In a rare interview, Shah Rukh Khan discussed his recent absence from the limelight and acknowledged the disconnect he felt with his audience. He also reflected on the challenges he faced during periods of his films not meeting expectations, admitting to errors he made during those times.
Actor Shah Rukh Khan opened up about his nearly five-year hiatus from the film industry in a recent interview with journalist Richard Quest. Khan candidly admitted to taking time off to recuperate after facing a string of major setbacks with successive big-budget film failures. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the need to reassess his approach to filmmaking and vowed to be less indulgent with his projects upon his return. During the 2010s, Shah Rukh Khan starred in high-profile disappointments like “Jab Harry Met Sejal,” “Fan,” “Ra.One,” “Raees,” and “Zero,” leading him to retreat from the spotlight between 2019 and 2023.
During the interview, held in Dubai, Quest questioned Shah Rukh about this challenging period, asking if he was “licking his wounds” and “feeling sorry for himself.” Shah Rukh responded by acknowledging the impact of the flops on his morale, describing it as a period of introspection. He shared how he redirected his focus during this time, immersing himself in learning the art of making pizzas. This newfound passion taught him valuable lessons in perseverance, emphasizing the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles, as he strived to perfect his pizza-making skills, one crust at a time.
When asked about his family’s support and the challenges of bouncing back, Shah Rukh expressed gratitude that his family didn’t discourage him from returning to filmmaking despite his newfound passion for pizza-making. He credited their encouragement, especially from his children and team, for motivating him to reassess his approach. Shah Rukh recognized that he had become overly innovative and fixated on perfection, leading to failures. He acknowledged his disconnect from audience preferences, admitting that despite the adoration from crowds, he failed to grasp their desires. Reflecting on his past choices, such as portraying a vertically challenged character and a manic fan, he realized that audiences yearned for roles that brought hope, happiness, and love. Thus, he resolved to return to creating content that resonated with his fans’ desires for positivity and inspiration.
In his comeback year, Shah Rukh Khan made a triumphant return with three consecutive blockbusters, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious three-decade career. Kicking off 2023 with “Pathaan,” the film soared to unprecedented success, surpassing the Rs 1000 crore mark worldwide. This remarkable achievement was followed by “Jawan,” another box office juggernaut that grossed over Rs 1100 crore globally. Shah Rukh Khan concluded the year on a high note with “Dunki,” which amassed an impressive Rs 470 crore globally, solidifying his position as one of the industry’s leading stars.
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