The fourth idiot

SRK steals the show at the glitzy premiere of aamir’s film.

It was close to 1AM. The premiere show of 3 Idiots at a Mumbai multiplex on Wednesday night was about to end… and TV channels were already running ‘Breaking News’ that Shah Rukh Khan ignored rival Aamir Khan’s invite by not turning up for the star-studded premiere. Just then, a voice in the theatre rang out, "SRK is here…" and suddenly the atmosphere changed. Aamir Khan and the film’s producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra sprang on their feet and rushed outside to receive King Khan. And the photographers got the shot of the year.

“I am the fourth Idiot,” said Shah Rukh, after greeting Aamir with a warm hug and an apology for coming late. He went on to sing praises of the person he has been trading pot shots with, almost the entire year. “I had to be here. I am a big fan of Aamir and he is a true genius. There is a lot I can learn from him. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak is my favourite Aamir Khan film as I am yet to see 3 Idiots,” said Shah Rukh.

Aamir, clearly blushing from the appreciation, interrupted and said, “Don’t embarrass me as I have always respected your intelligence.”

He also offered to screen a special show just for Shah Rukh, who responded by saying, “Gauri has already booked tickets for the entire family for the show on Christmas day.”

When asked by the reporters if the two of them would work together, Shah Rukh replied, “Ek achchi script laaiye abhi sign kar lete hain (bring a good script and we’ll sign it right now).”

While Shah Rukh was the last to arrive, the third Khan, Salman, was the early bird. Actor Saif Ali Khan was seen whistling throughout the Zoobie-doobie song, cheering girlfriend Kareena on. Only the Bachchans were conspicuous by their absence. Aamir’s ex-wife Reena was seen chatting amicably with his present wife Kiran.