SRK brings his Raees to Dubai

Now, it's old news that Shah Rukh Khan is coming to Dubai to promote 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 has admitted to City Times that she was still hopeful of being part of the promos in the UAE even is 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.
(ambica@khaleejtimes.com)