Unlike Shah Rukh, Amitabh never complained of his detention: Amar Singh

Politician Amar Singh, who seems to be like family to the famous Bachchanparivaar, is apparently not too pleased with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan these days. Singh’s comments on SRK’s detention at Newark airport in the US, apparently, did not go too well with the actor, and since then there have been reports suggesting a war of words between the two bigwigs. Singh, who is presently recuperating from his surgery in Singapore, said, “He (Shah Rukh) says he’ll pray for my physical and mental health. Why? Because I commented on his detention at the US airport? Please tell him that I’m fine, both physically and mentally. But I pray for a better zubaan for Shah Rukh. He must understand that I didn’t comment on him. I commented on an issue much larger than his detention. Where were those four central ministers who’ve been so vocal about Shah Rukh’s detention, when Abdul Kalam was detained at an airport? Why didn’t they speak up then? Why has Shah Rukh’s detention become a national issue? If it has, let’s immediately cancel all diplomatic ties with the US.”

According to Singh, such detention at international airports is no big deal. He says, “Indians are stripped and frisked routinely at London airport. Amitji has been similarly detained in France and Switzerland. Have you ever heard him complain? And he isn’t even a Khan. My wife was detained at an international airport recently. So what’s the hue and cry about?”

Well, with that, this war of words already seems to be getting worse!

Shah Rukh in face off with Prakash Raj for best actor award

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Tamil character actor Prakash Raj are front runners for the best actor award while Aamir Khan for the best director for his `Taare Zameen Par` in national film awards for 2007 which are likely to be announced on Monday.While Shah Rukh is in race for his role in "Chak de India" Prakash Raj is a strong contender for his performance in "Kanchivaram directed by Priyadarshan.

"Chak de India" is also a strong contender for the best film providing wholesome entertainment.

Get ready for the Shah Rukh-Salman face-off!

For all those who thought that they won’t be able to catch Shah Rukh and Salman together anywhere after their infamous spat, there’s news! The latest Bollywood buzz suggests that a new reality show, in all probability, will put the warring Khans on same platform.

According to reports, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan will make a joint appearance in the ‘Dance Premiere League’, a dance based reality show.

An entertainment channel is reportedly planning to get both the stars on the same platform. The one-time friends, who had a fall-out on Katrina Kaif`s birthday bash last year, haven’t been seen together ever since and this shall prove to be their biggest ice breaking moment if at all it materialises.

It is believed that this reality show will include participants from all over the country and these two stars will be roped in to be the team leaders, so if the teams of Salman and SRK clash at any point, then the two will obviously have to face each other as team leaders.

If not an actor, Shah Rukh would have been a Man U player!

For all those who know Shah Rukh Khan as the eternal lover boy of Bollywood, there’s news! It’s been revealed that before becoming an actor, Shah Rukh was just another Delhi lad who was an Economics student of Delhi University’s Hans Raj College, and always dreamt of joining the London School of Economics.

Talking to a news daily recently, the actor reminisced about his college days and said that he used to spend endless hours outside Kirori Mal College hoping that one fine day he will become as famous as Amitabh Bachchan!

Shah Rukh maintained, “I was very fond of Economics. I got 72 percent marks and I personally think that was a good enough percentage. Post Hans Raj, I wanted to join the London School of Economics but that didn’t happen. But I tell all the people I meet to read and write as much as they can. I tell my kids – Aryan and Suhana– to read a lot, as it is studying and acquiring more knowledge all the time that helps one in the long run.”

A nostalgic Shah Rukh added, “I remember going to the canteen but I have to admit that I wasn’t very social in college. But I do miss going to the canteen. I also miss my co-students and the hostellers’ fights. I was a keen sportsperson aur main bahut khelta tha. My favourite sport was football. I have fond memories of my bike too.”

Speaking his love for acting, SRK said that it was during his college days where he developed keen interest in acting as, “I remember, my friends and I used to go and stand outside Kirori Mal College. We used to stand there for hours and look at the building, its gate and at the students going in and out of the college and say, ‘Kaash koi humein bhi, Amit ji ki tarah filmon mein kaam de de.’”

When solicited what would he have been if not an actor, an amused SRK said, “Either been a teacher or a Manchester United player – I know that for a fact!”

Shah Rukh does not miss me, says Salman Khan

The infamous ‘Khan’ war between Shah Rukh and Salman has always been successful in grabbing headlines in lurid tabloids as juicy gossip. Known for their mutual dislike towards each other, both the actors have left no stone unturned to take a dig at each other!

Recently, while speaking in a television interview, Salman openly professed his likes and dislikes when it comes to Bollywood acquaintances. Speaking on fallouts, the hunk of an actor did not mince words and admitted that he does not hang out with such people anymore.

When directly enquired about his one time friend Shah Rukh Khan, a mercurial Salman snapped, “No, not really. We weren`t that close anyway. We used to hang out together once in a while. We did quite a few films and had a laugh. We had a problem earlier as well, and one night it just happened. People have fights; it`s just the next morning it was taken to a different level. If everything were sorted out that night itself, perhaps, things would have been fine. But I guess there was a different agenda to that.”

When enquired whether there is any possibility of a reconciliation between the two Khans? “No, I mean he`s doing fine. He doesn`t miss me, it`s not like he is crying over me. He`s doing good work and he is good to the people he works for. He is at one end of Bandstand and I`m at the beginning of Bandstand,” said Salman.

Talking on friendships, a philosophical Salman said, “When one is growing up it`s different. But today you come to a stage where there are no friends. Most people who you meet are just acquaintances and who you get along with. Everyone should realise that your childhood friends and your family are all you need.”

Well, when solicited his views on the recent SRK and Newark airport episode, Salman said, “I think this whole thing has been blown out of proportion. Forget immigration in America or anywhere in the world. You can`t enter any five star hotels till the time you and your car are checked. So when you don`t mind the security check while entering a hotel here, why do you have to mind it there? I’m sure Shah Rukh must be feeling the same. At that point of time a person`s ego gets hurt. It must have been blown out of proportion and there must be a promotion angle also.”

Arjun Rampal brings in Shah Rukh, Hrithik for restaurant launch

Actor Arjun Rampal who launched his new restaurant `Lap` in Delhi on Friday, made sure that the opening was a star studded affair with none other than Bollywood`s Badshah Shah Rukh Khan on the guest list along with superstar Hrithik Roshan.The glamour quotient was further upped by the spouses of the megastars, Gauri Khan and Susanne Roshan, who were at their fashionable best.

The `Rock On` star who came with his supermodel wife Meher Rampal, said that his restaurant, located inside Samrat Hotel would stand out from the crowd with as it will offer "privacy" to it`s members and be "exclusive".

"You have to become a member to know how incredible this place is. It`s for people to enjoy. India can proudly say, we have a place to party. It`s about privacy, a discovery of yourself," Rampal said about his latest venture.

Shah Rukh Khan, who was with his wife Gauri said, "Gauri has designed it with Arjun and Meher. I think it would be fabulous. I wish them all the best. I am from Delhi and want everyone to visit this place."

Khan, however, steered clear of any controversy during his visit to the capital and refused to make any comments on Salman`s recent remarks over his nearly two-hour detention at a US airport.

Rampal, though being a Delhiite, said he hasn`t not been able to visit the capital city much because of his commitments to the film industry. "I was waiting for 'Rock On' to release. Tomorrow is its first anniversary. I was not coming to Delhi because I needed to make money and give back something to Delhi. Films is my work, that is one of my first priorities. This is just a hobby and passion for me. We are after all entertainers."

"I love women and want women to feel safe at 'Lap'. That's why it's exclusive," added Rampal.

About 'Lap's menu, Rampal said, "I am a complete foodie who definitely wants to see Biriyani on the menu."

Actors Abhay Deol, Imran Khan and Dino Morea, fashion designers Rohit Bal, JJ Valaya, Reena Dhaka and Tarun Tahiliani, models Indrani and Sonalika Sahay, DJ Akil, hotelier Vikram Chatwal, were among the guests.

SRK gets Shahid, Priyanka together for MJ tribute

From Shahid Kapoor to Vishal-Shekhar, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has roped in the biggest names in the business for a music video to pay tribute to the late pop legend Michael Jackson.

Vishal Dadlani of Vishal-Shekhar duo told repoters that it was Shah Rukh`s idea to get a tribute rolling for the music legend who passed away on June 25 this year.

"The entire world was upset about his demise and so were Shekhar (Ravjiani) and I. We happened to meet Shah Rukh and he also expressed his thought about doing something that would be befitting the stature of the man who entertained us for decades. This is how the idea around the music video was born," said Vishal.

It was decided that the music video titled "Make it Large - A tribute to Michael Jackson" would be launched Aug 29 to coincide with Jackson`s 51st birthday. While Vishal also wrote the lyrics for the song, some of the best singers in the industry - Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, KK and Shreya Ghoshal - were roped in to sing.

"For the moment, the idea is to launch the music video across all music channels just for one day. It is available on Red Chillies Entertainment website though," said Vishal who is currently holidaying in London.

Directed by Samar Khan, "Make it Large - A tribute to Michael Jackson" is also special since it features Prabhu Deva who is yet again seen at his dancing best.

Also, the video features testimonials on Michael Jackson from Shah Rukh Khan himself along with Shahid Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Anoushka Sharma and Yuvraj Singh.

Vishal and Shekhar would also be allowing free download of the song at their website beginning August 29.

"The video wasn`t created for making money. It`s a tribute and I am sure there are millions out there who would want to grab a copy of the song for themselves. We are more than glad to share our sentiments with the rest of the world," said Vishal.

After SRK episode, Salman Khan cancels his US trip

Learning lessons from Shahrukh Khan episode, Bollywood star Salman Khan has cancelled his upcoming trip to New York to promote his latest movie 'Wanted', besides participating in the auction of his personal paintings to raise funds for his charity.Organisers and promoters associated with the event cited Shahrukh Khan`s episode at Newark Airport early this month, where he was questioned by immigration officials and taken for a second screening, as a major reason for Salman to cancel his New York trip scheduled in early September.

The event was scheduled for September 3 in New York. The promoters were also in talks with local organisers in cities like Chicago, Houston and Dallas for his other events.

"However, after the Shahrukh Khan event, Salman informed us that he would not like to take the risk of coming to the US at this point," an informed source involved with the planning and organising the September 3 event told reporters.

It is understood that Salman`s decision was also propelled by what his aid alleged "the hard time" being given by the US Consulate in Mumbai in approving the visa of his close associates, including one of his family members, whom Salman wanted to bring along with on this promotional trip.

Bureau ReportBesides Salman Khan, producer Boney Kapoor, former Bollywood star, Sridevi and Prabhu Deva were also scheduled to attend the New York meeting.

Informed sources said following the Shahrukh episode, which attracted much media publicity in both India and the US, there is a sense of reluctance among local promoters and organisers of Bollywood events to risk inviting starts from Mumbai.

Shahrukh had alleged that he was detained and questioned at the airport for nearly two hours as his name popped up on the computer of the immigration counter.

He alleged that he was subject to questioning as his last name was Khan, a charge denied by the US Customs and Border Patrol.

Shah Rukh, Aamir in contention for prestigious National Awards

According to the latest B-town news, two of the biggest Bollywood superstars, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, are in contention for National Awards in the ‘Best Actor’ category. While SRK has been nominated for his role as hockey coach Kabir Khan in ‘Chak De India’, Aamir Khan is in the running for his performance as Art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh in the critically acclaimed flick ‘Taare Zameen Par’.

Not just that, being the director and producer of ‘Taare Zameen Par’, Aamir Khan’s film has also been nominated in the ‘Best Film’ category for the same. Grapevine has it that Darsheel Safari is being considered for the Best child actor award for his performance as the dyslexic Ishaan Awasthi in ‘TZP’.

On the other hand, Shah Rukh`s home production, ‘Om Shanti Om’ has been nominated for a National Award for ‘Best Feature Film’ in the entertainment category. Reports reveal that this award was previously won by Aamir for ‘Lagaan’, in 2001.

I&B Minister Ambika Soni is likely to announce the National Awards next week and President Pratibha Patil is scheduled to give away the awards in Delhi in October this year.

Shah Rukh is the most insecure actor: Salman Khan

It’s been over a year since Bollywood titans, Salman and Shah Rukh, clashed over mysterious reasons at Kat’s birthday, but the bad blood and the bitterness between the two czars seems to be deepening with each passing day. And even as we await reconciliation with ardent interest, their cheeky potshots and witty comments confirm that this Khan war is far from over.

Unwilling to let go, it’s Sallu, who with his outlandish comments, has again opened fire at King Khan dubbing him as the ‘most insecure actor’.

Speaking on a TV show, Salman said, “What Shah Rukh does or says is not of the least interest to me but he is one of the most insecure actors. If he could get rid of that he would actually be a nice fellow. When we were all starting out in our careers, and were in the Rs 4 to 5 lakh bracket, we were friends. As we became more and more famous, he grew more insecure.”

At constant loggerheads of the media, the actor also blamed the tabloids for the quick turnover of girlfriends some actors have. “Two people may have just begun dating, they need time to know one another, to understand one another and you people start writing that they are in a relationship. That puts an awful amount of pressure on them and they are almost forced to get into a relationship,” he ranted.

Then he added, “When they find they are not terribly compatible and don’t want to take the relationship further, you people say, he is changing girlfriends all the time.”

Well he does have a point, but don’t we all wish to see this eternal bachelor settle down for good. As for Shah Rukh, it’s time Salman let’s bygone be bygones.

Aditya Chopra to direct ‘Dhoom 3’ with SRK and Hrithik

The ‘Dhoom’ franchise is back with a big bang! Remember the slick biker movie that featured adrenaline pumping mean machines, hot hunks and cool babes that became a raging Box Office success. According to the latest B-town news, it is believed that Aditya Chopra is looking forward to direct ‘Dhoom 3’ with Shah Rukh Khan and versatile actor Hrithik Roshan.

Of late, Aditya Chopra who is looking over the overseas YRF empire and is excited to direct ‘Dhoom 3’ with his favorite Khan - Shah Rukh Khan.

News has it that SRK has readily agreed to be the part of Aditya’s mega venture and an equally important role has been given to Hrithik Roshan. However, Hrithik is believed to be mulling over the offer as the actor is quite busy with ‘Kites’ and his first film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali ‘Guzaarish.’

Apart from it, Abhishek Backchan and Uday Chopra once again will be seen in action as the tough cop Jay Dixit and happy-go-lucky Ali respectively.

With Aditya directing the flick, the movie will be one of the most awaited YRF ventures. Let’s wait and watch whether Aditya recreates the same ‘Dhoom’ magic!

Now, Shah Rukh does the longest guest appearance in a film

Bollywood’s King Khan is known to do things differently and looks like he followed that very principle when he signed on the dotted line to do a guest appearance in Viveck Vaswani’s ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’. The actor will reportedly be seen in, perhaps, the longest guest appearance ever in the history of Indian cinema.

According to reports, Shah Rukh, who was initially asked to do a guest appearance in ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’ ended up doing almost an hour long role in the same, making his part in the flick - the longest guest appearance by any star in a Bollywood film.

There have been reports in the past that have indicated towards SRK being miffed with Vaswani in context to his ever increasing role in the film in question since Khan had signed the flick in lieu of his friendship with Vaswani without realising that it could become a never ending thing for him.

In the meanwhile, Viveck Vaswani has refuted the reports of SRK being unhappy with him and to clarify the same. He said, “We have not added or subtracted any scenes with SRK. We have shot exactly what was narrated to him. He has about 17 scenes and three songs, and among the three, one is his entry sequence. We still have to shoot the music video with him with the entire cast. However, ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’ is not a professional assignment for SRK. He has done it as a favour to a friend, hence he is getting billed in a guest appearance as that’s the ethical thing to do. Had he charged me, then the equation would have been that of a producer and actor.”

Well, for now we can perhaps just wait and watch for the flick to release or Shah Rukh to open up on the same.

Shah Rukh’s detention had an underworld twist?

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s detention issue is apparently turning out to be nothing less than a Bollywood potboiler. The latest angle to the same suggests that the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) might have detained Khan at the Newark Liberty International Airport last week because the organisers of his show in the US were apparently under US scrutiny.

According to reports, the organisers of the show SRK had gone to attend were not above the watermarks of controversies, including underworld links. Farhath Hussain, the promoter of the show, who is a businessman from London, as well his brother Altaf Hussain, a Chicago-based businessman who runs ‘Lake County South Asian Entertainment Inc’ are under US suspicion on counts of tax evasion and underworld links, as suggested by a news daily.

The newspaper report goes on to say that there are other promoters too along with Lake County South Asian Entertainment Inc and some of them are on the radar of authorities in the US, UK and India. It was this piece of information on the radar that forced the CBP to ask Khan to step aside for detailed questioning. It can be said that this is probably why the CPB refused to let go Khan despite the representatives of the organisers of the show were standing in to acknowledge the superstar`s identity and the status he enjoys in India.

Now, if one is to believe this version, then all of other versions hinting at Khan being a `victim` of racial profiling will be null and void.

Katrina trying to get over-friendly with Shah Rukh!

It seems that actress Katrina Kaif is making some really evident attempts to get friendly with superstar Shah Rukh Khan these days. Recently, while both the stars were on the same flight from London to Mumbai, Katrina reportedly walked up to SRK and sat with him to strike a friendly conversation.

Our source reveals that Kat’s initiative was taken well by Shah Rukh, as he actually got up and gave his seat to the lady.

Katrina seemed to be behaving like the keenest listener ever when Shah Rukh talked to her about his experiences in the USA and UK. A source says that when the plane was about to land in Mumbai, Katrina chose to go back to her seat. (Well, Salman could not have got into the plane, anyways!)

After coming face-to-face with the fact that Katrina is doing a movie with Shah Rukh, guess Salman would be prepared for such stories!

Maha Govt approaches Shah Rukh for anti-child labour campaign

After actor and film maker Aamir Khan refused the offer to be brand ambassador for its anti-child labour campaign, Maharashtra Government has approached superstar Shah Rukh Khan, a senior minister said.

"Aamir Khan has said he would not be able to participate in the campaign. We have approached Shah Rukh for the same and are awaiting a word from him," Labour Minister Nawab Malik told reporters at Mantralaya here on Thursday.

There is a budget of Rs one crore for an advertisement campaign for eradication of child labour in the state, the
minister said.

Noted adman Prahlad Kakkar has agreed to make the advertisement, Malik said.

Shah Rukh plans a grand Bollywood tribute for Michael Jackson

He might have had a rotten experience in the US owing to the humiliation he faced at the American airport, but Shah Rukh Khan has got over with it and now has eleborate plans to pay the American legend and the King of Pop Michael Jackson a big fat tribute. Set for Jackson’s birthday on August 29, the tribute will be marked by an album that will have Bollywood’s biggest names record their heartfelt honour for the legend.

News has it that when SRK’s production Red Chilles creative heads conceived the idea to the actor he loved it. Being a huge fan of the icon, Shah Rukh immediately started planning to pay a fitting tribute to Jackson. Confirming the news a daily quoted a source as saying, " Shah Rukh had cried when he learnt about MJ’s death. He was also supposed to attend one of the London concerts, which never happened. So, the idea was finalised and they decided to make a music video as a tribute. The best talent for the song was Vishal of the Vishal-Shekhar duo. Vishal is a huge fan too and he was in shock for days when he learnt about MJ’s death."

Vishal Dadlani too confirmed the story and said, “The song is titled, ‘We lived in his world’.”

Besides SRK, the album will also feature singers Kay Kay, Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Goshal besides celebs like Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapur, Harman Baweja, Yuvraj Singh, Katrina Kaif, Kangna Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra, among others. The video, currently being shot, is directed by Samar Khan.

What’s even more endearing about this goodwill gesture, is the fact that none of the people associated with the video have charged a penny for this act. It’s been shot in low lighting and has a unique mood. The video will go on air on all the leading channels on August 29, MJ’s birthday.

SRK`s detention raises questions about US procedures: Tharoor

Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor Wednesday said Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan`s detention at a US airport "raised real questions about US procedures".

This also happens to hundreds of innocent Muslims daily who do not have a billion people to stand up for them, Tharoor told reporters when asked about Khan`s detention at Newark international airport in US Saturday.

Tharoor was interacting with the media here after delivering a lecture on India`s foreign policy at Aligarh Muslim University.

The incident involving Khan sparked massive public outrage in India. The actor himself has called it an "embarrassing" episode.

Tharoor is not the first minister to speak out against Khan`s questioning at the Newark airport in New Jersey Aug 15. Home Minister P. Chidambaram Monday had said the Americans had "overdone it" by detaining Khan for two hours for questioning.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel also said the government would take up the issue with the US government at its highest level.

Shah Rukh prays for Amar Singh`s mental health!

Shah Rukh Khan says he tries to follow the rules and has been strip-searched several times while travelling within the US.

But the two-hour detention at Newark airport was different, says Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, with authorities asking "bizarre and embarrassing" questions instead of following routine security measures.

"I am scared of the authorities and rules so I try to follow the rules of the country I travel to. Whenever I am in America, I have to report at least two hours in advance while travelling within the country for security reasons -- they ask me to take off my clothes and shoes, and I do that," Shah Rukh told reporters here Tuesday, four days after he was detained at the Newark airport.

"But I never experienced this kind of treatment. It was embarrassing... I`ve never been asked such questions."

"There are some routine security measures - they check your fingerprints and scan your retina. But the routine security process was not followed. Instead, the authorities asked me bizarre and irrelevant questions. I am not trying to make a point here, but why were security measures not followed?" he asked.

Shah Rukh said he quietly followed the instructions of the authorities.

"I didn`t say a word there because I have a sense of humour which might lead to something... I don`t want special treatment. I was not angry and I was not disturbed."

"The security of any country is important but caste, religion or race shouldn`t come in the way of security measures. You may call me a mega star, a celebrity, but basically I`m just a normal guy. But I`m lucky that I have access to friends in the (Indian) consulate whom I could call up. But there are hundreds of others who don`t have this facility," Shah Rukh pointed out.

The actor denied that the detention and the publicity that followed was a publicity stunt for his forthcoming movie "My Name Is Khan".

He said: "It`s not a publicity stunt. My film is coming almost nine months later and it`s not a matter of pride to be questioned at the airport. I do not want to sound pompous, but Shah Rukh Khan does not need any publicity for any promotion. I don`t need it either for a film or for myself."

To Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh`s allegation that he had blown the matter out of proportion to publicise his forthcoming film, Shah Rukh retorted with a tongue-in-cheek reply: "Amar Singh is unwell, and I pray that he recovers soon with a healthy body and strong mind."

Commenting on Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni advocating a tit-for-tat policy with the US after what he went through, Shah Rukh said her comments indicated that the government was looking into the larger problem.

Shah Rukh, known for his humour, added: "If you want to give a tit-for-tat policy to American actors, then call me to frisk Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox whenever they are visiting India."

I`m law abiding, but US airport experience embarrassing: SRK

He is a law abiding citizen, believes in the saying "jaisa desh waisa vesh" (When in Rome, do as the Romans do) and strictly follows the rules of the country he is visiting, but Shah Rukh Khan Tuesday said that his experience at the Newark airport`s immigration counter in the US was "embarrassing".

"I am scared of the authorities and rules so I try to follow the rules of the country I travel to. Whenever I am in America, I have to report at least two hours in advance while travelling within the country for security reasons -- they ask me to take off my clothes and shoes, and I do that. But I never experienced this kind of treatment," Shah Rukh told reporters on his arrival here four days after he was detained for two hours at the Newark airport.

"There are some routine security measures - they check your finger prints and scan your retina. But the routine security process was not followed. Instead, the authorities asked me bizarre and irrelevant questions. I am not trying to make a point here, but why were security measures not followed?" he asked.

"The security of any country is important but caste, religion or race shouldn`t come in the way of security measures. You may call me a mega star, a celebrity, but basically I`m just a normal guy. But I`m lucky that I have access to friends in the (Indian) consulate whom I could call up. But there are hundreds of others who dont have this facility," Shah Rukh pointed out.

Shah Rukh also denied that the detention drama was a publicity stunt for his forthcoming movie "My Name Is Khan". He said: "I don`t think that I need publicity."

To Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh`s allegation that he had blown the matter out of proportion to publicise his forthcoming film Shah Rukh retorted with a tongue-in-cheek reply: "Amar Singh is unwell, and I pray that he recovers soon with a healthy body and strong mind."

Commenting on Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni advocating a tit-for-tat policy with the US after Shah Rukh`s detention drama, the actor said that her comments indicated that the government is looking into the larger problem.

Shah Rukh, know for his humour, also said: "If you want to give a tit-for-tat policy to American actors, then call me to frisk Angelina Jolie and Megan Fox whenever they are visiting India."

Shah Rukh says he will cut back on US visits

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said Tuesday he will cut back on visits to the United States, especially with his family, after he was questioned by immigration officials at a New York-area airport.

Khan was taken aside at Newark`s Liberty International Airport on Friday for what officials said was routine questioning. They denied he was formally detained, saying the incident lasted barely more than an hour and was prolonged only because his bag had been lost by the airline.

But the questioning set off outrage in India, where politicians, sports celebrities and film stars regularly receive VIP treatment at airports. Angry fans burned a U.S. flag and protested what they saw as ill-treatment of a beloved star, and politicians called for an investigation.

The Muslim actor was promoting his latest film, "My Name is Khan," about racial profiling after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Khan told reporters Tuesday after returning to Mumbai that the incident had been "blown out of proportion." But he said the questioning — which included requests for the names of people who could vouch for him — embarrassed him.

He said he will travel to the U.S. less frequently.

"Of course I will visit the U.S. if I have to go for my work. But I will go less often. If I have three things to do, I will club them together and go just once," he said. "And certainly, I wouldn`t like to travel with my family to the U.S."

Khan, 44, appealed to fans to stop protesting.

"Let`s put this behind us, think positively and move ahead," he told fans during a news conference.

Khan has acted in around 70 movies in a career spanning two decades. He has consistently topped popularity rankings in India for the past several years.