Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan takes Toronto on Diwali with Ra.One

by Craig Takeuchi on October 27th, 2011 at 4:47 PM

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Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan took Toronto by storm. Again.

Khan, who last appeared at the International Indian Film Academy awards held in Toronto in June, hit up the city on Diwali (October 26) to promote his latest film, Ra.One.

Much to the delight of fans, King Khan, also known as SRK, graced the red carpet at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, on an international tour that included stops in Dubai and London.

The film, about a visual effects–laden 3-D superhero thriller, is one of the biggest budget blockbusters from India. Its international marketing strategy is part of an increasing attempt for the Mumbai-based film industry to boost and broaden its international appeal. Other recent examples include Kites, costarring Mexican actress Barbara Mori and re-edited by Hollywood director Brett Ratner (X-Men: The Last Stand), and Sylvester Stallone and Denise Richards starring in Kambakkht Ishq.

Following in the footsteps of Snoop Dogg (who rapped the theme song for Singh is Kinng), R&B singer Akon also contributed two songs to the Ra.One soundtrack. Chinese American actor Tom Wu is also a part of the cast.

Khan's appearance also indicates Canada's increasing importance as a market for Bollywood films.

Check out this review of the film by Georgia Straight reviewer Itrath Syed. And here's a musical clip from the film, featuring Akon singing "Chamak Challo".