'An international award is a big deal' -SRK

From the small screen to the big screen, Shah Rukh Khan has been a trailblazer all along. After dabbling with film production and cricket, the restless Mr Khan is now getting behind the small screen, where he began his acting career.

SRK is producing Ghar Ki Baat Hai, which hit the airwaves on NDTV Imagine on January 30.

Oozing the passion that he is so well known for, Shah Rukh talks about his latest baby and the movie that has impressed him off late…

You are producing Ghar Ki Baat Hai through your company Red Chillies Idiot Box. We hear it's a remake of the hit Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi.

I wouldn't want to call it a remake. I would say 'Ghar Ki Baat Hai' is a tribute to Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi. It's the base on which my show is built. But then, most TV shows have the same base. For example, if you see 'Three's Company' or 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S', there is not much difference except the characters.

'Ghar Ki Baat Hai' is very original in its content and presentation. Aziz Mirza is associated with 'Ghar Ki Baat Hai' as an advisor. He is one of those who helped the TV industry evolve in India. I grew up watching the shows he made.

Is this a good time to enter TV given that channels are facing TRP issues and advertising pressures?

Well, we needed the support of people who think like we do and NDTV Imagine did. They're the ones who should be scared but they have trusted us.

Will you make any reality shows?

I have a contract with Star Plus for the next seasons of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' and 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain'. Till then I cannot do anything. But once those contracts are over, I may be up for it.

How did you decide on the title of Ghar Ki Baat Hai?

We zoomed in on 'Ghar Ki Baat Hai' because it has a nice ring to it. There was another title we considered – 'Devdas Ki Maut' – but I didn't think that sounded too nice. This is a story about a home, its neighbours and the situations created – all in all, it's ghar ki baat.

Will it have your ghar ki baat too?

TV budgets are not so high that they can make sets of my house (laughs). Just kidding. I think the show will have stories from all kinds of households. I too have a kid who is a bit older than the kid in the show. So we have also experienced all the nonsense that happens in families with children.

I can give you an example in the first episode itself. It's about forgetting an anniversary. I would advise you not to forget yours or you'd better watch out. I never forget my anniversary. I have put four-five alarms to remind me.

Will you or other film stars make guest appearances in Ghar Ki Baat Hai?

We might have stars coming in and going out as per the script. We've been told that TRPs go up if stars make appearances. Unfortunately, that didn't happen with my last show. But if required, I will make appearances in Ghar Ki Baat Hai.

And what will you charge for these appearances?

You mean, how much will I charge myself? Besides, NDTV Imagine has given us a good deal. I will have to make free appearances whenever required.
Idiot Box is a strange name for your TV production company. So what made you pick it?

We think out of the box! I don't think Red Chillies Television Production Company would have really sounded as nice.

Enough about TV. What's your reaction to Slumdog Millionaire being nominated in so many categories at the Oscars?

It's fantastic! It's a great movie and it deserves the attention. I have seen the movie and I had read the script earlier. All the actors in it have done a great job and so has director Danny Boyle. For me, the score of the film is very important and 'Slumdog Millionaire' has a brilliant sound. I think this film should serve as an example to Indian filmmakers so that someday, an Indian film made by an Indian director makes it to the Oscars. It's time for a truly Indian film to get there.

The film has been criticised for showing India's negatives…

That is sad. But it's reality. We tend to be touchy about the negatives of our country. But we should see the positives too. Though there is 'dog' in the title, there is the word 'millionaire' also. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion but I think the film is a great example of good storytelling.

You were offered the role that Anil Kapoor eventually did. Do you regret refusing it?

I have already done two shows as a host. I don't think I would have been able to do the role as well as Anil did. He is there enjoying the film's success and he deserves the accolades. I don't regret something I couldn't have done anyway. Hopefully, someday I will be part of a film made by an Indian director and Indian crew that makes it to the Oscars.

Many actors feel Oscars are no big deal and our own awards are more important. What do you think?

How can anyone say that? I completely disagree. Oscars are not something you get by the roadside. So far, only two Indians have won Oscars – Satyajit Ray and Bhanu Athaiya. An international award is a big deal. I love getting awards and I think every actor does.

We hear Manoj Kumar has finally withdrawn his complaint against Red Chillies in the Om Shanti Om case…

Yes, he has. He called me home and said he wanted it off his mind. He said we're good people. We never meant to poke fun at him. We asked him to forgive us and he's been good enough to do so.

Link : https://www.masala.com/10183-an-international-award-is-a-big-deal