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Why Did Juhi Chawla Skip Meetings at Mannat and Dislike KKR’s First Uniform?
Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla are more than just close friends; they are also the co-owners of the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Their partnership extends beyond the silver screen, into the realm of sports, where they share a warm bond and a deep commitment to their team.
Juhi Chawla shared some interesting anecdotes about their journey as team owners. She revealed that Lalit Modi, the founder of the IPL, approached her and Shah Rukh with the idea of buying a team. Modi was keen on having "glamorous people" as team owners to add a touch of glitz to the league. Juhi recalled thinking that cricket and the film industry were the two most popular entities in India and how exciting it would be to combine the two.
Reflecting on those early days, Juhi mentioned that much of the initial groundwork was done by Shah Rukh and Jay Mehta, her husband. "We didn’t know anything about running a cricket franchise," she admitted. Meetings were often held at Shah Rukh's iconic residence, Mannat. Juhi fondly remembered the creative sessions there, from composing the team jingle to deciding on the team uniforms. She recounted her initial dissatisfaction with the team's first uniform, which was black and gold. "I thought, ‘what is this black and gold?’ Because black is considered inauspicious," she said, laughing.
Despite these early challenges, Kolkata Knight Riders have seen significant success under their ownership, winning the IPL title three times—in 2012, 2014, and 2024. The team continues to thrive, still co-owned by Shah Rukh, Juhi, and Jay. Their journey from being novices in the world of cricket franchise management to leading a successful IPL team is a testament to their dedication and collaborative spirit.
- PTC PUNJABI
