Bollywood bigwigs rock the stage at the 15th Annual Nokia Star Screen Awards

The 15th Annual Nokia Star Screen awards was a star-studded affair with Bollywood bigwigs walking the red carpet at the 1st official film awards of this year. Apart from the infamous spat that took place between Ashutosh Gowariker and Sajid Khan, the award ceremony also saw some high voltage performances from some of the biggest names in tinsel town. Bollywood Buzz brings you a glimpse of some of the sizzling acts of the big night.

2008 was a year Priyanka Chopra would not forget for a long, long time. The gorgeous actress had as many as 6 releases last year out of which Dostana and Fashion raked in the moolah big time. Priyanka set the stage on fire with her sizzling moves on chartbusting tracks such as 'Desi Girl' and the crowds were needless to say...speechless.

Among the many newcomers who debuted last year, Anushka Sharma is a name that will stay fresh in out minds for a long time. This beautiful 'Taani' of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi fame showed that she can indeed 'Dance' if given a 'Chance'. It was her first ever performance at an awards show and she did live up to everyone's expectations.

The reigning Queen Bee of Bollywood Katrina Kaif had the male audiences gasping for breath as she performed to some pulsating numbers from her hit films like Singh is Kinng and Race.

After all the girls' performances it was time for Bollywood's latest rock star Arjun Rampal to take centre stage. Currently riding high on the popularity of Rock On, Arjun looking uber-cool in washed out jeans and a black fitted ganji, set the stage on fire with his breathtaking performance. What's more in the grand finale act, he even called Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra on stage to join him for an impromptu gig. The crowds surely couldn't have asked for more.

For those who missed all the live action at the 15th Annual Nokia Star Screen awards, don't miss tuning into Star Plus on Sunday 25th Jan at 8pm IST.

Showbiz 24X7

All the pretty women and some men from the15th Annual Nokia Star Screen and Lions Gold Awards and a car and a movie launch.

First Look: The Star Screen Awards is Barabar Mori's first appearance in India. Isn't she a stunner? Looks like she and Suzanne are good friends. The guy with her is also cute.

Blue, Blue: Hard Kaur and Tabu are wearing very similar gowns in different shades of blue. Kaur's is a bright sky blue while Tabu's is electric. We think both look electrifying

Visions in White: Kangana and Jaya Bachchan look beautiful and elegant in their heavy white sarees. This is the first time Kangana is wearing a saree, now that her figure has filled up

Red Divas: Katrina and Priyanka sparkled in red gowns. Both are so sexy, it is hard to pick one

Shimmering Star: After her smooth moves in RNBDJ, Anushka made her stage dancing debut. All jazzed up for the stage, this is the first time she is seen in a midriff baring outfit. And she is a lot thinner than hari bhari Punjabi kudi Taani.

Sweet Nothings: Arshad Warsi is whispering something into Priyanka's ears.

Gimme Red: Both Nausheen and Mandira Baedi wore red to their respective movie and car launches. We think Nausheen carried it off better. Mandira has put on a lot of weight and it's high time she got her tresses back.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi features in iTunes Top 10 Charts

The music of Yash Raj Films' Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starring Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has created a benchmark in the digital entertainment by featuring in the list of top 10 album sales for iTunes, the world's most popular online music store. This is the first time the music album of a Bollywood film has made it to the album download charts of iTunes.

Commenting on this achievement Neeraj Roy, MD & CEO, Hungama Mobile, said, "This is yet another example of Indian content transcending boundaries and making a significant mark in the digital music space, worldwide. Hungama would like to congratulate Yash Raj films, the music directors Salim- Sulaiman and all those associated with the film."

"While single song downloads are common, an entire album being downloaded on digital download services is rare and this showcases the great music that's been composed for the film," he added. Hungama, which owns the digital rights to Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, is the exclusive distributor of Indian content to iTunes. iTunes is available in 22 countries around the world, including USA, the UK, and the European Union. The iTunes Store is the world's most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 10 million songs, over 30,000 TV episodes and over 2,500 films including over 600 in stunning high definition video.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi featuring in iTunes Top 10 charts once again proves that SRK mania is far from over.

Awards season starts with RAB NE...!

The awards season for Hindi films usually starts off in the New Year. But viewers of one of the popular news channel have had their say at the end of the old year and their voice is loud and clear: RAB NE BANA DI JODI is the best film of the year 2008.

The year end Movie Masala awards which bases its honours exclusively on the votes of the viewers of Aaj Tak news channel, have also declared Anushka Sharma as the debutante of the year and acknowledged Aditya Chopra's return behind the camera as the best directorial turn of the year.

Clearly, the sensitivity and humour with which the film depicted the initial moments in the life of a newly married couple has struck a chord with Indian viewers. Aditya Chopra's delicate direction has not gone unnoticed and Anushka Sharma's richly textured performance has surprised viewers with its maturity, especially as this was her first acting performance of any kind in any medium. Asked to comment on her win, Anushka with humility personified. 'It is an honour enough to work with Aditya Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan and the entire Yash Raj Films team. To win any kind of recognition on top of that is just icing on the cake. I hope that my subsequent work will live up to the expectations that viewers have of me after this kind of a stellar launch that Yash Raj Films has given me.'

Knowing how much the story of RAB NE BANA DI JODI has resonated with the viewers, it should just be a matter of time before other awards start pouring in. 2008 ended with a bang for Yash Raj Films. Now it's the turn of the batch of 2009 films from YRF, starting with the unusual tale of NEW YORK to weave their magic with the viewers
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Why Shah Rukh Romancing debutants

Shah Rukh is the King, no doubt. He’s proven this on several occasions. Even Newsweek, in its recent Most Powerful Men in Entertainment list, put him at #41.

Yet, in his last two films, he’s acted alongside debutants. In 2007, he romanced Deepika in Om Shanti Om and last month, we saw him dancing with Anushka Sharma in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

So, why is the Baadshah not acting with established heroines like Rani and Priti Zinta? Well, the King does have an answer. He says, “Well I have crossed 40, and will soon have to retire. The senior actors will also have to do the same. So I thought I’d work with some younger girls. So later, when I’m old, they’d still want to work with me. Now do you understand why I am launching these new girls?”

Well, the workaholic Shah Rukh certainly has his retirement plan figured out.

"As a kid I used to dance on SRK's song from Baazigar" - Anushka Sharma

The best compliment Anushka Sharma received for her performance in Rab Ne Bana De Jodi came from Yash Chopra. "He came up to me and said mine was one of the best performances he had seen by a debutant. He placed his hand on my head while saying this. So he was blessing me."

She was also not presented with the poise finesse and sophistication associated with the typical Yash Raj heroine. Anushka defends the banner stoutly. "You're right. Even when girls are presented as seedhi-saadhi in a Yash Raj film she's glamorous. And coming from a glam background I wouldn't have minded being glossy in my first film. But you know what? This was such a huge opportunity. I couldn't have asked for more. I fell in love with my character and the film. It's a dream role for any debutante. I can always get into chiffon saris in the next Yash Raj film. Or the one after that..."

It's interesting how Anushka got Rab Ne Bana De Jodi. "I was auditioned and short-listed. Then Adi auditioned me personally and I was on."

Ask her how she managed to be so natural in her first film and Anushka laughs, "All the while I was modeling in Bangalore. Maybe there was an actor lurking within me. I'm crazy about my modeling work. I love the ramp and the backstage banter. I moved to Mumbai a year ago. Movies were not a priority. I don't come from a film background, don't know how the industry works. I didn't know anyone here."

But Anushka was always a huge Shah Rukh fan. "My dad is in the army and when they would've these functions in the mess, I'd dance to Shah Rukh's 'Kitabe Bahut Si Padhi Hogi' from Baazigar. I must've been 3 at that time. I wasn't just Shah Rukh's fan. I'm his trueblue admirer. I always loved the way he conducted himself. Now after having worked with him I love him even more. Rab Ne...was like my school where Shah Rukh and Adi were my teachers."

However Anushka wasn't over-instructed. "Adi never told me what to do beyond a point. In fact he gave me the liberty to interpret my character how I wanted after making me read the lines. Imagine a newcomer getting so much freedom in her first film! I must have given my DOP Mr Ravi Chandran so much grief. I knew nothing about camera angles. I didn't even understand focus marks. Shah Rukh was doing that for me. Adi and Shah Rukh made things so comfortable for me. These things matter a lot when you're starting out."

Anushka didn't have to make a strenuous effort to act. "Even modeling is a kind of performance. On the ramp you are representing a concept. In a film you're projecting an individual. But the transition wasn't hard for me. Because in real life I'm as simple as the girl I play in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. Yes, I do like to dress up and walk the ramp. But that isn't the real me."

Anushka was lucky to be brought up in Bangalore. "Otherwise army officers who give their lives for the country (and I'm proud to be born to a soldier's daughter) could be posted anywhere in the back of the beyond. That gets really tough on their kids. Me and My brother (who used to be a state-level cricketer) got the best of education in Bangalore."

Mumbai is now Anushka's home. "I kept coming to Mumbai for modeling assignments. I decided to move into Mumbai a year ago with my mom, since my dad is posted out. I haven't bought my place. Right now I'm very comfortable in the army quarters. I don't feel the need to move from where I am."

Anushka Sharma is all smiles at Fame Malad

Introducing Anushka Sharma

"Thank you so much. I've been answering the same old questions two thousand times". This is what the delighted Anushka Sharma with a beautiful smile told me when I walked in to the YRF Studio's first floor room after letting her know that I wasn't in a mood of asking clichéd questions to her for her film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. But she forgot to ask me my mood then, because for once, I was in a mood to create something new, something cheerful, something light, something entertaining, something more flirtatious. What's more, she was ready and comfortable with my mood, but what she didn't see coming was her first ever proposal by a journalist in a closed room. I asked her out on a date first and then asked her whether she would marry me. To my jaw dropping surprise, she said, "Yes". Listening to her talk, you can hear the qualities that made her Taani in the film; she has become the face of the season that you would want to hear the news from and a reason for anyone to fall in love with. In some ways, she says, the life chose her rather than the other way around. With her exotic looks and her obvious sense of fun, you'd think Anushka Sharma would have many a men beating a path to her door. But no. I was the only first and the last man standing which put her through this fancy-free and flirty conversation. Not that she doesn't want a man in her life - it's just that 'Rab' found me for her. Harrow Observer UK columnist and Bollywood Hungama's London correspondent brings you the never before heard conversation with the sexy, single and now successful Anushka Sharma on Rab, Tab aur Ab (God, then and now).

Shah Rukh told me that Adi Chopra believed the film was made by 'Rab'. What's your opinion on the quote?
Absolutely correct. Me being a part of this film is also because of 'Rab' because now that I've done this film, in a strange way I believe that everything that has happened in my life before this has kind of structured to get me to this. In terms of me moving to Mumbai, me not being too exposed in spite of being in the modelling world for quite some time, etc, all helped me get Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. It was entirely Rab's blessings for all of us, not for me alone.

The recently updated UK figures have grossed almost half a million pounds in seven days for your film. Are you going to be a million dollar baby by the end of two weeks?
(Laughs) Actually I don't understand the figures very well. I do ask Yash Raj how the film is doing at the box office and what the people are thinking about it. But as you're telling me that the film has grossed half a million pounds, I'm sure the people are going to the cinemas and watching it. But I wanted everyone to come out of the theatres and scream on top of their voice - 'What a film man! I'm going and watching it the next time'. It feels good to be a part of a successful film and even special when you know that you've contributed towards the success.

Will the success of Rab Ne take your feet off the ramp?
This film happened by chance but modelling was something that I always wanted to do. I've never said that I wanted to be Miss World or an actress. I just wanted to be a model walking the ramp. Whether I will return back to the ramp is all up to Rab now. Let's see.

Are you happy with the unhappy response from quite a few critics from the media world?
Yeah, I heard that many critics haven't taken the film very well. But that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their own individual opinion and they are viewers after all. I respect all the critics' opinion.

How critical were your parents after watching the film?
My elder brother will never pay me any compliment because he is harsh. And so is my dad. After watching the film my brother said, "You can act, huh". For my mother, I'm the best in the world. My dad was impressed though.

You made my friend and colleague who was sitting next to me while watching the film cry. Why?
(Laughs) Really? Actually I wanted everyone to cry. My friends called me up saying that they really enjoyed the film and had fun throughout. But in return I asked them whether they cried watching the same. I wanted them to cry. If someone has cried, they are feeling for you and your character. I guess it's nice in a way.

So tell me, are your parents going to look out for a boy like Surinder or Raj for your marriage?
(Laughs) My father always says, "You please go and find a boy for yourself because I doubt if I will ever find one for you". I tend to go the hyper way sometimes which is fine because that's my age. So if I was ever to find someone for me, the guy has to be like Surinder Sahni. If you are dating a rich brat, how far can you go on is my question and where are you going to go? You want to be with someone who loves you like Suri does, that is unconditionally. He has to be sweet and genuine. I was watching the film and was cursing my character because I failed to understand why Taani isn't falling in love with him.

You envy Gauri Khan then?
(Laughs out loud) No, not at all. They are such a cute couple. I can never think of that.

Ok, would you leave your husband in real life if you find someone else?
For Taani, she didn't marry out of choice but Anushka Sharma is going to marry out of choice. And when I do get married I will never think of leaving my husband.

Now please close your eyes and tell me where do you see Rab when you open your eyes. I know it's me but still go on, tell me.
(Laughs out loud) Yes, it's you in front of me. But on a serious note, you are not seeing Rab in someone; you see the goodness of Rab in a person. Someone who is so correct like Suri doesn't have a single bad bone in his body. He is such a nice man and is so good to everybody. That's what God is like, right?

You are a classic dancer with a classical grace.
Thank you for the compliment and thanks to my Bharatnatyam classes I did till I was in the seventh standard. My mother always wanted me to learn classical dancing but I kept running away from it. What you've seen on screen is thanks to Shiamak Davar who helped me for one whole month of training.

When do you plan to go to the UK and show your beautiful face to the country which has accepted you and your film with open arms?
I'm booking my flight with you. Let's go together. That's a good idea isn't it? I've never been to the UK and I'd love to go there once.

You don't need to climb the ladder of success because you are so tall.
(Laughs) You're right. But in the film, I wasn't wearing any heels. If I was, I would've looked taller than Shah Rukh.

Have you been offered any toothpaste commercial because your smile kills?
Oh really. I haven't been offered any toothpaste commercial but the day I get an offer, I'll send you a thank you note.

How similar is Anushka to Taani?
In more ways than one. But Anushka right now is very tired and I've been doing these interviews since morning which will go on till 11pm. Please tell me how do these actors do it. Hats off to them. I have to learn the tricks of the trade. Sometimes it does get tiring to answer the same questions again and again. I must say, your questions are a welcome relief.

I can't keep my eyes off you and I have to say this, will you come out on a date with me?
(Laughs) Yes, I don't mind but on one condition. You don't have to ask me any questions, I will ask you the same question forty times and you'll have to answer it. Secondly, we will go the Yash Raj canteen outside for our date. Thirdly, you will have to compliment me, talk all the nice things about me and be very sweet with me. If that's what you can do, I'm up for it.

Now you're being conditional here.
I have to, if you want a date with me (laughs).

How about a step forward. Will you marry me Anushka?
(Laughs out loud) Yes but again it will be conditional. You know what, my father may agree to your proposal also because he will be more than willing to say, "Accha hai...koi toh mil gaya...ab meri tension khatam."

What do you have to say to your UK audiences who are comparing you with Kajol's character Simran? They think you are the new Simran in SRK's life.
Wow! I didn't know this. Thank you so much and thank you to all the UK people who've appreciated my work. I hope I do many more films with Shah Rukh because he is too good. He is fun to work with. When I saw Kajol and SRK in the 'Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte' song, they both looked like made for each other. Their pair is just awesome.

Are you going to watch Aamir's Ghajini?
Yes, I am going to watch Aamir Khan's Ghajini. I think it's going to be a good film. It's not about competition, nowadays, the more the films do well, better it is for our industry.

SRK: I Love Girls

SRK reached three hours late as usual and the media had to wait for him as newbie Anushka couldn't be unveiled without him. But SRK more than made up when he won everyone over with his infectious energy and unmatched wit.

He spoke about Rab Ne, Anushka and Aamir Khan.

What do you feel about the response to RNBDJ?
I have got a mixed reaction from everyone. Many people liked Suri's character. Insha'allah my fans are with me so they love me in all my films.

Why did it take so long to launch Anushka?
Both Adi and I thought that first people should watch Anushka's performance first and then communicate with her. Now, when you have seen her performance in the film you can ask her justified questions. That's why we were hiding her. There is nothing like we kidnapped her and kept her in some special room, didn't allow her to eat or talk to anyone. We have
allowed her to speak with her parents twice a day. We have not hidden her in a room where even sunlight cannot reach her. It is just that we hid her from the media.

So do you enjoy working with girls half your age?
Yeah!!! You all know that I love girls and girls also love me. That is why I am doing films with young girls and all my actresses are taller than me. I guess the new generation is quite tall! And Anushka is only twenty years old and she has a lot more time to grow. And I love working with young actresses (laughs)

How did the idea of the multi-star tribute song come about?
The idea was Adi's only because he has written the script. I don't interfere with the scripts or with the directors. Earlier we thought that we should make Anushka play all the characters but then we dropped the idea because we thought it would take attention away from Taani's and Suri's characters. So we cast all hot Bollywood legends as me and all hot actresses opposite me. As I have always I said 'I love girls'.

Isn't the song's theme similar to OSO?
No, because both of them had different motives behind the picturization of the songs. That movie's theme was of a guy who wants to become an actor. But here she thinks of how funny Raj is.

Aamir has said that you are famous and your films become hits because you have befriended members of the media. What do you think?
You give me the answer if you think this is true. If this is true, then journalism's principal has died and you people are fake! Journalists are fake, news channels are sold out. Then none of the films will flop. I am asking you people if it is true. These are baseless rumors. And I don't have any special friends in the media. If I had friends in the media, you all would not do any negative stories against me. When I came to Mumbai and was on my way to becoming a star, I used to get tensed and angry with the media wanting to write about my personal life. But then I cooled down as I realized that I am doing my job and they are doing their job.

Aamir has put up his Ghajini statues in theatres to compete with your film. What is your reaction?
I think Ghajini will be a blockbuster. See I will tell you that he is intelligent, he is smart and he is a great actor. And we met each other last night. Don't take it the wrong way! We were shooting next to each other. I will tell you one thing about Aamir. Now Aamir has become so funny ...earlier he was very serious. And now he pulls my leg so I can also pull his leg. So I thought I would tease him about his hair but when I saw him his hair had grown. Then I asked him about the boys who have gone bald because of him as they are sporting the Ghajini hairstyle and what if their hair doesn't grow back? And then I joked with him about his muscles. I got a six pack last year but Aamir has got an eight pack now, so who toh mere se aage nikal gaya hai. I wish him all the best for Ghajini.

'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' The highest opening week grosser till date

Shahrukh Khan-starrer `Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' that released worldwide on December 12, has grossed Rs 90 crore in its opening week, which is on par with and in some places even higher than two of the highest opening week grossers till date, `Om Shanti Om' and `Singh Is King'.

Its producers Yash Raj Films (YRF) said `Rab Ne...' has also broken all earlier opening week collection records for Yash Raj Films, having surpassed the opening week collections of `Dhoom: 2', which is regarded as one of the highest grossing movies of all-time.

The total collections for `Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' in India are around Rs 42 crore net (gross collections were Rs 70 crore). The total gross collections for all overseas markets are over USD 4 Million (around Rs 20 crore), a YRF statement said here on Thursday.

In Middle East, `Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' has broken all previous records for first week collections, netting just under USD 1.3 million. The previous highest grossing film in the Gulf region, having a sizeable Indian population, was `Dhoom: 2', which grossed approximately USD 1.86 million across its entire run.

The Aditya Chopra-directed romantic flick, featuring newcomer Anushka Sharma, is on course to break this all-time record going into its second week, the statement said.

The film has also had a grand opening week across all overseas markets, including the UK, USA, Australia, Europe, Africa, and Asia, and features in the list of the highest grossers for the opening week in most of these territories.

"The film has the potential to finish as one of the biggest blockbusters of all-time," it said.

Shahrukh Khan at Anushka Sharma's introductory press conference

SRK: Let audience speak about Anuskha

Last year when OM SHANTI OM was about to release Shah Rukh had left no stones unturned in promoting the movie. Infact the leading lady of the film newcomer Deepika Padukone was given the maximum hype. Even before the film hit the screens she was already interacting with the media and was being touted as the next big thing in Bollywood.

So (it went quite obvious) when RAB NE was about to scorch the screens everyone expected a similar kind of hullabaloo. But surprisingly makers and SRK kept mum about the leading lady newcomer Anuskha Sharma, before the film (RAB NE BANA DI JODI) release. And left one and all taken aback. And we thought this was the end.

But all you guys out there hold it, SRK is not a kind of person to take away home all the cake. Badshah knows his strategies well. He knows how to give fair share of credits to his co–stars. Last evening YRF held a special introductory press meet for Anuskha Sharma where Shah Rukh very cordially introduced her to the media.

When we asked SRK as to why Anuskha was kept away from media all these days, to this SRK quite jokingly in his style defended, "Honestly I think all the new actors should be given a chance to prove themselves, its important first we judge their work and then only go ahead with relevant questions. Atleast let them get comfortable with the environment. I think it's quite logical and comfortable to interview the new ones only after they are done with 2–3 films rather than grilling them with same set of questions like how was your experience, whether he/she is good/bad, etc. Once they are established it becomes pretty easier to talk about their work, their films, experience. So it was nothing like that we were hiding Anuskha from anyone or torturing her in any way to not to make any public appearance. She was very much free to step anywhere she wanted to. We allowed her to talk to her parents also."

Further he adds, "Moreover it would have been easy for me and Adi to speak about Anuskha ki Anuskha toh itni accchi hai aap jarur dekheyga. Unhone bahut aacha kaam kiya, etc, etc. But we didn't want to. Instead we wanted audience/viewers to notice about her charm, her work, her persona. We wanted audience to judge, recognize her."

Well we do agree with you SRK on this part. And your strategies have also worked. The charming and vivacious Anuskha has already garnered maximum accolades for her performance.

Now we know why SRK's leading ladies become overnight star.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi script goes to the Oscars library

It's time for YRF to start their celebrations as Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi has had a successful run at the BO since its release last week. And if that was not enough the news is that YRF has got a call from the Oscar library requesting them for the script of Rab Ne...for its permanent collection.

News has it that it's basically the sensitivity of the screenplay and the unusual love story that attracted the attention of the Oscar library. For the uninitiated, the scripts in the collection are kept at the famous Margaret Herrick Library and are made accessible strictly for research purposes only. It's actually the students, filmmakers, writers and actors who can avail of the script. Not just that, the screenplays may only be viewed in the library since they do not get circulated and no screenplay is allowed to be photocopied.

Critics may not have given Rab Ne... the much expected five star ratings, but being chosen for the Oscar library is an achievement in itself! SRK will surely agree to this!

Anushka VsAsin

With Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi having released already, the competition is now between the ‘A’s — be it Aamir Khan versus Akshay Kumar or then Asin (Ghajini) who is surely going to be compared to Rab Ne’s Anushka Sharma.

But Aamir isn’t afraid. He told BT that since Jumbo is an animated flick, they wouldn’t eat into each other’s pie, and about the fresh faces and new talent — Asin and Anushka — Aamir insists that he has had no time to watch Rab Ne... but explained that both Asin and Anushka have a bright future. So while the war of the Khans and Kumar continues, will constant comparisons between Anushka and Asin lead to a competitive catfight? Like the one between Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone when Saawariya and Om Shanti Om clashed at the theatres. All we can actually do is wait and watch!

Rab Ne opens big in North America

The one-man box office engine called Shah Rukh Khan rode into 105 movie theatres across North America grabbing a powerful $1.2 million estimated gross for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi in just three days. Working with director Aditya Chopra for the third time after Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Mohabbatein (2000), the star proved once again that his box office magnetism has remained undiminished over the last decade.

The new film -- in which Shah Rukh plays a common man who devises a plot win over the love of his life -- must have easily grossed over $3.5 million in three days outside India, trade experts believe.

For producer Yash Raj, which has suffered many flops in the last two years, the big success of Rab Ne..., following the strong showing of its previous release Dostana, could be considered nothing short of a blessing. And for the trade which has watched helplessly as many big budget films like Yuvvraaj, Drona and Love Story 2050 bit the dust, the strong opening for Rab Ne... seems a nice way to end the year, with good buzz awaiting the release of other big budget films Ghajini and Chandni Chowk To China.

In North America, Rab Ne... was number 15 on the box office chart led by Keanu Reeves' The Day the Earth Stood Still, which grossed $31 million in more than 3500 theatres.

While the reviews in India have been mixed for Rab Ne..., some of the mainstream publications in America welcomed the film, saying that it made much more sense than the usual over hyped and over kinetic Bollywood films.

'In the last few years, Hindi films have become slicker and faster, full of dizzying camera moves and blink-and-you'll-miss-it editing,' wrote Rachel Saltz in The New York Times. 'The technical exuberance is almost always impressive, but it's starting to seem like its own cliche.

'How refreshing, then, to settle into Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, a love story that has a different pace and feel than the recent crop of action thrillers,' she added. 'Rab Ne..., which reteams the director Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood's reigning superstar, is 'soft, sweet and slow,' in the words of one of its songs. It deftly blends comedy, the ruling tone of the new Bollywood, with melodrama, the ruling tone of the old.'

Shah Rukh has proved to be mighty lucky for Yash Raj. He has said that being directed by Chopra is the kind of collaboration he (Shah Rukh) enjoys most.

Many reviewers have praised Chopra's direction, though some in India have also said that the film loses its focus half way and tries to do too many things .

'Mr Chopra demonstrates how a director can master technology without being mastered by it,' wrote The Times. 'For him, storytelling comes first. (The plot has its flaws, but they're not deadly.)

While some of Shah Rukh's biggest hits such as Kabhi Khushi Khabhie Gham have been multistarrers, his new film is solely driven by his star presence. Rab Ne..., which is not an expensive film (made for about $6 million while Ghajini cost nearly $9 million) is looking at least $6 million in North America, Western Europe, UAE and Australia. Even if it were to plummet by 60 percent in the second week, as it happens in the case of most Hindi films, passing the $5 million benchmark in foreign territories will not be a problem at all.

Shah Rukh was generous in praising his Rab Ne... co-star, newcomer Anushka Sharma. In video interviews made available by Yash Raj, he said he found a distinct advantage in working with new artists who happened to be much younger than him. The younger actresses brought in contemporary touch to their performances, said the actor who is in his early 40s.

Watching them emote made him think if he was doing stereotyped work, and pushed him into yet another gear, he added. His recent films have had new actresses -- Deepika Padukone in Om Shanti Om, Gayatri Joshi in Swades and the girls hockey team in Chak De! India.

RAB NE BANA DI JODI: YRF's highest weekend grosser ever!

RAB NE BANA DI JODI, which released worldwide on December 12th 2008, has broken all earlier opening weekend collection records for Yash Raj Films. The film has grossed approximately Rs. 60 Crores worldwide on its opening weekend, and has surpassed DHOOM:2, which is regarded as one of the highest grossing films of all–time.

In the Middle East, RAB NE BANA DI JODI has set a new record altogether as the highest opening film of all–time. The previous highest was DHOOM: 2, which grossed approximately $1.86 million across its entire run. RAB NE BANA DI JODI has grossed approximately $1 million on its opening weekend alone.

The film has also received a grand opening across all overseas markets, including the UK, USA, Australia, Europe, Africa, and other territories in Asia.

RAB NE BANA DI JODI has been appreciated tremendously by audiences across the board and the film's performance promises to continue in the same vein moving forward.

Rab Ne Bana De Jodi sweeps the nation

Yash Raj Films reeling under the impact of a series of setbacks in 2007-2008 is all set to make a grand comeback with his latest big-time release Rab Ne Bana De Jodi.

In spite of the terror attacks two weeks ago and the downward curve in Yash Raj's recent image, the film had a massive opening which is expected to get better over the weekend and past it.

Roshan Singh a leading exhibitor of Bihar sums up the unexpected euphoria surrounding the latest Shah Rukh Khan starrer. "It's opened to full houses, the best opening I've had for a Yash Raj Film in the last two years. I should know, because my theatre screens all the Yash Raj films in Patna. People love the film. Nobody expected Rab Ne... to be such a sweet love story. Shah Rukh as an ordinary small- town guy proves he is truly the king. And the new girl Anushka is a revelation."

What's working for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is the working-class ambience.The film delineates the dreams and aspirations of ordinary people.

"And the whole idea of putting the couple into a dance reality-show is a stroke of genius. Audiences immediately identify and connect with this new medium of getting famous overnight," says Roshan Singh.

In Mumbai, the responses on Friday ranged from exceptional to very very good. Said the Singh Is Kinng producer Vipul Shah, "I'm not surprised by the warm welcome that the film has got. After 26/11 Mumbai needed a feel good film. And the Shah Rukh-Aditya Chopra combination after eight years....Their last film together was Mohabbatein. I was really looking forward to the film. We don't get a film from the team that gave us Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge that easily."

With the heartening opening of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi the industry reeling under the twin impact of a recession and 26/11 can breathe easy.

The best reaction to the film's opening came from film's director Aditya Chopra and leading man Shah Rukh Khan's best friend Karan Johar in New York. "Rab Ne Bana Di will prove once and for all that the Adi-Shah Rukh jodi is god sent."

Don't 'Rab' that combo the wrong way.

Thumbs up to Shah Rukh's 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'

A cinema hall here resonated with the sound of applause as soon as superstar Shah Rukh Khan made his entry in 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'. It continued, reaching a crescendo towards the end of the film.

The film is a hit, the audience and members of the film fraternity say.

'It is a super duper hit', 'Shah Rukh looks so good', 'The songs are great' were just a few of the reactions of those who managed to see the first show of the film Friday.

Retired Major-General Jasbir Lacshar and his wife Triptinder watched the film and both of them felt it is a 'very clean movie'.

'You can go and watch it with your family. The movie is too good. I think it is exceptionally well-made. The overall packaging of the movie is also excellent,' Jasbir Lacshar said.

Set in Amritsar, 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' is the story of a mismatched couple played by Shah Rukh and newcomer Anushka Sharma and how the two of them find love in the backdrop of a dance competition.

The film is Shah Rukh's first release of the year. Apart from this, it is the first Shah Rukh Khan-Aditya Chopra film in over eight years. They had last collaborated for 'Mohabbatein' in 2000.

'Rab Ne?' saw a massive opening despite the recent Mumbai terror attack and the business for the film is expected to get better over the weekend.

Roshan Singh, a leading exhibitor in Bihar, told IANS: 'The film has opened to full houses in the cities, the best opening we have had for a Yash Raj Film in the last two years. People have loved the film. Nobody expected 'Rab Ne?' to be such a sweet love story.'

According to Singh, what's working best for the film is the very fact that it is about an ordinary man.

'The film delineates the dreams and aspirations of ordinary people. And the whole idea of putting the couple into a dance reality show is a stroke of genius. Audiences immediately identify and connect with this new medium of getting famous overnight,' he explained.

People from all walks of life have loved the film.

'This is a super duper hit movie and Shah Rukh Khan has proved that he is the real King,' said 22-year-old Gurmeet Singh, a college student.

For Lalita Tripathi, 20, the film was completely 'paisa-vasool' (worthwhile). 'For a change, Shah Rukh has not overacted and he looks very good,' she said.

The response to newcomer model-turned-actor Anushka Sharma is also positive.

While exhibitor Roshan Singh said she is a 'revelation', Neeraj Chauhan, a film buff, felt she has acted very well.

'The way she has danced, it seems as though she is a thorough professional,' said Chauhan.

Filmmaker Vipul Shah of 'Singh Is Kinng' fame says he is not surprised by the warm welcome to the film, as 'after 26/11, Mumbai needed a feel-good film'.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - Movie Review

Well, to start off with, Aditya Chopra spells yet another poignant dimension of pure love as in his previous ventures with SRK; DDLJ and Mohabattein. Yeah! These tales were retentive impressing everyone from 8-80yrs old men and women. Of course, we fell in love getting imbibed with those spellbinding personations in these flicks. So, guess what about Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi – a film that brings back sensational pair SRK-Aditya together after 8yrs? Does the film exceed everyone's expectations on 'Love' n 'Entertainment' factors? Or merely conks out dashing down our hopes?

Hats off to Aditya Chopra! An awesome motif of delineating a touching story of romance...

Have you ever stopped to think if the most ordinary, uninteresting, unobtrusive man you might see on the road or around you might have a love story to tell?

Maybe not! How can an ordinary man have a breathtaking, goose flesh igniting, awe inspiring love story of all things to tell?

But guess what - love does not differentiate between the ordinary and exceptional, the uninteresting and interesting, the unattractive and attractive. Because love knows no distinction. It can happen to anyone and once it does it engulfs us into it completely and gives us those heaven-sent experiences that only love can yield.

Perhaps, everything in fine and good with the one-liner…. But Aditya Chopra fails in crafting a gripping narration all throughout the show. A flimsy screenplay lacking finesse with bits and pieces of discontinuities and these attributes easily scatters audiences' attention. The best illustration goes with SRK's ducky actresses shaking legs with him for 'Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte' on theatre screen. It's completely odd for that situation and possibly, the sequences could've been switched over to latter half as a 'special round in Dance show'. Was it an attempt to deliver a replica of 'Om Shanthi Om' song of film stars dancing together?

The film is about Surinder Sahni (Shahrukh Khan) - a simple, clean hearted, honest man working for Punjab Power, leading a humdrum life, when he meets his total opposite and finds love in the flamboyant, fun-loving, vivacious -Taani (Anushka Sharma) for whom the whole world is her canvas and she paints her own life with the colours of rainbow all until unforeseen circumstances changes it all and brings them together. Sooner, its biggest dance show in Amritsar and Surinder coiffes himself as Raj what he calls 'Macho Chap'… He does it all to impress his girl Taani and what's next?

It's a journey filled with laughter, tears, joy, pain, music, dance and a lot of love. A journey that makes us believe that there is an extraordinary love story in every ordinary jodi.

The first half dawdles with sluggish narration until earlier minutes to pre-interval where SRK's soliloquy with statue takes on emotional quotients. Well, the latter half comprises of few enjoyable moments like Anushka racing on her bike with 'Dhoom Machale' on BCM and next ultimate shot of Vinay Pathak-SRK at garage.

It's a crème de la crème performance by Shah Rukh Khan as he emotes resplendently on all situations. Be it his make-over sequences adjusting his tight jeans in dance class or the performance in penultimate minutes, King Khan is awe-inspiring. A flawless performance by debutant Anushka Sharma and of course she eclipses Shah Rukh on many parts. What to say about Vinay Pathak? He's over-the-top and more emblazons to the screen. He strides sparkling smiles on our lips with his wiggeries and soaks our eyes as he gets emotional. Don't miss the great dance of SRK-Vinay for the original tune of 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'. Its emotional outbursts from every characterization that turns entire spotlights on RNBDJ…

Aditya's innovative thought is laudable on certain parts like Shah Rukh laying rose next to food and again placing it vase, pictorial of Anushka's face for the song 'Tuj Mei Rab Diktha Hai' and entire Amritsar being lit up, 'I Love You' deserves grand round of applause. Fine! Young lads and missies would hail with praise worthy comments for Adhi's ideation. Both SRK and Anushka swallowing Pani Purees followed by abrupt sequence where he has to finish of delicious Biriyani are evokes laughter.

Nevertheless, the biggest flaw is that how come a woman fails to recognize her husband with a slight-make over…. The characters of Surindar and Raj differ merely with thin moustache, hair style and costumes. Both the characters have same voice sans any modulations….

What barricaded Aditya's cognizance while dropping these lines on his paper? Indeed, it's a billion dollar question.

Ravi K Chandran's cinematography enhances visual quality and his placement of creative angles deserves special attention. The duo Salim-Sulaiman seems to have not percolated a lot for background scoring. It's again the pieces of existing numbers in album tuned and they sway on all songs.

Possibly, 'Haule Haule' and 'Dance Pe' peaked with high-promos prior to release. For sure, both the versions of 'Tuj Mei Rab Dikta Hai' capture your senses with beauteous visualizing. 'Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte' fails to make it big despites grand set decorations, costumes and top-charting actresses with SRK. Ritesh Soni's editing especially on 'Dancing Jodi' at the climax is mind blowing... Choreography by Vaibhavi and Shiamak are sumptuously ne plus ultra…

On the whole, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is enjoyable on many parts with fun, frolic, lots of music and dance, pains and emotions.