Shah Rukh Khan has built a career starring in some of the grandest and most iconic Hindi films, whether in the romance or action genre. Many of his most successful movies have been larger-than-life productions. In a recent interview, Shah Rukh shared that he takes on these 'big films' for his parents, whom he tragically lost at a young age.
During his appearance at the Locarno Film Festival, Shah Rukh Khan joined the Locarno Meets podcast. Among other topics, he discussed his 2002 blockbuster 'Devdas'. When asked about the significance of the film in his career, Shah Rukh recounted how he came on board the project, mentioning that at one point, the movie almost didn’t happen.
Shah Rukh Khan on doing Devdas
"There came a time that we wouldn't be doing it, and I moved on. But I was very keen to do such a film in my career," he explained. He also shared, “My parents had passed away by the time I joined films, both of them were not alive. I don't know, for some reason, I always felt I'll make films which are very big, so that my mom and dad can see them from heaven.”
Though he called this notion a ‘childish thought,’ Shah Rukh went on to say that he still believes his mother is a star, alluding to the belief that loved ones become stars after passing. “I still think my mom's a star, and it works. I think I even know the star she is. So I just felt that if I made 'Devdas', she would really like it. She would appreciate it,” he said.
Shah Rukh Khan's work front
'Devdas', directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was the most expensive Indian film at the time, with a reported budget of ₹50 crore. The 2002 release, which also starred Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, was a major critical and commercial hit.
Shah Rukh Khan has since appeared in several other lavish productions, from 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' and 'Ra.One' to recent action thrillers like 'Jawan' and 'Pathaan'. Currently, he is reportedly collaborating with his daughter Suhana Khan on Sujoy Ghosh's 'King'.