SRK lights up Diwali sky in faraway Toronto

Toronto added some serious star power to its Diwali this year as Shah Rukh Khan visited this Canadian city as part of his global tour to promote his latest film Ra.One. The Bollywood star was in town on Wednesday night for the red carpet premiere of the film.

The special effects-heavy superhero flick is reportedly the most expensive Hindi film ever made, with a price tag of some $30 million. And SRK’s American tour – he is headed to Los Angeles after Toronto – is indicative of the trend of the North American box office, comprising the United States and Canada, becoming increasingly lucrative for the Mumbai film industry.

Well, 2010 was the year of the Bollywood blockbuster in this territory. 3 Idiots, a late December 2009 release, became the highest grossing Indian film to date in North America, with the Aamir Khan-starrer earning over $6.5 million through its run last year.

Shah Rukh Khan-starrer My Name is Khan became the actor’s biggest earner in the US and Canada, pulling in over $4 million after its February 2010 release.

This market has been a happy hunting ground for the actor, with his earlier films Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Om Shanti Om each taking in over $3 million as well.

So King Khan was happy to travel to Toronto, delighting his delirious fans who had flocked downtown for a handshake, photograph or just a glimpse of their favourite star. Speaking to Business Standard, he said it extends even beyond the Indian and south Asian communities overseas. “After My Name is Khan, we’re finding new audiences apart from the diaspora.”

Indeed, Ra.One will open in some non-traditional markets for Hindi films, in countries such as Taiwan, South Korea and Russia. Asked if he also had his eye on a broader audience closer home by playing a south Indian character, he replied, “No, not at all. The way I’ve played it, I think it’s really over the top and caricaturish.... I hope they don’t get angry.”

To a follow-up question on the film’s marketing strategy, he switched on his star-powered smile and quipped, “Everyone thinks I’m only looking for markets. I’m only looking for love and making sure people watch the film.” And with that, he turned again to his screaming fans.