We have to grow up – Shah Rukh defends Dil Se
Jitesh Pillai
He is swinging his hips at the Satyam Hall in Juhu. It is the last rehearsal before Shah Rukh Khan sets off on a whirlwind concert tour of London and America. Apparently, the commercial and critical failure of Dil Se has taken the wind out of SRK's sails. A little. But what the heck, tomorrow is another day.
On the financially disappointing performance of Dil Se, SRK bursts out, "The film was not made to give the audience a message. It showed what is going on around us today and let the audience draw their own conclusions. That is one of the reasons why we did not want a happy ending where all the problems are solved and Manisha Koirala and I stroll off into the sunset. Mani Ratnam did not want to sugarcoat the story. The film was not the kind with a one size fits all solution."
SRK goes into no holds barred mode and says bluntly, "Our filmmakers, directors, critics and audiences need to grow up. They are so used to the run-of-the-mill stuff that anything a little different doesn't sit well with them."
The actor adds, "I believe wholeheartedly that Dil Se as a film is a game changer. Perhaps it is ahead of its time. I am sure in 10 years it will be hailed as a classic. Even Kagaz Ke Phool and Sholay were torn apart by critics when they came out. So you see, we are in illustrious company.
Look, the critics accuse me of repeating myself. They keep talking about how I only make superficial and shallow films. When I go ahead and make a grown-up Dil Se, they still don't stop complaining. I think the critics' accusations are becoming repetitive. The film industry is trying very hard to pigeonhole me, but I won't let them. They are only interested in making manipulative films and euphemistic tearjerkers called family entertainment."
Some foreign fans appear out of nowhere for an autograph. The pathological performer is back. He is 33 years old, but there is that shy boyishness. It may be acted, but that's good. Off screen too, the autograph hunters get their full entertainment and then swarm away.
He is still busy with Dil Se. He growls disapprovingly, "Some distributor guys suggested that we change the ending. They wanted me alive. They believed that people would flock back to theatres to see their hero again. Just imagine!
A few days after Dil Se released, Mani spoke to me. He seemed uncomfortable. I told him, don't worry. The only way we can silence all those crazy guys is to make another film together immediately." No doubt
SRK's spirit has not been suppressed. Getting angry, he clarifies, "My next film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is a sure-fire goldmine. I am sure of that because it is a closer film. It is set to extract every emotion from the audience."
This Khan insists that he will not be dictated by the do's and don'ts of showbiz. "I am glad I have started my production company," he exclaims triumphantly. "Now I can design my own films. I don't have to listen to some illiterate producer types telling me how many songs to put in. Or some upstart telling me to wear tight t-shirts so I can get more done.”
After the birth of his son, he touches on the subject of responsibility quite often. "With Aryan, I have felt a whole new level of love," he says quietly. "I feel more responsible. Since he was born on November 12, I have worked twice as hard. I have paid off all the loans I took for my new house. I want to secure Aryan's future. He should never be deprived of anything. It is wonderful to see him growing up. Struggling with Aryan and my dog Chewbacca, Gauri is in total chaos. When I come home from work, there she is, walking around in a dressing gown, looking like a zombie. Poor thing, my son and the dog are just two too many for her to handle."
We chat further about the sheer thrill of being involved in the making of Chhaiyan Chhaiyan, which required him to dance on the roof of a moving train for five days without seatbelts.
Yes, Dil Se is very close to his heart. It may not have clicked. But as the actor concludes, "We had a lot of fun doing it... shooting every scene with conviction... And that's what I call honest filmmaking."