tanja06
Jun-02-08, 04:21 AM
Badshah’s blitzkrieg
(Faizul Islam)
Publication Date 30/5/2008 8:04:44 PM(IST)
Kolkata Knight Riders’ co-owner Shahrukh Khan has been the cynosure of all eyes during the IPL—for the right reasons as well as the wrong ones. Here’s a look at what has been a roller-coaster ride for the Badshah of Bollywood in IPL.
Bas itna sa khwaab hai: September 24, 2007, Johannesburg. The momentous day India won the inaugural T-20 world cup. Pictures beamed live into our living rooms, and every now and then TV cameras zoomed in on the face of the man we know as Shahrukh Khan or SRK. Post-match, shots of SRK running on to the field and hugging the Indian heroes became the most prominent image in newscasts and newspapers in days to follow.
Perhaps, his dream of being associated with the game in a more satisfying role, occurred to him at that significant moment. And BCCI, the most powerful sporting body of the nation, readily provided a platform for to the most powerful cinestar’s dream to take wings -- in the form of IPL. Thus, began a dream run for the man who ventured into business with the optimistic name of ‘Dreamz Unlimited’.
I am the best: February 20, 2008, Mumbai. One trait of SRK is his desire to reach the pinnacle and remain there unchallenged, in whichever domain. It is said that the list for Kolkata Knight Riders was made after some intensive R&D in consultation with some IIT brains. While sitting for the auction, the ‘best’ factor was written all over his mind. So, Shahrukh laid his bets on Saurav Ganguly, the best captain (statistically) that India has ever produced. And the list of chosen players also shows SRK’s fixation for the best. Ricky Ponting, the best Australian captain, Shoaib Akhtar, the best Pakistani bowler, Ishant Sharma, the best Indian discovery in the recent times, Chris Gayle, one of the best openers in the world, David Hussey, one of the best strikers of the ball and not to forget John Buchanan, the best coach Australia has produced. So Shahrukh was ready with supposedly the ‘best team’ to announce his arrival in with a bang.
Main hoon na: April 18, 2008, Bangalore. First day, first show. SRK’s Riders face to face with Bangalore’s Royal Challengers. Though he seldom attends any of his films’ screenings, here he was present with his band of boys in full force, cheering, clapping, and whistling every run made by the riders or wickets claimed by the bowlers. It was a new appearance for his fans, who were more then delighted to see him in this new avatar of a cheerleader (though there was a gang of girls, who were busy entertaining the crowds).
He moved from one venue to another like a caravan with his Indian version of ‘Barmy Army’, regaling crowd with his jigs, inspiring his team like Kabir Khan of ‘Chak De’ fame from the side lines. And in between the matches, he donned the role of Santa Claus, gifting goodies to team members -- some times an ‘oh so posh’ Tag Heur, at other times laptops. He seemed to be parodying Netaji Subhash’s slogan -- ‘Give me a win and I will gift you the world’.
Arrey re array yeh kya hua, maine na jaana? May 13, 2008, Kolkata. (“If fortune favours do not be elated; if she frowns do not despond”: Ausonius.)Team winning, Badshah khush; team struggles, Badshah frowns; team fails, Badshah reacts. Everything was going the way SRK had planned. It was almost taken for granted that he would have the last laugh sitting in the VIP enclosure of Wankhede stadium after the June 1 final. But a series of defeats later, one began to see chinks appearing in Knight Riders’ armour. There was trouble in paradise and the first to feel the ripple effect were five little-known players, who weren’t even given a chance to move out of dugout even once. It went against the very notion of IPL-- to give a chance to domestic lads to rub shoulders with international greats and learn a few tricks of the trade from them. When questioned about their sacking, Knight Riders’ management said they didn’t want to disturb the team balance. What balance were they referring to? Probably not the balance of the team responsible for 6 consecutive defeats. This was the beginning of the turmoil. The spat between SRK and Dada came as the second splinter hit Shah Rukh where it hurts. The alleged reasons for discord between the two are far too many. To list a few: SRK being unhappy with Dada for not getting the entertainment tax waived off from the state government, SRK not happy with the team selection and finally SRK entrusting Buchanan with more power then Dada. Whatever the logic, SRK wasn’t focusing. After all, Dada was hired to lead the team, not be a liaison officer for Kolkata Knight Riders. It’s like somebody asking SRK to get a prime property at dirt-cheap rates because of his proximity to the first family of the country. Come on Mr Khan, your films also flop but you don’t stop acting.
Chann se jo tootey koi sapna: May 18, 2008, Kolkata. "I like to hang around with the boys. I am very energetic. I am very disappointed that the ICC has stopped me”: SRK. In the series of setbacks haunting Shah Rukh, ICC’s refusal to allow him from entering the players dressing room was the latest to deflate his king-size ego. He felt so hurt that he vowed not to attend any of the matches until ICC cleared the rules for him. Wether in the gloom of team’s defeat or ecstasy of win, Shah Rukh’s presence around the team had become a permanent fixture like Mahatma Gandhi’s picture on Indian currency notes. One can justify his dejection at being barred from the dressing room, but one must understand rules are for everyone and can’t be mocked. And its not child’s play that you start sulking for not being the part of playing XI. Cheer up Shahrukh, have a heart, show some magnanimity, you are not called King Khan for nothing.
Naa juda honge hum, kabhi khushi kabhi gham: May 21, 2008, New Delhi. “On the other hand, the beauty of failure is that it brings people together.... So, let’s stick this out together.... You know me well enuff to know I am not the kind of owner who has issues with the team ’cos of losses... I am too much of a sport myself to get beaten by defeats.... Like you guys are.... Like Dada and John”...SRK. Keep every one happy. This is the most enduring quality of Badshah Khan. When the tide is against you, when you are down in doldrums and nothing is working in your favour, you still know ‘how to make friends and win hearts’. Nobody does it better then Shahrukh. Things were out in the open for Riders and its promoter at this stage. They knew they were virtually out of the tournament. At this moment, the master of emotion that SRK is, he came out with a most touching, moving, inspiring and perhaps the longest-ever SMS to boost the morale of his team. This move killed two birds with one stone. On one hand he sent the message to the team that ‘ok guys cool it, stop being lethargic and perform’ and on the other hand he conveyed to the world how magnanimous and noble he is. Other then acting and his other worthy qualities, one can still learn from him how to enslave the supposedly crafty media, and in return, media still loves you darling. So much for your generosity SRK.
Baazigar main baazigar: May 25, 2008, Kolkata.(“I like the dreams of future better then the history of past”: Thomas Jefferson.) And we know for sure winning or losing the last game in IPL would certainly not demoralize the fighter in SRK, because in recent times nobody had really lived every word of Darwin’s “struggle for existence and survival of the fittest” like SRK. For almost two decades he planned his route to success single-handedly. Whenever he was written off, he bounced back and that too with such intensity that his opponents ended up looking like buffoons. Call it his sixth sense or term him destiny’s favourite child, Shahrukh has always managed to stay afloat even when the decks were stacked against him. So for the Baazigar, this season of IPL may pass by like dried maple leaves of autumn or another flop movie, because for every Guddu there is always a DDLJ, for every Koyla there is always a DTPH, for every Paheli there is always a Chak De and for every dark night there is always a brighter tomorrow.
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=5556
(Faizul Islam)
Publication Date 30/5/2008 8:04:44 PM(IST)
Kolkata Knight Riders’ co-owner Shahrukh Khan has been the cynosure of all eyes during the IPL—for the right reasons as well as the wrong ones. Here’s a look at what has been a roller-coaster ride for the Badshah of Bollywood in IPL.
Bas itna sa khwaab hai: September 24, 2007, Johannesburg. The momentous day India won the inaugural T-20 world cup. Pictures beamed live into our living rooms, and every now and then TV cameras zoomed in on the face of the man we know as Shahrukh Khan or SRK. Post-match, shots of SRK running on to the field and hugging the Indian heroes became the most prominent image in newscasts and newspapers in days to follow.
Perhaps, his dream of being associated with the game in a more satisfying role, occurred to him at that significant moment. And BCCI, the most powerful sporting body of the nation, readily provided a platform for to the most powerful cinestar’s dream to take wings -- in the form of IPL. Thus, began a dream run for the man who ventured into business with the optimistic name of ‘Dreamz Unlimited’.
I am the best: February 20, 2008, Mumbai. One trait of SRK is his desire to reach the pinnacle and remain there unchallenged, in whichever domain. It is said that the list for Kolkata Knight Riders was made after some intensive R&D in consultation with some IIT brains. While sitting for the auction, the ‘best’ factor was written all over his mind. So, Shahrukh laid his bets on Saurav Ganguly, the best captain (statistically) that India has ever produced. And the list of chosen players also shows SRK’s fixation for the best. Ricky Ponting, the best Australian captain, Shoaib Akhtar, the best Pakistani bowler, Ishant Sharma, the best Indian discovery in the recent times, Chris Gayle, one of the best openers in the world, David Hussey, one of the best strikers of the ball and not to forget John Buchanan, the best coach Australia has produced. So Shahrukh was ready with supposedly the ‘best team’ to announce his arrival in with a bang.
Main hoon na: April 18, 2008, Bangalore. First day, first show. SRK’s Riders face to face with Bangalore’s Royal Challengers. Though he seldom attends any of his films’ screenings, here he was present with his band of boys in full force, cheering, clapping, and whistling every run made by the riders or wickets claimed by the bowlers. It was a new appearance for his fans, who were more then delighted to see him in this new avatar of a cheerleader (though there was a gang of girls, who were busy entertaining the crowds).
He moved from one venue to another like a caravan with his Indian version of ‘Barmy Army’, regaling crowd with his jigs, inspiring his team like Kabir Khan of ‘Chak De’ fame from the side lines. And in between the matches, he donned the role of Santa Claus, gifting goodies to team members -- some times an ‘oh so posh’ Tag Heur, at other times laptops. He seemed to be parodying Netaji Subhash’s slogan -- ‘Give me a win and I will gift you the world’.
Arrey re array yeh kya hua, maine na jaana? May 13, 2008, Kolkata. (“If fortune favours do not be elated; if she frowns do not despond”: Ausonius.)Team winning, Badshah khush; team struggles, Badshah frowns; team fails, Badshah reacts. Everything was going the way SRK had planned. It was almost taken for granted that he would have the last laugh sitting in the VIP enclosure of Wankhede stadium after the June 1 final. But a series of defeats later, one began to see chinks appearing in Knight Riders’ armour. There was trouble in paradise and the first to feel the ripple effect were five little-known players, who weren’t even given a chance to move out of dugout even once. It went against the very notion of IPL-- to give a chance to domestic lads to rub shoulders with international greats and learn a few tricks of the trade from them. When questioned about their sacking, Knight Riders’ management said they didn’t want to disturb the team balance. What balance were they referring to? Probably not the balance of the team responsible for 6 consecutive defeats. This was the beginning of the turmoil. The spat between SRK and Dada came as the second splinter hit Shah Rukh where it hurts. The alleged reasons for discord between the two are far too many. To list a few: SRK being unhappy with Dada for not getting the entertainment tax waived off from the state government, SRK not happy with the team selection and finally SRK entrusting Buchanan with more power then Dada. Whatever the logic, SRK wasn’t focusing. After all, Dada was hired to lead the team, not be a liaison officer for Kolkata Knight Riders. It’s like somebody asking SRK to get a prime property at dirt-cheap rates because of his proximity to the first family of the country. Come on Mr Khan, your films also flop but you don’t stop acting.
Chann se jo tootey koi sapna: May 18, 2008, Kolkata. "I like to hang around with the boys. I am very energetic. I am very disappointed that the ICC has stopped me”: SRK. In the series of setbacks haunting Shah Rukh, ICC’s refusal to allow him from entering the players dressing room was the latest to deflate his king-size ego. He felt so hurt that he vowed not to attend any of the matches until ICC cleared the rules for him. Wether in the gloom of team’s defeat or ecstasy of win, Shah Rukh’s presence around the team had become a permanent fixture like Mahatma Gandhi’s picture on Indian currency notes. One can justify his dejection at being barred from the dressing room, but one must understand rules are for everyone and can’t be mocked. And its not child’s play that you start sulking for not being the part of playing XI. Cheer up Shahrukh, have a heart, show some magnanimity, you are not called King Khan for nothing.
Naa juda honge hum, kabhi khushi kabhi gham: May 21, 2008, New Delhi. “On the other hand, the beauty of failure is that it brings people together.... So, let’s stick this out together.... You know me well enuff to know I am not the kind of owner who has issues with the team ’cos of losses... I am too much of a sport myself to get beaten by defeats.... Like you guys are.... Like Dada and John”...SRK. Keep every one happy. This is the most enduring quality of Badshah Khan. When the tide is against you, when you are down in doldrums and nothing is working in your favour, you still know ‘how to make friends and win hearts’. Nobody does it better then Shahrukh. Things were out in the open for Riders and its promoter at this stage. They knew they were virtually out of the tournament. At this moment, the master of emotion that SRK is, he came out with a most touching, moving, inspiring and perhaps the longest-ever SMS to boost the morale of his team. This move killed two birds with one stone. On one hand he sent the message to the team that ‘ok guys cool it, stop being lethargic and perform’ and on the other hand he conveyed to the world how magnanimous and noble he is. Other then acting and his other worthy qualities, one can still learn from him how to enslave the supposedly crafty media, and in return, media still loves you darling. So much for your generosity SRK.
Baazigar main baazigar: May 25, 2008, Kolkata.(“I like the dreams of future better then the history of past”: Thomas Jefferson.) And we know for sure winning or losing the last game in IPL would certainly not demoralize the fighter in SRK, because in recent times nobody had really lived every word of Darwin’s “struggle for existence and survival of the fittest” like SRK. For almost two decades he planned his route to success single-handedly. Whenever he was written off, he bounced back and that too with such intensity that his opponents ended up looking like buffoons. Call it his sixth sense or term him destiny’s favourite child, Shahrukh has always managed to stay afloat even when the decks were stacked against him. So for the Baazigar, this season of IPL may pass by like dried maple leaves of autumn or another flop movie, because for every Guddu there is always a DDLJ, for every Koyla there is always a DTPH, for every Paheli there is always a Chak De and for every dark night there is always a brighter tomorrow.
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=5556