Shah Rukh's Training School

Shah Rukh is helping his friend Salman Khan with the latter's upcoming television show, Dus Ka Dum. "I believe I have some experience to pass on. Otherwise, Salman is a honed actor," says SRK, who is television's most popular host these days.

SRK is also working on yet another walk. He has just started working on his gait for his forthcoming film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. In fact, that's how he approaches his characters, says the superstar. Through their gait. He has heard the script of the syrupy love story, written by close friend and filmmaker Aditya Chopra. "I have heard the script and I have started working on the character. I usually get working in the car and do my references. Developing the walk of my character is very crucial.
If you have been watching my films, each and every character has a distinct walk and run," says Shah Rukh, who has just recorded a hip-hop song along with Bappi Lahiri. He points out his different gaits in Kabhi Alvida Naa kehna, in Chak De, in Don…

"It was difficult. They made me sing each line thrice. Although I sang quite badly, they have made it sound good," he says. The generous actor has also made a string of guest appearances in his friends' films - Krazzy 4 and Bhootnath.

In circles where it really matters, the buzz is that Shah Rukh's item song in Krazzy 4 is pulling crowds to the theatres. But he has not seen his own song yet. "I have not seen my song. When I'm doing a guest appearance I don't ask any questions. I like to be treated like a guest on the sets and give my best wishes to the makers of the film. I'm not attached to it," he says.

The actor doesn't take any fee for such friendly appearances, but Rakesh Roshan forced him to take his remuneration for the song. Shah Rukh elaborates, "Rakeshji was very sweet. He said 'If you say no, I will never speak with you again'. Even Duggu (Hrithik) made me swear that I would not say 'no' to the money."

He moves on to produce his next film, Billo Barber. Director Priyadarshan and the actor has had problems getting an actress to play the barber's wife in the film. After Vidya Balan and Amisha Patel begged out of it, Lara will play the part now. "I had spoken with both Vidya and Amisha. They were not too keen on playing a mother on screen. But I feel today's young breed of actors shouldn't have these issues. If it's a good role, you should take it up."
mumbai news

Sandipan Dalal, Mumbai Mirror