SRK leaves for Delhi to promote ‘Raees’ with much fanfare

Mumbai, Jan 23 (IANS) Shah Rukh Khan had last boarded a train to Mumbai from Delhi as a young budding artiste with starry dreams, and on Monday got onto a train to Delhi once again -- this time as a star to promote his upcoming film "Raees".

Ditching the usual air travel to go to a city for film promotion, Shah Rukh -- who is known for his marketing ideas -- took a train to Delhi to promote "Raees" -- which will hit screens on January 25.

"I am travelling in a train after a long time. The last time I had boarded a train from Delhi to Mumbai was when I came here to make my career. And now I am again taking the train. I am excited and nervous," Shah Rukh said, leaving his home 'Mannat'.

There was a lot of anticipation at the platform before the actor came. People were seen saying 'arrey Shah Rukh aa raha hai train mein' (Shah Rukh is coming in the train). In fact, some people were so excited that they knew his coach number, and guided people at the platform.

Talking about his train memories, Shah Rukh said: "There are so many memories. When I went to Taj Mahal by train, and then when I first took the Mumbai local."

Set against the backdrop of prohibition in Gujarat, "Raees" touches upon how the alcohol industry crumbled and several illegal activities followed. I

In the film, the "Chennai Express" star essays the title role of Raees, a bootlegger. It also marks Pakistani actress Mahira Khan's foray into Bollywood.

Producer Ritesh Sidhwani and director Rahul Dholakia also boarded the train.

There are a lot of expectations with the movie especially after Shah Rukh's previous hit "Dear Zindagi".

The 51-year-old actor said he is happy with all the expectations."I hope the movie does well. The buzz is quite positive."