SRK is truly king

This fortnight, Sonali addresses the issue of Shah Rukh Khan finally becoming an actor, rather than being merely a star.

With Chak De India, has Shah Rukh Khan finally become an actor, rather than a star?

Shah Rukh Khan typically fills the movie screen, whether he's laughing or crying, singing or fighting. As we watch him play everything from a terrorist to a love rat, we remember, every moment, that he is Shah Rukh Khan. We know that smile well, that smouldering look, that tear racing down the cheek, that half-snarl – even that energetic dance routine.

All quintessentially SRK.

Beautifully styled, with mannerisms that feature in every stand-up comic's routine (K-K-K-K-Kiran, to name just one), he has always been King Khan, superstar. Always a presence, never really the character.

But now, with Chak De India, Shah Rukh has finally grown up. In this inspirational film he is the true inspiration. Shah Rukh plays a disgraced hockey captain who pulls himself out of the shadows to coach a woman's hockey team. His love-them-push-them-praise-them-bully-them formula works to spectacular success.

Team India wins the world championship – and Shah Rukh is likely to win every possible Indian film award this year.
Because, when you watch the film, you actually forget he is Shah Rukh. He truly becomes Kabir Khan, coach, Team India. He spends most of the film in grubby tracksuits and a rough beard. Hockey – and the girls – remains firmly in the foreground. At no point does Shah Rukh – or the script – attempt to take away the attention.

This is probably Shah Rukh's finest hour. The film may not run as long as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. It may not get women sobbing like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kal Ho Naa Ho. It does something less dramatic, but longer lasting.

It makes us realise that Shah Rukh Khan can really act – and he doesn't need a big budget, big director or big heroine to do that.

Just one question: Will Shah Rukh experiment more now, or will he go back to playing the star?

Go to any part of the world and you'll see that people know about Bollywood and Shah Rukh Khan That's his biggest achievement. He will surely be doing more experimentation now and he is fully capable of doing well.
Mohammad Shahid, Pakistan

I think Shah Rukh Khan, or the King, is the best actor ever. I believe he will be the best forever.
Hinda Khan, Morocco

I really like Shah Rukh Khan, especially in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho and Don. He really acts well. Keep up the good work and more power to your career, Shah Rukh.
Annie Dela Pena, Philippines

Thanks to Gulf News for asking about King Khan. I am a diehard fan of SRK and will tell him to keep experimenting, whether the movie is a hit or not.
Faris Malik, UAE

Shah Rukh Khan's finest hour I think will come again and again. He is one of the finest actors Indian cinema has had in its history. He is in the league of actors like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan.
I think he will rule Indian cinema for a long period. Our only worry is that we hear he is a chain smoker. He should stop this habit and look after his health.
Akhaleefa, Saudi Arabia

Chak De India makes two points. It not only evokes team spirit but also shows that Shah Rukh has at last grown up. He is no more the lover boy. After watching this movie I do feel that at last we have an ACTOR and not ONLY A STAR.
Rajiv, UAE

All Hindi films today are just cheap and for entertainment only. Once, Indian movies were family entertainers with clean romance and good values. Now, they don't bother to have any message. So many issues can be tackled through films — poverty, corruption etc. But only a few directors want to do that. What can poor Shah Rukh do? He is just a pawn in a big game!!
Shakeel Ahmad, UAE

I don't think SRK is a complete actor. He is good in some films — romance, family drama or comedy. He tries to copy Big B or Aamir Khan. When he tries to do something different, his movies flop — Paheli, Asoka etc.
SRK is good only with a big production banner like Yashraj. Don't try to change your path, SRK. Keep romancing and doing the family dramas with Karan Johar.
Sahil Khan, UAE

Could you kindly debate worthwhile topics please? Bollywood will never be something India can be truly proud of because it has very little creativity, talent or class. It is unfortunate we have to read about people with such little talent who make up Bollywood.
Roshan, US

Shah Rukh Khan … always the best.
Ayesha Irfan, UAE

SRK is a brilliant actor which he has proved in movies like Devdas, Veer-Zaara, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho. Now he should act in Hollywood movies.
Haris Khalid, UAE

SRK must do films like Chak De India only. He looks good with a beard and has proved himself. It was really an awesome movie.
Yousuf Madame, UAE

It has taken a decade to sharpen the skills of an actor such as SRK. I'm sure he feels proud that he has done something for his country through a film such as Chak De India.
Ali Reza UAE