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Shah Rukh Khan Reveals Preparation for 'King': "Losing Weight and Stretching for My Next Role
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, affectionately known as King Khan, added yet another accolade to his illustrious career as he was honored with the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera, or Career Leopard, at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival. This lifetime achievement award marked a significant moment in the history of the festival, making SRK the first Indian personality to receive this honor.
In an engaging conversation with Giona A. Nazzaro, the artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival, Shah Rukh delved into his remarkable journey in cinema, sharing insights into his past achievements and his future projects. The star, known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, discussed his upcoming film "King," where he collaborates with the acclaimed filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh. Reflecting on the evolution of his career, SRK revealed that he had been contemplating this particular project for nearly seven years, a film that is more age-centric and aligned with his current artistic inclinations.
During the discussion, Shah Rukh Khan also touched upon the physical demands of his roles, particularly in action films. Having starred in blockbuster hits like "Jawan" and "Pathaan," the actor acknowledged the challenges that come with performing stunts and action sequences. "Action is difficult," he admitted, "you have to practice it, learn it, and although doubles do some of the dangerous stunts, you still have to do 80 percent of it yourself to make it look authentic." He humorously added that after a day of shooting action scenes, he's often in less-than-perfect shape, which makes the work all the more grueling.
A standout moment during the festival was Shah Rukh's appearance at the award ceremony, where his magnetic presence electrified the audience. Dressed in a sleek black blazer paired with matching trousers, and sporting his signature long hair, SRK looked as captivating as ever. His speech was met with enthusiastic cheers, with many in the crowd visibly moved by his words.
As he took to the stage, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his gratitude to the audience and the festival organizers. He opened his speech with a playful nod to his iconic on-screen persona, saying, "Thank you all for welcoming me with such wide arms—wider than the ones I do on screen." His charm was palpable as he complimented the festival’s setting, calling Locarno "a very beautiful, very cultural, very artistic, and extremely hot city," humorously likening the packed, warm square to the bustling streets of India.
The actor then reflected on the power of cinema, describing it as "the most profound and influential artistic medium of our age." He emphasized that art and cinema transcend man-made boundaries, entering a realm of liberation and emotional truth. "Art," he said, "is the act of affirming life above all... It only needs to say what it feels from the heart, to express its truth. And that, to me, is the biggest creativity, honestly."
In a career spanning over 35 years, Shah Rukh Khan has played an array of characters—villains, heroes, superheroes, and lovers—all with remarkable depth and resilience. He spoke of the lessons learned through his diverse roles, vowing to continue pushing the boundaries of his craft. "With the promise that awards like this encourage me to keep on trying to embody all the facets of life... to give that one more take, one more shot, one more emotion," he concluded, his words resonating deeply with the audience.
True to his reputation for humour, SRK closed his speech with a lighthearted quip, playfully struggling with the pronunciation of the award's name before laughing and suggesting, "Can you keep a shorter name? Just like, 'arrivederci'."
The Locarno Film Festival was left buzzing with the echoes of Shah Rukh Khan's presence, his words, and his promise to continue inspiring audiences worldwide through his unparalleled artistry.
- PTC PUNJABI
