Shah Rukh Khan brings 'Raees' to Dubai amid much fanfare

Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan speaks during an interview with Reuters in Mumbai, India, January 18, 2017. REUTERS

Dubai - Superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be in Dubai to promote one of the most awaited movies of 2017.

From Dubai to India and everywhere in between, if there's someone who is loved by billions, it's Shah Rukh Khan. Nothing quite catches the frenzy of Bollywood fans as much as getting a glimpse of their beloved Baadshah of Bollywood. Now it will be happening in Dubai and it will be happening on Saturday.
Shah Rukh Khan will be coming to Dubai to promote his upcoming film 'Raees'. The Rahul Dholakia directed film (which opens in the UAE on January 25) has been in the news for more reasons than the fact it stars one of Bollywood's most appealing and saleable stars.
Pakistani actress Mahira Khan who is cast opposite the Bollywood heartthrob (yes, at 51, he is still considered one) will be noticeably absent during the Raees team's Dubai visit on January 21 and 22, we have been told. Though sources close to the actress have admitted to City Times that she was still hopeful of being part of the promos in the UAE even if she has been banned from promoting the movie in India.

King Khan along with director Dholakia and co-star Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be at Bollywood Parks from 2pm to 5pm on January 21. We hear that the star will interact with his fans and even do a part rendition of the popular song Zaalima (rumoured to be shot in the UAE with Mahira) during the event. Now who doesn't like to see SRK in his trademark-dancing pose?
The star will then "re-launch" the popular Ra-One ride and also head to the Don-themed section, so if you are an SRK fan, you know where the vantage positions are at the extravagant theme-park to catch sight of the superstar. It's probably one of the first times that a Bollywood movie promotion is happening at the adventure theme park, as well as the fact it is a ticketed event - but when it comes to Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood's ultimate marketer, we guess he knows his way to his fans' hearts - even if it's through the wallet.

To make the deal sweeter, ten lucky fans will be able to take a selfie with SRK upon purchase of a ticket to the Theme Park on the day. But don't worry if the entry ticket to the Park seems too steep, you can always head to Arabian Centre where the star is expected to arrive at 5:30pm for a free meet and greet session with fans who he will entertain in his inimitable style.
Set against the backdrop of the prohibition in Gujarat, the film touches upon the way alcohol industry crumbled and several illegal activities followed. Its trailer gives a glimpse of the story backed by heavy duty action sequences, and many thrilling moments.
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The movie features a romantic track 'Zaalima' with SRK and Mahira Khan. Mahira looks ethereal in the song while a rugged looking SRK proves why he is still the 'King of Romance'.
 

Heartthrob Sunny Leone will sizzle in the song 'Laila O Laila'. Tags @SunnyLeone @RaeesTheFilm @iamsrk started trending as soon as the exclusive still broke the internet. The badshah of Bollywood himself gave a shout out to Sunny on Twitter.
 

Absolutely awesome @RamSampathOMGM & the ebullient @SunnyLeone r bringing bak a blast from the past #Lailaaaraheehai pic.twitter.com/cMWUaRSsHG
- Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 19, 2016

 
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Shah Rukh lures fans to Dubai 
Dubai loves Bollywood, so it's no surprise that the city roped in superstar Shah Rukh Khan to promote the cosmopolitan earlier in 2016.
Shah Rukh recently featured in a #BeMyGuest film by Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), inviting people to be his "guest" at the city of sun, sand and adventure.
The film showcased why Dubai is the actor's home away from home.
He shows the soul, sights and sounds of the metropolis through experiencing different dimensions of Dubai amongst its people and inviting them to "come with me, be my guest".

 

 

(Screengrabs from the video)
"Dubai offers endless experiences that stay with you forever. Whatever you want to do - an adrenaline-fuelled adventure like skydiving or a desert safari or a delicious culinary experience of tantalising flavours - and whether you're travelling with family, friends or as a couple, this city truly offers a complete holiday experience," Shah Rukh, who even has a house here, said in a statement.
He said working with Dubai Tourism has helped him "rediscover this inspiring city in a whole new way".

So how much impact has the campaign had so far? Some Bollywood stars have already accepted the invitation and began their new year by visiting Dubai.
Young stars, including Sushant Singh Rajput of 'Kai Po Che' fame and actress Parineeti Chopra visited Dubai earlier this month. Both took to Instagram to share their Dubai experience.
 
Commenting on the collaboration, Issam Kazim, CEO, DCTCM, said: "Shah Rukh Khan truly represents the beautiful relationship that Dubai and India share."
"In line with our vision of hosting 20 million visitors per year by 2020, our tourism efforts are increasing every year, with a major emphasis on the Indian market. We are excited to invite Indians from all over the world to experience Shah Rukh Khan's Dubai for themselves."
(Compiled by Nilanjana Gupta, Ambica Sachin, Yousuf Saifuddin Kapadia)