International Film Star Shahrukh Khan Bullied by Angry Homeless Man
Hollywood, California, January 2009
International film star Shah Rukh Khan was roughly shoved and attacked while standing in line on January 5, 2009. The Indian star was not injured and even turned to his attacker, smiled, and said, "Push harder."
It was on the set of the film, "My Name is Khan," that the event occurred and it was part of a scene. I know all the details because I was the homeless man who pushed him. As a background actor who lives and works in Hollywood, it was my good fortune to get a part as a homeless man in the film. Don't get me wrong, I am not notable in the film except for the dubious honor of roughly pushing the star of the film. I am strictly background.
The star of the film, however, is well known to movie goers around the world. While Shahrukh Khan may not be a household name in the United States, he is an international film star who is respected for his acting ability. Time magazine named him one of the top 40 Asian stars. While he usually works in Bollywood, and has an impressive list of credits, he was in Hollywood, California for the filming of this picture by director and writer, Karan Johar, another Bollywood notable.
Shahrukh Khan is known for being a great actor and watching him in action was very impressive. In fact the whole crew were impressive, my only experience to date having been with American film crews, this was my first opportunity to see how an Indian crew would handle filming. Always the professional artist, Shah Rukh was a good sport and didn't seem to mind being pushed. He turned to me and smiled and said, "Get angry, push harder." So I did, roughly shoving him on the next take. We shot several takes so that the director could get just the right look.
I hope the audience and his many fans all over the world won't hate me for being so rude and attacking Shah Rukh. I can assure you he was smiling after the scene and seemed no worse for the wear. He is a professional and I am sure he would tell you, "Anything for my art." I also apologize for not divulging any of the plot. First of all, I don't know the plot, but if I did I still would not be permitted to speak about it, you'll just have to go and see the movie. You can learn more about the film at "My Name is Khan," at IMDB.com
I also hope the film will be well received and get the credit it deserves. After watching Shah Ruhk Khan in action, I can tell you that he is doing a wonderful job and you won't be disappointed.
There is always the possibility that my contribution in the scene will be taken out during the editing, but if not, you will see this scruffy old actor and writer, Wil Langord, as a homeless man. Background acting in Hollywood is always an adventure, one day I was a hippie screaming at a famous actor trying to get him out of his limo and then another day I was pushing a well loved star around. That's Hollywood.
Sources:
"My Name is Khan," at IMDB.com
Wil Langford's Official Website, WilLangford.com
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1366120/international_film_star_shahrukh_khan.html?singlepage=true&cat=2
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