Shah Rukh Khan made his way through screaming crowds, people jostling for a glimpse of him, and hungry cameras demanding the all-important shot in October of last year. Visiting his son Aryan in jail may have put the actor in a vulnerable position. There were videos of him from every angle, with people attempting to approach him, others assessing his expression, and a few jeering. Shah Rukh did not stutter or quicken his steps. When he saw some elderly people, he politely nodded to them and extended his hand in greeting. He never complained despite the fact that many people were attempting to cross physical boundaries. It would have been the most difficult time for him and his family; his son had been arrested, his chances of release appeared bleak, and there were national debates and discussions going on.
Other celebrities have also expressed their thoughts and opinions, with some openly mocking him and others expressing concern. But none of this was visible on SRK’s calm and dignified face. If you didn’t know any better, you’d have thought he was leaving for a shoot. In public, SRK has always maintained that quiet courteous nod and gentle smile. Before comforting a sobbing Saira Banu at Dilip Kumar’s funeral, he bowed and folded his hands as he walked in. This un-starry behaviour from one of India’s biggest stars is what distinguishes him from others. SRK became far more accessible and real to his fans in the 2000s, while Aamir Khan perfected the perfectionist image and Amitabh Bachchan has always been the megastar.
He didn’t even need films worth Rs 300 crore to prove it. The string of flops preceding his sabbatical haven’t tarnished his lustre; in fact, his struggles have heightened fans’ admiration for him.
There was a strong outpouring of love on social media when SRK remained under the radar on his birthday after Aryan’s arrest and did not come to the balcony and wave at fans like he usually does. It was reassuring to see his support after a tumultuous month of anxiety. That’s when it hit me: SRK has always been showered with love and support. And it had long since expanded beyond his films.
Every second person had a memorable meeting or encounter with him that they treasured where he either joked with them or helped someone and never revealed it to the public. Celebrities paid emotional tributes to him, ranging from close friends to those who had met him but were still captivated by his charm. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta recalled SRK once transferring funds to a hospital ‘without making a fuss’ for a child with a tumour. Newer actors, such as Swara Bhaskar and Alia Bhatt, recalled how they had looked up to him as an idol and how he had guided them through their careers. On November 2, 2021, Twitter was possibly a healthy place to be. There were only words of love and affection for the star, praising his wit and deadpan humour, and clips from his old interviews circulated for weeks.
More than just box office triumphs
SRK has been a part of the Bollywood industry for 30 years, but his stardom transcends his films’ box office success. He hasn’t had the best couple of years in terms of films, as Jab Harry Met Sejal and Zero, among others, failed to perform as expected, but fans, after a brief nod of disappointment, don’t dwell on it. Box office figures don’t seem to fit SRK. It’s his personality that shines through all of the flops — you can’t stay angry at him for too long. You’ll forgive him for a Jab Harry Met Sejal because he’ll laugh about it and make you laugh too. “At least one person is receiving recognition at home” he posted on twitter, when his wife, designer and producer Gauri Khan, received a trophy.
During an AMA discussion on Twitter, a fan asked him, “When will we see the remake of Jab Harry Met Sejal?” “Yahan Twitter pe sab box office failures ka hi sequel kyon rahe hain?” he quickly responded. (Why do people want sequels to all of the box office flops?) “
Nonetheless, he would accept responsibility for his actions in serious interviews while not blaming the story or the director. “I disappointed people with Jab Harry Met Sejal, as it was a complete flop.” And yet I didn’t want to disappoint anyone; I just appreciated how the two main characters interacted. (SRK’s Harry and Anushka Sharma’s Sejal) kheechey chale jaate hain… It was completely natural. “It’s a slice-of-life thing.”
“Poora pumpkin chahiye,” he joked, referring to how he no longer enjoys watching slice-of-life movies. Of course, he can respond to inflammatory questions when necessary. A reporter inquired when he would “start making better movies.” “When are you going to start asking better questions?” SRK shot back.
SRK’s tone on social media is always one of affection and congeniality. When Suhana posts a photo of herself with Aryan and AbRam, he wonders why he doesn’t have the same photo. His advice to her as she prepared for Archies’ debut went viral. He mentions Alia Bhatt softly, wishing her luck with her production debut, Darlings, and referring to her as “little one.” He would tease Gauri with inside jokes and amusing quips about her photos. These small moments continue to shape SRK’s image to this day, and it is this love that he returns to when things get tough.
Protests and boycotts
SRK, like his contemporary Aamir Khan, has been involved in a number of boycotts and controversies. Despite the fact that his film Dilwale was a financial success, it took a significant hit as a result of his comment on intolerance. SRK, on the other hand, was upbeat about his fans.However, as boycott trends began to sweep the industry in 2022 and certain groups began to target his upcoming film Pathaan, an old clip of SRK began to circulate.Alternatively, pyaar ek baat se yah do cheezo se… sahi galat samjhte hai…I don’t think that has or will ever affect me or my film (someone will have an issue, someone will make a comment… but in this country, I know I have received so much love, so I can say with I’m sure many people haven’t experienced that kind of love).
In a long-ago interview with AIB, SRK, who has frequently been chastised for not taking a political stance, explained why he prefers not to say anything publicly. He also knows that there will be groups out to bring him down, and that every word he says on sensitive subjects could cost him dearly.However, as many celebrities have testified, SRK shows his support without publicly declaring it. During the Padmaavat controversy, he expressed his support for Sanjay Leela Bhansali and advised him to remain silent on the matter. He stated at the time that silence should never be mistaken for cowardice. “No, we are not concealing ourselves. In fact, the simple truth is that there is a segment of the population that goes on a ‘uprising,’ so to speak. If more prominent actors, actresses, and directors came and talked about this film… in fact, I told their team many times not to talk about it, just keep quiet because you are giving wind to fire.
Nobody is afraid, fearful, or hiding their own skin, as is said of Bollywood stars, ‘oh these people just want to make money and do nothing for society.’ No. We adore our culture. “”People start making interesting films because we want to lead a happy life,” he said at the moment.
Today, SRK is surrounded by an aura of magnanimity, genuine awe, and love. We only get to see the side of him that he wants the public to see, but it’s enough.