Smoking ban lifted in Berlin, Permits SRK To Puff Ciggies!

 

Celebrity status comes with its share of fancy perks. And some, like Shah Rukh Khan, have it even better. Er, on foreign soil, as well. Since 2008, Germany has banned smoking in public and private restaurants, and those caught flouting the ban could run up a fine of up to 100 Euros (approx. Rs. 6,116); the move has been implemented in other German states too with prominent 'No Smoking' Signs to implement the message.

 

SRK, however, boasts of an express privilege. Currently filming Farhan Akhtar's 'Don 2' in Berlin, the actor has been granted permission to smoke away in peace during the entire duration of his stay there! Apparently, it's been over two months since SRK has been canning scenes for 'Don 2' in Berlin.

 

A German magazine, recently carried reports about the General Manager of the hotel granting special permission to SRK, to flout the puffing rule, as they consider him as their most prized guest. The exception will be in effect for the visitor in Suite 1107 all through his stay, which is likely to extend upto November end 2010.

 

As per sources, the Indian super icon has been provided with a special ashtray to make sure that he doesn't damage the carpeting and linen of his suite, which incidentally, comes with a room rate of Rs.113,960 per night. The German Press, meanwhile, has gone into overdrive with happiness over SRK choosing their city as the venue for filming. Berlin's Mayor Klaus Wowereit gave him a personal tour of the majestic Rotes Rathaus, the Town Hall of Berlin.

 

What's better, SRK bagged the honour of being the premier Indian actor to sign the guest book. Confirming the news Ritesh Sidhwani states in a media quote, "SRK's suite has an attached terrace and the hotel authorities, were kind enough to allow him to smoke on the terrace.