Shah Rukh Khan : In an era where Bollywood has undergone significant transformations, acclaimed filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has boldly expressed his unconventional thoughts on the influence of megastar Shah Rukh Khan in the industry. Renowned for his candid opinions on social media, Agnihotri recently delved into the depths of Shah Rukh Khan’s impact on the film fraternity, shedding light on his perception of the superstar’s role in what he views as the dismantling of the traditional essence of Bollywood.
Vivek Agnihotri, the creative force behind thought-provoking films such as “The Kashmir Files,” didn’t mince words when addressing his thoughts on Shah Rukh Khan’s cinematic journey. In a candid interview with India.com, Vivek Agnihotri applauded Khan’s undeniable charisma, yet simultaneously raised concerns about the actor’s political inclinations. He acknowledged his admiration for Khan while challenging the megastar’s role in what he perceives as the degradation of Bollywood’s core values.
“Do you know I am a fan of SRK? I always say there’s nobody as charismatic as him. But, I don’t like the politics of Shah Rukh Khan. I think they are responsible for destroying a great institution like Bollywood. They have destroyed everything in Bollywood. Now, it’s only PRs, hype, glamour and stardom… anything which is not stardom is not accepted. That’s my problem,” Vivek Agnihotri passionately expressed.
Shah Rukh Khan & his politics
Agnihotri’s critique goes beyond politics, delving into the heart of Khan’s filmmaking approach. He highlighted the divide between their cinematic philosophies, stating, “My second biggest problem is mediocrity, their hardcore belief that the audience is dumb. I cannot tolerate that. I make people’s films. They make a Box Office film. When their film is successful, it’s a Shah Rukh Khan film which is successful. When my film is successful, it’s the people’s film which is successful.”
However, amidst Agnihotri’s candid observations, he maintained his respect for Shah Rukh Khan. Drawing a metaphorical parallel to the complex relationships depicted in iconic films like “Shakti” and “Deewar,” Agnihotri likened his feelings to loving individuals with diverse roles. “Now you decide who’s a police officer and who’s a smuggler in our relationship,” he mused.
As the conversation unfolded, Agnihotri addressed the possibility of collaborating with Shah Rukh Khan. He expressed a willingness to work with Khan on his terms, while emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the creative vision. “If Shah Rukh Khan is willing to work my way, I have no problem.
But, if he is working in my film, the writer and the director will be in the foreground and he will be in the background which he will never accept. So, he will never work with me.”
While Shah Rukh Khan continues to dazzle the industry with projects like “Pathaan,” which reportedly shattered records, and the upcoming ensemble film “Jawan,” Vivek Agnihotri remains devoted to thought-provoking narratives. His upcoming film, “The Vaccine War,” set against the backdrop of the pandemic, exemplifies his commitment to crafting cinema with a social conscience.
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