Page 10 - november 2021

SHAHRUKH KHAN cover story

Abhimanyu Rai, in the series. After acting
in several ‘chote -mote’ roles on Television,
Khan made his film debut with ‘Deewane’in
1991. He was cast opposite the charming
Divya Bharathi and the legendary actor-
star Rishi Kapoor. He ended up with a
Filmfare award for the best male-debut of
the year, one of 14 that was to follow. The
year that followed had releases with him
as the main lead. Dil Ashna Hai, Raju Ban
Gaya Gentleman and Chamatkar. Let’s
look at some of the movies that Khan gave
unforgettable performances:

DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE
(DDLJ)- Probably one the largest grossing
movie in Bollywood of all times. DDLJ broke
several records and is still rated as one of
Khan’s biggest hits. It also strengthened the
Kajol-SRK brand. The audience simply loved
the chemistry between the two. This movie
was the directorial debut of Aditya Chopra
How does one define success in the film industry? It’s simple! as well. Two young NRIs who fall for each
The one who rakes in the moolah and is generally popular other and ultimately unite in India. Many
among the large cross section of the society can be deemed as films with similar background were to follow
a successful star. When they achieve a cult status, a following after this. What’s not to love in a romantic
like the legendary Big B or the evergreen superstar Rajinikant drama complete with patriotic references
they become a brand. Its hard to create a space for oneself and ‘Bharatiya values’, great songs, locales
in an arena where Amitabh Bachchan’s towering personality and a charming lead pair?!
looms large. A middle-class lad from Delhi, with a seemingly
nondescript personality but with a determined unbreakable SWADES- A film that was ahead of its
spirit, supreme confidence did just that a few decades back. time, Swades is the story of a brilliant NASA
Shahrukh Khan is known by several names by the media: scientist’s discovery of himself. Mohan
Badshah of Bollywood, King Khan and King of Bollywood. He Bhargav, played by Khan, finds himself at
has appeared in more than 80 films and earned numerous crossroads as he visits his homeland and
accolades including 14 Filmfare awards. feels a compelling need to bring electricity to
his village through a hydro-electric project.
Shahrukh or SRK as he is popularly called was born in Delhi and SRK lived this role, really and played the
raised in Mangalore for the first five years of her life. He acted character with a lot of restraint with none of
in several stage plays in his youth and was quite well known for his usual mannerisms. Interestingly, the film’s
his mimicry of several artists. His favorites however were Dilip director Ashutosh Gowarikar had offered the
Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and Mumtaz. Interestingly, Amrita role of Mohan Bhargav to Aamir Khan and
Singh was his childhood acting partner and friend. Hritik Roshan. When both refused he went to
After obtaining his undergrad from Hansraj college in Delhi he SRK who cried after hearing the story!
did enroll to do his master’s in mass communication. But he CHAK DE INDIA -Khan plays a purpose-
never completed it and fate had other plans for him anyways! driven protagonist, Kabir Khan, a disgraced
SRK made his debut on TV in the serial ‘Fauji’ which depicted former hockey player. Kabir takes on the
the lives of army cadet trainees. He played the main role of role of a talented but dysfunctional Indian

DesiPages DFW | November 2021 VOL 33 | 10