Why I Love SRK

Summary

This video script explores the life and career of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to fame, his struggles and personal life challenges, and his evolving image in the public eye. It also delves into the narrator's personal connection with Khan, discussing the impact of his story and values on the narrator's own life. The script touches on themes of talent, success, masculinity, and the pressures of stardom, while reflecting on the changing landscape of Bollywood and the importance of perseverance and authenticity.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The Great Man Theory suggests that history is shaped by the actions of a few exceptional individuals, contrasting with the personal aspirations of many to achieve greatness in various fields.
• 🎬 Shahrukh Khan's early life was not marked by an immediate inclination towards acting or a belief in his own good looks, but rather by a desire to create wonders and a journey through various educational and career paths.
• 🏆 Despite not being naturally inclined towards acting, Khan's success in Bollywood was rapid, highlighting the importance of determination and timing in achieving fame and recognition.
• 💔 Personal struggles, such as the arrest of his son Aryan Khan, show that even the most successful individuals face hardships and challenges that can affect their public image and personal life.
• 🤔 The script challenges the notion that talent alone guarantees success, suggesting that hard work, determination, and the ability to adapt are equally, if not more, important.
• 💼 The importance of financial stability is emphasized, with the suggestion that materialistic success can provide the freedom to pursue other interests and passions.
• 📚 The speaker shares a course aimed at helping individuals become successful freelancers, offering advice on choosing skills, finding clients, and overcoming the loneliness of freelance work.
• 🌐 Shahrukh Khan's rise to fame coincided with a period of significant change in India, including economic liberalization and a growing connection with the world, which he leveraged in his roles.
• 👨‍👧 The personal values and identity of Shahrukh Khan, shaped by his upbringing among women, influenced his portrayal of romantic and masculine roles in his films.
• 👫 Khan's respect for women and his views on relationships, as well as his dedication to his wife, are highlighted as positive aspects of his personal life.
• 🚫 The script also acknowledges the darker side of fame, with the potential for controversy and the loss of privacy, as well as the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the public eye.

Q & A

What does the Great Man Theory suggest about individuals and history?

The Great Man Theory posits that history is shaped by the actions of a few extraordinary individuals, implying that these special people are the driving force behind significant historical changes.

What was Shahrukh Khan's initial career aspiration?

Shahrukh Khan initially aspired to create wonders and did not initially aim to become an actor. He was more interested in making ad films after studying mass communication.

How did Shahrukh Khan's personal life affect his career?

Shahrukh Khan faced difficulties in his personal life, including his son Aryan Khan's arrest, which impacted him emotionally but did not deter him from his career ambitions.

What did Shahrukh Khan's early life in Delhi consist of?

Shahrukh Khan grew up in Delhi, attending school at St. Columbus and later studying Economics at Hans Raj College, Delhi University.

What was the speaker's initial perception of Shahrukh Khan's acting talent?

The speaker found Shahrukh Khan's acting talent to be average, citing a movie as 'rubbish' due to its lack of logic, which indicates that the speaker did not initially appreciate his acting skills.

What is the speaker's opinion on the importance of talent versus hard work for success?

The speaker believes that hard work is more important than talent for achieving success, and finds Shahrukh Khan's story of determination relatable and inspirational.

How did Shahrukh Khan's background and upbringing influence his perspective on women?

Growing up among women in a family with three aunts and his mother, Shahrukh Khan developed a unique and respectful perspective towards women, which influenced his views on masculinity and romance.

What was the impact of India's liberalization on Shahrukh Khan's career?

India's liberalization connected the country with others, creating a vacuum in Bollywood that Shahrukh Khan filled by playing the role of a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) in many of his films, which resonated with the changing times.

What challenges did Shahrukh Khan face as his career progressed?

Despite his initial success, Shahrukh Khan faced challenges such as the rise of new actors like Hrithik Roshan, changes in audience preferences, and the need to adapt to evolving cinematic trends.

How did Shahrukh Khan's personal values and work ethic influence the speaker's views on success and life?

The speaker was influenced by Shahrukh Khan's values and work ethic, particularly his dedication to family, respect for women, and belief in hard work over talent, which helped the speaker to overcome personal insecurities and aspire for success.

What was the speaker's reaction to Shahrukh Khan's involvement in controversial advertisements?

The speaker expressed disappointment in Shahrukh Khan's decision to promote controversial products, which affected the speaker's perception of him, despite acknowledging his self-awareness about smoking.

How did the Aryan Khan incident affect the speaker's view of Shahrukh Khan?

The Aryan Khan incident led the speaker to appreciate Shahrukh Khan's dignity and humanity in the face of crisis, as he maintained respect and composure even when questioned about his patriotism.

What is the speaker's final stance on Shahrukh Khan after the various discussions in the script?

The speaker concludes that while they may not be a fan of Shahrukh Khan's recent movies or certain decisions, they continue to admire the person he is, highlighting the distinction between the actor's professional work and personal character.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Shahrukh Khan's Personal and Professional Journey

This paragraph delves into the Great Man Theory and how Shahrukh Khan, despite not having a 'God-like talent,' has made a significant impact on the film industry and the hearts of his fans. It reflects on Khan's humble beginnings in Delhi, his initial reluctance to become an actor, and the challenges he faced in his personal life, including his son's arrest. The narrative also touches upon the author's personal connection with Khan, highlighting how his story is relatable and inspiring, moving beyond the realm of talent to one of perseverance and personal growth.

05:07

💼 The Value of Determination and Monetizing Skills

The second paragraph shifts focus to the importance of determination and financial independence, using Shahrukh Khan's success story as an example of rising to fame through hard work rather than innate talent. It discusses the author's transition from being a fan of Khan as a celebrity to appreciating him as an individual. The paragraph also introduces a course on becoming a successful freelancer, emphasizing the need for material stability to pursue one's passions and the importance of not letting materialism overshadow other life endeavors.

10:27

👑 Shahrukh Khan's Enduring Stardom and Masculinity

This section explores Shahrukh Khan's unwavering fame and his authentic persona, which remained unchanged despite his stardom. It discusses the impact of his upbringing on his views towards women and relationships, highlighting his respectful treatment of his wife and the influence of his family's matriarchal environment. The paragraph also touches upon Khan's work-life balance and the importance he places on personal relationships over professional commitments, offering a nuanced view of his character beyond the screen.

15:48

🚫 The Challenges of Ageing Superstars and Controversial Ads

The fourth paragraph addresses the difficulties faced by ageing superstars in the film industry, particularly in relation to Shahrukh Khan's later film choices and his struggle to maintain relevance with his fan base. It critiques some of his movie roles and the disconnect the author felt with the characters portrayed. The paragraph also raises concerns about Khan's involvement in promoting controversial products, suggesting a decline in the author's perception of the star, yet acknowledging his courage in addressing political issues.

20:50

🔍 Shahrukh Khan's Crisis Management and Personal Struggles

The final paragraph examines Shahrukh Khan's response to his son's arrest, praising his dignified and humane reaction amidst a media frenzy and public scrutiny. It reflects on Khan's unchanged Muslim identity and his openness in interviews, which initially attracted the author as a fan. The paragraph concludes with a sense of loss for fans, as the author speculates that Khan may become less open and candid in the future, potentially impacting the way his fans perceive and connect with him.

Keywords

💡Great Man Theory

The Great Man Theory is a historical concept suggesting that history is shaped by the actions of a few exceptional individuals. In the video, it is mentioned to contrast the idea that only a few special people can change history with the story of Shahrukh Khan, who despite not having a 'God-like talent,' has significantly impacted the film industry and the hearts of his audience. The theory is used to frame the discussion on the role of individual agency versus broader social forces in shaping one's success.

💡Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan is an Indian actor, film producer, and television personality, known for his work in Bollywood and his status as a global icon. The video script frequently references his career, personal life, and the public's perception of him. He is used as a case study to explore themes of success, talent, and the impact of an individual's actions on their public image.

💡Talent

Talent is a natural aptitude or skill for a particular activity. The script discusses the common narrative that success is almost guaranteed for those with exceptional talent, but it also presents Shahrukh Khan's story as an alternative narrative, where success is achieved through determination and hard work rather than innate talent.

💡Determination

Determination is the firmness of purpose or resolve. In the context of the video, it is highlighted as a key factor in Shahrukh Khan's success, suggesting that his perseverance and commitment to his goals were more influential than any inherent talent he may have possessed.

💡Introversion

Introversion refers to a personality trait where individuals prefer spending time in their own company or in small groups, often finding social interactions draining. The script mentions the speaker's personal identification with Shahrukh Khan's introverted nature and how it influenced their perception of success and personal strengths.

💡Romance

Romance in the script refers to both the genre of films that Shahrukh Khan is often associated with and the personal aspect of emotional intimacy and love. The video discusses how Khan's portrayal of romantic characters and his views on love and relationships have resonated with audiences.

💡Success

Success is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. The video explores different paths to success, challenging the notion that it is solely achieved through talent and emphasizing the role of hard work, determination, and personal values.

💡Freelancing

Freelancing is the practice of working as a self-employed individual rather than as part of an organization. The script mentions a course on becoming a successful freelancer, suggesting that leveraging one's skills in this manner can be a pathway to financial independence and success.

💡Materialism

Materialism is the belief that material possessions and physical comforts are the most important aspects of life. The video script discusses the balance between materialistic goals and the pursuit of other life achievements, suggesting that financial stability can provide the freedom to explore other interests.

💡Personal Branding

Personal branding is the process of creating and managing the public image of an individual. The script touches on how Shahrukh Khan's personal brand, including his values and identity, has influenced his career and the way he is perceived by the public.

💡Fandom

Fandom refers to a community of fans who are devoted to a particular celebrity, entertainment franchise, or subject. The video discusses the intense loyalty and sometimes fanatical behavior of fans, and how it can impact the choices and public persona of a star like Shahrukh Khan.

Highlights

The Great Man Theory posits that history is shaped by the actions of a few exceptional individuals.

Shahrukh Khan's early dream was to create wonders, reflecting his aspirations beyond traditional career paths.

Despite being a celebrated actor, Shahrukh Khan faced personal challenges and the impact of his work began to wane.

Shahrukh Khan's son's arrest and the subsequent media frenzy put a spotlight on the actor's personal life.

The speaker's affection for Shahrukh Khan transcends his filmography, rooted in a deeper connection to his persona.

Success stories often emphasize innate talent, which can be discouraging for those who feel they lack extraordinary abilities.

Shahrukh Khan's journey to stardom was not solely based on exceptional talent but also on relatable determination and hard work.

The speaker's early life and career choices were influenced by Shahrukh Khan's persona and values.

Shahrukh Khan's appeal as a star has evolved from being a romantic hero to being admired for his personal qualities.

The speaker advocates for financial independence as a precursor to pursuing philosophical or creative endeavors.

Freelancing is presented as an effective way to monetize one's skills and achieve financial independence.

The speaker offers a comprehensive course to help individuals become successful freelancers, with a special discount for the new year.

Shahrukh Khan's rapid rise to fame in Bollywood was facilitated by the industry's recovery and his portrayal of NRI characters.

Shahrukh Khan's private life and work ethic are highlighted, showing a balance between professional commitment and personal time.

The speaker reflects on the challenges of maintaining authenticity and public image, especially in times of crisis.

Despite personal setbacks and changing public perception, Shahrukh Khan's resilience and character are admired.

The video concludes with a hopeful note, suggesting that Shahrukh Khan's story and influence are not yet over.

Transcripts

In history, the Great Man Theory says that

only a few special people change the course of history.

"Children have aspirations...they want to be engineers, etc...

what was your dream?"

"I wanted to create wonders."

But eventually, every individual's influence starts to diminish.

"For the first time, I've watched a rubbish movie by Shahrukh Khan."

"It's a rubbish movie for you."

"There was no logic in the film."

He was trying, but his films were not working.

He had to face many difficulties in his personal life.

"Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan, has been arrested."

"All the efforts for obtaining a bail have failed."

"Like an ordinary father, he too is waiting for his son to get back home."

"He shared a video of Shahrukh Khan and wrote: Did he spit?"

But Shahrukh Khan had other plans.

"And if it's not right, then it's not the end."

"The movie is yet to end, my friend."

This is the story of how I fell in love with Shahrukh Khan,

despite the fact that I didn't like his movies as much.

When you hear the story of a successful person, you will definitely hear one word --

Talent.

This is the story of how, at a very young age, that person found his career.

His parents and coach were very surprised to learn that

he had a God-like talent.

Which meant that success was almost guaranteed.

But I find such stories depressing.

Because we often learn from them that if you don't have a crazy talent,

then it's almost impossible to achieve success.

Shahrukh Khan's story is not about a God-like talent.

It's a story that I can relate to.

"So you grew up in Delhi."

"Yes."

"In Delhi, Talwar Nasingh Road, Pusa Road."

"After that, I went to school in St. Columbus."

"After 12th, I went to Hans Raj College, Delhi University, Economics."

"After that, I did mass communication because I wanted to make ad films."

I thought, this is fine.

"Because I didn't think I was good-looking."

"Nor did I think I knew how to act."

"Actually, I didn't want to become an actor."

"Very few people know that."

"I actually had a tragedy."

"I was playing in Ambedkar Stadium."

"I kicked in a penalty shootout."

"My right side's entire muscle was torn."

"What should I do?'

"I did some work in the theatre."

When I was a kid in the 90s,

I only knew one star.

Shahrukh Khan.

Now that I've grown up and I have real responsibilities in my life,

I'm not so interested in Shahrukh Khan the star.

In fact, I'm more interested in Shahrukh Khan the person.

"Let me tell you, there's no creativity in poverty."

Many of us have similar views.

"I tell everyone, first get rich, then become a philosopher."

Recently, I spoke to many subscribers and the most common question was,

I'm a student and I don't want to depend on my parents financially.

Or, I'm a working professional and I want to supplement my income.

"If you get materialistic, then you get time to do other things

and you enjoy it."

"But, don't get so much into materialism that you don't do other things in life."

"His story is inspirational for us because it's relatable."

"Your entry is very easy."

His story is about determination which can teach us a lot.

In our country, if you have a good degree, it's easy to earn money.

But, it doesn't mean other people should give up.

The most effective way to earn money is to monetize your skills as a freelancer.

That's why I've launched a comprehensive course

on how to become a successful freelancer.

A new year is coming.

So, please invest in yourself.

If you don't know which skill to choose, there's a module on that.

If you know the skill but can't find clients,

I've made a detailed module on how to write a good cold email to your client.

You might say, you can write a cold email to chatGPT.

But, if you've used it professionally, you know that

the quality of chatGPT is average.

For a good cold email, you need personalization and research.

I've talked about this in detail.

I've talked to many successful freelancers.

They said that many freelancers give up because they feel lonely.

I've shared many such things in the course so that

you don't make the same mistake that they've already made.

As the new year is coming, there's a 40% discount for the first 200 people

if you use the coupon code NY40.

Invest in yourself.

See you at the course.

"Shah Rukh Khan became famous very easily."

"Even a superstar like Amitabh Bachchan became successful

after struggling in the film industry for many years."

"Shah Rukh has been very successful in just 5 years."

Shah Rukh Khan's benefitted because when he entered Bollywood,

Bollywood was recovering.

Many industry experts call it the dark period of Bollywood.

That's the 1980s.

Now there was a vacuum in Bollywood which was filled by Shah Rukh Khan.

It was also a time when India was going through a major change.

India was connecting with other countries due to liberalization.

Shah Rukh Khan used this theme to play the role of an NRI character

in many of his films.

In his career ambitions, he was aspirational.

But in his values, he was Indian.

"This is how they show love in Punjab."

"There must be 2 or 3 reasons why Shah Rukh Khan is Shah Rukh Khan."

What do you think is the reason?

"Every sister saw a brother in him."

"Every friend saw a friend in him."

It's not that his dominance wasn't challenged by anyone.

But due to the rise of Hrithik Roshan and other actors,

Shahrukh Khan's stardom didn't diminish.

He didn't hide his true identity due to his stardom.

As I mentioned in a recent video, I used to believe that

my introversion was a weakness in my childhood.

Because I didn't like talking to other people, I thought I would never be successful.

Two things changed that.

Reading this book, and following role models like Shahrukh Khan.

"And you're the king of romance."

"I think only shy people are romantic."

Apart from introversion, Shahrukh Khan gave another aspect of masculinity.

And maybe that's why he thought about women in a very different way.

"The truth is that I grew up among women."

"My mother had three sisters and I think I was the only boy in my family."

"All the women loved me a lot."

When I met my wife, I was very influenced by Shahrukh Khan's views.

He doesn't crack wife jokes like WhatsApp and he doesn't disrespect them.

I give more importance to hard work than talent.

And I believe that even in love, you have to work hard.

"Everyone has seen a superstar, but how is Shahrukh Khan in private?"

"Sometimes it's 9-9, sometimes it's 2-10."

"And on Sundays, I don't work."

"It's 8 hours."

"The remaining 16 hours, I spend them with my wife."

"It's not a question of how much a film star devotes."

"Whoever wants to devote, does it."

Now I know that some people will mention Priyanka Chopra.

While collecting information, it became difficult to decide

what was true and what was false.

That's why I'm not mentioning this.

And it's also true that not every character he played was progressive.

"How do I look?"

"Just like Tina, right?"

"Please don't do anything. I'll decide what to do."

"Just do as I say."

"I have a plan."

"6 days...and she's yours."

Just 6 days.

For him, everything was perfect.

But then something changed.

And I was no longer a fan of his movies.

"I think everyone gets the film they're destined to get."

Instead of these movies, he did different movies.

Chennai Express performed well in the box office.

But I didn't like it because of its over-the-top nature.

"I start kicking in my dreams."

"Am I your scooter?"

"You're not Don's daughter. You're Donkey's daughter."

Then came Harry Met Sejal.

I couldn't relate to his character.

"I don't have a good character."

"What do you mean?"

"I look at girls with a bad eye."

It is difficult for an ageing superstar to romance a girl

who is 20-30 years younger than him.

I did like Dear Zindagi.

But it wasn't a long-term strategy for him.

Because such movies don't work for his stardom or for the fandom.

"When a person becomes a star,

he gets fans."

"Where does the word 'fan' come from?"

"It comes from fanatics."

"So fans see their star like this."

"There are fan clubs that keep fighting each other."

"There's an invisible war going on non-stop between all the fan clubs."

"So if you're not catering to the fan club,

it's difficult to make a movie with a star."

I know Jawan and Pathan were very successful.

They earned more than Rs. 1,000 crores.

But I didn't like either of these movies.

I did like the fact that Shah Rukh Khan talked about political issues.

That's very courageous.

But these movies were too massy for my taste.

I could have tolerated these movies.

But I don't understand why Shah Rukh Khan had to make such ads.

This isn't the first time that Shah Rukh Khan has promoted

a controversial product.

At least he was self-aware about smoking.

So my perception of him was definitely falling.

But one thing definitely changed this...

"Aryan Khan has been arrested in a drug case."

Umm...that did not age well.

Every news channel was covering it.

To judge someone you must observe how they react in a time of crisis.

He could've held a press conference

or do everything that a desperate father would do for his child.

Even in leaked What's App chats, he treated Sameer Wankhede respectfully.

It's not easy to respond to people with humanity and dignity

if people constantly question your patriotism.

"I had a dream of representing my nation."

"Either in hockey, cricket, or football."

"I really wanted to play for the Indian team."

He never tried to hide his Muslim identity.

So, I'm at a stage where I don't like his movies,

but I like the person in him...

ignoring tobacco ads.

It's sad becuase I became his fan because of his interviews.

But there's a possibility that this might not happen again.

After the Aryan Khan incident, I don't think he'll agree to do more interviews.

We might not see Shah Rukh Khan that often...

"Genuinely there are days when I'm sitting and I feel like screaming."

"Yes! I did that! I said that!"

"I'm going to say it! I'm Shah Rukh Khan."

"Earlier I used to take out my anger in awards functions."

"So, you're challenging me."

"I felt like saying whatever that came to my mind."

"Now you can't do that as well..."

It's a time when Shah Rukh might have won,

but his fans, including me, have lost.

Because we might never be able to see that open and candid Shah Rukh Khan.

Unless...

"The film isn't over yet, my friend."

So hopefully you liked this video, I don't know if you noticed

but we tried to do new things.

If you liked the video, subscribe

and if you're truly thinking of investing in yourself,

check out the course website.

If you like it, I'll see you there.

If you don't like it, it's okay.

I'll see you in the next video.