"I am not comfortable kissing on-screen" - SRK

What if...

We want to know what Om Shanti Om means to you.
When I do a film, I try to keep myself away from the hype around it. What is important is how much of my heart and soul I have given to the film. It's not about the physical labour. It's not even the fact that I am the film's producer and the stakes are high. Sometimes the best work you do does not necessarily make it big. But does that make that work any smaller? OSO is a very well conceived film about happiness. At my age and even Farah's, we feel that we shouldn't be making things which make people sad.

What if critics are not kind to OSO?
I am not even thinking about that. I am sorry. It's not that you guys are not important. Everybody has a right to say what he/she wants. But if I start believing and get happy or disturbed about everything that is written, I am being untrue to my film.

If Farah Khan has changed as a director from the Main Hoon Na days...and how much?
Earlier, she was very good. Now, she has become marvellous. Earlier, she was comfortable with the songs. Now, she has also become comfortable with the scenes. It is commendable that she has handled OSO with aplomb and ease, despite being pregnant when it was being made. We must also appreciate the fact that she is one of the few women directors in the world who make commercially viable films.

If your daughter, Suhana wants to become an actress?
I will be worried if my daughter, Suhana decides to become an actress. Life is very difficult for actresses. Sometimes when I read certain things about actresses, I feel embarrassed. It's not right to treat women badly. I hope that my daughter makes it big as an actress and people respect her beyond the fact that she is a girl.

If your son, Aryan grows up to be a film critic?
I think he is already a film critic, and a fantastic one. He tells me if and when he doesn't like me much in any of my films. If he says that a film is going to be a big hit, it rings true. He has told me that OSO will be a big hit.

If you were to lip-lock on screen, who would you like your co-star to be?
I am not comfortable kissing on-screen. I have not kissed on-screen not because who my co-actress is, but because of who I am.

If you were to rate yourself as an actor on a scale of 1-10... and please don't be modest?
5.5. By the time I end my career; I'll try and increase it to 8.

If Karan Johar and Farah Khan stop talking to you forever?
I love Karan and Farah very much. They are a part of my life. They are as much a part of me as my heart is. If my son and daughter take a decision not to do a particular thing, I will stand by their decision. If Karan and Farah ever take a decision that they don't want to talk to Shah Rukh, I will respect it. But it would mark an end to a significant part of my life.

If tomorrow there were no cigarettes…?
I'll be fine. I am not pathetically inclined towards cigarettes. When I am on long international flights, I don't feel the urge to smoke. Even after getting off from the flight, I don't feel the urge to start smoking immediately.

If you were not Shah Rukh Khan- the actor?
I would have liked a career either in sports or teaching. It would still be a good life, whatever my career would have been if I wasn't an actor.

If you were Amitabh Bachchan?
Oh, that would be the luckiest thing that anybody could have. I think he has had a great life. Professionally, he is wonderful. Personally, he is very educated. We all have learnt from him. I don't think I can ever be Mr Bachchan.

If Kaun Banega Crorepati 4 goes to Amitabh Bachchan?
KBC always belonged to Mr Bachchan. Who Wants to be a Millionaire is an international format, but KBC in India became what it was only because of Mr Bachchan. If it goes back to him, it would be wonderful.

If Amar Singh invites you for dinner?
I would definitely accept the invitation if it is in Mumbai.

If Sonia Gandhi forces you to join politics?
Soniaji doesn't need to force anybody. Soniaji, her family and the people who run the government are far too intelligent to need silly people like me in politics.

If you met George Bush, what would you say to him?
There is not much to say to him. I'll just tell him Om Shanti Om (smiles). I have understood his politics. I was supposed to meet him at one point of time, but I didn't go. I feel that he has taken a wrong stand against certain countries. But then, he knows better. He is a President, we are nobody.

If nobody recognises you on the streets one day?
I don't know how not to be a star anymore. I can't think of life without being a star. It's like asking someone how you would feel if you don't breathe.

If you were a school teacher for a day?
I would be a very lenient and happy-go-lucky teacher. Also a little strict like I was in Chak De! India (smiles). I love kids.

If you were a news reporter for a day?
Being from the entertainment world, I would like to highlight the technicalities that go behind making a film, to the fore.

Vickey Lalwani, MumbaiMirror