The name is still Khan

Director Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan unveiled the first look of their forthcoming venture My Name Is Khan all over the world on Wednesday night. Yes this is the same film that created a lot of buzz when Shah Rukh was frisked at New York’s Newark airport a few months ago. But Karan immediately retorted: “The frisking was not a publicity stunt. It was for real. At times, we get ‘credit’ for things we have not planned.”

Shah Rukh himself added, “I have always been respected as an actor, a star and a friend. I have got much more than I anticipated in life. This country has given me a lot of love so I don’t need to use such marketing strategies. It is an issue for somebody else. However, as a country, I felt we should treat each other with respect. This film is all about love and how one can do anything for it. There is a beautiful dialogue in the films which says: ‘I’ve learnt how to love’.”

The actor said the film has been a big achievement for all involved. “More so because Karan is a wonderful director. He is a little intense but keeps us happy on the sets. My Name is Khan is the journey of two lovers — Kajol and I. It’s a physical and emotional journey which I completed despite the obstacles. It’s a film of hope and love. What is special is that Karan has retained the ‘Karan Johar-ishness’ in the film despite it being a very intense subject. He completes our journey as actors through his film,” said SRK.

Asked if he planned to to use any Aamir Khan-style marketing strategies to promote the film, Shah Rukh smiled: “No, I have no plans to vanish. I am here. I think controversy is a very delicate word. It can be used to your advantage. Every film has it’s own way of being marketed. It is our duty to market the film.”