Posted:
Baadshah sounds better for me: SRK
Roshmila Bhattacharya/ Screen
expressindia.com
Saturday, December 16, 2006
ShahRukh Khan Mumbai, December 16: Salcette, a banquet hall at Mumbai's Hotel Taj Lands End, was packed to capacity and the air of excited anticipation was palpable as Siddharth Basu mounted the podium to take us back to the year 2000 when 9 pm. meant quiet streets, empty late-night shows and restaurants that quickly learnt that when you couldn't beat it, it was wiser to join it. He was talking of his supernova celebrity show, KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati). A few minutes later, he was joined by Star Entertainment India CEO, Sameer Nair who took the story forward to 2007 when KBC returns with a new host.
The two men-in-black are undoubted pioneers on the small screen, but on the afternoon of December 5, even they realised that the assembled gathering of media watchers were there for the man who was returning to the small screen after 17 years.
There was no mystery about his identity with the three words all of India knows—SRK—flashing across the giant screens. The hype preceding his arrival was certainly fit for a badshah. Suited, booted but tie-less, the superstar arrived looking completely self-assured, ready to be locked into the media Hot Seat. And in the course of a marathon press conference that lasted well over an hour, ShahRukh Khan fielded queries, that ranged from the obvious to the ridiculous.
How're you feeling as you get set to replace Amitabh Bachchan ?
Historically, KBC has been the one show in modern times to change the way we look at Indian television. And there's no denying that as its host Mr Bachchan brought a huge amount of class, intelligence, integrity and excitement to KBC.
So naturally there's a certain amount of nervousness, anxiety and also thrill as I come back to TV that in the last 17 years has grown hugely and wonderfully. Not that I ever left TV completely. Our songs are constantly playing on TV, our films previewed and reviewed everyday. So TV has in many ways been an extension of my work in cinema. Today, I'm happy to be doing KBC and tomorrow, if I were offered a film on KBC, I'd be happy to do that too.
Would you have accepted KBC had it been offered to you first?
No one should be offered anything before Mr Bachchan, not just in India but anywhere in the world.
But you were offered other shows that didn't spark the slightest interest in you. Why did it have to be KBC to bring you back to TV?
KBC was the first step as far as reality TV went and inspired by its success, a lot of other channels including Star, launched several celebrity shows for which not just me, but so many other actors were inundated with offers. But at that point, to be very frank, we were all wary of experimenting on TV. It was too new, so everyone adopted a wait-and-watch policy. We have to thank Amitji and KBC for instilling confidence in us when it came to TV shows.
What was your immediate reaction when KBC was offered to you?
(With a grin) I jumped up high and hit the ceiling. I've still to come down. KBC is one show I've always watched regularly. I love question-and-answer shows. (With another grin) That's why I enjoy press conferences. May be my next show will be a PC (press conference) on TV.
There've been reports in the press about how Bachchan isn't too happy about you taking over KBC.
Yeah, we're fighting this great cold war that has left both of us with black eyes. Why only Amitji? For the last 17 years I have been fighting red, black and pink wars with so many of my co-stars. You never hear of Tom Cruise beating up Brad Pitt because he's replaced him in a film or even one journalist beating up another because his article was better. So why do you assume that we are so ghatiya...so kameene? We are also educated people who have been working together for years now. We respect each other. And at the end of it we too are doing a job like any other professional, so where's the motivation to get violent.
After taking on the challenge of remaking Don and it turning out a hit you must be pretty confident of pulling off KBC too.
Don was made by people of my age who had grown up on the original and though our film appealed to the younger generation I don't think it was as wonderful as the earlier Don. As for KBC, it is entirely a personality-based show on which you can't copy anyone, you have to be yourself. That for me is the biggest challenge of the show. As an actor you can hide behind a character but as the host of a show like KBC you have to let that person inside you show up. I'm fortunate that Mr Bachchan, with his impressive personality, has already made a success of the show back home. I'm also taking on a show that's an established working brand on TV internationally. So I don't have to work all that hard (Grins). Seriously, I hope I can add something to it without taking anything away from it.
You've just admitted that KBC is an anchor-driven show. So how do you propose to counter the spectre of Bachchan?
(With a grin) For starters I could change my voice. My aces are my height and my voice, you know. On a more serious note yes, KBC which is the Indianised adaptation of How To Be A Millionaire, is an anchor-driven show. And across the world it has had 106 anchors. Some were known personalities, others not so well-known, none perhaps as big an icon as Mr Bachchan. However, one thing's for sure, irrespective of who the anchor is or was, the show has done phenomenally well across the globe. Which just goes to show that KBC is bigger than I am. So all I need to do as an anchor is add a bit of charm and happiness to it, assured that the show will work just fine.
The impression is that you are more computer- savvy than Bachchan.
That's not true. He uses computers a lot and his knowledge far exceeds that of mine. I've been with him to places like New York and Toronto and always seen him tapping on his laptop. He manages to get connected even in way-out places, which means that I'll have to engage in virtual love now and kiss my computer a lot (Chuckles). But seriously, the integral part of the show is not so much our computerji but our guests who I want relaxed and happy in my presence. I want them to smile a lot when on the show and even when they are going away. I promise never to scare anyone I'll be a host who's your dost.
Will there be any appreciable changes in the format with you at the helm?
The format of KBC is the same in 106 countries. It is the soul of the show. The reason for its worldwide success is beyond the understanding of the market or research. It is the format is what makes KBC stand apart from other quiz shows. Why would I want to change it and risk the danger of corrupting the show's inherent quality? We'll not meddle with the format. What could change are the music beats or how the contestants are talked to and the questions asked.
Will you be trying out a new look?
(With a twinkle) Yeah, I'll be experimenting with all the get-ups from Dhoom 2 because I have a body just like Duggu's (Hrithik Roshan).
Would the show come in handy for promoting your films?
(With a deadpan expression) Yeah, I'm going to insist that all the questions are related to my films.
Tell us something about your preparations for the show.
I've just got back from Australia where I was shooting for Chak De India. So my homework will start only now. Siddharth and Star have been very cooperative. They've set up everything in my house so that I don't have to travel back and forth from the studio whilst I'm in training. However, for a month now it will be like going back to school. I intend to read a lot so that I can answer as many questions as I can without looking up the answers. I've watched a lot of Bournvita Quiz Contest and Siddharth's Quiz Time, KBC and Master Mind. When I'm with family and friends I enjoy a round of questions-and-answers. Knowledge is exhilarating. I want to know who was the first man on the moon. Recently when there was a question on the 27 states and 6 union territories of India, I quizzed my family on it at the dining table.
Will KBC mean adieu to films?
Over the last 17 years I've averaged three films a year except for the time when I hurt myself. This year too, I've had two releases—Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Don - and almost wrapped up Chak De India. We have just 6-7 days work left on the film and it will be released in the first half of next year. In the second half I'll have Om Shanti Om which is my home production, being directed by Farah Khan. The number of films I do have never been important to me. What I've strived for all along is a change in quality and content. Also, for a while now I have been combining films with ads, TV and live shows.
Yeah, you've been doing a lot of everything. That's what makes you an enviable entertainer, or should we say, a juggler?
(With a twinkle) When we were young we were taught that famous saying, "Jack of all trades, master of none" that I've made into a profession. There's been a huge change in our country over the last decade thanks primarily to television that has reduced the differences between cinema, TV, theatre, live shows, advertising and modelling. Given the platform offered to us today, I, as a performer and an entertainer, want to try everything that falls within the purview of entertainment, even ramp walking. I want everything in my bag of tricks. (With a smile) Yes, juggler is a good term for me but Baadshah sounds better.
KBC proved exhausting even for a workaholic like Bachchan. How do you plan to see yourself through this two-year contract?
I think I was made for work. It never tires me out. I enjoy it. And Mashaallah I'll continue to do so over the next two years.
So will KBC pave the way for more TV shows?
A performer's job is hugely dependent on the producer. So however much as I may want to do a Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi tomorrow, my participation in the show would depend on how good I look in a saree. If I were offered some other show on TV after I finish with KBC and I was challenged by it, I could take it up but that's hypothetical now.
How about producing a TV show?
Well, I have a small-time production house and if Sameer and Synergy gave me a chance, I'd love to produce one. TV is too important a medium of entertainment today to be ignored.
We've watched Hollywood (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie more recently) come to India and create waves. Does Bollywood's Baadshah have any plans of storming Hollywood?
I did go to LA with Paheli last year when it was India's official entry for the Oscars. And I was shocked that Speilberg was not at the airport to meet me!(laughs). Seriously, I have a long way to go before I can satisfy myself doing what I want to do as an actor, producer and anchor in my home country. And Inshaallah, without moving to Hollywood, I'll be able to take Indian cinema to the world stage.
You have some very ardent female fans. What if one of them swoons in your presence?
When a girl does that to me I usually hold her in my arms, like I did my Veer-Zaara heroine (Preity Zinta), and I sing, "Tujhe dekha to yeh jaana sanam, pyaar hota hai deewana sanam...' to her. That revives her in a jiffy.
Which of your heroines would you like sitting with you on the Hot Seat?
All of them, from Sridevi to Amrita Rao, because KBC is the best way of reaffirming that beauty is not dumb.
Roshmila Bhattacharya/ Screen
expressindia.com
Saturday, December 16, 2006
ShahRukh Khan Mumbai, December 16: Salcette, a banquet hall at Mumbai's Hotel Taj Lands End, was packed to capacity and the air of excited anticipation was palpable as Siddharth Basu mounted the podium to take us back to the year 2000 when 9 pm. meant quiet streets, empty late-night shows and restaurants that quickly learnt that when you couldn't beat it, it was wiser to join it. He was talking of his supernova celebrity show, KBC (Kaun Banega Crorepati). A few minutes later, he was joined by Star Entertainment India CEO, Sameer Nair who took the story forward to 2007 when KBC returns with a new host.
The two men-in-black are undoubted pioneers on the small screen, but on the afternoon of December 5, even they realised that the assembled gathering of media watchers were there for the man who was returning to the small screen after 17 years.
There was no mystery about his identity with the three words all of India knows—SRK—flashing across the giant screens. The hype preceding his arrival was certainly fit for a badshah. Suited, booted but tie-less, the superstar arrived looking completely self-assured, ready to be locked into the media Hot Seat. And in the course of a marathon press conference that lasted well over an hour, ShahRukh Khan fielded queries, that ranged from the obvious to the ridiculous.
How're you feeling as you get set to replace Amitabh Bachchan ?
Historically, KBC has been the one show in modern times to change the way we look at Indian television. And there's no denying that as its host Mr Bachchan brought a huge amount of class, intelligence, integrity and excitement to KBC.
So naturally there's a certain amount of nervousness, anxiety and also thrill as I come back to TV that in the last 17 years has grown hugely and wonderfully. Not that I ever left TV completely. Our songs are constantly playing on TV, our films previewed and reviewed everyday. So TV has in many ways been an extension of my work in cinema. Today, I'm happy to be doing KBC and tomorrow, if I were offered a film on KBC, I'd be happy to do that too.
Would you have accepted KBC had it been offered to you first?
No one should be offered anything before Mr Bachchan, not just in India but anywhere in the world.
But you were offered other shows that didn't spark the slightest interest in you. Why did it have to be KBC to bring you back to TV?
KBC was the first step as far as reality TV went and inspired by its success, a lot of other channels including Star, launched several celebrity shows for which not just me, but so many other actors were inundated with offers. But at that point, to be very frank, we were all wary of experimenting on TV. It was too new, so everyone adopted a wait-and-watch policy. We have to thank Amitji and KBC for instilling confidence in us when it came to TV shows.
What was your immediate reaction when KBC was offered to you?
(With a grin) I jumped up high and hit the ceiling. I've still to come down. KBC is one show I've always watched regularly. I love question-and-answer shows. (With another grin) That's why I enjoy press conferences. May be my next show will be a PC (press conference) on TV.
There've been reports in the press about how Bachchan isn't too happy about you taking over KBC.
Yeah, we're fighting this great cold war that has left both of us with black eyes. Why only Amitji? For the last 17 years I have been fighting red, black and pink wars with so many of my co-stars. You never hear of Tom Cruise beating up Brad Pitt because he's replaced him in a film or even one journalist beating up another because his article was better. So why do you assume that we are so ghatiya...so kameene? We are also educated people who have been working together for years now. We respect each other. And at the end of it we too are doing a job like any other professional, so where's the motivation to get violent.
After taking on the challenge of remaking Don and it turning out a hit you must be pretty confident of pulling off KBC too.
Don was made by people of my age who had grown up on the original and though our film appealed to the younger generation I don't think it was as wonderful as the earlier Don. As for KBC, it is entirely a personality-based show on which you can't copy anyone, you have to be yourself. That for me is the biggest challenge of the show. As an actor you can hide behind a character but as the host of a show like KBC you have to let that person inside you show up. I'm fortunate that Mr Bachchan, with his impressive personality, has already made a success of the show back home. I'm also taking on a show that's an established working brand on TV internationally. So I don't have to work all that hard (Grins). Seriously, I hope I can add something to it without taking anything away from it.
You've just admitted that KBC is an anchor-driven show. So how do you propose to counter the spectre of Bachchan?
(With a grin) For starters I could change my voice. My aces are my height and my voice, you know. On a more serious note yes, KBC which is the Indianised adaptation of How To Be A Millionaire, is an anchor-driven show. And across the world it has had 106 anchors. Some were known personalities, others not so well-known, none perhaps as big an icon as Mr Bachchan. However, one thing's for sure, irrespective of who the anchor is or was, the show has done phenomenally well across the globe. Which just goes to show that KBC is bigger than I am. So all I need to do as an anchor is add a bit of charm and happiness to it, assured that the show will work just fine.
The impression is that you are more computer- savvy than Bachchan.
That's not true. He uses computers a lot and his knowledge far exceeds that of mine. I've been with him to places like New York and Toronto and always seen him tapping on his laptop. He manages to get connected even in way-out places, which means that I'll have to engage in virtual love now and kiss my computer a lot (Chuckles). But seriously, the integral part of the show is not so much our computerji but our guests who I want relaxed and happy in my presence. I want them to smile a lot when on the show and even when they are going away. I promise never to scare anyone I'll be a host who's your dost.
Will there be any appreciable changes in the format with you at the helm?
The format of KBC is the same in 106 countries. It is the soul of the show. The reason for its worldwide success is beyond the understanding of the market or research. It is the format is what makes KBC stand apart from other quiz shows. Why would I want to change it and risk the danger of corrupting the show's inherent quality? We'll not meddle with the format. What could change are the music beats or how the contestants are talked to and the questions asked.
Will you be trying out a new look?
(With a twinkle) Yeah, I'll be experimenting with all the get-ups from Dhoom 2 because I have a body just like Duggu's (Hrithik Roshan).
Would the show come in handy for promoting your films?
(With a deadpan expression) Yeah, I'm going to insist that all the questions are related to my films.
Tell us something about your preparations for the show.
I've just got back from Australia where I was shooting for Chak De India. So my homework will start only now. Siddharth and Star have been very cooperative. They've set up everything in my house so that I don't have to travel back and forth from the studio whilst I'm in training. However, for a month now it will be like going back to school. I intend to read a lot so that I can answer as many questions as I can without looking up the answers. I've watched a lot of Bournvita Quiz Contest and Siddharth's Quiz Time, KBC and Master Mind. When I'm with family and friends I enjoy a round of questions-and-answers. Knowledge is exhilarating. I want to know who was the first man on the moon. Recently when there was a question on the 27 states and 6 union territories of India, I quizzed my family on it at the dining table.
Will KBC mean adieu to films?
Over the last 17 years I've averaged three films a year except for the time when I hurt myself. This year too, I've had two releases—Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Don - and almost wrapped up Chak De India. We have just 6-7 days work left on the film and it will be released in the first half of next year. In the second half I'll have Om Shanti Om which is my home production, being directed by Farah Khan. The number of films I do have never been important to me. What I've strived for all along is a change in quality and content. Also, for a while now I have been combining films with ads, TV and live shows.
Yeah, you've been doing a lot of everything. That's what makes you an enviable entertainer, or should we say, a juggler?
(With a twinkle) When we were young we were taught that famous saying, "Jack of all trades, master of none" that I've made into a profession. There's been a huge change in our country over the last decade thanks primarily to television that has reduced the differences between cinema, TV, theatre, live shows, advertising and modelling. Given the platform offered to us today, I, as a performer and an entertainer, want to try everything that falls within the purview of entertainment, even ramp walking. I want everything in my bag of tricks. (With a smile) Yes, juggler is a good term for me but Baadshah sounds better.
KBC proved exhausting even for a workaholic like Bachchan. How do you plan to see yourself through this two-year contract?
I think I was made for work. It never tires me out. I enjoy it. And Mashaallah I'll continue to do so over the next two years.
So will KBC pave the way for more TV shows?
A performer's job is hugely dependent on the producer. So however much as I may want to do a Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi tomorrow, my participation in the show would depend on how good I look in a saree. If I were offered some other show on TV after I finish with KBC and I was challenged by it, I could take it up but that's hypothetical now.
How about producing a TV show?
Well, I have a small-time production house and if Sameer and Synergy gave me a chance, I'd love to produce one. TV is too important a medium of entertainment today to be ignored.
We've watched Hollywood (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie more recently) come to India and create waves. Does Bollywood's Baadshah have any plans of storming Hollywood?
I did go to LA with Paheli last year when it was India's official entry for the Oscars. And I was shocked that Speilberg was not at the airport to meet me!(laughs). Seriously, I have a long way to go before I can satisfy myself doing what I want to do as an actor, producer and anchor in my home country. And Inshaallah, without moving to Hollywood, I'll be able to take Indian cinema to the world stage.
You have some very ardent female fans. What if one of them swoons in your presence?
When a girl does that to me I usually hold her in my arms, like I did my Veer-Zaara heroine (Preity Zinta), and I sing, "Tujhe dekha to yeh jaana sanam, pyaar hota hai deewana sanam...' to her. That revives her in a jiffy.
Which of your heroines would you like sitting with you on the Hot Seat?
All of them, from Sridevi to Amrita Rao, because KBC is the best way of reaffirming that beauty is not dumb.
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
Mangal Lakshmi
