Shahid Kapoor plays Santa to Ahmad Khan's sons

Shahid Kapoor plays Santa to Ahmad Khan's sons 
By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) Choreographer-turned-director Ahmad Khan says he can't thank his friend Shahid Kapoor enough for fulfilling a long-cherished dream of his children.

"I had been promising my two sons Azaan and Subhan a trip to Disneyland for months. Earlier, when we shot in the US for Yash Raj Films' 'Bachna Ae Haseeno', I kept hoping there would be time. But I couldn't manage to get away. But this time Shahid made sure it happened," Khan, who is back from the US after shooting for a song with his best friend Shahid, told IANS.

Shahid not only ensured that Ahmad wrapped up his work as quickly as possible, he made all the arrangements for his friend, his wife Saira and two sons to take off for Disneyland.

"And why not?" said Khan defensively. "Shahid and I are childhood friends. Before my mother held my sons, Shahid took them in his arms. So it's perfectly natural for him to look out for me and my family.

"Out of the one month I spent in the US only 12 days were devoted to shooting the song. It wasn't even a dance song. It was a concept number showing the hero and his friends splurging and bingeing all over the US. 

"We shot at casinos and at various pleasure and tourist spots in Philadelphia, Orlando, New York, New Jersey and Chicago," said Khan who choreographed Shahid in the recently hit song "Dhan te nan" from "Kaminey".

Shahid is also featuring in Khan's directorial debut "Pathshala". The first time director says that the actor's role is similar to Aamir Khan's in "Taare Zameen Par". 

"In a two-hour long film, Shahid is there for an hour� he's there for 55 minutes. His role is like Aamir Khan's in 'Taare Zameen Par'. He comes in mid-way and yes, he's the teacher. Both Shahid and I have decided to focus on the kids in the marketing rather than on Shahid."