Zero Director Aanand L Rai On Shah Rukh Khan: A Great Friend, Guide, Philosopher & A Fantastic Student!

Rai talked about Shah Rukh’s simplicity and persona.

By
Koimoi.com Team
- November 21, 2018 | 11:29 AM IST
• Follow Us
• Join Us

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is all set to charm us with his romantic yet bit different avatar. With Zero, the trio of SRK, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma, marks their second collaboration after Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Recently, director Aanand L Rai shared his experience on working with Khan and talked about film-making.

In an interview with DNA, Rai talked about Shah Rukh’s simplicity and persona. He said, “I’ve known him through his movies. Over the last 25 years, we’ve seen him as a big star. But strangely, after meeting him I’ve realized there’s a certain simplicity hidden in him. I can read that man. He allows himself in front of you ki yahi hoon main. When we went on floors, I was yet to meet the superstar who we’re so used to seeing. I got a great friend, guide, philosopher and a fantastic student who is ever ready to learn, despite being so experienced and knowledgeable. One doesn’t expect that from a star, but yahi hua. That also helped make the film. As a person, I can only direct a movie if I know someone very well. You can see it as my strong point or a weakness. If I’m not in love, I won’t be able to work. Technique, craft hoga, I’m not aware about that. What I’m aware of is that human connect. If that happens, then I can understand SRK and everything else. If that doesn’t happen, then I’m very mediocre. I’m fortunate that I’m able to find the connect and that’s why I have survived. Main issi ko apni filmmaking maanta hoon. My films are all about my connect with people.”

When asked about the importance of the hoopla of big-budget movies, the directed said, “How does it matter if Zero is made on a budget of Rs 20 cr or Rs 200 cr, if the audience, to whom I’m telling the story, can’t feel it! If we can talk about the character, the world where he belongs, how does it matter whether the movie is made in X or Y budget? It is irrelevant. Someone might say this is a `1,000-cr film, but if I’m not feeling it, why will I watch it? Audience ko farak nahin padta. The main question is are you entertaining them or not? It’s as simple as that.”

View Quiz

Zero starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma is slated for a grand release on 21st December 2018.