King Khan reveiled!!!

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Hetal

@ibelieveinpink

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Posted: 17 years ago

He is the seller of celluloid dreams. He has captured the nation with his enigmatic grin and suave style. Known for his dazzling dimples and polish performance, Shah Rukh Khan is truly defined as the 'Baadshah Of Bollywood'. In this exclusive interview, we get going with King Khan on his films, work, life and living.

Excerpts from an Interview:

Shah Rukh, Indian audiences are very unpredictable. One hardly knows what clicks with them. What exactly went through your mind while opting for films as diverse as Chak De! and Om Shanti Om which turned out to be two major hits of the year?

Well, in one strange way I believe that I don't go for a film. Rather it's the films that pick me as their suitor. I think that's the easiest way to answer your question without really getting down to the nitty-gritty of the matter.

But on a serious note, films are of course no less than a gamble. You really don't know what's going to click at the end of the day. I just pick up films on impulse because at that point I'm driven to do so. As an actor and having been around in the industry for more than 17 years, I can claim to be as nave about its working as any outsider. Till date I'm unable understand what will work and what won't. And I'm not being modest about that at all.

The young gang of girls in Chak De! were purely new comers, chasing a ball at the middle of the field. Based on our national sport, this flick inspires you to live and thrive for everything you dream of. OSO, on the other hand, is wildly comic, crammed with humor, which I believe is at times over the top. And I do not really favor that. But then that's the way it is.

2007 has been one rewarding year for Bollywood, which is good. But at the same time, the industry is witnessing this rising trend of camp-ism. Do you think that this growing trend will mar the scope of experimentation in films?

That's not true. I was an absolute alien for the industry when I first stepped in and it did welcome me with open arms. In span of my seventeen year long career, nobody ever questioned me about my whereabouts. Over the years, I got to work with nearly all directors. It was said that Subhash Ghai and Yash Chopra did not get along too well. But I worked with them around the same time and was carried away by the kind of appreciation and big heart they held for each other. You are in the industry to work and that's is all that should concern you.

'Camp' is very unbecoming of Bollywood. There exists no such thing within the industry. I agree we are used to work with a set of directors. That's because we are more comfortable working with them then anybody else. If given an option, I'd any day go for comfortability over anything else. Again affordability is another story.

Yes affordability. You are seen as one of Bollywood's lavishly paid actor. What's your take on that?

I am so expensive you see (grins). At times when I refuse to accept fee for doing a film, people mock it as a joke. I never do films for money. That's my last criteria. I'm an artiste who believes in the power of creation. I like to work with kind, loving, sensitive guys. And that's why I settle down with people with whom I share a great comfort level. I have worked with Shimit Amin and Farah Khan and quite luckily they have done so well for themselves. It makes me happy to see my directors, producers and all benefit from a film.

You are a big superstar. But how do you deal with the mean remarks that assail you for doing so many endorsements or dancing at award nights or private functions?

Well, to be honest, a few years back, I used to lose it but not anymore. You see, I believe in certain kind of entertainment and stick to it unfailingly with utmost honesty and sincerity, irrespective of what others have to say. I may live or die doing that. But I'm not going to stop that. Not because it works for me, but because I believe in it. And that is what counts.

Yes, you should always count on your financial benefit, which is very important. I always say that to every youngster I chance to come across. I'm not a very ace dancer. But people pay me to dance and I do it for their pleasure and my gain. All the tall talks do not bother me anymore. It does hurt at times but I'm learning to beat it now.

Is there any role you have done so far that you think brings the real SRK on celluloid?

That's the ultimate challenge for any actor. It's easy to get into other's skins but it's really tough when it comes to playing yourself on screen. The struggle is on for me and the day I manage to be just me on screen, I'll believe that I've achieved something.

But then every film I've done so far had parts of me. Whether it is DDLJ, KHKN, K2H2, Chak De, Don or Baazigar, I've revealed a part of me everywhere.

Any film from the last year you believe you could have done better?

Well, I've stopped picking up on roles or films ages ago. I don't really mean to brag on that but today I've reached a place where the makers have just the best to offer to me. I'm in a position were you give me any role and I'll make it best. That's the challenge I'm facing now. And I'm trying to live up to it.