Akon in Mumbai for SRK's RA

Rap sensation Akon is in Mumbai to sing for Shahrukh Khan's sci-fi film, Ra One. He is Shahrukh Khan's special guest for some days. Akon is in the city to record songs for Ra, and even sing one number in Hindi.

Says Shah Rukh, “Yes, Akon arrives on Monday for a rushed three-day visit. He will perform at the launch of a new product of a company whose energy drink I endorse, and then on Tuesday and Wednesday, he will record a song with Vishal Shekhar for Ra.One.

There are two versions of the song, one in English and the other in Hindi, and Akon wants to sing in Hindi. Though he’s Senegalese by birth, he sings in different languages. I don’t see why he can’t manage Hindi. Akon will be adding his own bit to Vishal Shekhar’s composition. He is very participative - I love his songs.”

Shah Rukh hums one of Akon’s recent chartbusters and you wonder why he doesn’t sing for himself. SRK laughs, “No, I can’t sing. I did some lines for myself in Josh, but that was not real singing. If Akon can sing for me, why should I?”

Recalling his meeting with Akon, the actor says, “When I met him recently in New York for the first time, I was floored by his niceness. Such a big international star but so down-to-earth. I asked him if he would sing for me and he said, ‘anytime’. Everyone including Kareena Kapoor who has heard the song has loved it.