Shahrukh On doing Foreign Films

A few moths back Destination Shahrukh (at that time known a Best Of Shahrukh Khan site) held a quizlet. The question was whether Shahrukh should go to Hollywood movies. Out of nearly 300 entries the majority was 'Yes he should go to hollywood!'

In this interview you will find out whether Shahrukh will do any hollywood movies.

Why have you been rejecting international offers, including a project it seems pitting you against Tom Cruise?

Who told you that? But yes, you're on the right track. Frankly, I don't want to go global. Believe me, it's better to rule in hell than to serve in heaven. Indian cinema is my home, it's more valuable to me than Hollywood, Hong Kong, Paris, wherever. I want to be the best here. If I ever go abroad, I must get respect, at least as much respect as Nick Nolte gets in Los Angeles. I don't want to be treated like a brown Third World urchin. I can do without that we're-doing-you-a-favour look from the Hollywood honchos.

What kind of offers did you get?

I was approached for a remake of Hitchock's Dial M for Murder and for what I think is a British TV series based on Vikram Seth's novel, A Suitable Boy. Then there was a fax, asking me to do an important role alongside Anthony Hopkins in the new Bond movie. Of course, Pierce Brosnan would be Bond, while I would...well...be around somewhere in the scenery.

Why did you say no without even hearing the role out?

Because they wanted to see my photographs. They wouldn't ask Nick Nolte for his photos, would they? This kind of vanity may be silly and stupid, but if I'm approached, shouldn't they know what I look like at least? Shouldn't they see some of my films? I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I don't want to be treated like a rank newcomer. I don't want to be questioned on my credentials. I'd rather be a frog in the well, and for a frog I haven't done too badly. I've moved from Delhi to Bombay and now I'm working with Mani Ratnam from the south. So Hollywood can wait.

Because of my contradictions I'm an actor, a good actor. I say that with all my sincerity, yet somewhere deep inside be I don't believe it either. Maybe that's why even after 21 films, I'm still nervous when I face the camera. Which is why I love retakes. I always want to find out where I've gone wrong and perfect my act, so to speak. I've had to learn by trial and error. Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa gave me an understanding about emotion and comedy. Not while doing the film, but after seeing it 24 times over once it was complete. O Darling taught me to detect the exact spots where energy can be gainfully utilised and where it can be hopelessly wasted. And Dilwale Dulhania... taught me the virtues of restraint, of holding back.

Quite often the persona of an actor can carry off a scene... that's wrong maybe...but perhaps that's the way it'll always be in our films. Believe it or not, my performance in Koyla was all about restraint, too. I could easily have made far-out noises - squeaks, groans, mutters, aaaahs and ooohs - as a mute.

Today, I'm not at my wit's end. I'm allowing myself to grow naturally, like a sapling grows with each season. When I see the rushes of Yes Boss! , I see the new me. I'm ashamed of some of my scenes which I did two years ago, and I love some of the scenes which I did while I was growing. In the next five years, I'm sure I'll have the National Award on my shelf. (Laughing uproariously)

Where do you see yourself at the age of 40?

(Grinning) I don't think I'll ever be 40. I'm 32 today and that's the way I want to be for the rest of my life.