★Cuba, Ireland milk Salman Khan’s ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ magic! “Salman Khan’s popularity and attract moneyed Indian tourists…!

February 23rd, 2012

It’s not just India and her autorickshaw drivers that’s fida over Salman Khan’s dubious charms, now Cuba and Ireland have gotten into the act all thanks to Ek Tha Tiger

It may be recalled that a schedule Kabir Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger was shot in Ireland’s capital Dublin last year and attracted some crowds. Ireland hopes to cash in on the reflected popularity generated by Salman Khan’s popularity and attract moneyed Indian tourists similar to what Yash Chopra did for Switzerland and Hrithik Roshan did for New Zealand. The sad fact is that Ireland attracts just 15,000 Indian tourists a year, compared to neighbouring Great Britain that routinely draws around half a million desis annually. An Irish Tourism honcho reveals, “Bollywood is deep-rooted in the psyche of most Indians and the films have a considerable influence on Indian travellers when they are deciding on their holiday destination. We are confident that the footage shot in Dublin will help whet appetites and create a curiosity among Indians to come and visit the places where the colourful film was shot.” The optimism may be misplaced because compared to Ireland, Britain has strong historical and cultural connections to India.

Punters wanting a realistic view of Ireland, rather than a Bollywoodised version as will be seen in Ek Tha Tiger, would do well to head over to the NCPA, Mumbai or the India Habitat Centre, Delhi where the first ever Irish Film Festival of India is underway. Gems being featured there include John Huston’s The Dead, Pat O’Connor’s Circle of Friends, Ballroom of Romance and Dancing at Lughnasa, Atom Egoyan’s The Butcher Boy and Atom Egoyan’s Krapp’s Last Tape. The newest of the features is the Krapp film and given the resurgence that Irish cinema has enjoyed in the last couple of years, the selection is doing the country and its film industry a gross disservice. Perhaps better sense will prevail and next year’s fest will feature almost Bollywood-like crowd pleasers like John MacDonagh’s monster hit The Guard, an ideal subject for a Hindi two-hero film. We can reduce it down to the base elements and leach any acting requirements out of the script, thus making it a perfect vehicle for Ireland’s blue-eyed Bollywood boy Salman Khan.

In the case of Cuba, an enterprising local filmmaker saw Salman’s so-called charisma as he was shooting there for the same film. He promptly proceeded to request Sallu to appear in a Cuba tourism film. Much to his surprise, the least of the Khans acquiesced. We don’t have to look too far for the reason – all he was required to do is don his standard dazed expression and wave desultorily in the general direction of the bar. Since this is something that Sallu is adept at, the shoot went off without a hitch. No doubt they’re hoping for a tidal wave of Indian tourists to hit Cuba. If that happens, it’ll send one of the last bastions of Communism hurtling towards capitalism in order to cope with our considerable desi demands.

bollywoodlife

★ Salman khan promotes Cuban tourism; does a cameo in a Cuban tourism commercial…! Now one trip to Cuba is a must !!

Tushar Joshi, TNN | Feb 22, 2012

Salman Khan does what he feels like. Most of his decisions are spontaneous.

Like doing a cameo in a Cuban tourism commercial. It was a random gesture that Khan did at the request of a local filmmaker.

A source reveals, “Salman was shooting in Havana, when a filmmaker walked up to him on the set and asked if he could do a shot for his film promoting local tourism. He thought Salman’s global appeal would be a huge asset for the project.” After getting his consent, the filmmaker quickly got his crew to the set where Salman was shooting and took a few shots of the actor smiling and waving to people around. The source adds, “Salman did it because he felt like it. He checked the footage they had shot and okayed it on the spot.”

Rest at TOI

★ Farm-fresh Salman Khan; Back from Cuba, the actor drives straight to his farmhouse to celebrate Shiv Ratri and recuperate before starting his next film…!

Vickey Lalwani | February 20, 2012

Back from a back-breaking schedule in Cuba and a health scare, Salman Khan is seeking refuge in spirituality and some fresh farm air. On Sunday night, Salman landed in Mumbai after shooting for Kabir Khan’s movie for Yash Raj, Ek Tha Tiger, co-starring Katrina Kaif. However, he did not go to his house at Galaxy Apartments in Bandra, but drove straight to the farmhouse. He is expected to celebrate Shiv Ratri with his family. 

“Salman believes in Lord Shiva as much as he believes in other Gods. Last year was the first time he missed Ganpati celebrations as he was undergoing a surgery in the US for his nerve disorder and he was definitely not happy about that,” said Salman’s friend. 

Most of the Khan family members - including brothers Sohail and Arbaaz are expected to attend the Shiv aarti at the farmhouse. “Salim Khan reached the farmhouse on Saturday. He and Salman are preparing for the Shiv puja.

“The farmhouse has a Shiva shrine. Salim and Salman have renovated it. They have also appointed a pujari who does a small ritual every morning and also maintains the temple,” said the friend.

The celebrations will also include Salman’s Karjat neighbours. Around 125 villagers have been asked to join in. After the customary fasting, there will be feasting.

While the world knows about Salman’s devotion to Ganpati, not many known about his fascination with Shiva.

Salim Khan’s family takes Shiv Ratri as seriously as they do Iftaar. On both occasions, thalis heaped with food are distributed among the poor and sent to  orphanages, old-age homes, besides friends and relatives.

However, Sallu is in no hurry to get back to the city. “Salman will stay at the farmhouse for about nine-ten days. He will resume work only on March 9, when he starts shooting for his home-production Dabangg 2. A special set is being put up at Kamalistan (Andheri East) for the same,” added the source.

A bit of R & R is just what the doctor recommended, right?

The celebrations will also include Salman’s Karjat neighbours. Around 125 villagers have been asked to join in. After the fasting, there will be feasting.

Mumbai Mirror