My Name is Khan 'a tiring experience'

Shahrukh Khan's upcoming film 'My name is Khan' may well be worth a hundred crores, but according to director Karan Johar it was a torturous experience shooting it.

According to KJo, SRK tried his hand at 'method acting' to prepare for the role and even during filming; the actor remained in character even off screen.

Shahrukh became Rizwan Khan through and through, "It has taken its toll on me and Shah Rukh. It's true Shah Rukh remained in character as Rizwan Khan even at home. At home in his body language he's always Rizwan. I see him doing it all the time. I don't think he has got out of it. Even when he's with his children at home." KJo said.

So how did Karan Johar go about researching autism for the character of Rizwan Khan? "Shibani and I met the couple. They were gracious enough to meet us in London. And that couple's relationship became the basis of Rizwan and Mandira's relationsip in 'My Name Is Khan.' At its core level this film is a love story," he said.

"My writer Shibani Bhatija researched extensively on various aspects of an autistic disorder and contacted the various National Autistic Centres.

Shibani and I personally met a lot of autistic people, took notes went to U-Tube. Then Shah Shah Rukh did his own research." he added. He also said that the strenuous shoot has sapped him of all his strength and that he would kike to day a few weeks off. "I need to go away for a month. I don't think it will happen. But no harm in dreaming." he said.

However, KJo vehemently denies claims of 'My name is Khan' resembling the likes of such films as Forest Gump. "It's not Tom Hanks in 'Forrest Gump' at all. That was a totally different strain of autism. It's nearer to Dustin Hoffman in 'Rain Man', though still very different. It's what we call high-functional autism. You can have a regular life, be married, have children. But the syndrome does convey a fair amount of quirks and eccentricities. But his character is not essentially neuro-typical. The film has made me understand human behaviour and how to be compassionate and humane."