MY NAME IS KHAN
Synopsis
The film begins with the child, Rizwan Khan (Tanay Chheda), a Muslim who has Asperger syndrome, growing up with his mother (Zarina Wahab) in the Borivali section of Mumbai. Later as an adult (Shahrukh Khan), Rizwan moves to San Francisco and lives with his brother and sister-in-law. While there, he falls in love with single mother Mandira (Kajol). They eventually marry and begin a business.
After the events of 9/11, Rizwan and Mandira begin to face a number of difficulties. Following a tragedy, they separate. Rizwan is detained by authorities at LAX who mistake his disability for "suspicious" behavior. Following his arrest, he meets Radha, a therapist who helps him deal with his situation and his affliction. In order to his family back, Rizwan embarks on a long journey across the United States to meet US President Obama to clear his name.
Interesting Facts:
• Kareena Kapoor lost the lead role in favor of Karan Johar's favorite actress, Kajol.
• Aamir Bashir was originally offered a role for Shahrukh's younger brother in the movie, but was denied a visa to USA . Jimmy Shergill took his role.
• Shabana Azmi was given the role of Rizwan's mother, but was forced to withdraw when Shahrukh Khan's shoulder injury delayed the shooting schedule.
• Director Karan Johar interviewed Londoners Chris and Maxine Aston (the subject and author respectively of the book which inspired the romantic relationship in first part of the film)
• Shahrukh Khan remained in character suffering from Asperger Syndrome at home.
• The New York flood sequence shot in drought-stricken Mumbai used 20 tankers of water daily for the 10 day shoot (the capacity of each tanker truck is approximately twelve-thousand liters) [*a family of four requires approximately 360 liters daily]. Midway through shooting the flood sequence, the drought broke.
• Karan Johar signed a deal for 1 billion INR with Fox Searchlight Pictures, who will market and distribute it in India (FOXSTAR) and worldwide (Fox Searchlight)