I want to win the Oscar,says Shah Rukh

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 20:04 IST

Shah Rukh Khan is back home after five weeks. When he was not shooting for Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' in New York and Connecticut, he shuttled to Los Angeles to understand how 'Paheli' would need to be promoted in the run up to the Oscars.

"I am a proud part of the Indian film industry so it feels very weird to ask people to watch 'Paheli'. There is a certain way that things are done there (in Hollywood) so one has to follow the norms," confesses he who currently sits atop the Bollywood pile.

'Paheli' is scheduled for re-release in the US in January. "The film will be shown only in art-house theatres." Apart from the publicity generated, it's also important to get as many voting members of the Academy to watch the film. And, Shah Rukh is hoping that he'll get by with a little help from his friend. "Ashok Amritraj is organising a screening and so is the Indian consulate in the US. So, things seem to be happening right now."

At the few screenings that Shah Rukh attended, he received a positive feedback. "Except I don't know if it was because I was present," he quips. His mood is upbeat, optimistic and confident, and with reason "Most foreign films have very low budgets and they can't afford full page ads in trade papers like 'Variety' and 'Hollywood Reporter'. It felt very good to see a full page ad of an Indian film!"

'Paheli' might have lost out in the race to the Golden Globe's but Shah Rukh has his heart set on the Oscar's. "I want to win it. Even if I don't for 'Paheli', I want to win it at some point in my career. I have to be able to justify my title of King Khan!"

SRK on Big B

"I've been in touch with the family ever since he fell ill. I met him for about five to seven minutes only. It's better that he rests now because as soon as he gets back home, he'll start working. Inshallah, he'll be back in action soon. He's a tough guy."