- By Srishti Pandey
- Wed, 05 Jun 2024 02:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Will Anurag Kashyap ever direct Shah Rukh Khan in a film? The answer is likely no, according to the director himself. In a conversation with Humans of Cinema, Kashyap explained why he feels it's impossible for him to direct a film starring the Bollywood superstar.
Anurag Kashyap pointed out the unique culture of hero worship in India. He believes that this hero worship shapes the film industry in significant ways. "We are a country of hero worshippers. We are deprived of many things and have low self-esteem and confidence. We need heroes," he said. This, according to Kashyap, is why Indian films often feature larger-than-life characters.
He further elaborated on how actors in India, unlike in other countries, rarely cover their faces while playing superheroes. The masks are kept minimal to ensure the actors' faces are visible, emphasizing their star power.
Kashyap also discussed the influence of fanbases on actors and their choices. In the age of social media, he finds the power of big stars' fanbases intimidating. He mentioned how these fanbases often typecast actors, demanding the same roles and personas repeatedly. This creates pressure on actors, making them hesitant to experiment with different roles.
When it comes to Shah Rukh Khan, Kashyap feels that he cannot cater to the superstar's aura or enigma. He believes that the charm and appeal Shah Rukh brings to his films are beyond his directorial capacity. "If his film Fan had worked, I could have said that I too have the courage to work with him," Kashyap admitted. This statement highlights his belief that the failure of Fan, a film where Shah Rukh took on a less conventional role, is indicative of the challenges involved in meeting fan expectations.
Despite these challenges, Kashyap is a fan of some of Shah Rukh Khan's work. He listed Chak De! India and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa as his favourite films from Shah Rukh's extensive filmography.
Shah Rukh Khan had an impressive 2023 with blockbusters like Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki. On the other hand, Anurag Kashyap premiered his latest film, Kennedy, at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. He also confirmed that his next film will star Malayalam actor Joju George, who will be making his Hindi film debut.
