`MNIK`s smooth release not a political stunt`: Chavan

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan today said that his government`s move to ensure smooth release of Shah Rukh Khan starrer MNIK in the backdrop of Shiv Sena`s threat to stall it was not a `political stunt`.


Chavan shared stage with Shah Rukh at the inauguration of FICCI-FRAMES conference here for the first time after last month`s controversy over the film`s release in Maharashtra. The government can`t react to every development. But, when things go beyond a point and democracy is at stake, the government has to intervene, he said.

A film which has already obtained a certificate from the Censor Board need not succumb to pressures, he said. The Chief Minister thanked people of Mumbai and Maharashtra for not allowing a second censor board (Sena`s diktat). He assured total support to the film industry in terms of policy and infrastructure in the state. Chavan also sought co-ordination from FICCI to address the grievances and problems faced by the industry.

Shah Rukh said it was only because of Chavan that his film got distributed and released in Maharashtra. Yash Chopra, chairman of the FICCI Entertainment committee said the film industry has made plans to celebrate the centenary of Indian cinema in 2013.

"We will begin preparations from this year itself and seek the government`s help to organise it in the city of cinema`s birth - Mumbai," Chopra said.

India offers incredible inspiration to filmmakers and the growth potential is tremendous. Great stories and great talent have no borders, Fox Filmed Entertainment, CEO and chairman, Jim Gianopoulos said. Fox`s first Indian production MNIK is a truly global film for Bollywood, he said, adding, Fox is for forming meaningful partnerships at the local level.

Shah Rukh Khan promotes my name is khan in awards function

ShahRukh Khan who has begun promotions of his ambitious film `My Name is Khan` will perform live at a film awards function after a gap of two years.

The Apsara Producers` Guild awards will be held at Chitrakoot grounds in suburban Mumbai on January eight.

The night will see over 30 awards being presented in categories of films and television.

The mega event will have performances by Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi will present a number from their upcoming movie `Ishqiya`. Vivek Oberoi will also perform.

The Television industry is represented in the Best Non-Fiction Series, Best Drama Series (Fiction), Best Director ? Fiction, Best Actress and Best Actor in a Drama Series. The 3 special awards will honour the Best Debutante (Male and Female) for 2009 and the Lifetime Achievement Award

Shahrukh gets back to work

After a brief rest, Shahrukh Khan gets back to work. He has resumed the shooting of his best friend Karan Johar’s directional venture, ‘My Name Is Khan’ opposite Kajol. Shahrukh Khan has undergone shoulder surgery and doctors have advised him rest for minimum four months but against doctors advise, he has resumed shooting after a short gap.

SRK ensures that he will shoot only light scenes that will not put much stress on his shoulder. Since his shoulder is not properly healed, SRK takes painkillers before shooting and in between does physical exercise for shoulder.

Shahrukh Khan confirms that his arm will take another four to five months to make well fully. He will stay away from any stunts for at least six months or may be more. Everything depends on how his shoulder heals.

In spite of shoulder surgery, Shahrukh did not stay away from media glare and made appearance in Filmfare events and even actively taking part in the IPL.

Shah Rukh's shoulder injury postpones My Name Is Khan shoot

Contrary to reports that Shah Rukh Khan's shoulder would've healed on its own if he didn't have to do serious stunts right away, the actor's shoulder needed immediate and urgent repairing.

Says a source, "As usual Shah Rukh was busy making light of his discomfort even hours after surgery, but the fact is, the injury was far more serious than it appeared. The doctors had recommended quick and urgent surgery months ago. But the workaholic that he is, Shah Rukh kept postponing the inevitable surgery until after Karan Johar's schedule of My Name is Khan and the promotion of Billu."

The healing process after the surgery is going to take at least a couple of months. Says a source, "Karan Johar has willingly postponed the next schedule. But Shabana Azmi who was supposed to play Shah Rukh's mother would not have the required dates. Her role would now have to be recast as per Shah Rukh's recovery and renewal of shooting."