What It’s Like to Be With Shah Rukh Khan on His Birthday
Rohit Khilnani met up with SRK on his birthday and tells us what it’s like to spend time with the star on his big day
advertisement
One would imagine how busy a superstar can be on his birthday, but even after his crazy schedule, year after year, Shah Rukh Khan makes sure he gives the media their fair share of time.
Till last year, his birthday celebrations were held at his home ‘Mannat’, behind the bungalow in the driveway, this year it was moved to Taj Lands End nearby. As I made my way to the hotel, I was stuck outside his house because his fans had caused a huge jam. Cars had come to a standstill and a lot of auto drivers left their vehicle and went running towards his house, “Shah Bhai aa gaye!” The cars moved only once the star came out and waved at them and finally I too could make my way to the hotel.
Shah Rukh came in a couple of hours late but made up for it. No wonder most journalists who attended the birthday bash had fewer questions and more requests. A young girl from a regional channel took the mic and asked SRK to teach her his trademark step, another lady journalist had a sher (couplet) ready for him and if that wasn’t enough, a young reporter asked the star how to deal with personal problems, deadlines and handle pressure. He obliged everyone. After which he cut a cake, posed for pictures, gave couple of newsy bites for the few who were interested and made his way out.
Few of us caught up with him after the press conference, where he spoke about his upcoming films – Dilwale, Fan and Raees. Right now, his favourite place in the world clearly is Iceland, where he shot a portion of Dilwale. He was very impressed with the place, people, culture and the fact they live around a volcano, which could erupt any time and that makes life very unpredictable.
His younger son, the adorable little AbRam, soon made an appearance to meet papa but seeing a group of journos, he preferred playing with his toys. “He is media shy!”, quipped Shah Rukh, as AbRam played in the same room with his toy cars, while SRK kept chatting with us and checking on his little one. He asked AbRam to show us his abs, and he quickly obliged by lifting his t-shirt – and that cute little act was the moment of the day. He may be media shy, but little AbRam has learnt one thing from Daddy, on how to be a show-stealer!
When I left Lands End a crowd had once again gathered outside Shah Rukh’s house, I wished I could tell them he’s not at home. The fans of course waited till their screen god returned later in the night, and made it all worth their while by stepping out again to wave at them.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)