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Shah Rukh flags off Paanchvi Pass Express

Shah Rukh flags off Paanchvi Pass Express

After Madame Tussauds, Shah Rukh's wax statue in Paris Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan has more reason to smile - he will have a second wax look alike coming up in the West, this time in France. Barely a year after his wax statue was unveiled at Madame Tussauds, London, Paris's Grevin wax museum will present King Khan's wax statue next month. This will make Shah Rukh the second Indian celebrity after Mahatma Gandhi to have a wax statue in Grevin and the first Bollywood star to have two wax statues in the two most prestigious wax museums worldwide. Stating this in Mumbai Friday, Grevin's marketing director Frederic Gouguidis said that this was the outcome of its exclusive partnership with the travel major, Cox and Kings, in the Indian market. Khan is extremely popular in France with a huge fan following and the wax statue would give Indians another reason to travel to that country, he added. Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau managing director Paul Roll said that Paris is a hot destination among Indian tourists. "Last year, over 300,000 Indians visited France, the second largest number after China," Roll said. A 19th century French journalist Arthur Meyer conceived Grevin's wax museum. He collaborated with Alfred Grevin, a cartoonist, sculptor and costume designer to work on the project. When the wax museum doors were finally thrown open to the public in June 1882, it was a grand success. Some of the wax statues in the Grevin collection include Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Pope John Paul-II, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.

I love winning, says Shah Rukh Khan After defeating Hyderabad's Deccan Chargers Sunday at the Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders and team owner Shah Rukh Khan were at the peak of their confidence about winning the Indian Premier League (IPL). "I love winning - whether it's IPL matches or films or a game of carom with my kids or the entire world. I believe my victory is God's assurance that I really worked hard," the superstar said. "We are the toughest competition for the other seven teams. Why one team at a time-put all the seven teams on one side and see how the Knight Riders battle it out against them," Shah Rukh told IANS on the sidelines of a press conference after Sunday's match. Does he not get nervous while his Knights are in action? "Kolkata Knight Riders is my dream personified. I always wanted to be a cricketer. Now it's through my team that I am fulfilling my dream. I am possessive about my team. When my boys are playing I am worried throughout about their comfort. It's like seeing Aryan (son) take part in a race and praying that he wins unhurt." Did he spend Rs. 2 billion on the team just to fulfil his dream, or has he already started calculating his profits? "Do I look so intelligent as to count my profit instead of shouting and cheering for my team?" he said with a smile. "The team is divided into three sections - the cricket part is looked after by my Knights, I look after the entertainment section and my business partner Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta look after the administrative part. The latter will be the right people to comment on the profit." How was the experience of playing the first match at Eden Gardens? "It's fantastic. Only Kolkatans can feel the true spirit of cricket. It's their overwhelming support that no tough pitch and power failure could come in the way of the victory of the Knight Riders." What is beyond the team motto - Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo (Do, Fight, Win)? "The Kolkata Knight Riders are here to teach the world how to believe and win a dream that no one else dares to do. Discipline, dedication and dignity are the three powers that are combined at every stroke of our bat and every throw of our ball," he said.

Speed Racer Premiere

Speed Racer Premiere

Speed Racer Premiere

Speed Racer Premiere

Swarovski Runway Show

On the set of "I Love You Phillip Morris"

On the set of "I Love You Phillip Morris"

Fisichella, Coulthard gearing up for A1GP? 3 May, 2008 A1 GP promoter Tony Teixeira claims four members of the formula one fraternity are looking at setting up teams in his open-wheeler series. Although refusing to confirm whether David Coulthard and Giancarlo Fisichella are contemplating getting behind Scottish and Italian outfits respectively, the South African said he would "welcome" their involvement. The Daily Express newspaper reports that both veteran grand prix drivers are "examining the business profile" of A1's forthcoming season, which from next year will boast Ferrari-made and powered cars. “I can't talk names, but we have had four F1 people in touch,” Teixeira, in England for the finale of the 2008 series, confirmed. “And I would welcome people like Fisi and Coulthard. We have an open door.” Teixeira also revealed that F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone was "totally dumbfounded" when he heard that grand prix pacesetter Ferrari was to become intimately involved in the A1 GP series, "and then offered respect for the deal". Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror said Red Bull "dismissed claims" that Coulthard could be ousted by the F1 team this season after a spate of crashes.

Button has high hopes for Turkey 03 May 2008 Fresh from a sixth place finish in the Spanish Grand Prix, Jenson Button is heading to the Turkish Grand Prix next week hopeful of another strong points scoring finish. "I've had a couple of good results in Istanbul in 2005 and 2006, finishing in the top five on both occasions," Button said. "The track layout is excellent with the changes in elevation making it a tough but enjoyable circuit for the drivers. There are some really good overtaking opportunities at turn one and turn three, with a chance of passing into turns nine and twelve if you get it right." "The Spanish Grand Prix was our first major upgrade to the RA108 and the new aero package definitely gave us a performance improvement over the weekend," he added. "It's good to know that we are improving the car step-by-step and I was able to develop a good understanding of the new developments. The car that we take to Turkey will be essentially the same package, therefore our focus will be getting onto Q3 and qualifying in the top ten. Turkey is a circuit that I have always been competitive at, and really enjoy driving, so I am hopeful that we will have a good race."

Gattuso: I'm Made For The English Game Milan’s bullish midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has reiterated that it's his dream to play in the Premier League... Ringhio’s future with the Rossoneri is open to speculation after a lacklustre season during which time his relationship with boss Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly broken down. Now, the midfield general is looking elsewhere – insisting that he’s perfectly suited for the Premiership. “I would love to have the chance to play in the Premier League,” the former Rangers man told Sky Sport Italia. “It’s a dream that I have always had and I have never hidden that fact. I think I have all the right characteristics to play in the Premier League.” Rino is still gunning to end the disappointing season with Champions League football. Milan trail fourth-placed Fiorentina by two points with two games remaining. He also insists that the all-English Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea is down to their adopting the Italian mindset. “I would like to be involved in the Champions League next season. I have won two of them and we gave one to Rafa Benitez as a present,” he smiled, recalling Liverpool’s epic comeback against Milan. “From what I saw in the semi-finals, the English teams played the Italian game, there was a lot of Catenaccio (Italian defensive tactics). “When I began playing, people used to say that the Italian game was anti-football and that we only think about defending. However, in the end the English copied us.”

Matrix: I Want Gattuso At Inter Inter hardman Marco Materazzi has looked ahead to this weekend’s derby with Milan, and has called good friend Gennaro Gattuso to join him at the Nerazzurri. Derby The two city rivals meet at San Siro on Sunday, with Inter knowing that they could clinch the Scudetto with victory. "It is the most important derby in history," Materazzi told Sky Sport 1. “My son David is unfortunately still a fan of Milan. He wishes to come to the derby with his Milan shirt on, but I abolished this idea, because it is not possible." Milan have struggled badly this year, and need to win themselves if they are to hang onto hope of catching Fiorentina in fourth place, and thus qualifying for the Champions League. "Milan have had a particular year, where many people have been tired,” Materazzi continued. “They haven’t had Inzaghi available for much of the year, and Gilardino has had some difficulties. "It is the dream of all Interisti to win the Scudetto in the derby. Ancelotti is perhaps more afraid of losing because, if Milan were to lose on Sunday, I think that they would have many difficulties to qualify for the Champions League. “If we were to lose, touch wood, we would have two other possibilities to win the Scudetto.” Gattuso Materazzi was then asked, if there was one player he could steal from Milan for Inter, who it would be. "Only one? It would be too easy to say Kakà, but I say Gattuso,” he replied. “If he wanted to come here, there would be problems.” Mancini Finally the 34-year-old was asked about the future of Coach Roberto Mancini, who has been heavily linked with an exit at the end of the campaign. "It is up to him to say [whether he is going to stay]. I hope that he does, otherwise we will see what happens," Materazzi concluded.

Mihajlovic: Inzaghi The Danger Man Inter assistant coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has showered Milan’s Pippo Inzaghi with praise, and believes he is the danger man ahead of this weekend’s derby. Scudetto Inter could clinch the Scudetto on Sunday by beating their bitter city rivals, but Mihajlovic is asking everyone to focus on one thing at a time. "First we need to win, we will think about the celebrations afterwards,” Mihajlovic told Sky. "Certainly Milan are better than they were a month and half ago. They have to win otherwise they will have little chance of going into the Champions League. Therefore, they certainly will be motivated to the maximum. “On the other hand, the best thing for us, and especially for our fans, is to win the Scudetto in the derby, with a stadium full of Milan supporters. “For sure it will be a hard fought game, but I am convinced that in the end we will be the winners." Balotelli. Mihajlovic was also asked about teenage sensation Mario Balotelli, who is set to play in his first ever Milan derby. "He has never played a derby at these levels,” the Serbian noted. “If he continues to improve day after day, he can become one of the best players around. “It depends only on him, he must stay with feet on the ground and train as he has been doing.” SuperPippo The Danger-man Finally Mihajlovic was asked who he feared most in the Milan line-up out of Inzaghi, Kaka and Alexandre Pato. "For me personally [as a player] I always feared Inzaghi,” he revealed. “Aside from that, Kakà and Pato are two great players, but Inzaghi is Inzaghi. He has that wickedness in front of goal. He is very strong.” Inzaghi has been in blistering form in recent weeks, having scored an incredible eight goals in his last four matches. “As for Inter, Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti are the key players," he continued. "If they are there, the others lift their game too. Cambiasso never gets a game wrong in front of the defence, while wherever you put Zanetti it seems as if he’s been there a lifetime.”

Gila Could Leave Milan - Agent Alberto Gilardino could be on his way out of Milan, his agent has admitted, but nothing will be settled until the end of the season. Gilardino’s days at Milan have been numbered for quite sometime now following a third hugely disappointing season with the club. The 25-year-old was tipped by many as Italy’s next great striker when he moved to the Rossoneri from Parma in 2005, but things have just not worked out as planned. The Italian press firmly believes that Gilardino will be on his way out of San Siro in the summer, with Marco Borriello, Ronaldinho and Andriy Shevchenko all possibly arriving in his place. "We will look at the topic only at the end of the season,” Gila’s agent Francesco Romano told Radio Kiss Kiss, when asked about his client’s future. “Together we will evaluate every opportunity that is present. For now Gilardino is thinking only about Milan. “It is clear though that if Milan get Ronaldinho, Shevchenko and Borriello we would have a new discussion. “But it is still too early to talk about his position because at this time Milan have not yet bought anyone." Gilardino has scored just seven goals in 30 Serie A appearances this season.

Kaka Named Among TIME 100 AC Milan superstar Kaka has received yet another honour, having been named among the world’s 100 most influential people by TIME Magazine… This prestigious acknowledgement caps a truly memorable 12 months for the Brazilian, who has already collected the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or awards for his exploits in leading the Rossoneri to the Champions League, European Super Cup and World Club Cup trophies. The 26-year-old was included under the category of ‘Heroes and Pioneers’, along with sporting greats such as cyclist Lance Armstrong, tennis legend Andre Agassi and Paralympian Oscar Pistorius. And Kaka, who will feature alongside 99 others on the cover to be released on May 12, could scarcely hide his delight at being recognised among some of the world’s most famous and well-loved personalities. Wonderful “When I heard the news I was really moved, because this is a wonderful moment,” he told Milan Channel. “I consider it a great satisfaction. To be among the 100 most influential people in the world is a remarkable privilege. “To see my name there in that list along with 99 other personalities of world renown makes me very happy.” Recognition Kaka is the only footballer on the list, which some may consider surprising given David Beckham’s high-profile in the United States following his mega-money move to Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy. But the Milan number 22, whose feature article was written by Fulham and United States goalkeeper Kasey Keller, understands the difficulty in gaining recognition across the pond – a fact that makes him all the more thrilled with his inclusion in the TIME 100. “It is not easy to make a mark on the American media,” Kaka said. “They have their own market and their favourite sports. “Allowing me, a soccer player, to be part of this list is a great feeling for which I thank God.” Responsibility Part of Kaka’s global appeal stems from his devotion to religion and his impeccable public image, which are a far cry from the norm when one thinks of football superstars – especially Brazilians, one might say. But the former Sao Paulo star, who has previously stated he would like to become a preacher when his career finishes, insists it is important to uphold the image and ideals of his sport. He said: “Do I feel as if I am a good communicator? Yes, it is a responsibility that we players have to take on, because today football is the most popular sport in the world. “Everyone watches and follows the games, so players have a duty and a responsibility to transmit positive values.”

You're welcome

You're welcome double blush

Seedorf To Inter: We’ve Won More Than You Clarence Seedorf has reminded Inter ahead of this weekend’s derby that Milan have won more trophies than them. More Trophies This week the Italian press has been dominated by Sunday’s big clash at San Siro, a game in which Inter will be looking to clinch the Scudetto, and Milan will be hoping to continue their chase of fourth placed Fiorentina. “I look forward to it very peacefully,” Seedorf said in today’s press conference. “In these games it's easy to find the motivation, more so than against Livorno, but last Sunday we wanted to make a particular effort so that the Inter clash would be even more interesting. “With our players we have obtained more than Inter at international level. Maybe Inter has more quality, but we have won. “Our group is strong and even those who are on the bench. When we play we are happy and we can celebrate all together, and it’s also them who give us the motivation to make the coach understand that he made the right choices. “It’s also for this reason that I say that going on the market you must do so conscious of what is really needed and not to make fireworks.” Vieira Seedorf then replied to Patrick Vieira’s provocation earlier this week that Milan snubbed Serie A for the Champions League last year because they were so far behind Inter after just 10 games. “We did not choose the Champions League because after 10 games we were 20 points behind the league leaders,” he stated. “We won it because we deserved it, despite playing without any normal preparation. “For this reason we had a bit of difficulties in the league. The real season in which we must admit that we made something wrong is the current one." Balotelli Finally Seedorf passed comment on Inter’s 17-year-old sensation Mario Balotelli. “He’s a good player, he’s a good talent and must be managed,” the Dutchman warned, referring to his slightly fiery temperament. “For those who say that he must grow because on the pitch he has certain attitudes I say that he has a good master, considering that Mancini was a hot head. “Therefore he knows how to teach him to make him grow well.”

Not up to the standard - King Khan No one, not even Shah Rukh Khan, stands above Television Rating Points (TRP) in the television industry. And SRK too stands humbled today. The omnipotent TRPs for the opening of Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain? are in. And they are hugely less than the opening TRPs of Kaun Banega Crorepati 2, SRK's game show that aired last year. Shah Rukh's Kaun Banega Crorepati 2, in 2007, opened with a TRP rating of 12.33 (TAM ratings). Cut to 2008, he has managed a rating of 4.61 (TAM ratings) with Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain? What could be the reason for a dip, where he managed less than half the TRP of his earlier outing on TV? It certainly wasn't due to lack of publicity. Audiences couldn't possibly forget to switch on their television sets, after being bombarded by Paanchvi Paas ads everywhere and all the time. Everything else about the show was also hunky dory. Smart and spunky kids were hand-picked to compete on the show. It's hosted by none other than Shah Rukh Khan. But the scenario has obviously changed in the last one year. With the fragmentation of viewership and launching of several new channels, it has become a tough task for channels to keep the audiences glued to a particular show. Shah Rukh can probably blame himself too, for over-exposing himself at IPL matches. The audiences have seen a lot of him, anyway. Here a Khan, there a Khan, everywhere a Khan Khan. So, what's another game show? The channel, of course, refuses to see that anything is amiss. Says Prem Kamath, Star India VP marketing and communication, “The response of the show has been extremely good, The TRP ratings are 4.7 on the first day which is ahead of IPL. There has been 142 per cent growth in the slot ratings. We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from everywhere. The format is fun and spontaneous which has been well accepted by the people.” Compared to IPL ratings, where the TRPs vary from 4.5 to 5.5, yes Paanchvi Paas, at 4.61, is good. But SRK has obviously not been able to outdo records set by himself.

He’s my dost Khan - SRK Shah Rukh Khan is extremely busy with his cricket matches, and as seen earlier his presence does make a difference to his team. But while he is backing his army in full force on the cricket field, SRK isn’t shirking from his duties as an actor and producer. The very busy man, reported to a studio to dub for Bhoothnath at midnight. Director Vivek Sharma tells us, “I really needed Shah Rukh to dub for the film. When I requested him to come for dubbing on a particular day, he was there at midnight and dubbed till early morning, so that my schedule didn’t go haywire. He’s my dost Khan!” Kudos to Khan’s energy, enthusiasm and professionalism.