Shahrukh Khan and Kajol at NASDAQ

The duo are in New York to promote their latest film My Name is Khan and were invited to by Fox Searchlight Pictures, who are distributing the film in the US, to open trading at the world’s biggest stock exchange.

Before the event, Shah Rukh said on his tweeter account: “Nasdaq will be fun. Have to make sure I reach on time, otherwise will end up being blamed for economic upheaval across the world too..ha ha.”

Shortly after ringing the NASDAQ bell, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol spoke with New Yorkers about their new film.

Responding to a question, Shahrukh Khan clarified that the film is unrelated to last year’s incident at the Newark Airport in the US where he was stopped by immigration officers because his name showed up in one of the check-lists.

“The film has nothing to do with it. It is a love story…and what people can do to achieve their love,” Khan said and noted that film explores the impact of 9/11 on people completely unrelated to the last year’s incident.

Shahrukh Khan also underlined that he had “no issues” with the Newark incident. “I have been stopped often enough,” he said, referring to his fans. “But some of the interviews are little interrogative,” the actor said.

“Its not big deal…if I’m going to a country then I have to respect the rules of that country,” he said, stressing that the incident was not a publicity stunt to
promote his movie.

On working with Johar, Khan said: “The greatness of Karan is as a writer.”

Kajol said while the duo had no idea of what was happening in the market front, it was still a lot of fun. “We had a great moment,” Khan said.

Their latest movie centres around a Muslim man, who faces difficulties in social interaction, and falls unconditionally for the beautiful Mandira, a Hindu single mother living out her version of the global dream of success.

Mallika Sherawat got a role with Avatar actor Laz Alonso

Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat is continuing her Hollywood stint with “Love, Barack” - she has been cast opposite Avatar star Laz Alonso in the political comedy. Laz Alonso is a talented and exciting actor. I’m very lucky to be working with him, said Mallika in a statement. American filmmaker Doug McHenry is directing the film where Mallika will play Aretha Gupta, a devoted, local Obama volunteer coordinator.

The story, a snapshot of a moment in time that was filled with hope, change, and passionate debate, follows the romantic and political roller-coaster. It shows that the month before election day, Democrat Aretha unexpectedly falls for her Republican counterpart (Alonso), a handsome, dynamic African-American working for the local McCain office.

“Love, Barack” also stars veteran actress Ruby Dee, comic actor Gerry Bednob and film and television actress Loretta Devine. In the past, Mallika made news when she won a small role in a Jackie Chan movie,”The Myth”. She is also doing a Hollywood film named “Hisss” starring Irrfan Khan and directed by Jennifer Lynch.

Amrita Rao Wont Go To Hollywood

She's visiting the city after four years, and Amrita Rao is happy about the changes in Bangalore, starting with the airport.

In the city to walk the ramp for designer friend Archana Kochar, Amrita says, “Of late, I’ve been doing these show-stopper acts.

These experiences are the fringe benefits of being an actress. I’m not professionally qualified to walk the ramp, forget being a show-stopper. But it’s an honour.”

Off the ramp, does the glam look work for her? “Inherently, an artiste is supposed to be versatile.

My look in Main Hoon Na was distinctly contemporary. How often do Indian actresses wear nose rings and sport dreadlocks?

In fact, Welcome to Sajjanpur was the most drastic. I’m far from that. But I’d never compromise on my comfort level,” she shares.

Last year saw her in only two releases. But less is more for Amrita. “I have a maximum of three releases a year. It’s practical that way,” she explains. This year is exciting for her with interesting directors coming her way. She’ll be seen in the Amitabh Bachchan-produced Kunal Avadana, for which she’ll start shooting soon.

Amrita will also be seen in a cameo in the Riteish Deshmukh-Jacqueline Fernandes starrer Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai! “It’s just one sequence in the latter part of the movie. I did it for Milap Javeri; it’s his directorial debut,” states Amrita.

She recently met Hollywood director Baz Luhrmann, who’s been watching several of her films. “We spoke about some of our works. I have seen Moulin Rouge! and Romeo + Juliet, but haven’t yet seen Australia. Baz is inclined towards the Indian film industry and culture. He’s here on a holiday and has gone to an exotic place in the north,” reveals Amrita.

Although they didn’t discuss anything professional, Amrita would love to work with him. “Hollywood is recognising Indian faces in their movies. If something worthwhile is offered, why not? But I won’t jump into anything in Hollywood just for the tag,” she maintains. As for marriage, the 28-year-old is in no hurry. “My parents and I believe that one in a million girls get an opportunity to sustain this race. I don’t want to take it frivolously. Marriage can wait,” says Amrita.