The journey of a thousand
miles, it is said, begins with a single step. For Shah Rukh Khan, the
undisputed king of Bollywood, the journey has been long and eventful.
The first step of his journey, which saw him act in over 75 films on
the large screen, was on the small screen where he made his debut in
Fauji. Shah Rukh's association with the most beloved piece for
furniture in every household (read television) has only grown since.
Having acted in Circus,
Wagle ki Duniya, Dil Dariya and many other TV series in the early
stages of his career, Shah Rukh has since hosted Kaun Banega
Crorepati and Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain?. His relation with
television goes back many a days. Speaking at the launch of Zee Cine
Awards, Shah Rukh was visibly happy at the 20 years of Zee, and said,
"It is a great achievement. We were present at the inception of
Zee, which was India's first satellite channel. It was a time when
the idea that something like this could be created and presented to
the people was quite unbelievable."
Acknowledging the past
glory of the medium, Shah Rukh also envisioned a future for film
actors to collaborate into television ventures. "Yes, there have
been many occasions where film stars have hosted TV shows but I
absolutely don't mind acting in a TV series. The trend is already
present in the US where big film stars venture into TV series.
Ultimately, we like to tell stories and if a good story is waiting to
be told, why would we have a problem?" says the King.
Khan who has more than a
billion fans across the world has surfaced as more than just an
actor. He is a shrewd businessman who has invested and indulged in
all spheres of his interest. Owner of an IPL team and a production
house, Shah Rukh has also invested in Red Chillies VFX, a wing of Red
Chillies that specifically deals with special effects. "I
believe that we are capable of competing with the international
standards in terms of graphics and visual effects. We have the
machinery and the skill to deliver quality output at an affordable
price and visual effects is the way ahead," he says. Speaking
about the prevalent mediocrity, he adds, "It is sad that we are
okay with what we have. We are okay with our stunts being filmed with
the harness visible. That isn't acceptable to me. We must strive for
excellence and we are doing that. Ra.One was an attempt at doing that
and right now we are working on Krrish 3 too."
But all his interests
aside, King Khan says that it is acting that makes him happy. The
veteran actor, known across the fraternity for his energy, says that
he wants to act as long as he can. "I remember a time, a few
years ago when I was frustrated on a shoot due to too much work.
Saroj Khan approached me then and told me to leave all the whining
for when I am out of work and to soak it all in while it lasts.
That's what I have been doing," says Shah Rukh, who is currently
shooting Rohit Shetty's next film, Chennai Express. "I try to
complete at least two films a year and fit in another half, maybe.
The past few years have been a little slow because of my injury but I
try to make up for it and enjoy what I do," he adds.
Shah Rukh's bio-data has
a list of awards and laurels that gives the amount of work he has
done a run for its money. Explaining his distinctive opinion on the
awards, "I like all kinds of awards and like all of them. I have
received a fresh face award, a power award and what not! Like other
kids ask their fathers what toy he brought them today; my kids ask me
what award I got home," he humorously states. On a serious note
though, he adds, "Viewers' choice awards are great for the
popular cinema and then there are critics awards which acknowledge
some special performances that would miss out because of the star
system that dominates the popular category awards. But we are artists
and all we need is applause, no matter where it comes from."
Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on December 22, 2012
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