Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan recently shared personal insights about his illustrious career during an appearance at the Locarno Film Festival. Known for his roles in some of the most grandiose Hindi films, Khan revealed that his motivation for taking on large-scale projects stems from a deep desire to honour his late parents, whom he lost at a young age.
During a segment of the Locarno Meets podcast, the 57-year-old actor discussed the significance of his 2002 film Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He recounted the film’s turbulent production history, including a point when it nearly faced cancellation. “There came a time that we wouldn’t be doing it, and I moved on. But I was very keen to do such a film in my career,” Khan stated.
Reflecting on the emotional connection to his work, he explained, “My parents had passed away by the time I joined films; both of them were not alive. I don’t know, for some reason, I always felt I’d make very big films so that my mom and dad can see them from heaven.” He described this belief as a “childish thought” but emphasised that he still feels his mother is a star, drawing on the sentiment that loved ones who have passed become celestial figures. “I still think my mom’s a star, and it works. I think I even know the star she is,” he added, revealing that he believed she would have appreciated Devdas.
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Devdas, released in 2002, was notable for being the most expensive Indian film at the time, with a budget of ₹50 crore. Featuring acclaimed actors Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, the film achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim. Over the years, Khan has starred in numerous blockbuster films, including Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Ra.One, and more recently, action thrillers like Jawan and Pathaan.
Looking ahead, Shah Rukh Khan is set to collaborate with his daughter, Suhana Khan, in the upcoming film King, directed by Sujoy Ghosh. As he continues to captivate audiences with his larger-than-life roles, Khan remains grounded by the memories of his parents and their enduring influence on his artistic journey.