Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan was welcomed with much fanfare at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival, where he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. During the event, the actor captivated the audience with anecdotes from his storied career, offering insights into his journey in the film industry, his collaborations with prominent filmmakers, and his views on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
Shah Rukh Khan reflected on his early insecurities as an actor, recalling how he once felt embarrassed by his inability to perform a dance move known as the “dip.” Despite hours of practice, his choreographer, Saroj Khan, advised him to forgo the move, which eventually led to the creation of his now-iconic arm pose. “I was quite ashamed of myself,” Khan admitted, sharing that the pose has since become a signature element of his performances.
During the interview, Khan also spoke fondly of his relationship with Atlee, the acclaimed South Indian filmmaker with whom he collaborated on the blockbuster Jawan. Khan shared a touching story about Atlee naming his son after his father, Mir Taj Mohammed Khan, reflecting the strong bond they developed during filming. “We had a lot of fun,” Khan said, noting that language barriers were overcome through mutual respect and a shared passion for cinema.
When asked to differentiate between Bollywood and South Indian cinema, Khan emphasized the unity of Indian cinema as a whole. “To regionalize Indian cinema is wrong,” he stated, praising South Indian films for their outstanding storytelling and technical excellence. Khan lauded the contributions of South Indian cinema to the global recognition of Indian films, mentioning hits like RRR and Baahubali.
Shah Rukh Khan also reminisced about his role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas, initially reluctant to play the titular character whom he described as a “loser.” However, Bhansali’s persistence and vision convinced Khan to take on the role, which became one of the most memorable performances of his career. Despite his initial reservations, Khan aimed to portray Devdas as a complex, flawed individual, rather than a character to be admired.
The event highlighted Shah Rukh Khan’s enduring influence in cinema, celebrating his achievements and his contributions to the art of storytelling in India.
