Speaking his mind & doing his thing

SHAH RUKH Khan never shies away from speaking his mind. And the super star was no different in putting forth his angst on being criticised for mostly working in commercial films. He feels he will never go out of the way to prove a point.

“In my 24-year-long career, I have done only my kind of cinema in which I have succeeded. So, I say it with a hint of ego and lot of pride that I will continue to do the kind of films I want to,” said Khan, on the sidelines of the India Today Conclave 2009 on Saturday.

The 44-year-old actor also took a jibe at a serious approach to acting. “Many feel that since I am dancing around and doing happy-go-lucky roles, it comes easily. But it takes 100 years of hard work to master such an art,” said SRK. “Today, my choice of films has a lot to do with my kids. They shouldn’t feel embarrassed about my movies, which should put a smile on their face. That’s of paramount importance to me,” he said.

For the Kolkata Knight Riders’ owner, the second season of the IPL is also gaining importance in his scheme of things. “I always knew that Lalit (Modi) will pull it through because he works really hard. I never had any doubt that IPL won’t take place,” he said.

Trust SRK, the businessman, to know that the IPL would kick off amid the gloomy economic crunch. “Last season, I made a profit but I won’t be surprised if I suffer losses this year,” he said. Last season, SRK’s Riders was one of the few teams to rake in moolah despite performing badly. “But this year, I think I will perform badly in terms of finance,” he laughs. “Last year, I saved money since few international players like Chris Gayle couldn’t make it. However, they all will be coming and I have to pay them,” he said.

Of late, SRK has been making headlines for something unlikely — Slumdog Millionaire. He was offered the role of show host Prem Kumar, which was eventually played by Anil Kapoor.

“ Slumdog is an amazing film and I fail to understand the hue and cry about showing poverty and slums. They exist in our country and we have to accept it,” the superstar said.

He, in fact, looks forward to Indian filmmakers making a Hindi film and taking it to the entire world. “ We are happier showing big budget splendour and big buildings. Indian filmmakers have only been showing cool things and song- and- dance routines,” he said.

Talking of song and dance sequences, SRK’s earnest effort to glam up his latest production, Billu, with three dance numbers could only take it up to an “ average” status. But, he says a film’s failure doesn’t bother him at this stage.

“ I truly believe in doing my duty to the best of my ability without worrying about the results. And every film has a level of success. We got whatever we were expecting from Billu ,” he said.

For some time now, SRK has been expected to bite the politics bait, but he says he is simply not interested. “ It’s not my area of expertise. Maybe, when I am 60, I will experiment like Sir Richard Branson,” he said.

In fact, these days Shah Rukh isn’t in an experimental mode after his shoulder surgery. The super star accepts that it’s depressing to sit at home. “ Karan and I are trying to match our schedules for his next film, My Name Is Khan . But it’s a good time for self reflection and spending time with kids,” he said.

Next in line for Shah Rukh are Farah Khan’s Happy New Year , Farhan Akhtar’s Don 2 and an animation superhero film titled Ra. 1 , produced by Red Chilies. “ All of them are big ventures and I am not in a hurry. I am not starting on Ra. 1 or Don 2 since they require lot of physical action,” he said.

So, is SRK getting old? Especially after Pepsi dropped him as brand ambassador! “ It’s Pepsi’s loss,” said SRK with his trademark wit.

MY NAME IS JOHAR

SRK’S FRIEND and Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar feels My Name Is Khan is apart of his evolution as ahuman being. “Ihave never felt any pressure to prove something. Iam doing the film because Ibelieve in it. Though it’s based on true facts, there’s asweet love story at its core,” he explained.

Of course, My Name Is Khan stars Kajol and Shah Rukh, who terms it as the most important film of his career.

“Ihave never had tough time with Shah Rukh. He is atrue professional. Plus, he is abrilliant actor who gives his 100 per cent all the time,” said Johar. The Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna filmmaker, meanwhile, is working with several young filmmakers as aproducer. In the pipeline are films like Ayan Mukherjee’s Wake Up Sid! ,Rensil D’Silva’s untitled project and Dostana maker Tarun Mansukhani’s next.

“Ilove their energy and fresh approach to work. In fact, I have introduced all my assistant directors as directors. Ilearn alot when Iinteract with them,” said the filmmaker.