- By Ridhi Suri
- Thu, 03 Oct 2024 08:37 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shah Rukh Khan, celebrated for his charisma and quick wit, recently showcased his impressive hosting abilities at the 24th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Abu Dhabi. Teaming up with Vicky Kaushal, the actor not only entertained the crowd but also won the Best Actor award for his blockbuster film, Jawan. The event featured lighthearted exchanges that had the audience in fits of laughter. In a humourous moment, Shah Rukh jested that significant film projects typically come to him first before being offered to other actors. Vicky seized the chance to ask him about various films, including big-budgeted 2022 release Laal Singh Chaddha, which starred Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.
During the event, Vicky Kaushal asked SRK if he had passed on the chance to be part of Pushpa: The Rise, directed by Sukumar. The Bollywood Badshah responded that it still pains him, as he really wanted to join the film but felt he couldn't match Allu Arjun's swag. This remark elicited cheers and applause from the audience. "Oh my god, yaar! You’ve touched on something that still hurts. I really wanted to do Pushpa, but I couldn’t match Allu Arjun sir’s swag," Shah Rukh Khan stated.
About Pushpa
Pushpa: The Rise, features Allu Arjun in the role of Pushpa Raj, a coolie who ascends within a syndicate involved in smuggling red sandalwood, a rare wood found only in the Seshachalam Hills of Andhra Pradesh. The supporting cast includes Fahadh Faasil, Rashmika Mandanna, Dhananjaya, Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari, Ajay, Raj Tirandasu, Sunil, Rao Ramesh, Ajay Ghosh, Shatru, Shanmukh, and Anasuya Bharadwaj. Released on December 17, 2021, Pushpa: The Rise received mixed reviews from critics. It was a commercial success, grossing over ₹360–373 crore globally, making it the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021 and one of the top Telugu films of all time. In 2024, it was showcased at the 74th Berlinale.
At the 69th National Film Awards, the film won two awards: Best Actor for Allu Arjun and Best Music Direction for Devi Sri Prasad. Additionally, at the 67th Filmfare Awards South, it secured seven awards for Telugu cinema, including Best Film, Best Director (Sukumar), and Best Actor (Arjun). Pushpa: The Rise is the first part of a film series, with the sequel, Pushpa 2: The Rule, set to be released on December 6, 2024.