Dubai 'Ready' to roll out red carpet for Salman

Salman Khan fans are already making excuses to head out of work early on June 1, while several enterprising minds have even conjured up illnesses that will permit them a get-out-of-work-free pass for the following day.

The frenzy following the announcement of the world premiere of Khan’s next big film, “Ready“, in Dubai next Wednesday is proof of the large fan following the popular Bollywood actor garners.

The actor, who will be joined by co-star Asin on our home shores, will walk the red carpet at Grand Cineplex, followed by an exclusive after-party at Trilogy nightclub at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah.

While passes for the invitation-only world premiere are bit hard to come by, the after party tickets are all up for grabs, selling at Dh100 for regular and a special VIP ticket for Dh1,000 that will allow fans access to a special seat area next to the stars.

“I will be headed to the cinema and the party to catch the dude in the flesh,” said Dipesh Bakshi, a 28-year-old fan of Khan. “When I saw “Dabaang” in the cinema, all my friends and I dressed up as his character Chulbul Pandey from the film. We are all brainstorming now what to wear. But it will be wild.”

Sixteen-year-old Saima Khan, said: “My parents have given me special permission to go see Salman at Grand Cineplex, despite the fact that I need to study for my upcoming exams. He is so amazing.”

This is certainly not Khan’s first visit to Dubai, who jetted in last year to shoot for “Dabaang” with debutante Sonakshi Sinha, which was followed up by his birthday celebrations at Caramel restaurant and lounge at DIFC.

Khan and Asin were also in Dubai in 2009 for the world premiere of their film, “London Dreams”. While the film sank without a trace, the chemistry between the duo certainly struck a chord with producers.

Organised by Times Square Events and Dream Advertising, the film’s other big Dubai connection is the inclusion of local celebrity, Kubra Sait, a local model, former radio jockey and a TV presenter who is making her big Bollywood debut with this film.

For those of you wondering, she has been a part of ad films for brands such as Etisalat and Dubai Shopping Festival and was also seen in Emirati filmmaker, Ali F Mostafa’s acclaimed “City of Life”.

Trade pundits are already anticipating a bumper opening for “Ready”, which, according to Boxofficeindia.com, has already fetched a big price for its Indian and overseas theatrical rights.

A major distributing concern has paid around Rs550 million for its Indian and overseas theatrical rights including prints. People are willing to fork over the cash for Khan considering his previous, “Dabangg” raked in a cool Rs900m for worldwide distributors.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7 earlier, Mahi Golchin-Deepala, Managing Director of Phars Films, the sole distributors of Indian and other regional films in the GCC, had said in the UAE, a Khan film always brought in the crowds, especially when the name Salman was attached to it.

“It’s a given that if an Indian film doesn’t have a Khan [Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir or Saif] or a Bachchan [Amitabh or Abhishek] in the lead, the film will not attract viewers in the local cinemas. Because let’s face it, half the battle is won in terms of marketing a film if a recognisable actor is starring in it. And Salman Khan is the most bankable we have here.”

After Dubai, Khan will be busy with the ‘Ready Live Mad’ on June 2 in Mumbai, where the film’s music director Pritam will be joined by artistes Shibani Kashyap, Tulsi Kumar, Neeraj Sridhar, Tochi, rock band Trip Recipe and DJ Ramji Gulati for a concert.

The show will also feature acts by Krishna, Suresh Laheri, and a fashion extravaganza by the fashion partner Provogue. Organised by 3rd rock entertainment, contests are being held at Planet M and Provogue outlets for the fans to win free passes.

“Ready” is a remake of the a Telugu film starring Ram and Genelia D’Souza, which sees Khan play a do-gooder romantic at heart whose mission in life is to unite lovers. He helps Asin escape her own wedding and promptly falls in love with her. The rest of the film is caper to unite their families into accepting their relationship.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.