AUG 30- Shah Rukh Khan has been living and working in Mumbai since 22 years now but he had never seen the breaking of dahi matki that happens on the occasion of Janmashtami every year.
That’s why the Chennai Express superstar, riding very high on the super success of his latest film was more than happy to be part of the dahi matki event organized by politician Sachin Ahir’s charitable organization Shri Sankalp Prathisthan.
A sea of humanity had gathered at Jambori Maidan at Worli Naka on Dr E Moses Road since 6.30 pm and the human waves only became stronger closer to 9 pm, the time when SRK was expected to make an entry at the venue.
Hrithik Roshan had broken a dahi handi at the same venue last year so there was some loose talk about whether SRK would do it this year. But SRK’s shoulder injury from which the actor is still recovering ruled out any such high octane activity.
But the Badhshah of Bollywood did not disappoint all those who had gathered at the venue. Making an entry at around 9.40 pm SRK charmed the audience like only he can, dressed in a black attire, hair tied in a pony tail, with shades on throughout. He recited dialogues from his film, spoke to the audience, waved out to them, blew air kisses, shook hands with has many as he could.
With decibels for lungi dance rising in the air, SRK played fully to the gallery. He danced like only he can and the crowd went crazy. When SRK thanked them for making Chennai Express a huge success, he was greeted with rousing applause. And just before leaving songstress Usha Uthup joined him in singing on stage and they both danced to lungi dance once again.
Ajay Kumar Yadav, a nearby construction worker said, ” Although I have not yet watched Chennai Express I love Shah Rukh’s body, height, acting, dancing and everything about him. Uski picture dekh kar bahut maza aata hai.
I am definitely going to watch Chennai Express as soon as soon as I get some time.” Asif Shaikh a student from Bhavan’s College, Girgaum, who described Chennai Express as an awesome film said he had been waiting for Shah Rukh Khan since 6 pm and was determined to see him in person.
Ditto nearby tea stall owner Krishna Bhatt who said, “Yeh dekho maine poora kapda ganda kar liya bheed mein ghus kar par aakhir maine Shah Rukh ko dekha.”
There were yet others who literally had stars in their eyes. Arjun Chauhan who has come to the city on a vacation from his village Azamgarh, UP said, “I am here for a very short time and if I can get to see big man like Shah Rukh Khan, then I am going to do everything to make sure I do.” An 18 year-old embroidery worker from Antop Hill, Wadala, Raju Ali waiting since 7 pm said, obviously a zealous SRK fan said, “SRK ke paas talent hai. When he comes he will make everyone dance along with him.”
There was also present a group of resident doctors from JJ hospital, hailing from Nasik who were there to see the dahi matki event. One of them Dr Vijay Bansud said, ” We didn’t know SRK was going to be here. So seeing SRK was like a bonus for all of us.”
With a strict 10 pm deadline for use of loudspeakers looming large, SRK requested the authorities to relax it just a bit. And he signed off with dancing to Chammak Chalo from Ra.One. Interestingly, Salman Khan had performed at the same venue last year at the invitation of Sachir Ahir and his wife Sangeeta on the same occasion.
INDIA TODAY
