Downward spiral for Shah Rukh Khan

by Asjad Nazir

E-GUIDE ROUND UP

Actor Shah Rukh Khan thinks there is no point in making a biopic on his life because the focus would just be on his success story and there would be no controversy. The 51-year-old said he has never let people know about the interesting parts of his life and that is why a film on his life would be boring. I think a more interesting story would be how he is slowly sliding down the Bollywood ladder despite once being the undisputed king and his seeming addiction to money that sees him do everything from endorsing skin lightening products to dancing at weddings, despite being super wealthy. 

TUBELIGHT FLOPS

For many years Bollywood has feared box office king Salman Khan and allowed him to have the year’s most lucrative release date during Eid, but the disastrous failure of Tubelight has changed all that. The fear is now gone and rivals are lining up to reclaim Eid from Salman. Distributors losing buckets of cash on Tubelight means Salman has almost certainly lost the lucrative release date for next year and he can expect a slide in his career during the coming years. 

PAUL SINHA OPENLY GAY

Comedian turned trivia expert Paul Sinha recently claimed producers of The Chase have repeatedly removed references to his sexuality from the popular game show. In one of his most open interviews the funny man revealed he had a boyfriend with whom he was in an open relationship. He was surprised at the reaction when the first reference to him being gay was included in The Chase because he has never hidden his sexuality. 

SAIMA AJRAM TRYING HER LUCK AT ACTING

Talented radio host Saima Ajram has turned actress and appears in the new music video of Abida Parveen song Ahat Si. The BBC Asian Network host acts opposite TV star Mazer Yasir in the 1960’s set music video for the romantic ghazal and was involved heavily with the production itself. “Ahat Si has a list of legends attached to if from India and Pakistan, so when I was approached for the project I couldn’t resist. The video has turned out beautifully and Abida ji loves it. Athar Bilal Films conceptualised the whole thing with me in mind, so I can’t thank them enough,” said Saima.

Working on this video made the host of the weekly Pakistani show realise a hidden passion for film making and she has exciting plans on the way.

ANXIETY ATTACKS TO BLAME FOR CANCELLED LIVE DATES?

The anxiety attacks that forced Zayn Malik to pull out of live dates last year don’t seem to have healed because he recently cancelled rescheduled live dates in Japan. Zayn is currently putting the finishing touches to his second live album and according to experts will have to go on an extended world tour if he wants to remain at the very top. I am sure the backers behind the multi-million selling pop star are working overtime to get him ready for the live circuit so they can cash in on his global popularity.

THREE GREAT SHOWS LINED UP BY SAJEELA KERSHI

Stand up comedian and writer Sajeela Kershi will be taking three great new shows to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, which runs from August 3-27th. Fights Like A Girl, Immigrant Diaries and Nasty Women On The Fringe all promise plenty of thought provoking comedy throughout the festival. She will have guest appearances and provide plenty of entertainment for those present. You can keep up to date with various projects from the award-winning funny woman by following her on Facebook and Twitter: @sajeelakershi

HAS ADNAN LEFT IT TOO LATE?

Singer Adnan Sami told me over a decade ago about his ambition of acting in a Bollywood film and repeated the same many times in subsequent years. He will finally get his wish by playing the lead role in musical drama Afghan, which commences shooting in August and releases next year. Unfortunately for Adnan, I fear he has left it too late to become a leading man and think those who back the film will incur heavy losses. The only way they can make any time of money will be if the soundtrack is good, but even that doesn’t look likely because Adnan hasn’t exactly been churning out the hits in recent years.  

SNAPPED

Actress turned housewife Celina Jaitly is expecting twins with her hotelier husband Peter Haag and showed off her baby bump by the beach with this photo. The couple already have five-year-old twins and Celina said motherhood has helped her discover a lot about herself.

SNAPPED

It was great to catch up with Cary Sawhney and Satwant Gill. They along with a dedicated team including hardworking volunteers put on another memorable London Indian Film Festival, which once again celebrated the best in South Asian cinema.

SNIPPETS

• Director Gurinder Chadha’s film Viceroy’s House has been retitled Partition 1947 for its India release next month.
• Actor Shahid Kapoor and his wife Mira Rajput are planning to have another baby. They are currently proud parents of a baby daughter named Misha.
• Actor Saif Ali Khan said he and his ex-wife Amrita Singh are both supporting his daughter Sara Ali Khan’s decision to become a Bollywood actress.
• A global hunt is underway for young newcomers to play the two lead roles in the live action version of Aladdin, including across India. Guy Ritchie is directing the big budget Hollywood adventure.