Shah Rukh storm Dubai
Madame M
Unlike some of my rivals and their magazines who make high claims about their circulation, Cine Blitz and I believe that actions speak louder than words. We make no false claims to fame.
We don't mean to brag, but business is business and showbiz is our business.
For once, I didn't steal the spotlight. So sit back with some chilled bubbly or whatever you fancy while I take you on a whirlwind tour of Dubai with Shah Rukh Khan and Urmila Matondkar.
We started, of course, with a joint press conference, followed by lunch. We visited the huge shopping malls of Burjuman and the City Centre together.
Later, of course, I spoke to Shah Rukh in private. And as a grand finale, there was our first ever sponsored show where Shah Rukh shook the solid foundations of the Al Nasr Leisureland hockey stadium, with the sensational Urmila Matondkar and the leggy dancing queen Shilpa Shetty.
Of course, you'll want to know what we all did in Dubai. Allow me to let you in on the big splash. Cine Blitz has quickly become the most talked about and read film magazine in Asia. And believe me; we went about it the right way. We launched an international edition of Cine Blitz specifically for the Middle East. This launch coincided with the very first show we sponsored, Dilwale Rangeele.
Let me tell you how it all started. The last year saw several changes at Cine Blitz. We joined hands with Ketan Somaia, an international business magnate and head of the Dolphin Group of Companies. As a result, Cine Blitz Concert Promotions was conceived, an offshoot of Cine Blitz and the Dubai-based Dolphin Media Group. And hence, Cine Blitz hosted its first successful show.
Although I must admit that Cine Blitz International had previously sponsored Madhuri Dixit's show in London, which was evidently a sell-out.
Back to the present, Shah Rukh Khan and his beautiful wife Gauri reached Dubai airport at exactly 12.30 pm on March 26. The excitement of being a part of the whole event made me really nervous, so I dressed up to meet the star at the airport. The organisers in Dubai, Vishnu and Rim Jhim, were also present. Also a horde of adoring fans.
I spotted Shah Rukh and Gauri walking towards the exit as the tinted doors opened and closed. And they stayed closed. Strangely, I had a feeling that Shah Rukh would use the other exit. As I was making my way towards it, I heard someone shout, "Hey, Shah Rukh is already outside and we are standing here like idiots." That was Aly Morani, the chief organiser from Bombay, who then rushed to Shah Rukh's rescue.
The boy and his wife had flown in from Delhi, where he was going "to take care of some business," he later explained. Which is also why he was so tired.
We did our best to ensure her suite at the private London Crowne was comfortable, a home away from home, with rows of carnations just to cheer her up.
An excited Shah Rukh rushed inside to change into something more comfortable, rushed out and shouted, "Boys, I'm ready to go shopping. I want to check out the shops using computer software. I want to..." He went on to explain what he wanted to do. Gauri and his sister joined him on his shopping spree and they insisted that I come too, even though I find technology boring.
Shah Rukh was mobbed by fans as he entered the City Centre shopping mall. Although Shah Rukh was fair in posing for photographs, signing autographs and shaking hands, it became tiresome. A lady with a little girl in her arms came up to us, "Shah Rukh, this is my daughter. She is just two and a big fan of yours. Can you give her an autograph?" Shah Rukh smiled and obliged her request with "What is her name?" Immediately came the mother's sly reply, "My name is Parminder." He looked at me knowingly and signed anyway. We laughed quietly and ducked into a huge bookstore to avoid attracting more attention. While Gauri and Shahnaaz were shopping, Shah Rukh and I looked around. No sooner did we do that than we noticed that the shopkeeper was filming Shah Rukh's every move.
He angrily asked the man to stop, but some fans were still hanging around. As we ventured further into the bookstore, Shah Rukh grumbled, "F--- man, shopping is a real problem for me, even outside India. I have to keep popping into stores while Gauri shops for me. I have to waste my time looking at books."
Luckily, Gauri soon returned with some bags and together we managed to stage an impressive escape. We returned to our suites as Shah Rukh and Gauri were exhausted. After dinner, Aly Morani suggested we go dancing at the local nightclub The Cyclone later that evening. Someone at the table claimed that it belonged to a local goon (?). Thankfully, Shah Rukh feigned exhaustion and went to sleep.
On March 27, I had been travelling for 11 hours when Shah Rukh arose from his slumber. I was already in his suite, sipping cappuccinos with Gauri and her friend Deanne (Chunky Pandey's sister-in-law), who had arrived late the previous night and was only in Dubai to shop for her baby.
When he saw me, Shah Rukh explained his delay, "I think I am getting old because I slept after we returned from shopping. I went to sleep immediately after eating and I just woke up. This is not like me. I guess my body is tired and I needed the sleep. But it is not like me to sleep so much." I reminded him that we had a press conference with the Dubai press in an hour.
He finished in exactly half an hour. Gauri did not join us as she said, "Why should I come? It's his show and he is the star. I would prefer to go shopping." A moment later, Urmila Matondkar and my editor Rita Mehta walked in.
As usual, Urmila looked sensational. I must say, I am really comfortable with her. Shah Rukh was his usual self in black jeans. He must have been bathing in CK One, the latest offering from Calvin Klein and it suited him.
The press conference was held in the luxurious and splendid Golf & Creek Club. A motley crew of journalists, photographers and others were present. Of course, I stayed in the background again. After all, it was their big day. But I must say that the Dubai press is a mild bunch compared to their hot-headed Indian pedants.
At the press briefing, Ketan Somaia, President and Managing Director of Dolphin Group, announced the concert as the inaugural of Cine Blitz Concert Promotions, which will promote megastars' shows abroad. Hence, Cine Blitz will be the first Indian film magazine to sponsor celebrity concerts.
Ketan Somaia said, "This concert also signals the launch of our Events Management Company and the Middle East version of Cine Blitz, now being released in Dubai. Dolphin Media Group has entered into a strategic alliance with Cine Blitz to cater to the needs of Asians around the world."
Cine Blitz is also set to launch in South Africa, Canada and USA. Meanwhile, the Shah Rukh Khan extravaganza will also be held in the UK, South Africa and Mauritius. Cine Blitz Concerts Promotions plans to conduct another 11 concerts during this year after teaming up with the Morani brothers (Aly, Karim and Mohmmad) and Bunty Soorma.
As soon as the briefing was over, Shah Rukh and Urmila responded to the press' questions in the best possible way. When asked what was expected from the show, Shah Rukh explained, "Judging by my previous show experiences, I think people like the song and dance numbers. But these numbers need a storyline. This time we have added some acting. Besides, we also have a magician in the show. I assure you that it will be more than just a song and dance show."
Another presser asked him if he gets satisfaction from doing shows. Shah Rukh's reply was spontaneous, "Honestly, shows mean a lot of money for me and a lot of foreign exchange. It also means that I can be much more selective about my films and hence I can make fewer bad films. Also, nothing compares to the personal interaction with the fans. Applause is the greatest rush a star can hope for."
Then came an interesting question: Shah Rukh, is it really your hobby to remove ticks from dogs (as mentioned in the brochure of Cine Blitz Concert Promotions). Shah Rukh replied, "Yes, it is."
Question: Do you enjoy removing ticks?
Answer: Yes, if I didn't make films, I would have become an official tick remover.
Question: Shah Rukh, do you have a dog at home?
Answer: Of course. Did you think I was removing ticks from the dogs in my neighborhood?
Embarrassed, the press man kept his mouth shut.
Then someone asked Urmila if sensuality was an important ingredient in films. Her reply was clever, "Yes, it is necessary; every actress has to be sensual, no matter what kind of films she does. I am sure no one wants to see me without make-up and covered from head to toe."
When asked about her superstar status, she said, "People keep asking me about life's disappointments since Masoom. All I can say is that I have always loved films and I am no stranger to pitfalls. But I prefer to focus on my tasks and how I can do better rather than on my disappointments."
And with that, we adjourned for a sumptuous lunch at the exclusive restaurant at Golf & Creek Club. After that, Shah Rukh and Urmila rushed back to rehearse. On the way, Shah Rukh made another admission, "I feel uncomfortable at all these business lunches because you can't do anything afterward. Also, I'm not that much of a social person. Gauri loves going out, to parties, lunch or dinner. I would be more relaxed with my circle of friends."
Later that evening, Alka & Ketan Somaia hosted a grand Cine Blitz Bollywood Nite at his luxurious bungalow to launch the UAE Edition of Cine Blitz. The lawns were tastefully decorated and hosted all the guests who consisted of the crème de la crème of Arab and Indian society.
As the two stars entered, their respective hit songs played amidst fireworks. There was a film projector that showed songs from their various films. Shah Rukh came dressed simply while Gauri wore a simple yet erotic outfit. They looked like a normal couple who got along well and even enjoyed dancing together. Shah Rukh may be the No. 1 star but he has definitely retained the down-to-earth trait. It is his straightforwardness and empathy that makes people love him. After we entered show business, he tried to convince us to get into film production too. As he said, "We need educated people like me to get into the business. At least then film production will be treated as a business and the industry will not look down on it." I agree with the boy.
Urmila was completely taken over by Alka Somaia and my editor Rita Mehta. Mrs. Matondkar, who accompanied Urmila, is so simple and down to earth, which is such an endearing quality. So different from Shilpa Shetty's mother who thinks Dubai is full of dubious characters.
As a result, it seemed as if Dubai had rejected her. Shilpa was unlucky from the moment she arrived in Dubai. She had visa problems at the airport, which cost her almost half an hour to get out of there. So the car provided had to keep circling the entrance. When she finally came out, the car was gone. Mr. Shetty blew the fuse.
When the car finally arrived and they were ready to go to the hotel, the driver accidentally crashed into another car. Again, they spent another half hour sorting things out.
And Shilpa had another problem. This time the car broke down and she and her family were stuck inside for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, Mr. Shetty was fuming. Poor Shilpa Shetty. Such bad luck! What a pity!
Back to the party, as the celebrations continued, our rapper Sukhbir took over. By then, Ketan's dance floor was completely full. He got young and old dancing bhangra, no matter what. Including our stars Shah Rukh and Gauri, Urmila and Rita Mehta. I danced and then decided to have a glass of wine with Sunita Pitamber, who had flown to Dubai just for our launch. Apart from her, Kishore Lulla from Eros International (UK), Ratan and Ganesh Jain from Venus (Bombay) and Laxkhmi Mithal from Ispat (UK) also flew to Dubai just for Cine Blitz.
Sunita examines the behaviour of certain star wives. I must say she was taken by Gauri Khan. "She is so lovely. So different from these fake so-called star wives." As Gauri came to sit with us, Sunita Pitamber advised her, "Don't lose your identity. Stay grounded, don't change." Both Gauri and Shah Rukh were thrilled to meet India's number one designer, Rani Sunita Pitambar, who was equally thrilled to advise them on various things.
Shah Rukh walked into the booth and whispered, "People are talking about the cover of Cine Blitz. Somehow Cine Blitz is the only magazine that has always shown great pictures of me. I don't know how you do it, but I have always looked great on your covers," to which Urmila added, "That is something I cannot deny. The CB pictures of me are always the best!"
Well, I admit that the covers were really honored by Cine Blitz. Of course, we must also acknowledge without envy that these great pictures of Shah Rukh were shot by Rakesh Shrestha exclusively for Cine Blitz.
Before the stars retired for the night, Cine Blitz gave away three amazing prizes. Mike Sharpes (Dolphin Group Sales Director) and Ketan Somaia challenged Shah Rukh to pick the lucky winners.
The first prize – a week at Nyali Beach Hotel (a five star luxury hotel in Kenya) and flight tickets for two. Mr. Alfonse M. Kioko of Kenya Airways presented the prize to Mr and Mrs Ravi Vasandani.
The second prize: a HIS and HERS Kodak camera from Konica.
And the third prize: A CD and video collection of successful Indian songs and films from Time video. Great prizes!
As dawn broke on March 28, everyone seemed to be going crazy. The stars were doing one last rehearsal before heading to the auditorium. Host Archana Puran Singh was busy writing and rewriting her lines. Shilpa Shetty and Shah Rukh were rehearsing a skateboarding stunt. Somehow Shilpa just couldn't get it right. Urmila was rehearsing in her own room.
By five o'clock that evening, everyone was geared up for Cine Blitz Concert Promotions' debut show at Al Nasr Stadium. The gates opened at seven in the evening and the crowd started pouring in. Those who arrived early caught a glimpse of Shah Rukh rehearsing live on stage. The crowd went wild to see this.
There was a flurry of activity backstage. I was nervous too. Shilpa's clothes were being ironed; Urmila was ready and couldn't wait to get started. Archana was busy pacing the hall. "This is the first show I'm doing after the birth of my baby." She went back to her lines.
It's almost eight o'clock and the auditorium is packed. The organisation provided by Richard Coram (Managing Director Dolphin Media Group - Electronics Division) was fantastic. Outside there was a ticketless mob trying to get in. There were no more tickets left, we were sold out. Some tried to break in but were thrown out. Thanks to Richard and his tough guys.
We started a little late, but I think that's normal. Finally, the show we were all waiting for had begun. Shilpa Shetty came dancing in to the tune of Chura ke dil mera... and the audience whistled and clapped, adoring the leggy dancing queen. She did some great dance numbers and gave way to Urmila, who came in quietly and went out with a bang.
Considering this is her first show, Urmila absolutely grabbed the audience's attention. She danced her numbers from the hit Rangeela. Urmila has such a lithe body and moves so well, no wonder she is such a stunner.
Not to be outdone by his beautiful colleagues, Shah Rukh made a dramatic entrance with the help of magician K. Ramesh. Shah Rukh literally shot out of an empty box. The audience roared at Shah Rukh's antics. I thought the stadium would collapse from the noise as he addressed the star-crazed audience. He even sang a song in his own voice. It almost brought the house down.
Even I couldn't help but cheer; the man is magical even on stage.
When he threw some Cine Blitz T-shirts and caps into the crowd, there was an eruption. People were tripping over each other just to get their hands on one.
Before concluding his set, Shah Rukh danced the Jati hoon main... number with Shilpa. Magician Ramesh was also involved in helping Shah Rukh disappear. Shah Rukh entered a box made of paper, closed the entrance and was set on fire by Ramesh. With a flick of Ramesh's magic wand, Shah Rukh disappeared. I found him backstage, ready to bolt from the stadium.
The show stealer that night was Sukhbir - a Cine Blitz discovery - with his bhangra numbers. The audience responded by dancing in the aisles. As I said, there was magic in the air. If Shah Rukh had mesmerised the audience, Sukhbir had mesmerised them. As Aly Morani confesses, "The boy is good. I will sign him to do my next shows." A fitting compliment to Sukhbir. I think Cine Blitz deserves a pat too.
Well, it was the show of shows. And it will be talked about for a long time. Dubai dailies had called it One of the Most Successful Shows and congratulated Cine Blitz Concert Promotions for a hugely successful debut.
I can't help but bask in the glory as I too was a part of all this. Rita K. Mehta, Ketan Somaia, Mike Sharpes, Richard Coram and the gang really get a bow. They all deserve it.
And before I end, I will leave you with something to ponder. I noticed something really strange. Urmila was accompanied by her mother. Shah Rukh was accompanied by Gauri. But Shilpa Shetty drove her entire family to Dubai. Also, the lady and her family stayed for two extra days. I wonder who will foot the bill?
Well my lovelies, I will be back soon with more news about our next show. It is in London, with Shah Rukh, Aamir, Sonali, Urmila and Mamta. As I said, we believe in giving you nothing but the best!