SRK: The Badshah will always remain a Badshah

Shah Rukh Khan, who turned 46 yesterday, celebrated his birthday with the media in his own home. Thousands of fans from all over the world gathered outside his residence 'Mannat' in the Mumbai suburb of Bandra, to wish him.

People waited outside the bungalow for hours to get a glimpse of the superstar. Some were dressed in his Chamak Challo look while others carried posters of SRK. All of them started chanting 'G.One' in chorus when King Khan appeared before them. Waving to his fans, he indulged them by shaking a leg to Chamak Challo.

He then came out of his house, and mingled with some of his fans.             

Shah Rukh, who is riding high on the success of Ra.One, gave the media some feedback on the movie, its reception and why he is still the Badshah of Bollywood. Sonil Dedhia took notes.

How does it feel to be 46 years old?

I feel blessed when I see so many fans waiting to meet me, as it is a big thing to celebrate someone else's birthday. The media celebrates my birthday with so much love. Everytime I try to make better arrangements for you all. I saw a lot of fans waiting outside my house late in the night and I was very touched.

What is the best gift you have received so far on your birthday?

One of my close friends gifted me a locket that had a picture of my parents inside and a prayer written on it. I still have it. I was very touched. I miss my parents. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have had a life. It's all because of my parents that I am what I am today.

What have your kids gifted you on your birthday?

Suhana made a poster on which Aryan added his name. It reads: 'Please don't ever change as you are the best father. We know you work very hard but you still take out time to be with us. We don't wish for angels because we get whatever we want and don't worry Ra.One is the biggest hit in the history of Indian cinema'.

Any special memories of your birthday when you were young and were growing up in Delhi...

I come from a lower middle class family; we couldn't afford to celebrate on a birthday by throwing a big party. I never had money to buy a cake. Till today, I try to keep my birthday as simple as possible.

I feel overwhelmed that my fans all over the world celebrate this day with so much of joy.

The box collections of Ra.One have become the talk of the town.

I don't really bother about the box office collections. Since the time the movie has released, I have travelled all the way from Los Angeles to Bhatinda and everyone has been talking about the film.

People are writing and saying good things and bad things about the film. At the end of the day, I feel everything happens for good. Sometimes it feels that the movie has become a national event.

What kind of feedback are you getting for the film?

The film is a little different and I knew that when we were making it. When things are different, some people like it and some don't. It will be wrong to say that only youngsters should watch it, but the film is mostly for kids. The feedback has been very positive as 70 to 80 per cent of people have liked the film.

There are four or five people who have actually given their lives to tell the audience that the film is very bad (Laughs).  

A lot of people felt that the film was not up to the mark and in the end, it's like a video game...&nbsp

As I said earlier, it is a different kind of film. It is important for actors like me to make something different. Don 2 is coming next. The film is a villain sequel which has never happened before in the world. I want to keep on making good films and everyone has their own opinions about my films, and I have never questioned anyone's opinion.

With this film, Shah Rukh Khan is back!

I never went anywhere. I have been living in Bandra for so many years and will continue to do so (Smiles). I wish to give my fans and audiences something different with all my films. At the end of the day, a Badshah will always remain a Badshah (Smiles). Whatever I do, I do it from my heart and I will continue making films from the heart.

Ra.One is constantly being compared to 3 Idiots and Bodyguard. Does that bother you?

It is demeaning to the status of all the films when we compare them like this. Everyone who makes a film is way beyond this. It's wrong to judge an actor by just one film. I don't have any comparisons. Each actor has his own personality. I think my film is different from the rest and the same thing applies for other actors' films. Different people will like different films.

There is talk about a sequel to Ra.One. Any developments on that front?

We have not thought of anything as yet as far as the sequel is concerned.

How was your experience with pop icon Lady Gaga?

Lady Gaga is a very down-to-earth and simple lady. I spent around two to three hours with her. Like me, she is very philosophical. We spoke a lot about philosophy of life. She's got a great philosophy towards her work and her life. She is just 25 and I was really impressed with her. I would advise girls to read what she writes; it will be a very great learning experience.

Is there any wish of yours that has yet to be fulfilled?

God has given me everything and I believe in God. I pray to God every day and I wish always that my kids are happy and stay safe. I have seen a lot of people who have used my name to move ahead in life but I just wish my kids are independent and will not require my name to support them.