Filmfare winner Shahrukh (Chak De India!), 44, is the first Bollywood star to be inducted into this Museum, which boasts of wax figures of celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Clark Gable, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Beyonce, David Beckham, etc.

Museum calls Shahrukh’s induction as “historic addition” and adds that it “symbolizes a coming together of the world’s two great film centers, Hollywood and Bollywood”.

Shahrukh, who is said to have starred in over 70 movies and is also a producer and television presenter, was named by Newsweek magazine as one of the 50 most powerful people in the world. His “My Name is Khan”(Karan Johar) is set for release on February 12.

Welcoming coming closer of Hollywood-Bollywood with this induction, Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that the collaboration of world’s two major film industries on various aspects was a step in the right direction. Cinema was a powerful medium and Hollywood-Bollywood engagement, if utilized positively, could bring East and West closer, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, added.

The unveiling today was reportedly accompanied by a performance of America’s Bollywood dance troupe “Ishaara”, a recent America’s Got Talent contender.

Headquartered in London, Madame Tussauds have wax museums in New York, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Shanghai, Amsterdam, Washington DC, Berlin, and Hollywood. This Hollywood Boulevard located museum was opened in 2009, which marked 200th anniversary of Madame Tussauds. Shahrukh’s wax figure reportedly cost about $300, 000.

Shah Rukh Khan’s My Name is Khan has been invited to the prestigious Berlin Film Festival. He will walk the red carpet in Berlin with co-star Kajol and film-maker buddy Karan Johar.

Aamir Khan’s Peepli Live that has been selected for the Sundance Film Festival is also in the competition section of this festival. Aamir and his wife Kiran will be present in Berlin as well.

Now, don’t expect anything here. SRK’s film is not in the competition while Aamir’s film is. But the presence of two major Khans is sure to evoke curiosity.

~IANS