Shah Rukh Khan, the iconic Indian actor, recently took center stage at the Locarno Film Festival, where his presence stirred a wave of excitement among the audience. The session, held at the packed Gran Rex cinema, saw fans expressing their love for the star with spontaneous singalongs, declarations of affection, and even the clanging of a cowbell, a nod to one of his earlier films set in the Alps. Khan, known for his gracious demeanor, accepted the adoration with the charm that has won him hearts for over three decades.
During an hour-long interview with festival director Giona Nazzaro, Khan spoke candidly about his perspective on stardom. He emphasized that fame, to him, is secondary to the joy he brings to his audience. “Entertaining people when they come into contact with me is what truly matters,” he shared. “I want them to leave with something entertaining, whether it’s happy, sad, romantic, or thrilling. For me, stardom is just a by-product of this interaction. It’s not something I actively think about or value above the connection I have with my fans.”
Khan’s humility was evident as he described his approach to his craft. “I’ll do anything to make people happy—whether it’s acting, singing, or even playing a villain. The joy that my work brings to others is what they return to me as love, which sometimes turns into adulation. But this adulation is not about me or what I do; it’s simply a consequence of the joy we share.” He likened his stardom to a T-shirt, something he wears casually rather than something he takes too seriously. “I’m careless about it, but even if it wasn’t there, I believe the love would still remain.”
At 58, Shah Rukh Khan has appeared in over a hundred films, primarily in Hindi, and according to the Times of India, he ranks as the third richest actor in the world. His visit to the Locarno Film Festival was to receive a lifetime achievement award, with the festival also screening his 2002 film Devdas, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and helped introduce Indian cinema to European audiences. The masterclass tickets were sold out within a day, reflecting his enduring global popularity.
During the event, Khan shared stories from his career, including his admiration for Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan. “He promised to open a Chinese restaurant with me as partners, but he hasn’t done it yet!” Khan joked, drawing laughter from the audience. He also mentioned a time when he wore a fake jaw modeled after one used by Brad Pitt, a comment that prompted a protest from a fan, to which Khan humorously replied, “I’ll tell Mr. Brad Pitt you said that!”
Khan also touched on his experiences working with female directors, acknowledging a distinct but subtle difference. “There’s definitely a difference, though it’s not something that would sway my decision to work with someone. I find women in the industry to be a bit more sensitive and nuanced in their approach.” In typical Khan fashion, he lightened the moment by adding, “Also, women tend to make films look nicer, they laugh more, and they smell better. Not to diminish male directors, but it’s just an observation.”
The session was peppered with light-hearted moments, including a playful comparison of how he and Nazzaro were sitting, which Khan used to highlight his comfort with his feminine side. However, his engagement with the audience was not just about humor. Fans had traveled from as far as Washington, D.C., and Germany, with some even wearing traditional Indian attire and bringing artwork inspired by his films.
When asked if there was anything left that he aspired to do, Khan responded thoughtfully. “Every day brings new aspirations,” he said, reflecting his ongoing passion for his craft despite decades of success. His words resonated with the audience, who clearly appreciated both his humility and his dedication to entertaining them.
Related topics:
