pipeline. The media and the audience need to unite.


On wanting fair rights for Friday nights
We are here to repair the problem. We stand by all films and we want equality for all films. We want Fair Rights for Friday Nights. This is not a deadlock; it is a panel that is available for discussion to the multiplex owners over coffee 24 x 7 throughout the year.

We don’t think the multiplex is the mafia. We aren’t badmouthing the multiplex owners at all. This is a temporary problem in our family and at the end of it, we will all be united. No one is a leader here and we are followers of what the audience wants and what they dictate.

We are living because the audience tells us what they want. Unfortunately, we are not listening or succumbing to the demands of the multiplexes. We are employees of the audience. We need to understand that this is a partnership and the issue needs to be sorted out quickly so we go back to making good or bad films that get released for audiences to see and judge

Our Name is Khan

The United Producers and Distributors Association Forum show their strength and star power as Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan address a press conference on the multiplex issue


It doesn’t get bigger or better than this.Last evening, when Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan walked in at the head of, what was finally, a unique gathering of the best creative talent the Indian film industry has today, media persons which covered the gamut of options available (radio, print, electronic, web), newbies and hardened professionals, collectively held their breath and gazed.

It has been many many moons since two of our most charismatic and successful actors have been seen on the same platform. In fact, one almost can’t remember when was the last time.

Suddenly nothing mattered. Not the gross collections of their last films, not any power list, not the number game. If the occasion were not so serious and dignified one would be tempted to stand up and cheer. But since they were here representing the directors and producers collective forum, The United Producers and Distributors Association forum, to explain their stand in the face-off with multiplex owners, it seemed wiser to just listen as each presented a keynote address. Yash Chopra, Sandeep Bhargava of TV 18, Ronnie Screwvala of UTV, Mukesh Bhatt, distributor Ramesh Sippy and Jyoti Deshpande of Eros, shared the stage along with the two Khans. Even the federation and the Mazdoor union representatives were present to show their solidarity to the forum.

Karan Johar was the host of the evening. Aamir went first and like with everything he does he was completely prepared, often referring to the many discussions he had had with the team, including SRK, often deferring to him in fact. Aamir said, “We don’t want to call it a strike but an inability of the two parties to come to a logical conclusion. We are extremely unhappy over the failure to deliver films at the moment and deprive the audience of the cine experience, but the only motive behind this is to ensure that everyone in the film industry make money.” Aamir said that various unfair means were adopted by multiplexes to gather extra money like faulty DCR (daily collection report), pocketing of INR subsidies and even entertainment tax in many cases where films were tax free or in states where multiplexes had a tax holiday. Aamir also stressed that in the past, films have become blockbusters in single screens and if the situation does not improve, they will work towards a system where films will be released in single screens. However, the industry is firm that they would not budge from the fact that they want an equal 50:50 sharing for all the films.

Shah Rukh was more casual in his approach and made his points very clearly joking that all the meetings were held at midnight because that was when Aamir had time usually. SRK, at his charming best, stressed on some important points. He said, “The only reason for all of us to get together should not be misconstrued as a power show and a move to threaten the multiplexes. We are one big family and are open to dialogue.”

SRK also insisted that the multiplex owners were wrong in criticising their films as good or bad and should instead leave this job to the audience. The relation between the producers and the exhibitors is like a wedding and there is no divorce on the cards. “This is like a blockage in the pipeline and once the repair work is done everything will be back on track,” he added.

He emphasised that the fight was for equal terms for all films, big and small and if they were successful everyone would benefit from it.

When Aamir and Shah Rukh were together, the bonhomie and camaraderie was obvious, as they helped each other with answers, often scribbling notes to one another and whispering in each other’s ears when one was at a loss about some fact. Their body language loudly proclaimed ‘friends’. If this was an act, boy, these guys are thespians.

But the defining moment, and perhaps the one that everyone was waiting for, came when the duo were asked if they would have ever come together if it were not for the issue. SRK quipped that there was no reason they could not be on the same dais, in the same car, on the same page or in the same film...

He brought the house down.

Shah Rukh Khan advocates for equal share from multiplexes

MUMBAI: Top Hindi film actors and producers Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan today came together with the United Producers & Distributors' Forum to advocate for equal revenue share from national multiplex chains.

The two actors expressed their regret to the audience about the film industry's inability to release films and appealed to the single screens to bear with this issue and stand by the industry.

Leading the conference Aamir said, "There has to be a partnership of equals between the two parties and both have to work out their business with the 50 per cent share. It is essential for the multiplexes to understand that this is a volatile business, if you want a steady flow of money then this is not the place to be in."

Shah Rukh added, "This is not a fight about two per cent share, it is a fight for equality. We can earn that two per cent from anywhere if we wish to. We want 'Fair Rights for Friday Nights' and in the long run, it is the smaller films that will benefit most from this. So we plead to those filmmakers to please hold back so that we can get them a better share. This is not a strike, it is just some repair work in the system so kindly bear."

Some of the other points addressed at the press conference included various multiplex chains indulging in irregularities such as charging INR, service tax and entertainment tax despite exemptions and eliminations. To this Aamir said, "When Taare Zameen Par released, various multiplexes told me to not apply for tax exemption, but I still went ahead with it and I have noticed that some of them have still deducted tax in spite of it being exempted."

When queried about the feasibility of the performance linked revenue share model, UTV Software Communications chairman and managing director Ronnie Screwvala said, "A film's performance is very subjective. Our aim during a film's release is to up our box office share and not to increase the occupancy level at theatres."

Commenting on the term 'mafia' being used to slander the multiplexes publicly, Shah Rukh said, "We do not regard them as mafia." He further added, "We are living only because of the audience. We are the employees of the audience and not of the multiplexes." "Times are changing and there is a need to re-look at the revenue sharing model. The gross and net profits of films have increased over the years. However, the share of distributors from multiplexes has remained the same as it when there were only single screens," added Aamir. Federation of Western India Cine Employees chairman Dinesh Chaturvedi also expressed his solidarity towards the issue. Also present at the conference were Mukesh Bhatt, Ramesh Sippy, Rakesh Roshan, Boney Kapoor, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ratan Jain, Sanjay Gupta, Harry Baweja, David Dhawan, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra, Kunal Kohli, Manmohan Shetty amongst many others. From the corporate studios The Indian Film Company's (Studio 18) Sandeep Bhargava and Eros International's Sunil Lulla were present. All major film corporate companies and independent film production houses announced that they stick by their postponement of releases in national multiplexes. If need be they will explore a business models to play movies only in single screens if the matter is not resolved. Some of the films that are likely to be affected by this are: Kambakkhth Ishq, Love Aaj Kal, Kal Kissne Dekha, Jashn, Luck, Aladin, Kaminey, Main Aur Mrs Khanna, Wanted, New York, Shortcut - The Con Is On and Life Partner.

Aamir-SRK for Fair Fridays!

Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan came together on the same platform to raise the issue of the tiff between the film producers and multiplexes over revenue sharing.




And both advocated a partnership of equality.

"It should be a partnership of equality. Fifty percent sharing is fair. Distributors and exhibitors have to find a way to make it a viable business within their fifty percent. Within my fifty percent I have to make it profitable," said Aamir at a press conference here.

"This is one industry and we all can survive only when each sector will earn a healthy share. We are here to find a solution to this," added Aamir.

Apart from Aamir, industry veterans like Ronnie Screwvala, Mukesh Bhatt and were present, among others.

Shah Rukh Khan, however, stressed that the press meet should not be seen as a "power show".

"This is not a power show. We haven't gathered here to threaten multiplexes. It's a show of coming together," said Shah Rukh who also felt that there should be equal sharing of revenue.

"We are here for fair rights for Friday nights," he asserted.

started early February. And after several failed discussions, the producers decided to go on strike. From April 4 they have stopped giving release rights of new big-budget movies.

SRK , Aamir come together to fight for film industry

Mumbai: The on-again-off-again powerful duo presented a united front at a producers meeting on Thursday to discuss the multiplex deadlock

Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan may love to snipe at each other publicly, but when they meet they are at their cordial best.

That was evident on Thursday when they had a hush-hush meeting at The Club in Andheri with other producers like Dharma Productions, Vishesh Films, UTV, Eros, Yash Raj Films and Studio 18 to discuss solutions for the producer-multiplex impasse.

Says a source present at the meeting, "All producers and distributors have decided not to release their movies from April 4 until multiplexes agree to an equal share in revenue regardless of the star cast or budget.

Until then, the marketing and distribution of all new films set for release from April 4 have been suspended, except Percept's Tasveer 8 X 10, which released yesterday."

About SRK and Aamir, the source adds, "This is one area where both SRK and Aamir are united. Both were seen chatting and catching up on many things like old friends. It's a good thing because everyone realises that we are all part of one family the film industry."

Indefinite delay

Other producers too noticed the good vibes between Shah Rukh and Aamir. Mukesh Bhatt, from Vishesh Films, says, "I was present at the meeting with Aamir, Shah Rukh, Ronnie Screwwala from UTV, Karan Johar from Dharma, Yash Chopra from Yash Raj Films. Aamir and Shah Rukh were very warm and friendly towards each other.

"They greeted each other cordially. It's our prime duty to stand by one another in crisis and help each other through it. That's what Aamir and Shah Rukh are doing."

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala who wasn't present at the meeting said, "I was to attend, but I couldn't. Though I was to initially release Kambakkht Ishq on May 29, now I'm not.

There's been an indefinite delay. I am there with the fraternity. My film is big, but it's not bigger than the fraternity."

SRK makes fashion history

We once again were reminded why exactly Shah Rukh is called the 'King' Khan. The star despite being perhaps the second smallest thing on ramp (the first is Rahul Bose) took our breath away with his easy grace and charm. And what's more, he turned a fashion show into an awards night by thanking his friends (which happened to be almost the entire tinsel town) who turned up for the show, the designer, the models...everybody. Now he's one who doesn't believe in breaking rules, he just makes his own! WOW!!! Just take a look! SRK wore the Kolkata Knight Riders team colours - black and golden. Manish had designed a special sling too for the star!
King Khan proved it yet again that he can make anything a success. He showed us his 'sex starved' fish face.

And he also showed us his macho model look.

Cute as ever ..

SRK: Thank you very much

What a day! First there was Akshay Kumar and then Shah Rukh Khan who never, ever fails to entertain you. His spontaneity and charm is unmatched and ever-so-endearing. For the first time, the audience at the 2009 LFW was laughing their hearts out, shouting, screaming, clapping and yelling, “Love you, SRK” to which the superstar replied, “Thank you, darling!”

And what a star studded audience it was. From Vikram Chatwal, Preity Zinta, Hrithik Roshan and wife Susanne, Kareena Kapoor(not with Saif), Tusshar, Genelia, Sridevi with Boney and daughter, Arjun Rampal with his stunning wife Mehr, Anu Dewan, Gauri Khan (of course), Rita Dhody with Nari (we think they are more than just friends) to Anaita Shroff Adajania (who was seen chatting with Sabina and Anil Chopra) and Parmeshwar Godrej.Shah Rukh, in a black coat and chocolate brown dhoti pants with a designer gold sling was the showstopper. He walked the ramp and then unlike any showstopper before him, started talking, because he doesn’t do anything without a mic!

“This was gooood!” he exclaimed, “For formality sake, I want to thank the Lakme Fashion Week for having me here because I am neither tall nor good looking. You are very kind people. I would also like to thank all the models who were very kind to me backstage. Thank you everyone as you made me feel that I could do this and my Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team. Since our growing years, we have been taught to believe in the notion that models can’t act but my handsome, beautiful and very talented friend Arjun Rampal has proved them wrong. Then there is Deepika Padukone, Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen, Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham who has muscles everywhere, Dino Morea and even Zeenat Aman has been a model. All you models are wonderful and talented. Thank you”

“I would also like to thank my beautiful friends Kajol, Kareena, Preity Zinta, Boney and Sri and my wife Gauri. She said she would talk to me the next morning no matter how I do now. I would like to thank Preity because she has joined KKR now,” he laughed

“Choreographer Lubna Adams has done a great job and she tried to make me look good. She told me to give her my 'good looking face' and I showed her and said, 'This is it. So she said 'Well, you will have to change it by sucking in your face, pouting and looking very angry.' So I showed her like this and she said 'You look like a fish that is starved of sex.' I didn’t mind the fish part but well, I am a Khan and I have some reputation! Then Karan tried to show me and he asked me to look as if I didn’t give a beep!” he said and everyone burst into laughter.

Lastly he introduced and welcomed designer Manish Malhotra on stage. He said, “He designs for the wonderful and beautiful boys and girls on screen but he is the first designer in the history of mankind and in the world to design a sling. If you guys (LFW) give away Filmfare awards, then he should get it for making a sling. Thank you very much, guys.”

I cannot forget mentioning the collection which comprised sporty wear in black and gold. For the first time probably, a Manish Malhotra show didn’t have bright colours. Korbo Jeeto Re was the main song. Topless male models looking super hot with six pack abs opened the show and the girls were floored. They haven’t looked so appealing before. The super energetic and inimitable Alesia Raut was the first one to strut her stuff. Her energy, seen by the way her shiny long pony tail swayed from side to side is so appealing and unmatched!

The metallic black and gold KKR collection comprised dhoti pants, racer backs, ghaghras, mini dresses, short skirts, hot pants, sarees jeans, t-shirts, coats, cropped jackets and jumpsuits. Everything was paired with metallic gold sneakers. The accessories comprised glares in gold and pop colours, waist pouches, calf shields, boots, gold bags and caps.

All uber sporty, trendy, sexy and glam! Because of SRK and the sheer energy of the show made it unforgettable. A super success and by far the most entertaining show we have seen this fashion week!

Shah Rukh Khan to walk the ramp for Manish Malhotra

MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan will be the show stopper for Manish Malhotra at the Lakme Fashion Week, which is being held in Mumbai, currently. Khan confirmed to Businessofcinema.com, “Yes, I will be walking the ramp for Manish as he is going to be showcasing yet another collection inspired by the uniform and styling of Kolkata Knight Riders. He did a collection for the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week in Delhi last week, but this one is different, but expanding on the original idea of using the KKR colours.”

Malhotra is over the moon with his latest catch. The designer has had the cream of Bollywood walk the ramp for his outfits, be it Kareena Kapoor, Kajol or Urmila Matondkar, but SRK being SRK, Manish is really excited. Revealing the inside story of his latest collection, the designer said, “SRK and I were shooting in Los Angeles for My Name is Khan and SRK came up with the idea of expanding the KKR collection into a line for women as that has always been my claim to fame. So using the theme of black and gold and the additional use of colours like grey and white, which is part of the new KKR uniform, we have styled the new clothing line.”

So if you are a Shah Rukh Khan fan and want to watch him strut on the ramp, make sure you have front row seats for this show which will be held in Mumbai on 30 March

THE PAGE 3 POWERLISTERS

THE PAGE 3 POWERLISTERS

... Mukesh Ambani and SRK discuss cricket and politics at Nana Chudasama’s dinner

AFSANA AHMED Times News Network

Yup, they are among the top 50 Indians in anybody’s power list and also owners of cricket teams for the forthcoming IPL that’s shifted bat, ball and pitch to South Africa. But on Tuesday night at Nana Chudasama’s dinner at home, Mukesh Ambani and Shah Rukh Khan were not discussing the Twenty20 tournament only. There was politics, also — how could there not be, with the elections here and the IPL kicked out because of them — with young Varun Gandhi being a subject of hot debate! And joining these two powerful men in conversation were Shaina NC, Gautam and Nawaz Singhania, Patang Rao Kadam, Shobhaa and Dilip De, and Rashmi Thackeray among several others. Glasses clinked and cigars were puffed. SRK recalled his intrigue over Nana’s Marine Drive banners when he first came to Mumbai. “He called to say he loved them,” said the former Sheriff of Mumbai. And Nana also recalled the young Ambani who came to visit him with Papa Dhirubhai. “It’s wonderful to see these guys leading India in their unique ways,” said Nana. And nobody knew whether he meant business, cricket, power, or what!

With the elections and the IPL around the corner, there’s lots happening in the city. But all the action was at former sheriff of Mumbai, Nana Chudasama’s bungalow on Tuesday night as a swarm of the city’s most Mumbai’s powerful people came together for a dinner hosted by the octogenarian and his daughter Shaina NC. It was touching to see the goodwill earned by the former sheriff over the years. “There wasn’t any specific reason for the dinner, but dad and I thought let’s all meet before all the action begins. With elections and the IPL, people will get busy,” Shaina smiled.
One section of the guests was busy discussing the elections while the other was heavily into IPL. Shah Rukh Khan and Mukesh Ambani, even though part of the IPL, were seen eagerly participating in election talks, later joined by Gautam Singhania. If the men were busy, the power women too had their share to talk about. So you had Gauri Khan, Nita Ambani, Nawaz Modi-Singhania, Rashmi Thackeray, Raveena Tandon and Sonali Bendre bond, not just over food and homely talks, but they were equally passionate about the two hot topics of discussion.
Others present at the dinner were Y P Singh and Abha, Alvira and Atul Agnihotri, Minister Patang Rao Kadam and Vishwajeet Kadam, Shobhaa and Dilip De and Rashmi Thackeray’s son Aditya Thackeray. SRK praised Shaina for representing the younger lot of politicians saying today’s politics need more young blood, who are also rational in their thinking. Good thought SRK. Should we expect to see you there too someday?

Shah Rukh Khan's incessant work schedule set to start

MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan can bid adieu to the rest that his doctor has advised him post the surgery. With the IPL moving out of India, the actor's traveling will increase.

The owner of the IPL franchisee, Kolkata Knight Riders, SRK is a key player for his side. Former Indian cricketer, Ajay Jadeja said, “Shah Rukh is a great owner. His presence boosts the team spirits. However his presence in the dressing room and the team dug out has been restricted since he is not a player, but if I were part of the team's think tank, I would keep him as part of the 15 member squad, because his presence could be the decider between a win or a loss. His energy levels can motivate anybody to give his best shot.”

Khan was supposed to start shooting for Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan from the middle of May and come July, a 40 day schedule in America. In the meantime, Farah Khan, who is scripting her Happy New Year would have finished with her writing. Farah tells Businessofcinema.com, “By October, I should be done with my script, Inshallah.”

If this is the schedule the actor is planning, SRK will not get an off day for quite a long time. But with the actor's boundless energy, this confined recuperation period must have been more tough to handle for him, than a day in office.

SRK and Hrithik stick together

CaMera Azam

CaMera - azam ! Srk own the camera used to shoot for classic film Moghul - e- Azam

SRK in Delhi for a day

SRK WAS IN DELHI

JAYA DRONA

Delhi’s almost home to Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri, and he spends some time with his family here whenever he’s in town. In Delhi for a few hours a couple of days ago,SRK could meet his family for only about an hour this time. His uncle Tejinder Tiwari (Gauri’s mama) said that the actor arrived in the city on Saturday and left on the same day too. About SRK’s health, he said,“He is much better than before, but does complain of occasional pain in his shoulder. The doctors have said that it is going to take a month for him to recover.”

Speaking his mind & doing his thing

SHAH RUKH Khan never shies away from speaking his mind. And the super star was no different in putting forth his angst on being criticised for mostly working in commercial films. He feels he will never go out of the way to prove a point.

“In my 24-year-long career, I have done only my kind of cinema in which I have succeeded. So, I say it with a hint of ego and lot of pride that I will continue to do the kind of films I want to,” said Khan, on the sidelines of the India Today Conclave 2009 on Saturday.

The 44-year-old actor also took a jibe at a serious approach to acting. “Many feel that since I am dancing around and doing happy-go-lucky roles, it comes easily. But it takes 100 years of hard work to master such an art,” said SRK. “Today, my choice of films has a lot to do with my kids. They shouldn’t feel embarrassed about my movies, which should put a smile on their face. That’s of paramount importance to me,” he said.

For the Kolkata Knight Riders’ owner, the second season of the IPL is also gaining importance in his scheme of things. “I always knew that Lalit (Modi) will pull it through because he works really hard. I never had any doubt that IPL won’t take place,” he said.

Trust SRK, the businessman, to know that the IPL would kick off amid the gloomy economic crunch. “Last season, I made a profit but I won’t be surprised if I suffer losses this year,” he said. Last season, SRK’s Riders was one of the few teams to rake in moolah despite performing badly. “But this year, I think I will perform badly in terms of finance,” he laughs. “Last year, I saved money since few international players like Chris Gayle couldn’t make it. However, they all will be coming and I have to pay them,” he said.

Of late, SRK has been making headlines for something unlikely — Slumdog Millionaire. He was offered the role of show host Prem Kumar, which was eventually played by Anil Kapoor.

“ Slumdog is an amazing film and I fail to understand the hue and cry about showing poverty and slums. They exist in our country and we have to accept it,” the superstar said.

He, in fact, looks forward to Indian filmmakers making a Hindi film and taking it to the entire world. “ We are happier showing big budget splendour and big buildings. Indian filmmakers have only been showing cool things and song- and- dance routines,” he said.

Talking of song and dance sequences, SRK’s earnest effort to glam up his latest production, Billu, with three dance numbers could only take it up to an “ average” status. But, he says a film’s failure doesn’t bother him at this stage.

“ I truly believe in doing my duty to the best of my ability without worrying about the results. And every film has a level of success. We got whatever we were expecting from Billu ,” he said.

For some time now, SRK has been expected to bite the politics bait, but he says he is simply not interested. “ It’s not my area of expertise. Maybe, when I am 60, I will experiment like Sir Richard Branson,” he said.

In fact, these days Shah Rukh isn’t in an experimental mode after his shoulder surgery. The super star accepts that it’s depressing to sit at home. “ Karan and I are trying to match our schedules for his next film, My Name Is Khan . But it’s a good time for self reflection and spending time with kids,” he said.

Next in line for Shah Rukh are Farah Khan’s Happy New Year , Farhan Akhtar’s Don 2 and an animation superhero film titled Ra. 1 , produced by Red Chilies. “ All of them are big ventures and I am not in a hurry. I am not starting on Ra. 1 or Don 2 since they require lot of physical action,” he said.

So, is SRK getting old? Especially after Pepsi dropped him as brand ambassador! “ It’s Pepsi’s loss,” said SRK with his trademark wit.

MY NAME IS JOHAR

SRK’S FRIEND and Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar feels My Name Is Khan is apart of his evolution as ahuman being. “Ihave never felt any pressure to prove something. Iam doing the film because Ibelieve in it. Though it’s based on true facts, there’s asweet love story at its core,” he explained.

Of course, My Name Is Khan stars Kajol and Shah Rukh, who terms it as the most important film of his career.

“Ihave never had tough time with Shah Rukh. He is atrue professional. Plus, he is abrilliant actor who gives his 100 per cent all the time,” said Johar. The Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna filmmaker, meanwhile, is working with several young filmmakers as aproducer. In the pipeline are films like Ayan Mukherjee’s Wake Up Sid! ,Rensil D’Silva’s untitled project and Dostana maker Tarun Mansukhani’s next.

“Ilove their energy and fresh approach to work. In fact, I have introduced all my assistant directors as directors. Ilearn alot when Iinteract with them,” said the filmmaker.

shahrukh no 5 in India- Today's 2009 Power rankings

Number 1 Ratan Tata
Number 2 Mukesh Ambani
Number 3 Anil Ambani
Number 4 Suni Mittal
Number 5 Shah Rukh Khan