I never talk about business: Shah Rukh Khan

Eros International and Red Chillies Entertainment's RA.One, releasing worldwide today, is Shah Rukh Khan's ninth Diwali release.

Long before other superstars could claim their stake on the Diwali festivity, the Badshah of Bollywood has lent the festival of lights his box office vigour. All his Diwali releases from Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995) to Om Shanti Om (2007) have created history. Naturally, hopes on RA.One are high too.

But SRK downplays the excitement, saying, "RA.One is a fine film. By chance we are releasing on Diwali again this year, but it is a Diwali kind of film. It is festive; it's for the family, it's happy, has songs and action. I would describe it as a perfect movie for the holidays. Our villain is called RA.One (i.e. Raavan), and it is pertinent because Raavan was killed just before Diwali."

RA.One is slated to have the widest release ever for a Hindi film. It releases with 3,500 prints in India and 900 prints abroad. When asked whether this gave him extra impetus as a superstar, SRK says, "I don't think of these things much. I know we have the holiday advantage. I am told by my partners and distributors that Diwali day itself is weak because people have pujas in their homes. However, after that things are very good."

He adds that he never talks about business. "It is not something I do as an actor. As soon as actors start talking business, it makes them look vulnerable and inartistic. When we started the film, we didn't know the kind of business possibilities that existed. I didn't think we would release in Poland, Russia, Germany, China and South Korea. I am happy that our films are now getting as wide a release as films from the West. We are touching 4,500 prints with RA.One. It's good for everyone."

Kareena Kapoor is excited that her last two hits 3 Idiots and Bodyguard are competing with her present release. "As long as the competition is healthy, it feels great. This Diwali we will have a special dhamaka!"

SRK adds, "This Diwali is extra special. I will be on a plane from London to Toronto on Diwali day, but Gauri has organised a puja at home to celebrate." Looking at the lights around him, the superstar adds, "I love the way our home looks on Diwali. It is nicely lit up. We are film people, so for us lights are essential! Diwali is the entire film industry's favourite festival."

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/I-never-talks-about-business-Shah-Rukh-Khan/articleshow/10486696.cms