Shah Rukh Khan on Evolving From Romantic Hero to Action Star and Why He Hasn’t Gone Hollywood: ‘I Just Want an Indian Story to Be Accepted Worldwide’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As I delve into the captivating words of this esteemed artist, it’s evident that his journey spans across not just time but also various cinematic landscapes. With a career that has graced Indian screens for over three decades, one can only marvel at the depth and breadth of his experiences.

The renowned Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, celebrated for his captivating on-screen persona and frequent removal of his shirt in both action and romantic roles throughout his 30-year career, is now discussing his sources of inspiration, moments of waning motivation, and the factors that keep his love for cinema burning.

Speaking about the shift in Indian cinema, Khan noted that today’s audience excitement is no longer just a physical response, such as an adrenaline rush, but rather an emotional one. He emphasized that this emotional connection needs to be consistently maintained.

The renowned actor, known for appearing in 65 films, was recently honored with a career recognition award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival held in Switzerland and also conducted a workshop there. Interestingly, Khan’s notable roles, including playing the villain in “Darr” (1993) and the lead in “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1996), which launched him to fame, were both filmed in Switzerland. Therefore, receiving this award felt like a symbolic return for him.

As I sat down for an intimate chat with EbMaster at this year’s Locarno Film Festival, the charismatic Aamir Khan opened up about his latest action-packed ventures, his unique methodology in choosing roles, and his insights into the evolving Indian film industry.

What does the Locarno Film Festival honor mean to you?

Personally speaking, it’s quite a remarkable journey for me. Initially, I gained recognition as a romantic hero or a heartthrob. Therefore, returning to Switzerland to receive an award feels particularly satisfying. It’s like closing a loop in my career. I had heard about this festival, it’s extremely popular and well-known, but I never imagined I would be here accepting an award. The goal is to not only showcase my films, but also to represent Indian cinema from various regions – north, south, east, and west, stating, “Here is the world’s leading filmmaking nation.”

As you mentioned, you’re known as a romantic hero and you’ve done action films in the past, but none like “Pathaan” and “Jawan.” They were among the biggest Indian hits of 2023 and on a much larger scale than anything you have done before. What did you do to reinvent yourself as this massive action hero?

Though I’ve always cherished my roles in romantic films, I find it surprising to be labeled as a romantic hero. Truthfully, that wasn’t my self-perception. Recently, I had a conversation with director Aditya Chopra, who initiated this journey with “DDLJ” [“Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge”]. He pointed out that I’ve been in around five to six romantic films, which are regarded as timeless and sweeping romantic films – such as “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” perhaps “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” “Dil To Pagal Hai,” and “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.” However, I don’t believe “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” fits into the romantic genre. I concur with his assessment, but it seems that the industry tends to categorize me as such.

In my imagination, I envision a space filled with artwork that reflects the genres of films I’ve cherished since childhood. This is not about self-indulgence; it’s about immersing myself in a cinematic world that feels familiar and inspiring. While I enjoy various types of movies as a spectator, my preference leans towards action films, which oddly enough, aren’t my least favorite—romantic films hold that title. I also appreciate science-fiction, dystopian worlds, offbeat dramas, human stories, courtroom dramas, thrillers, and occasionally, horror movies. However, in recent years, I’ve found myself yearning to delve into an action film of my own, much like the ones Tom Cruise excels at, such as those from the “Mission Impossible” series—trust me, you’ll leave satisfied more times than not.

The director of “Pathaan”, Siddharth Anand, had been holding onto this title for about 15-20 years, and he mentioned that if he ever made a film named “Pathaan”, it needed to be with you, sir. Otherwise, he wouldn’t make it at all. Over time, we eventually agreed on the project in just 15 minutes. Additionally, “Jawan” is a genre of Southern Indian films I haven’t explored before, so these were two unique aspects for me. As for my approach, it’s not about reinventing myself; instead, it’s about honoring and being truthful to the genre of film I’m working within. For instance, I didn’t reinvent myself for the roles in “Zero” or “Fan”, but rather, I stayed true to the characters as they were written.

It seems people believe I’ve intentionally reinvented myself following a break from acting, largely due to my recent films’ success. In reality, it wasn’t a carefully planned move. To put it frankly, I’m a huge fan of action movies, and the “Bad Boys” series is one of my favorites. I’ve acted in action scenes before, but the chance to be part of an extremely intense action film was irresistible. With COVID-19 restrictions, I was able to focus on building my physique while working out at home, which made it possible for me to take on such a role.

Coming to the period before “Pathaan,” “Jawan” and “Dunki,” some of your films could have done better at the box office and and there was a self-enforced hiatus of a few years.

As a film enthusiast, I strive to create a diverse range of stories within the confines of mainstream cinema. Of course, you’ll find the essential elements like melodies, dance numbers, action scenes, and heartfelt moments. But isn’t it exciting to try something fresh? That’s why films like “Jab Harry Met Sejal,” “Zero,” even the less popular ones such as “Fan” – I found them intriguing, and I adore that film. The movies I cherish the most are often those that didn’t quite hit the mark commercially. And there’s a reason for that. Film is a medium for mass communication. It should be easily understood by many, without being overly intellectual or preachy. It shouldn’t lecture or moralize. Instead, it should simply tell a story in a straightforward manner. Some of the films that didn’t do well were so personal and complex that they lost their universal appeal, becoming too narrow in scope.

The break wasn’t due to the movies; instead, it was my personal feelings that led to it. If there’s a day when I don’t feel motivated enough to face a shoot in the morning, I simply don’t want to work. It wasn’t about the poor performance of the films, no. In fact, I was working on a film in January, and this conversation happened in December. To be honest, it was quite unprofessional of me. One day, I woke up and decided I didn’t want to go shoot that movie. I contacted the producer and informed him that I didn’t want to work for an entire year. He responded by saying it wasn’t feasible, as I rarely take breaks, even for a moment. So, instead of refusing the film, I chose to step away from work for a while. A year and a half later, he called back, expressing surprise at my prolonged absence. Thus, my decision not to work was a personal choice, stemming from a lack of desire to act at that moment, as acting is a deeply organic process for me.

How did you keep yourself occupied during that time?

As a self-taught culinary enthusiast, my journey into the world of Italian cooking has been nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings, I embarked on this gastronomic adventure and have since mastered the art of crafting delectable pizzas that rival those found in the heart of Italy itself. The passion that ignited within me upon my first taste of authentic Italian cuisine has only grown stronger as I’ve honed my skills, and I can confidently say that it has enriched not just my palate but also my life as a whole.

Your daughter Suhana was one of the leads in Netflix’s “The Archies” last year and your son Aryan is making his directorial debut with series “Stardom.” Do you advise your children on their career paths?

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’d like to humbly share that everyone’s journey in the world of cinema, particularly within the Indian film industry, is remarkably distinct. The twists and turns we encounter, the roles we play, and the paths we tread are unlike any other. So, I can’t guarantee that their journey will mirror mine. Instead, each individual’s experience should be unique, shaped by their own set of circumstances and encounters.

It seems that you’re finding yourself less informed about contemporary art and entertainment compared to your children. However, when it comes to acting, you excel. If they ask for help with scenes, like your daughter often does, you don’t guide them on their delivery because you believe their unique expressions are more relevant to current trends. You’re intrigued by the different approaches people take, and that’s why you wouldn’t advise them on how to express themselves. Your son is embarking on his first directorial project in storytelling. He consults you about his work, asking for feedback on whether something works or can be shortened. You appreciate his long scenes and offer your opinions, but you don’t consider yourself an advisor. Instead, both of them should follow their instincts. Perhaps during the actual work, you might provide advice. As actors, we are expected to give and take, learn and teach.

You’ve not done a Hollywood film so far. Under what conditions or circumstances would you consider doing one?

I believe it’s the most widespread and widely-viewed cinema globally. Regrettably, I can’t set the terms, but if a suitable chance presents itself, I hope my English skills will be sufficient. To put it modestly, I aspire for a role that matches the esteem the Indian audience has bestowed upon me, without disappointing their expectations.

Despite appearing carefree and cheerful, I am deeply aware and appreciative of the admiration bestowed upon me. People hold me in high regard, and they admire my work. Respect has been showered upon me and my family, not just by Indians, but globally, particularly from the subcontinent. This respect is something that I take seriously when portraying any character, be it in a Hindi, South Indian, Marathi, French, or Hollywood film. As of now, no one has presented me with such a role, and I don’t have an agent there, nor have I actively sought one out.

My ambition lies in bringing an Indian movie to global attention, regardless of whether I’m involved as an actor, a lighting technician, a producer, a scriptwriter, or a presenter. I yearn for an Indian tale to resonate universally, and I aspire to contribute, however modestly, to this endeavor.

What are you working on next?

As a longtime fan of Bollywood movies, I am thrilled about the upcoming release of the film “King,” directed by Sujoy Ghosh and creatively produced by Siddharth Anand, who is known for his work on “Pathaan.” Having been eager to see a film like this for several years, I can’t help but feel that we are all in for an exciting ride. With its action-packed drama, the movie promises to deliver a unique blend of mass appeal and deep emotions that resonate with my own experiences. The fact that such talented individuals have come together to create this masterpiece gives me even more confidence that “King” will be a memorable addition to Bollywood’s rich cinematic history. I can’t wait to see it!

Looking back at your 35-plus years in the industry, what do you think have been the biggest changes, especially considering the impact of the pandemic?

The core essence that hasn’t shifted is our commitment to what works and our recognition of it. Consistently, the audience has been discerning, both before and after the pandemic. We simply appreciate relaxation, asking for something we can enjoy. So, when I relish a grandiose movie, I’m genuinely appreciating its substance. I believe it’s misleading to label such films as “content-based.” Instead, it’s the content that has been enjoyed. Whether “Jawan” is a content-based film, I’m unsure. I would describe it as an enjoyable watch, but it does contain content. A “content-based film” isn’t just about addressing social issues or problems; it doesn’t necessarily carry messages or statements. Instead, films should serve as reflections of life itself, capturing both the good and the challenging aspects.

Over the past three decades, the art of storytelling has evolved significantly. Instead of catering to a specific audience segment, it’s crucial nowadays to craft narratives that resonate with many for various reasons. I believe it’s essential to blend genres as human feelings aren’t compartmentalized. Movies should mirror this complexity yet remain accessible, mirroring the intricacy and universality of human emotions. For instance, one of my favorite Indian films is “Sholay.” It encapsulates various elements: action, friendship, police drama, romance, hilarious comedy, and even a captivating villain that many adore.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed a shift – it seems the global film industry is leaning towards the spice of masala films. That’s the way I see it now. The worldwide appetite is craving for the flavor of Bollywood productions.

This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

2024-08-14 16:52