One and only…

SNEAK PEEK "A superstar is just a logo. I've never felt like one," says Shah Rukh Khan, as he opens up on Ra.One and clears the air about Lady Gaga being part of the film

Shah Rukh Khan, the Baadshah of Bollywood, never ceases to surprise you. In a candid interview during promotional rounds for his upcoming Ra. One, the actor handles questions with ease and explains what it takes to be a superstar and a superhero. Excerpts…

Is it true that your next, Ra.One, has two superheroes — one your character G.One and the other is rumouredly Rajinikanth!

If Rajini sir does the film, there will be only one superhero in it — Rajini sir. I have requested him when I spoke to him sometime back. I am a very big fan of Rajini sir and Amitji. It's been my life's desire to work with both. Fortunately, I got a chance to work with Amitji very early. I really wanted Rajini sir to be in this film, especially after I saw his Robot. If his health allows and if he gets a chance, it would be a huge blessing for the film. But at this point, it is not confirmed. He was not well when I spoke with him, but he is much better now. Nothing matters more than making sure that Rajini sir is healthy.

Is it true that just like Akon, Lady Gaga was also supposed to be part of the music score?

I met the managers of Lady Gaga. By the time we presented her with the song and asked her to participate, it was too late to produce it. Her managers were gracious, but she is not part of our film.

Is Ra. One, India's most expensive film?

I don't know how much money others put into their films, but it is the highest budget from our production company. It is the most expensive film I have worked in. Cheque pe sign karte karte ungliya ghis gayi, dost.  It was my dream to be part of a film that's special. I am one of the few people who has lived his dream.

Shoaib Akhtar has said in his biography that he has been cheated by you and Lalit Modi during the IPL bidding. He has also said that Sachin is very scared of him.

Jitna sach is baat mein hai ki Sachin Tendulkar unse darte hain, utna sach iss baat mein hain ki humne unke saath dhokha kiya hai.

How does it feel to be Shah Rukh Khan?

You need to make whoever employs you happy; you need to give them value for the trust they repose in you. It takes a lot of time for people to trust another face, another name. I work for a lot of directors and producers but I am my audience's employee. My naani used to tell me that you lose one second of life with every photograph that is taken of you. It's my heart's desire that I get so many pictures clicked ke jitna jald ho sake utni jaldi khatam ho jaaoon. I will be able to serve the audience. I have been working for 20 years, the energy comes from the fact that I want to go out there and do even better, look nicer and work harder.

Sometimes, I get angry, I misbehave, and at home, I am scolded for it as well. I feel very bad. I try my best to be humble.

What is the difference between a superhero and a superstar?

A superhero is a little unselfish. A person can become a superhero in any way, it is not necessary that he has to wear tights and fly. I feel love is a big superpower. You can become a superhero if you are selfless.

A superstar is just a logo. I have never felt like a superstar. If people call me that, I feel nice. If they call me baadshah, I feel nicer. But I don't believe in any of this. I don't think that if I am a baadshah, then I am not worried on a Friday. I believe every Friday I have to make sure my work is appreciated.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2503597.ece