MID-DAY (October 26, 2019)

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan said the onus of the rising prices of movie tickets in the country must be borne by film stars like him. Despite the fact that movie-watching had become a costly affair today, the actor said no other platform can offer "the real romance" of cinema to the audience. "Obviously, some of us stars are also to be blamed, because we keep our ticket prices high when we release them on weekends. Movies have become expensive. There are all kinds of platforms that give you different choices. But movie theatre is the real romance. They are places where the community gets together. I always say 'We can't laugh alone'. And as long as that is true about humanity, cinema theatres will prosper," he said, adding the country needs more theatres.

Meanwhile, on the Netflix show, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman, which dropped yesterday, Khan made some interesting revelations about son Aryan's career. Even though Aryan dubbed for the animation, Lion King, with Khan recently, the latter shunned notions of him becoming an actor.

"He doesn't have what it takes to be an actor and he realises that too. He's a good writer. I think, wanting to be an actor has to come from within. I think I realised it from him when he said came to me and said, 'I don't think I want to act.' His issue was — which is practical and honest — he said, 'Every time I'll be compared to you, and I don't want to be in that position'."

American TV host, comedian, writer David Letterman joined the actor as he greeted fans from Mannat
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 7, 2019)

On June 5, Shah Rukh Khan kept his annual date with his fans, emerging on the balcony of Mannat, his Bandra residence, with son AbRam, to wish them ‘Eid Mubarak’. Only this time, the duo had company. Watching them closely and taking in the sight from the sidelines, was veteran American TV host, comedian, writer and producer David Letterman.

Last month, the 53-year-old actor had flown to New York to be a part of Letterman’s talk show. “No more footprints... this is The Abominable Snowman! Before Batman and Spiderman, there is Mr Letterman… Had too much fun being interviewed. Not because it was about me but because you were kind enough to make me feel I can be me. You are an inspiration, sir,” SRK had gushed soon after their meeting.

Now, Mirror has learnt that Letterman is in India to film some portions for the episode. “David’s visit to Mumbai was planned well in advance as he wanted to showcase some key aspects of SRK’s life from back home. The team covered the fan mania outside his home on Eid—David was amused to see the huge crowd that waited for hours to get a glimpse of their screen idol—besides filming the interiors of Mannat and capturing him spend time with his family. David also celebrated the festival with the Khans and sampled traditional Indian delicacies,” informs a source.

On Thursday, SRK resumed shooting with Letterman. “For the portions, he took a stroll down Bandstand for a few minutes, even as a cameraman trailed him. While at it, he also shook hands with his fans and waved at bystanders from his car-roof before zooming off,” informs the source.


David Letterman at a suburban hotel before his meeting with SRK on Thursday