E-Paper
'I never discuss prices, I'm just priceless'
Shah Rukh Khan on being conferred with Malaysian title Datuk, Mumbai terror attacks, slashing prices, Dostana and turning 43.
Shah Rukh speaks on all that matters and says “I’m priceless”
On being conferred with the Malaysian title Datuk (akin to British Knighthood): “Thank you to the Melaka government for this prestigious award. I was so honoured to receive this award that was given by a country that does not even understand my language. It is an honour not only for me but also for all actors from India. I am very happy that I have found a big space in the hearts of people here.”
Resplendent in a black baju Melayu, samping and songkok, the traditional Malaysian attire, SRK also announced that he would shoot an entire film, tentatively titled Happy New Year, in Malaysia next year. — IANS
On what he has learnt from Mumbai terror attacks: “I am from Delhi. I have seen riots in Delhi and when I came to Mumbai in 1993, there were these bomb blasts and now I have seen it through 26/11…More I have seen these kinds of things over the years, more it makes me realise two things very-very clearly —one the vulnerability of life and the second part is that how important it is for me…that I need to spend time with my loved ones.”
(In an interview to CNN IBN’s Rajdeep Sardesai)
On whether it’s true that filmstars are being asked to slash prices: “Well , I won’t have to slash my prices (sic). I don’t charge that much. I never discuss the prices with the producer and work if I like the film. I am just priceless. I just sign the contract in the end and people in the accounts department tell me, this much money I have at the end of the year. I have worked at 2.5 crore in Chak De to 6 crore in Om Shanti Om. If you want to further cut, I am ok. I don’t participate in profits of a film. Even (in) my own company, we have proper distribution rights and things work according to them.”
On the movie Dostana and how he would have actually kissed!!: “I think Abhishek Bachchan rocks (in Dostana), so did Priyanka and John. They were really funny...laugh riot...very funny. Obviously it (the humour) gets pushed a bit, and I can say because it’s Karan's film so it’s like my film… the premise of the two men being found...always being found in a kissing position or supposedly getting into an erotic pose, the joke dies after some time. But beyond that, it’s nice for them to have made a two-and-a-half hour film like that.
I’ve done gay characters before. I thought the last kiss (in Dostana) was good. But I thought they should have really kissed on the lips… I would have. I’ve actually done it in Karan’s film...in KANK. I’m supposed to be very happy and there was this fat coach, so I kissed him on the lips… but that portion was cut.”
On the best way for a man to stop getting older (he’s just turned 43): “I don’t feel it. When I read 43 , I feel it’s younger, I think I have made 43 look younger. Just don’t have any bad thoughts, be physically fit to play any game with your kids and yes, as I said, be kind to people around you. And believe that is the best stage to be in. I believe I can still do Raju ban gaya gentleman. I feel I am a new comer.”
(In an interview to CNN IBN’s Rajeev Masand)
