Shah Rukh Khan’s 1991 Tell-All: Dissing Star Culture and Spotlighting Acting

As Shah Rukh Khan turns 59 on Saturday, fans look back on his Bollywood journey that began with the 1992 film Deewana, a romantic action drama directed by Raj Kanwar, also starring Rishi Kapoor and Divya Bharti. A year before this debut, in a candid 1991 interview with Stardust, Shah Rukh shared his thoughts on Bollywood’s star culture and the industry’s often superficial treatment of acting.

Shah Rukh’s Take on Star Culture

Reflecting on his early experience, Shah Rukh described his initial days on a Mumbai film set: “I’ve been shooting in Bombay for the past one month. And suddenly, there are guys wanting to hold my cup of tea, tie my shoelaces, and hold an umbrella over my head. Why? I am not a f****** retard. I tied my shoelaces before I came into films, I’ll tie them now.” He recalled advice from others to “throw a tantrum” if his makeup room’s AC wasn’t working, lest the producers take him “for granted.” Commenting on these rituals, he remarked, “What’s this s***, man? I guess it’s a fashion around here… the thing about seven people walking behind an actor, why does he need them? But it is supposed to be done.”

Shah Rukh contrasted this with Hollywood, where he noted the absence of spot boys and a stronger emphasis on acting itself. He stated, “It seems like these stars have just come here to earn some money, fame, glory and throw their weight around. Acting be dd. They do not understand the concept of acting.” To him, star culture had become “a fad,” where getting shoelaces tied by a spot boy or posing for photos somehow made an actor a star. He added sarcastically, “Or should I become a star? And he becomes a by star!”

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Building an Iconic Career

Following Deewana, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in a series of hit films, including Chamatkar, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dil Aashna Hai, Baazigar, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Swades, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, and more. Most recently, he was seen in Dunki (2023).

Looking ahead, Shah Rukh will star in King, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, with reports suggesting his daughter, Suhana Khan, may also appear in the film. Additionally, he will voice Mufasa in the Hindi version of Disney’s upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King, set for release in India on December 20.