Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, known for his charismatic presence on and off the screen, recently shared candid insights into his life and career at the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai. Speaking at the prestigious event, Khan delved into topics ranging from his career setbacks and personal growth to his enduring love for cinema and family support.
The session, titled 'The Making Of A Star: A Conversation With Shah Rukh Khan', offered a glimpse into Khan's journey over the past 33 years in Bollywood. Reflecting on his career, Khan opened up about the challenges he faced during his self-imposed sabbatical in 2018, following the box-office disappointments of films like Zero and Fan. During this period, Khan found solace in learning how to make pizza, a skill that taught him valuable lessons in perseverance and humility.
"I had massive flops, and I was licking my wounds. I have never said this to anyone, but in those four years I learned how to make the best pizza in the world. I stopped listening to stories or wanting to tell stories. I made myself a small kitchen and learned how to make pizza. I learned perseverance," said Khan, highlighting the importance of embracing failures as opportunities for growth.
Khan also discussed his approach to filmmaking and the realization that love stories with life-affirming endings resonate best with his audience. Despite his initial desire to be an action hero, Khan acknowledged that his fans connect most with his romantic roles, which embody hope, happiness, and love.
"I never wanted to be an actor peddling love. I wanted to be an action guy wearing that white vest, girl on my side, and speaking in baritones. But I never got the opportunity. Promising hope, giving hope, and spreading love through my movies is what works for me," explained Khan, reflecting on his evolution as an actor.
When asked about his family's role in his career, Khan expressed gratitude for their unwavering support and encouragement. He credited his wife, producer, and interior designer Gauri Khan, and his three children for being his pillars of strength during challenging times. Khan revealed that his family's belief in his filmmaking abilities motivated him to return to the industry with renewed passion and purpose.
"I was glad that my family didn’t tell me, ‘Listen, your pizzas are better than your films, stop making films.’ I’m glad that they turned around and said, ‘As good as your pizzas are, your films are better’. They were very encouraging, especially my children and my team," shared Khan, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.
In addition to discussing his personal journey, Khan also touched upon his aspirations for the future of Indian cinema. He expressed a desire to bring technology and innovation to the industry, aiming to create films that are loved by audiences worldwide. Khan emphasized the need to listen to audience feedback and deliver films that resonate with their expectations and emotions.
Khan's presence at the World Government Summit 2024 not only highlighted his status as a global icon but also showcased his humility, resilience, and commitment to excellence. As he continues to inspire millions with his on-screen charisma and off-screen persona, Khan remains a shining example of perseverance and success in the world of entertainment.
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