Khan is the man

He is known as King Khan and the Badshah of Bollywood. Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan has ruled the box office for 16 years with hits and award-winning performances such as Baazigar, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kal Ho Na Ho, Main Hoon Na, Veer Zara and Don. DIFF celebrated Shah Rukh's career and contribution to cinema with the ‘DIFF Salutes' honour presented to him on Thursday.

Stylish stubble

The excitement was palpable as hundreds of Indian, Pakistani and Arab fans gathered at the Souk Madinat Theatre to cheer the Bollywood superstar as he received the memento from Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman, DIFF. “This is my first ever international award and I thank DIFF from the bottom of my heart for this honour,'' said Khan.

Looking suave in a dark suit and stylish stubble, Shah Rukh captivated the audience with his charm, humility and ready wit. In a conversation with Riz Khan of Al Jazeera International, he answered a range of questions about his life and career. He also parried with consummate ease and good humour light-hearted as well as uncomfortable questions from the audience. The star also interacted with the media at a press conference held at the Al Hambra Dining Room at the Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah.

How important is the West's acceptance of Bollywood films?

Acceptance by the West is important commercially because it widens our market. But I believe that we should not ape the West or compete with them. Films are about telling a story and we have our way of doing it. The songs, dances and emotional drama in our films reflect our culture and are our USP.

Why do you not act in Western films?

I have not been offered anything of substance. I have no USP to offer them. I am not better looking than Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt and they already have many good actors of my age.

Would you do an Arabic film if offered?

Yes, I could pass off as an Arab, but it would have to be a non-speaking part.

Why don't you do films on issues such as Iraq?

Every year I try to do one film about an important issue regardless of whether it is commercially viable.

Your film Darr was based on a Pakistani film. Why do Indian filmmakers steal stories and songs from Pakistan and why do they make anti-Pakistan films?

I am sure the producers take the necessary permissions when they use songs composed by Pakistani musicians. My film Darr was based on the Hollywood film Cape Fear. My family comes from Peshawar and I would never accept a film that shows any culture or country in a bad light, especially Pakistan. My films Veer Zara and Main Hoon Na showed Pakistan in a positive manner.

Are you interested in directing a film?

That is a difficult job and a lot of responsibility. I am not yet ready to be so lonely.

How is your relationship with the Bachchans?

I have a lot of reverence for Amitabh Bachchan and our working relationship has developed into a friendship now. My family is very close to the whole Bachchan family.

What is it like to fill Amitabh Bachchan's shoes in Don and now in Kaun Banega Crorepati?

I am not trying to fill anybody's shoes. I come to any project as me and do the job to the best of my ability.

How would you like to be remembered?

As an actor who entertained a lot of people.

Staying grounded

I know I am neither as good nor as bad as the media or fans portray me and I take everything said about me with a pinch of salt. My wife does not hesitate to criticise my work and my family helps me keep my feet on the ground. Besides being excited by the sound of the camera, I have not succumbed to any other aspect of stardom because I am not confident about what I have done and always feel that I could do better, said Khan.

Private show

Al Barari, the luxury homes development company, got its homeowners Up, Close and Personal with King Khan at a show in Jumeirah Beach Hotel's Convention Centre.

Khan, supported by an all-singing, all-dancing troupe, entertained the guests in his inimitable style.