For fans of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, it doesn’t really get bigger than this. The actor will be observing a fast for Ramadan during a whirlwind promotional trip to the emirate on August 1 and fans are invited to share iftar with him at the Arabian Center as he breaks his fast on stage. Khan will be joined by his ‘Chennai Express’ team, including lead actress Deepika Padukone and Rohit Shetty; the Bollywood action-comedy will be the big Bollywod Eid release on August 9 across UAE cinemas. The cast members should be in the mall by 6.30pm, right before iftar, which is scheduled at 7.06pm on the day. A special event will kick off at the Ground Floor of the Night Court area followed by performances and competitions. The promotional event is organised by Dubai-based Dream Advertising and Ministry of Events. Tim Jones, COO, Arabian Center said in a statement: “We are extremely delighted to announce an extravagant kick off to the Eid celebrations in the mall with the appearance of famous and prominent Bollywood stars Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. We are also very excited that Sharukh Khan will break his holy fast in our mall.” Self-proclaimed die-hard fans of Khan couldn’t contain their excitement that the actor would be in Dubai next week.
Mira Shahidi, 17-year-old fan said: “Oh my God, I can’t believe Shah Rukh will be here for iftar. I want to be there and break my fast with him. This is so amazing.” Ambreen Akhtar, a 42-year-old homemaker, said: “It is good to know that despite being in Bollywood, maintaining such packed schedules and travelling all the time, Shah Rukh is being a good Muslim and fasting for Ramadan.” Preeti Sharma, a 25-year-old graduate said: “I don’t fast for Ramadan, but I would love to see my favourite actor. I love Shah Rukh. He’s the best.” Produced by Khan’s wife, Gauri Khan under the production banner Red Chillies Entertainment ‘Chennai Express’ is about a man’s journey from Mumbai to Rameshwaram and what happens along the way after he falls in love with the daughter of a don. Dubai will be seeing a lot more of Khan later in 2013, as he commences his shoot for Farah Khan’s ‘Happy New Year’.
