The thousand-strong crowd outside his sea-facing bungalow literally melted in the scorching November sun, their eyes hungry for just a glimpse of the man who rules Bollywood. The mayhem on November 2, Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday, had to be witnessed to be believed. The Bollywood Badshah may have had little to say at the box office in 2009, but his popularity is super intact. Excerpts from a conversation with the star who turned 44 on Monday…
Your looks belie your age!
Physically, I feel 25-26. But I have no problems in accepting that I’m 44. In fact, if I look good, then the media writes that I’ve done plastic surgery. Honestly, if I sleep well, then I look good. Last night I slept well.
This has been a year of mixed fortunes… I enjoyed Season II with my cricket team. I was a bit disappointed when we didn’t fare well, but I know we’ll bounce back. I didn’t have film releases with the exception of Billu which was special for me. I got a honourary doctorate from the University of Bedfordshire, won a couple of other honours. My Name is Khan will come in February 2010. I had my shoulder surgery that kept me out of action now I’m on the road to recovery. I spent quality time with my kids. I’m finishing my book 20 Years Of A Decade. It was an unfortunate physical year but a good emotional one.
Are there any specific thoughts on growing older?
Yes, I have been constantly thinking about what I can give back to people, to society. Allah has been kind to me, He has given me so much. I have just six to seven good friends in the industry. But the media is my friend. You are the ones who remind me of my birthday at least four-five days in advance. You have given me so much love, so has my audience. Now I want to do something in return. I want to bring a smile to the faces of youngsters. I don’t want to start an NGO, but I do wish to do something for the cause of the girl child… The feeling of wanting to give is stronger now than it has been. I think of life as work. I want to introspect as to which direction I should take my life in. I want to do something to save the environment. Honestly, I haven’t done my bit yet but I will start now.
What’s next as far as films go?
RA1. It is something I’m kicked about. It’s a film that children are going to love. It will have action, special effects and a super hero.
Did you receive any special gifts?
Yeah, Karan Johar gave me a lap top bag and a pair of very expensive shoes. My children are making something for me that will come over the weekend. Parmeshwar Godrej sent me a gift. She does that each year. One of my fans has bought me a piece of land on the moon, one has bought me land in Scotland. I’m accepting gifts till this weekend, so all of you who wish to give me something can do so till Sunday.
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