Shah Rukh Khan, the iconic Bollywood star, recently received the career achievement award at the Locarno Film Festival. In a candid interview with Locarno Meets, the festival’s podcast, Khan opened up about his journey, his ambition, and the personal motivations behind some of his most significant film choices.
Khan, now 58, revealed his initial hesitation about taking on the role of Devdas in the 2002 classic, a character that had already been immortalized in Indian cinema. Despite warnings from senior actors at the time, Khan ultimately agreed to the role for deeply emotional reasons tied to his late parents. “My mom, my dad—there are generations who grew up liking Devdas,” he shared. “I always felt I would make big films so that my mom and dad could see them from heaven.”
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Reflecting on the sentimental reasons behind this choice, Khan admitted, “It’s a childish thought! I still think my mom’s a star—I even know which one. I just felt that if I made Devdas, she would really like it.” His heartfelt motivations gave fans a rare glimpse into the softer side of the actor, known for his charisma and larger-than-life persona.
Despite being critical of his own performance, saying, “I didn’t think I could play it,” Khan aimed to bring a unique depth to the character. He wanted audiences to see Devdas as “a non-committing man” rather than as someone to be pitied or hated. His portrayal, however, was widely celebrated, earning him a Best Actor award and further cementing his status as a global superstar.
Khan’s reflections also touched on his current approach to his career, where he enjoys the freedom to choose roles that resonate with him. As he humbly puts it, “I don’t take myself too seriously,” a mantra that continues to guide his journey in the ever-evolving world of cinema.
