Shah Rukh Khan gives Farah Khan a boost

Plus: Uday Chopra launches comic book label and Manish Manikpuri happy to take on Kyaa Super Cool Hain Hum.

Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan. IANS

Shah Rukh Khan was the special guest at a promotional event on Tuesday for the forthcoming film Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, which features the director and choreographer Farah Khan's acting debut.

The two Khans are close friends and Farah personally requested that Shah Rukh attend the event, which launched the film's soundtrack. Shah Rukh said of Farah: "She is one of the finest and most talented directors we have with us. I thank Farah for giving me some memorable moments in her films."

Directed by Bela Bhansali Sehgal, Shirin Farhad is a romantic comedy featuring a middle-aged couple played by Khan and the veteran actor Boman Irani. "I think love can happen at any age. There is no right time and right place for love - it can happen any time," said Shah Rukh. "We have seen love stories made with young teenagers but this one is different. I have seen clips of this film and I really loved it. It is a marvellous love story. I am sure people will connect with it." The film is scheduled to come out on August 24 in India. * IANS

Uday Chopra launches comic book label

The actor Uday Chopra has launched Yomics, a new label of comic books based on Bollywood films from Yash Raj Films. "I love reading comics and it's my passion," said Chopra. "Most people don't want to get into this comics business because they don't want to put money into it. But I feel if I am able to create an industry which doesn't exist today, I will be the one to start it. But more than that, it is a love for comics which has led me to this."

For its debut series, Yomics has released four titles: Dhoom, Ek Tha Tiger, Hum Tum and Daya Prochu. The latter is an original comic, while the first three are adapted from Bollywood films. Abhishek Bachchan, the star of Dhoom and Hum Tum, attended the launch. Chopra said a fifth title will be released on the first week of August. "Every month a new Yomic will come," he said. "I want to give the readers something completely new. I have kept the artwork very colourful and simple. It is not grim and dark like today's comics. I want to cater to a universal audience and make them feel happy about it." * IANS

Aalaap happy to take on Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum

The filmmaker Manish Manikpuri is confident about releasing his small-budget film, the musical drama Aalaap, alongside the much-hyped comedy thriller Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum.

He says both films, which open in Indian cinemas tomorrow, are different. "I'm not afraid. Both have very different genres.

My film has a very strong subject and content," said Manikpuri of his film, which stars Amit Purohit, Harsh Rajput and Aabid Shanim. "Theirs is a big-budget film. You never know - at times, many big films don't click at the box office and small budget films do well." Kyaa Super Kool, a sequel to the 2005 hit Kyaa Kool Hai Hum, stars Tusshar Kapoor and Ritesh Deshmukh and is directed by Sachin Yardi. * IANS