Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who completed 31 years in the Hindi film industry on Sunday, said being able to entertain several people lots of times is his “proudest achievement”.
Known as King Khan of Bollywood, the 57-year-old star started his acting journey with TV serials such as Fauji and Circus before making his feature film debut with Raj Kanwar’s Deewana. Also starring Rishi Kapoor and Divya Bharti, the romantic drama released on June 25, 1992.
Shah Rukh, who in January made a spectacular return to the big screen after a hiatus of four years with the blockbuster Pathaan, conducted a Q&A session #AskSRK with fans and followers on Twitter to mark yet another year in the movies.
“Wow just realised it’s 31 yrs to the day when Deewana hit the screens. It’s been quite a ride mostly a good one. Thanks all and we can do 31 minutes of #AskSRK??” he tweeted.
When a social media user asked what his “proudest achievement” was in these 31 years, the actor wrote back saying “Being able to entertain lots of people lots of times. That’s it.” “Working with Divyaji and Rajji” was the one thing he will never forget from the set of Deewana, he said.
A tweeple was curious about how Shah Rukh picks up his projects after doing “almost every sort of role” in his career.
In his response, the actor said: “I now try and do the kind of film the particular director wants to do….not only what I see myself as.” Another asked if there was one thing he has been following consistently since his debut, he said he writes down the whole back story and ideology of the character.
“Sometimes share it with the director or just keep it to myself. It could be a poem or a whole story,” he added.
“Being in shoes o(f) somebody else and giving life to their dreams” is his favourite aspect of being an actor, the actor said.
A Twitter user also asked Shah Rukh to comment on the performance of the a cappella group Penn Masala, who presented his popular song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from the film Dil Se.. at the White House ahead of the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent US visit.
“Wish I was there to dance to it….but they wouldn’t allow a train inside I guess??!!!” he quipped, referring to the song which was picturised on top of a moving train.
Asked to complete the phrase “Back in my day, we…”, the actor said “Back in my day we didn’t discuss business of films without knowing anything about the business!!!” When a fan asked Shah Rukh if they could smoke together, the superstar said: “Main apni buri aadatein akele hee karta hoon (I prefer engaging in bad habits alone).” On being asked what his secret was to performing extensive stunts at the age of 57, he replied: “Bahut painkillers khane padte hain bhai (Brother, you have to take many painkillers).” When a social media user shared a clip of his entry sequence from “Deewana”, in which he is lip-syncing to “Koi Na Koi Chahiye”, Shah Rukh acknowledged that he “should have worn a helmet”.
Asked if he felt the pressure of being responsible for people’s happiness, Shah Rukh said no.
“There is never pressure in giving happiness… It’s sadness one has to avoid,” he said.
On being asked, out of fame, money and values, what would be his top priority, the Padma Shri recipient chose the last option.
“Values first and last everything else follows,” he tweeted.
Asked how he defines creativity, the actor said it is “your best friend when u are alone (sic)”.
Shah Rukh also shared how he tackles negativity and manages his way to success.
“Negativity & Positivity (are) the simplest two terms to get over. Sorry u didn’t like wot I do…thank u for appreciating wot I do. And then move on don’t dwell on either (sic)” he wrote.
On being asked if there is anything that has changed over the years the most, Shah Rukh said there are too many people with too many views.
“(It) has become more difficult to find you(r) voice in the white noise!” he added in his tweet.
In his message to students graduating this year, Shah Rukh said: “All the best in life and remember whatever u have learnt will come handy in life…sometime (sic).”
In his 31 years in Hindi cinema, Shah Rukh has featured in commercial and critical hit films such as Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Darr, Baazigar, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Swades, Chak De! India, My Name is Khan, Main Hoon Na, and Raees.
