Sidharth Malhotra

“I still don’t think I’ve made a space for myself”

By Ankita R. Kanabar

(From the March 19, 2016 issue of Super Cinema) 

From assisting Karan Johar to being one of the most popular actors among the youth, Sidharth Malhotra has indeed come a long way. Though, he is in no mood to enjoy that comfort or take things lightly. After two intense portrayals, just as he’s back in a jovial mode with ‘Kapoor & Sons’, we catch up with the dishy actor for a tête-à-tête. He’s slightly under the weather as evident from his voice and eyes, so here’s a quick chat with him over lunch, where he talks about his latest release and learning thus far...

‘Hasee Toh Phasee’, ‘Ek Villain’, ‘Brothers’ and now ‘Kapoor & Sons’ – there’s been a striking variety!
(Smiles) yes! But we can only choose what we get so in that sense, it has been conscious. What excites me about every film I’m doing is being able to attempt something new. After ‘Kapoor & Sons’ also, there is ‘Baar Baar Dekho’ with Katrina Kaif which is a concept love story. I’m doing a pure love story after a while, so it will be a good change. I play a professor who is stuck in some zone and is very hyper. And then again, there is an action film which has Jacqueline and me. I’ll be training in martial arts for it. So, it is an effort to try something new, although it doesn’t really go by the norms. I think it is not considered very cool to do that so early in your career. For instance, the whole look change – gaining muscles, having a beard and cutting my hair – for ‘Brothers’ was drastic. It was a lot to invest that kind of time in one film and not have a release for a year.

Are you happy about it eventually?

I’m happy in terms of experiencing it. I tried something new. The film wasn’t accepted in terms of our expectations from it, but that was also a learning experience. You might have a good opening on a Friday because of the actors or the whole team but Monday is when the film will speak for itself. That was important for me to realise and experience because before that, I was riding on extreme success with ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ and ‘Ek Villain’. While the former benefited all of us, the latter was a great box-office success. So, ‘Brothers’ taught me a lot. Such experiences help you mature.

What was the most exciting about ‘Kapoor & Sons’? How did you adapt to Shakun Batra’s sensibility?

I was excited about the fact that I’d get to play a lighter character after two brooding characters back-to-back. I was looking forward to play the goofier, lighter one in the family. The difference in the look is also coming from that. And Shakun cannot allow us to do something very dramatic or typical Hindi film type because of his sensibility. He likes to break norms as much as possible. He likes to make it more real and organic. So, it was refreshing to be on a set like that. It’s a great positive that Shakun has. His talent comes from giving the emotion which the script needs and the freedom to the actor to perform the way he wants to. 

Most actors tap into their own personality while moulding themselves for a character. Is it the same with you?

Yes, I believe! We all tap into our own personalities, eventually to give out any performance because you prefer to do it with conviction. In that sense, I think this character has been the closest to however I am in my real life. I’m the youngest in my family. I’m used to this household and have a similar upper middle-class upbringing, so it was easier to bring that out from my own personality. But sometimes when you do something you’ve not experienced, that’s when the director and actors have to be in sync with each other. For example, a film like ‘Brothers’ or even ‘Ek Villain’. I’m not used to being that aggressive. That’s when you need that push and padding from your director and co-stars. 
 

A while ago, you’d mentioned that making a space for yourself here is the biggest struggle for you. Do you think you’ve managed to do that?

I still don’t think I’ve made a space for myself, in the sense that I still don’t feel comfortable. But I like that feeling because then, I’m not taking things for granted. I’m not thinking that this film is easy for me or I’m perhaps not taking any kind of work for granted. Again, I learnt that from ‘Brothers’. Post ‘Ek Villain’, I would have taken things for granted because the film just happened out of the box and it killed it at the box-office. The sheer interest which people showed in going and watching the film was overwhelming. But then ‘Brothers’ has leveled it up for me. And that was a training for life because every Friday will be different. You cannot have a sure shot goal which you want to chase. Today, I’m in a boat where I know that even if a Friday is good, it is temporary, and if it is bad then that’s also temporary. One Friday you’re happy because a film is successful, and another Friday that success troubles you because people start comparing. So it’s funny how success is measured in the industry.

You’ve also opened up with time…

I used to guard myself earlier because it I thought it didn’t matter. But now, I have pushed myself to open up because I understood how important it is to show various aspects of your personality. My initial instinct was to keep it to myself, because I thought that this is work and my personal life shouldn’t be of concern. But it does in a way. I realised that people like to see the various shades in an actor. So, it is important to open up and show that I’m all of this but also much more!

Fawad Khan

“I would like to be a global actor – that is my ultimate aim!”

By Ankita R. Kanabar 

(With inputs from Amul Mohan)

(From the March 12, 2016 issue of Super Cinema)

It won’t be wrong to say that there’s this phenomenon called ‘Fawad Khan’ – owing to his popularity and heartthrob status among women across all age groups. While some would wonder why such a hype around him, it would actually take a viewing of one of his performances, or rather a conversation with the man, to understand it. He walks into this plush Juhu hotel in his usual, blazer-and-beard dapper avatar with a pair of sunglasses. While some heads turn for a glance, many come up and request for a selfie to which he obliges with a smile. Soon we have him seated across the couch in his room, as we speak about ‘Kapoor & Sons’, while the actor also shares an in-depth perspective about the craft and his innings in Hindi cinema so far. Now over to this Khan!

It’s been a while since ‘Khoobsurat’ released, yet how has the transition from that to ‘Kapoor & Sons’ been?
It’s a very different character all together, but it’s been two years to ‘Khoobsurat’, so the transition has been quite slow. But I look forward to characters like these, I’m in love with it. Even ten years from now, I would definitely love to present the DVD of ‘Kapoor & Sons’ or whatever is available that time to show people. I mean I am really proud of this film.

Evidently, you have been choosy, so what is it about this film that drew you towards it? It was a very mature, coherent screenplay. You actually do not come across scripts like these which are believable and I was actually not able to find loopholes in it. When I feel that I can sit down and read a script at once (which in this case I went through it like hot knife in butter), then I want to do the film. So, it’s the structure and sensibility of the script. It seemed original and very genuine.

Because of your creative sensibility and technical know-how, you usually have many inputs to give. In that sense, was it equally collaborative with director Shakun Batra?
I actually invested a lot of trust into Shakun because I completely believed in him as a director and that has not been the case a lot o times in my career. So, this was one of those fortunate opportunities I’ve had where I’ve been able to collaborate with someone whose wavelength matches with mine. So, it was a very collaborative effort and we got to explore various facets of the character. Even if I went overboard sometimes, he would pull me back. In terms of my inputs, it wasn’t like we had to change the scenes but it was a matter of collaboratively upgrading it, spontaneously. And he wasn’t the kind of director who would smash your head if you didn’t follow the exact script (laughs). That’s what I feel was the advantage of working in this film, that I could creatively vent out.

You started off with something like ‘Jutt And Bond’ which had a slightly loud character, as opposed to say a ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’. In that sense what do you have to say about this film? And what do you enjoy more?
I enjoy the kind of character I’m essaying in ‘Kapoor & Sons’. This is the genre I enjoy the most although I would like to do other things as well. I would like to become a Peter Sellers or an Alec Guinness. I aspire to become an actor of that league although they are far beyond. Something that we ignore a lot of times while making films, especially in our part of the world – is that it’s important to do something or try something that will make you look different. Because when you look different, you act different. It will give you the license or comfort to be a little more badtameez with the character you have. That is unfortunately not exercised as much. But having said that, this film has been an opportunity to play a very different character, which is poles apart from anything I’ve done so far. Although the sensitivity is there, there is also something which will make you feel, that it was worth trying!

The Pakistani shows you’ve been a part of are high on emotions, and somewhere also display the complex human side. Does such kind of material require a high emotional quotient as an actor?
I’m a very emotional person. So, every time I try to throw a little bit of myself to the character to add that sense of realism and every actor does that. A lot of people might hate me for saying this, but this is just my opinion that there’s no such thing as versatility. You will see an actor, and they will have certain signature moves, be it when they’re eating food, or drinking water. But hamari nazar uss cheez pe jaati nahi hai. Most times you will cry the way you cry in every character. It’s the disguise that changes you. There’s a certain kind of consistency in emotions but those are the kind of core emotions that actors put into their characters which makes them seem real. So, I invest my sensitivity and emotions in my characters, and that shows. The trick will be to basically deflect that.

Which explains why, you’d mentioned earlier that there can be ten different ways of doing the same thing…for instance, crying. So, is that consciously in your head at all times?
It’s really interesting if you think about it. A lot of times actors feel that ‘jitne zyada aansoon bahaenge, utni zyada unki acting appreciate ki jaegi.’ And maybe the audience also feels that way. So, there is a bit of dilemma there. The audience loves to see beautiful people cry or laugh. And if someone who is not as good looking according to their conventions or norms, cries, then they would appreciate the craft more than the person. So with that craft also, these stereotypes also come in. When you cry hard or laugh loudly, they think you have done a good job. They do not notice subtle nuances. I had quoted something earlier from this famous playwright, David Mamet who has written films like, ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’. He wrote in his book, ‘If you don’t feel like crying or breaking down then don’t force yourself to cry because it will look like you are acting.” So, I realised that there are ten different ways of doing things. If at that point in time, I’m not feeling that way, then I can do something which is more subtle and that might work since it will look real. That’s what adds a new flavour to a character every time.

Do you still believe that magic can be created only when it’s a team effort and you’re feeding off your co-actors? How was it for this film, since it also has some veterans?
I always have felt and will feel that it’s a very easy way for one to escape the blame of a performance by saying my co-actor was not good. If you co-actor is giving then your performance also turns out good. I’m a very reaction kind of actor; most times I like to react to what someone is saying. I think owing to the natural camaraderie that Sidharth and I shared, we bonded very well on the set. That has translated. This exercise of bonding with the whole team has paid. I like to know the actors I’m working with. The more I know them, the more open I will be to perform in front of them, I won’t have any anxiety or stress. Alia is very spontaneous, she’ll easily come and do her scene. That doesn’t mean I am not spontaneous, I am spontaneous as well. But I need a little amount of introduction and comfort zone because I come from a very different place all together in an industry where I’m new. So, you have a certain amount of fear and anxiety. Secondly, there’s a bit of difference in my language. I might say, ‘alfaaz’ instead of ‘shabd’. That is something I’m working on, because there is a difference between Urdu and Hindi. I remember during ‘Khoobsurat’, I was fumbling with this dialogue which was going completely well, but I would just put one word out of instinct. So, that is a challenge. But with these people, because we had that off-set exercise and bonding, we were able to correct each other if we went wrong. That has translated into great relationship on-screen. Even with senior actors like Rishi Kapoor. Okay I am going to toot my horn and say that I think I’m an actor who can adapt well to any actor, any age. So, that has not resulted in a difficulty anywhere. In fact, I like working with senior actors more. They perform with so many emotions that you can automatically feed off that.

When you’re already enjoying a certain kind of popularity, is it difficult at several levels to start from scratch in a new industry? Sometimes even keeping your ego aside, that is if you have that kind of ego!
Yes, of course I have an ego. Every person has an ego. There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t have it and I’m not an angel or someone running for a presidential campaign. So to combat that could be difficult but I have not really been confronted with that sort of a situation. For example, during the promotions, people are in love with Sid and Alia’s chemistry. So a lot of times, questions get directed towards that. And I have no qualms about it because my policy has always been that I rather have my work speak for itself. My ego comes in when my work is not good. So far, I have been satisfied with my work, and I always have tried to give my best to that. Moreover, promotions is something I have not done earlier. I never had a PR in Pakistan and for the past two years, even after ‘Khoobsurat’, I didn’t have any PR here. So, eventually, it is your work that will speak for itself. Also, Sid and Alia are the superstars of this generation so they enjoy a certain popularity. But starting afresh can taxing sometimes because you don’t enjoy the same amount of perks.

Now you’re being modest…
No, I’ll be very honest with you that you I cannot enjoy the same amount of perks. For instance, I cannot ask for that exorbitant amount of money here that I do back home, because I am in a different industry. And that will happen wherever I go. I’ll be a new entrant in any industry if I want to try something new and it’s taxing that you have to start with the minimum wage of sort or compromise on that part. But, the thing is, my kitchen is running, my son goes to school, I have a home, my wife is happy, we get to enjoy luxuries in life and that is enough for me. This is anyway an added bonus. So, basically, I’m just trying to expand myself.

How else do you think you want to expand yourself?
I would like to be a global actor – that is my ultimate aim! Not just an actor in Indian films or Pakistani shows. That’s something I like to achieve. My influences while growing up, like I mentioned, were actors like Marlin Brando, Peter Sellers, Alec Guinness among so many others. I have been inspired by such actors and aspire to be like them. I want to achieve a status wherein – I can work anywhere in the world, hold my brand of acting and have people appreciate me. If people appreciate, it would be great, and if they don’t, then tough luck. But my aim is to go all over the world! 

Ranveer Singh

"It's so evident to me how my life becomes after a poor friday versus a good friday."

By Ankita R. Kanabar

(From the December 19, 2015 issue of Super Cinema)

Who would have thought that the fun-loving, boy-next-door Bittoo Sharma would someday be the magestic Peshwa Bajirao? While this journey from Bittoo to Bajirao might seem effortless, it's had its share of blood, sweat and glitches. On-screen, he's proven his versatility with an array of characters, though, ironically, off-screen what remains constant is just one adjective - energetic. That's almost his middle name and well-deserved so. But behind the flamboyant, boisterous, energetic outside, is a sensitive, shy man who speaks with immense 'thairaav' when you're having an in-depth conversation with him. This was one such time. He settles down on the couch by the window enjoying the beach-view in a casual black tshirt-track pants avatar. From his latest Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, to why he is the way he is, here's Ranveer Singh in a heartwarming chat... 

Photo credit: Errikos Andreou

On one hand while Peshwa Bajirao was this agressive warrior, the next minute he was laughing, and at another instance we saw him crying. Was blending in so many emotions in one character without going over-the-top, a big challenge?
I think it's a trade mark of Mr. Bhansali's films. He makes films that are very emotional at their core, whether you see 'Khamoshi', 'Black', 'Devdas', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', or even 'Ram-leela' - all his films have layered and complex emotions. It's beautiful that just in one film, he allows that you can display so much of your range in an emotive sense. He has got it done from me. The trick is that you don't even know how you're going to play the scene till the camera starts rolling. That's his style. He doesn't pre-decide or fix anything. There is an implicit understanding that he's going to allow the actor to bring in, his own interpretation to the scene. And sometimes he likes that it's done unexpectedly. When you can surprise Mr. Bhansali is when he loves it the most. So, I would give all the credit where its due, and only to him. He really empowers his actors, and I always say that he gives you wings to fly. He trusts us to make solid, creative choices and he lets you be. He allows all the acting choices to be born out of the actor's own instinct, and things that are born out of your own instinct are the most convincing ones. 

In a way, it must have been supremely gratifying?
For me as an actor, this is a role of a lifetime because the junctures at which he's chronicled Peshwa Bajirao's life, allows you so much scope as an actor. Like you mentioned, you find him laughing, crying, he has so many different shades, so many roles to play - son, father, lover, husband, and the widest array of emotions that no character has perhaps offered me thus far. That's why when I got the narration, I was like salvating (laughs). What an incredible part to be given to play.

You not only learnt Gujarati for 'Ram-leela', you mastered the colloquial accent. And then you had another pitch-perfect accent as Peshwa Bajirao. Your transformation from film to film is so drastic, that one doesn't see Ranveer in them. How? 
(smiles) These are are the compliments which really resonate me because that's one of my aims! To me the most alluring actors are the ones who have that versatility. Like Daniel Day Lewis, how much do I love him! You see him in one film and you can't say it's the same guy when you see another film of his. So, I've always tried to be like that. Of course, some work goes into it. Mr. Bhansali wasn't sure if I could do it during 'Ram-leela'. He asked me to go to Gujarat, present whatever I could and then he would tell me if it's working. I went for eight days, and then when we were doing the first reading, I just said two sentences and he liked it. Ultimately it's his choice if he wants me to do something, so for Bajirao I asked him if I should do it and he strongly felt I should. He's like, 'that's such a strong card that only you have as an actor.' For me immediately when the narration started and I was hearing the dialogues, I knew he would have a strong baritone. So I locked myself into a room. In the mornings, I would work out to get that toughness because I knew that Bajirao should have that air about him which hits you even before the guy walks into the room. And then the accent coach would come and we worked till one of us was fried (laughs). I came out after 21 days and was ready to be Bajirao! 

Everyone has been saying that it's a big thing for Sanjay Leela Bhansali to trust you with his dream project. But do you think any other actor would have probably given the kind of commitment or dedication that you gave to this film? 
I perhaps had an advantage over anyone else who was under consideration for casting because Mr. Bhansali knew I would go deep into that rabbit hole and do justice to the character in that sense. That's what the film required. So, I think I had that edge over anyone else who would be considered for the role. He trusted me to do that. Ultimately, he doesn't concern himself with what you do for the character. I did all the research for 'Ram-leela' and he realised that I probably have that level of commitment to play Bajirao. 

Incidentally, just as 'Bajirao Mastani' released, you've also completed five years in the industry. Lots of ups, a few downs, and some injuries later, what's been your learning?
The past one year of being Bajirao has been the biggest learning experience because there's been no other part that I've struggled with, this much. The number of times I failed to get the scene right, has taught me a lot. I know I have shortcomings, limitations, parts of myself that I need to work on. But what I've been happy about is the fact that in the last five years I've gotten to play a wide array of characters. To have, 'Lootera' and 'Ram-leela' in the same year, and then have 'Dil Dhadakne Do' and 'Bajirao Mastani' this year is incredible. I've been blessed with good opportunities that came at the right time. I'm happy that I've had the chances to put my versatility on display which I believe is my strongest point. Yes, the negative side is that I could have done without all the injury. It's always a setback for an actor to be forced out of action because of physical injury. But there have been so many highlights... 

Photo credit: Errikos Andreou

Please continue...
I had a dream start with 'Band Baaja Baaraat', which I believe has achieved cult status now. People don't get tired of watching it on television. That's the kind of film one hopes to be a part of, always. I was unhappy with the way 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl' had gone and I had a point to prove to myself so I did 'Lootera', which was a risky part for me - inhibited, brooding and vulnerable. At that time it didn't do well commercially, but it proved that I had this range and versatility. It still keeps making me proud because so many people I meet tell me they love it. Then 'Ram-leela', was my biggest breakthrough. There's also 'Gunday' which a certain section of the audience loves. There's a segment of the fanbase which just loves me for 'Gunday'. 'Dil Dhadane Do' also had such a good reaction and now 'Bajirao Mastani' is the icing on the five-year cake journey. For this film, I had to summon everything I knew and learn a lot more. It's been an incredible journey. Of course, there's always scope to do better. There are people who are five years younger and have already won an oscar or what not, so there's scope to achieve more, but I'm not dissatisfied. I'm feel happy and blessed that I got good opportunities. 

And while stardom has also come along, how do you continue being this simple Mumbai boy?
My fundamentals and my foundation was very strong ever since I came in. From a very young age, the reason I wanted to be an actor, is not why most young kids want to get into acting. I wanted to be an actor because I love acting, because I love being a performer, I love saying lines, learning choreography and everything. I love the process. But most people are just lured by the frills - the fame and money. For me, I see through it. I see that it's very transient. It's so evident to me how my life becomes after a poor friday versus a good friday. The phone rings more often, more business comes in, more gigs happen, more people want to be in touch with you. I see through it all, so for me my foundation is really strong in the sense that I know what's really important. What's important is that you do good work and that you're enjoying it.  

So there isn't much that you need to be happy?
Touchwood, my father was a prospering businessman. But many a times, even if he and the family went through a lean phase, financially, he never let that come to me. He didn't let me feel that crunch. So, I've always had that comfort taken care of of. I never have been a really materialistic person. Of course, I like great clothes or cars, who doesn't? But I can do without it also. Now a days, the cell phone has made celebrity life very difficult, so it's actually become quite a pain. But now, I've grown into the kind of person who wants to just focus on my work, family and friends which is now a very small circle. It's gotten smaller and smaller every year. I just have a few relationships which I want to nurture and make them substantial. I can choose to have a very fancy life. But I like to keep it simple. I like to eat dal chawal, watch TV and go to sleep. I don't need much. In fact, if I am wearing something very expensive, I feel weird, it doesn't feel right. I like to think of myself as a fakeer who doesn't need too much to be happy. I have this ability to find happiness and joy through things that aren't materialistic. What's important is to be kind to people, be warm and share a good positive energy.

Your emotional, sensitive, calmer side usually gets eclipsed by this stereotype of being overtly energetic and flamboyant...
It's my fault. I hide that side of me purposely because I'm shy of it. If there's one thing I'm shy of, then it's my emotional intelligence, sensitivity, general intelligence and my eloquence. I don't like to alienate people or intimidate people with that side. I would want to make anyone feel comfortable around me. People or my co-actors don't feel that threat to come and speak to me. They know they can speak to me, or come and give me a hug. I love that relatability. I'm the kind of person who is hyper sensitive, emphathatic, a very deep thinker, all of those things but that side of me, isn't my every day side. I am not like that on a daily basis. I like that I have this ability to go through the catharsis and do it all on-screen. I'm not shy to tap into the intense side of me on-screen, but in real life I am. I'm very shy to let people know that I'm sensitive, emotional and easily attached. Infact, to the point that I not only hide it but I make fun of people who are emotional. So may be the high-energy or flamboyance and all those things are consciously or sub-consiously counters to the way I actually am. 

Shah Rukh Khan

"If I'm staring down at so many people from a huge hoarding, claiming to be Badshah Khan, then I should be deserving of that"

By Ankita R. Kanabar

(From this week's issue of Super Cinema)

The phenomenon called Shah Rukh Khan is hard to describe. But the fact that he has a heart-melting effect on most women irrespective of their age, gives a glimpse of it. Not to mention, even at 50, he raises the bar for most men when it comes to love and romance. Cut to off-screen! Here he is, sitting casually in front of you at his office, just passionately talking everything about movies and confessing things about himself that make you forget his starry stature. That he is well-read, articulate and has so many experiences to share, makes a conversation with Shah Rukh Khan, almost enriching. Over to the man himself! 

The moment it's a 'Shah Rukh Khan film', people assume that the film will garner a good opening, but what's your state of mind usually like, before a release?
One only gets tired before a release, there's so much to do, that there's no excitement, as supposed to get over in the first week of November but it took a little longer so it was more chaotic. I don't know the exact price of a ticket but when we promise a big film na like say 'Raees' or 'Dilwale', it's important to live up to that. I call them the superhero films of Hindi cinema, and we call a large audience to watch it. Realistically, cinema is a product that people buy without seeing. So, before the film releases, it's important to tell the audience what they might be in for, if they come to watch the film. I can sit down, relax and think that people will come to watch the film. But as a company, we feel that it's our duty to tell people about a film before hand so they don't feel cheated. It's said that I do a lot of marketing to get that extra money on the opening day, but that's not true. I am not really concerned about that because if the film is good then eventually it will do good, for example 'Chak De! India' had a 55 per cent opening but it was good so people came to watch eventually. I know that before 'Dilwale' released, someone must have saved money to watch the film. Personally I feel, it's my duty to inform people that don't spend your money without knowing what you're coming in for! 

Does the variety in terms of a Fan' or 'Raees' after a 'Dilwale' reflect your inclination towards cinema that's largely creatively satisfying at this point?
I am creatively satisfied by every film. As a matter of fact, I was talking to Varun in London a few days back and I was telling him that a lot of times people assume that the popular cinema is not creative. When I came to Mumbai, I was from theatre and I'd done very serious stuff. In fact, after 'Dil Aashna Hai', Hemaji thought I was a serious actor like Naseer Saab. So when she saw me dancing in films like 'Chamatkar' or 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman', she was disturbed and she told me, 'I thought you were a serious actor so I didn't make you dance in my film,' (laughs). At the age of 50, it takes a lot to stand with a girl on a mountain, hold her dupatta and romance with a feeling of conviction. Who does that in real life? It takes a lot, especially for an urban educated guy like me. I realised early on, that the fantastical part of acting is the most difficult. Hence, a lot of serious actors don't look so convincing while doing such things. So, I'm not justifying why I do it. But the problem is, when you become a star, before you even know it, like in my case, a lot of compulsions come in. 

Because that's what people expect you to do?
Yes. Adi (Aditya Chopra) and me were going to make an intense, fight film instead of 'DDLJ'. But Adi told me, 'now you're a big star, so let's make a love story first.' So he made 'DDLJ' and it's still running. Then we thought, chalo ek aur love story banaate hai. Hence, I do these big films, and then if I can pepper it up with a bit of realism in terms of films like 'Chak De! India' or 'My Name Is Khan', it gets better. But it's unfortunate that a film sometimes takes 150 days to make, so you cannot do too many films. When I was setting up the company I didn't have much time, but now that I have good people to take care of things, I can give more time to acting and do smaller films which are different as well. I want to do films offbeat films like 'Fan', and still do quintessential blockbusters! 

So, how do you bring a balance between bringing in the quintessential SRK element to a character and yet make it different for your own satisfaction?
That's difficult because if I'm going to play the quintessential SRK, how differently do I even play it? But you try. For instance, in 'Dilwale', the young portion, may remind you of me. Because unfortunately, what Kajol and I have done is so classic, that people haven't forgotten it. So I even told Kajol, let's do our walking-talking scenes differently, so we've not taken it completely to 'KKHH' or 'DDLJ' level. Then there's a second part which is very different, where my character is older and quieter with a tough exterior. So, that is what helps me go out in the morning and act. Then there's a 'Fan' which is completely opposite to what I am. That can only happen if directors come up with that. Maneesh Sharma came to me with a story of 24-year old fan who looks like Shah Rukh Khan. Aanand Rai comes to me with a story of a dwarf, I find that interesting and challenging. I cannot write stories for myself. But everyone doesn't come with that. I meet some offbeat directors who I really like, but they tell me, I want to do a Shah Rukh Khan film. However, I want to do the kind of films they make. When you try to mix the two, it becomes a mess. Supposedly, if I work with Anurag Kashyap or Vishal Bhardwaj, then I want to make the kind of cinema that they make. Everyone feels they will make me do a love story different, but nobody knows love more than me, so, I will do it just the way I've been doing it (smiles). 

But at 50, and having spent 25 years at the movies, there's no dip in your dedication or drive to keep getting better.
Yes, production wise, if not anything else. I thought 'Ra.One' was quite amazing. It was so hard to work on. At my age, there was no reason for me to wear those tight pants, be in sweat and go mad with physicality not knowing what's happening. But I gave it a shot, because I think, very honestly speaking, perhaps I'm not deserving of the commercial or artistic success that I have got in the last 25 years. It's a big cross to bear that you wake up in the morning and you're the biggest star of the country. It sounds very good and happy - King Khan but, somewhere, as a consciensous person I keep feeling that have I done enough work to deserve this? I go to meet the head of states and strangely, I represent India as an ambassador in a certain sense. I don't think I have that body of work or perhaps have that kind of talent. Every morning I feel that if I don't deserve it which is why I should push myself, so that eventually, at least by the end of my career I feel that I deserved it. The worse thing is not to know whether you deserve something or not. My son when he is giving an exam or running a race, he is clear that it shouldn't happen because he is my son, it should happen because he deserves it. when I see nature like this, in my heart also I feel that I should work hard. Maybe if I'm lacking in talent or creativity or in the films I've done, if I can cover it up with drive and hard work, then in my heart I will feel I will deserve it. If I'm staring down at so many people from a huge hoarding, claiming to be Badshah Khan, then I should be deserving of that. Can I tell you a small story?

Please do! 
I had an actor with me, Haider bhai in 'Circus'. He was the ringmaster. One day, he trained the tigers, lions and he said, we'll not tie them. He released them. We were all shocked. He went in, and all the four tigers and lions came out. Then later, we asked him why did he do that and he told us, 'My son should know that I was the ringmaster.' He would anyway know I was the ringmaster, but I should deserve that. As an actor it's important that you deserve it. So, if someone says Shah Rukh Khan is a superstar, I should be able to rightly agree to it if I've worked hard. 

Many actors have turned producers, and also share the film's profit. You turned producer pretty early in your career, but are you always more inclined towards the creative aspects or being an actor first?
I've never taken profit as an actor, I've never taken territory as an actor. In fact, my fees are decided after the film is made, I've never even demanded fees. It's a very simple logic, if I'm produceing the film, I'm taking a risk. I became a producer very early with 'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani' and we lost money. Then we made 'Asoka', we lost money. Later we made 'Chalte Chalte', and we just about brok-even. From the outside it seems very easy but it's risky and expensive. Also because I'm a stylish producer, so I want things to be big and cool with best equipments and everything. I have never gone and told anyone to give me a fifty per cent share in the profit. Even today, if you ask any producer or director who've signed me, I tell them you decide the price and give it to me, because as an actor I'm not saleable. I'm priceless. As an actor you cannot buy me, that's one thing I've kept for 25 years. I read in the papers that this is the amount I charge for my films and I wish I could take that much. As a producer, I have put in more money into my company than taken it. I'm very well to do, but not because of films. I'm well to do, because of shows, commercials, and talent - I can host, do television, dance on stage. I work so much because I like the good life, but I never use cinema to earn money. Once I've done it - with 'Guddu'. I've bought a house with it. 

As a person, you're so deep and philosophical - is it because living so many lives, characters and meeting so many people has made you richer? Is that also what Hindi cinema has given you?
Not may be consciously but when you have experiences of meeting so many people, you are richer. Coming in touch with such wonderful people of different thoughts is enriching, especially all the ladies, and people like Rahul Rawail, Yash Chopra, Mani Ratnam, and now the younger guys, who are friends. But, I'll be honest, that I've not taken as much as I've given. In every film you do, a part of it gets left behind. People may not see it, and I don't want any extra appauds for that. I'm a very shy person in real life. When I was a kid, if there were guests at home, I would hide under the bed and my mother used to call me anti-social. Even now, if I go out to public place which is not my zone, I get shy. For me to do stuff that I do in films, even if it's saying a simple line, I find it very awkward. To dance like that, to take off my shirt, to run after a girl, it's not my personality. It's a big deal to expose myself to the world, every day, for years now, and I'm doing that12 hours a day, so if I calculate then 12 years of my life have gone on set. I still shake. I know my lines and my technique, I'll never be wrong about that! I'm an educated actor. But very often when I'm doing a song or scene, I hope people don't come to know I'm so bad at this because it's not in my nature. My friends and my co-actors know it. I never come out of my bedroom without fully dressed. Even people who work at my house wouldn't have seen me in shorts. Only one day my kid came and pulled me out. I feel awkward being open, and then all my life, I have just done that - laughed and cried in front of so many people. So, it's strange in a way. 

What is it that you love the most about Hindi cinema?
The good part is that there is existence of so many different creative minds, especially now in the last ten years. You're allowed to do so many things that you want and we haven't stop making more films. Indian cinema is making about 800 films a year, we have a very loyal audience. We're one of the few countries left that has super stardom. You don't find such stardom in so many other countries. The western world is also now looking at our market. So, we are very loyal to our own cinema.