And that's why the 'Lonely' singer is celebrating his birthday in Pune and not Mumbai

By one estimate, Akon might be the world's "third largest" performing artiste, but that doesn't matter to one of Newsweek's 50 Most Powerful People in the world (for 2008, at least), Shah Rukh Khan.

And so, despite collaborating for a track in the actor-producer's upcoming Ra.One, the singer finds himself not celebrating his birthday in B-Town with friends as planned ('Akon's B-Town B'day'; April 7, HiTLIST) but rather in nearby Pune, thanks to SRK.

Notes our source, "The birthday celebrations on April 15 includes a professional performance. This would be a ticketed event and would be charged and thereby, taxed. SRK was expected to host the party for Akon, thanks to their Ra.One connection.

Since the singer wanted fans in attendance as well, it was obvious the party wouldn't happen at SRK's residence Mannat but it's equally surprising that Shah Rukh chose to go hunting for a venue and for sponsors (albeit unsuccessfully) that would spare him the costs of hosting the bash. How unclassy!"

We tried reaching SRK for comment, but he remained unavailable.

Meanwhile, Dabanng girl, Sonakshi Sinha will meet Akon privately in Mumbai to wish him on his birthday. Priyanka Chopra has also expressed interest in meeting him. However, Kareena and SRK (his Ra.One buddies) haven't."

Interestingly, the singer is a close friend of Bala (of the live concerts' co-organisers Venky's) who shares a fantastic rapport with Salman Khan!"

Trivia

As part of his production requirements, Akon has asked for 100 black towels

Akon and his wife will be travelling with a 22-member crew that also includes three bodyguards.

Akon loves the colour white and will be carrying only white custom made designer clothes for the tour. Traders from Mangaldas Market at Crawford Market, Mumbai, have sent a letter to his manager requesting for a visit to the wholesale market to discuss possible business opportunities with him since they heard that Akon is quite an entrepreneur.

Akon will be considering committing to many Bollywood tie-ups in this year. Our sources state that he has been offered to act in a Hindi film.

The private visitor

Salman's Dabanng co-star Sonakshi Sinha will meet and greet Akon privately in Mumbai before the singer leaves for Pune.