Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has opted to undergo a shoulder surgery here Monday to avoid the sort of criticism that came his way after he chose to be operated on by doctors in London for a back problem in 2003, says a friend of the actor.

Despite his painful shoulder, Shah Rukh chose to promote his new film 'Billu' vigorously during the Valentine week.

'After attending the special screening of 'Billu' for hairdressers in Mumbai Thursday, Shah Rukh flew to London with Lara Dutta and Irrfan Khan for the film's premiere. He came back to Mumbai Sunday to prepare for Monday's surgery,' the friend said.

Shah Rukh will need to rest for a month after the surgery, which has put on hold the filming of Karan Johar's 'My Name Is Khan' till March 14. But Johar, a close friend of the superstar, is not worried.

'Films will keep happening. Shah Rukh needs to be well,' Johar said.