By Steven Baker

How Shah Rukh Khan Seduced Indian Cinema

Film critic and author Anupama Chopra, is the latest in a long line of writers to cast Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as their lead character. Hailing from a noted film family, and having written about the industry since 1993, part Mumbai/part Michigan based Anupama is suitably qualified for the task. Husband Vidhu Vinod Chopra is an Oscar nominated film maker, whilst sister Tanuja Chandra is one of the few women directors in Bollywood. Anupama's latest publication is the first ever book on Hindi film to obtain a mainstream international release, with a publicity tour and book signing events taking place in the US.

Her first title 'Sholay: The Making of a Classic' won a National Award in India for best book on Cinema. This was followed by her definitive account of 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (The Bravehearted will take the Bride), published by the British Film Institute. Chopra is now preparing for the Indian, UK, and US release of her third book 'King of Bollywood: Shah Rukh Khan and the Seductive World of Indian Cinema'.

Anu, as she is affectionally referred to by Shah Rukh, seems relieved the book is finally complete, 'I had no idea how hard it was going to be to write, and I'm not sure I accomplished everything I set out to do'. She admits, 'It was very challenging', but concedes, 'I'm very pleased that I managed to do it; and so far the reactions have been very positive'.

Since the time Chopra first spoke to the actor with the idea for the project, four years ha