Bollywood folklore has it that megastar Shah Rukh Khan’s bodyguards are often propositioned with unholy and unsavoury offers by fans, mostly women, in order to get closer to their idol.
But is it true?
“That lucky [expletive],” said Khan with a laugh, speaking to tabloid! while in the UAE last month to promote Fan, which releases here on April 14. Produced by Yash Raj Films, it’s a thriller about a young man, Gaurav, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his idol, Bollywood’s biggest superstar, Aryan Khanna. Both characters are played by Khan.
“My bodyguard in Mumbai is very sweet and seedha-saadha [simple]. A Hanuman-bhakt [a follower of the Hindu deity] and a gentle soul. I am very clear that the people who work within any kind of security — like Bilal, Ravi or Deepak — have to be gentle towards the fans. They cannot hurt anyone,” said Khan.
“Some really small-minded people offer money. They don’t have a reason to do so ... But as a joke, it’s nice,” said Khan, who is known for his gentle and charming demeanour towards his fans.
Nobody understands what Khan wants better than Bilal Ibin Hussain, his bodyguard for the last 12 years in the UAE.
The founder and head of European Security Services is called upon specifically by Khan to guard him during his UAE visits.
“Even if his fans are jumping at him or pushing, using force is not allowed ... We have seen lots of crazy fan incidents. Ladies throwing their six-month-old kids at him. They use the baby as an excuse to get closer to him. Does the six-month-old realise what’s happening or know about Shah Rukh?” said Hussain in an interview.
Guarding Khan is a full-on, intense exercise. Hussain puts on five of his best men to ensure Khan’s security.
“With Shah Rukh, the action is non-stop. Lots of people have offered me money indirectly or hinted at giving big gifts like fancy phones. But we feel proud because we refuse them all every time. We have seen millionaires wait for more than three hours just to meet him for less than a minute. Sometimes, telling them no feels good,” said Hussain, with a laugh. The burly guard, who has been on call to protect the likes of Paris Hilton and visiting pop stars, claims that Khan’s visits unleash the biggest frenzy.
“Shah Rukh Khan is always kind to his fans and that’s sometimes tough for us. He likes to go to them, shake their hands and when he does that they start to grab him and his shirt. During mall visits, we have seen shop doors breaking and we often have to take him [out] the back door ... We have worked with Paris Hilton and other stars, but the crowd is maximum with Shah Rukh. Arabs, Moroccans, Russians ... they all rush to meet him. Fans can push him, but we just move closer to Khan and get pushed. It’s amazing to see him being so good towards his fans,” said Hussain.
Don’t miss it!
Fan releases in the UAE on April 14.
