Mumbai barbers cut the cinema queue

Mumbai hairdressers will be treated to a free screening of Shah Rukh Khan’s barber-based flick “Billu”.

As many as 270 of the city’s top crimpers will sip free refreshments at the VIP screening to celebrate the movie’s release.

Organisers from Sujata Cinema Hall, explained: "We have decided to screen the movie free of cost to 270 barbers of Ranchi on Thursday. The move is aimed at bringing cheer on the faces of barbers who work hard to earn their livelihood," Dushyant Jaiswal, owner of the cinema hall, told reporters.

The decision was taken after consulting the Ranchi Nayee (barber) Association (RNA).

According to sources, Thursday was chosen because people normally avoid cutting their hair and shaving on the day.

"The barbers are neglected in the society. The movie is a step forward to recognise our job," said Tanik Thakur, secretary of RNA.

"Billu" revolves around the barber Billu (Irrfan Khan) whose friend Sahir Khan (Shah Rukh) becomes a superstar and comes to shoot a movie near his village.

Earlier the film was titled "Billu Barber" but it landed in controversy after hairdressers associations got offended. Shah Rukh, who is also producing the film, promptly chopped off the the second half of the film's name.

Shah Rukh had also organised a show for some 600 barbers at the Gaiety theatre in Mumbai a day before the film's release.