- Title: SINGAPORE: Top Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan discusses his latest film 'Don'
- Date: 5th October 2006
- Summary: SINGAPORE (SEPTEMBER 30, 2006) (REUTERS) SOUNDBITE (English) BOLLYWOOD ACTOR SHAH RUKH KHAN SAYING: "But overall when we are looking at it as business model, of course more markets, the merrier. If for conquering more markets as a business for Indian films means we need to change a few things or consider the relevance of 'Is it important to have a world market, I think ye
- Embargoed: 20th October 2006 03:40
- Keywords:
- Location: Singapore
- Country: Singapore
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment,Film
- Reuters ID: LVA1UOCU47A1AFDMLPUC9GPF8F4M
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: Bollywood's leading man Shah Rukh Khan said his much anticipated remake of the 70s hit "Don" is a tribute to the artists behind the original film.
Shah Rukh Khan, one of the highest paid and popular actors in India was in Singapore on Saturday (September 30) to host events related to his role as the official ambassador for India's second largest Bank, ICICI.
"It is humbling and a moment of pride at the same time for me and I offer this as a a huge huge tribute, with all humility to everyone who made the film, Mr. Chandra Barot, the director of the film, to everyone and say it at the onset, it's not going to be better than the original "Don" but it's an attempt to say Thank You to the whole team of Don that you made us want to feel like being film stars," said Khan.
The 40-year-old star, once Time Magazine most recognizable movie star in the world is believed to have around 3.3 billion fans.
But the actor says he was a middle-class boy and a struggling actor who had dreams.
One of the most significant films of his childhood was the original 'Don'.
'Don', a blockbuster in the 70s starred Bollywood legend, icon and now grand-daddy, Amitabh Bachchcan who played the part of the world's most wanted criminal. Khan has often been compared to represent the Bachchan of the new generation.
"It sounds strange now but when I was a kid--very few people get a chance to live their dreams--Don must have been one of the films which night have made me feel like wanting to be, if not a movie star, just a hero, be cool, sing "Khai Ke Paan Banaras Wale" and here I am 16-years later or 28-years later since the film that I saw, I've been given exactly that opportunity to sing "Khai Ke Paan Banaras Wale". I love Mr. Bachchan, I love Don, I love what Javed Saab had done with the film, Zeenat Tamanji, everyone in the film, I think it was an awesome awesome film--very modern, very fashionable for its time."
The new version was shot in Malaysia. It will be released in cinemas across India on October 20th.
Khan's latest film about troubled marriages was shot in New York, but has not gone down well with millions in the conservative countryside where marital vows are still the basis of family values.
Critics said urban, multiplex audiences may have been able to identify with the film's taboo theme -- thanks to their growing exposure to western values -- but in India's more conservative heartland the response has been cold.
As a lead actor in this powerful and influential industry, Khan said he is there to entertain and not mould the thoughts of children.
"I've never thought of myself as someone who can be giving value judgements sit in judgements for people's lives and I don't think I am someone who is morally on the highest pedestal and should be followed as role model--yes, in my personal life, I genuinely believe now that I'm a good person--I'm a father of two children. But what I do in my movies is not there for you to model your kids on."
Khan, seen as an ambassador for Indian films abroad says the international market cannot be ignored and the industry might need to change a few things to fit in better-- but there has to be a symbiotic type of relationship between Bollywood and the world, he said.
"But overall when we are looking at it as business model, of course more markets, the merrier. If for conquering more markets as a business for Indian films means we need to change a few things or consider the relevance of 'Is it important to have a world market, I think yes, as a business it's most important."
None of Shah Rulh Khan's films have been picked for the Oscars. 'Kabhi Alvida' was featured in the Toronto Film Festival. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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