Shahrukh Khan - the Living Legend free essay sample

His eighth Filmfare Best Actor Award win made him the most awarded Bollywood actor of all time in that category, tied only with actor Dilip Kumar. In 2005, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri for his contributions towards Indian cinema. After graduating with a bachelors degree in economics, he started his career appearing in theatre and several television serials in the late 1980s and later made his Hindi film debut in 1992 with Deewana. Early in his career, Khan was recognised for his unconventional choice of portraying negative roles in films such as Darr (1993), Baazigar (1993), and Anjaam (1994). He later rose to prominence by playing a series of romantic roles in the films Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995). ,[8] Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). [9] The commercial success of these films earned him the tag of the King of Romance. [8] Khan then subsequently earned wide critical appreciation for his portrayal of a NASA scientist in Swades (2004), a hockey coach in Chak De! India (2007), and as the titular character in My Name Is Khan (2010). We will write a custom essay sample on Shahrukh Khan the Living Legend or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 10][11] 12 of the films he has acted in, have accumulated gross earnings of over 100 crore (US$18 million) worldwide,[12][13] making him one of the most successful leading actors of Hindi cinema. [14] Khan is the co-founder of Dreamz Unlimited, a production company and occupies the position of co-chairman of the motion picture production and distribution company Red Chillies Entertainment and the animation studio Red Chillies VFX. He is also co-owner of the Indian Premier League cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders. [15] The year 2007 marked his debut as a television presenter with the Star Plus gaming show Kaun Banega Crorepati. 16] Khan is often labelled by the Media as Brand SRK due to his various brand endorsement and entrepreneurship ventures. He is also a regular stage performer and award ceremony host and has been involved in philanthropic endeavors related to Health care, relief funds and childrens education, for which he was honoured with the UNESCOs Pyramide con Marni award in 2011. [17][18] Khan is considered to be one of the biggest film stars in cinematic history, with a fan following claimed to number in the billions; in 2011, the Los Angeles Times called him the worlds biggest movie star. [19] He has also been regularly featured in the listing of the most powerful names in Indian Cinema and in 2008, Newsweek named him one of the 50 most powerful people in the world. [5] Khan has an estimated net worth of over US $600 million(25 bi llion). [20][21][22][23] He has been married to Indian film producer and interior designer, Gauri Khan since 1991, and together they have two children. Contents [hide] 1 Early life and background 2 Acting career 2. 1 1988–92: Early work and breakthrough 2. 2 1993–97: Critical and commercial success 2. 3 1998–2002: International recognition 2. 4 2003: Spine injury and subsequent surgery . 5 2003–10: Stardom and critical acclaim 2. 6 2011–present: Continuing other ventures 3 Producer 4 Philanthropy 5 Non-film work 5. 1 Television presenting 5. 2 Stage performances 5. 3 Brand SRK 5. 4 Ownership of IPL cricket team 6 Public image 7 In popular media 8 Acting style and analysis 9 Filmography 10 See also 11 Notes 12 Bibliography 13 External links Early life and background Khan was born on 2 November 1965 to Muslim parents in New Delhi, India. [24][25] His father, Taj Mohammed Khan, a Pathan, was an Indian independence activist from Peshawar, British India , present day Pakistan. According to Khan, his paternal grandfather was originally from Afghanistan. [26] His mother, Lateef Fatima, was the adopted daughter of Major General Shah Nawaz Khan of the Janjua Rajput clan, who served in the Indian National Army. [27] Khans father came to New Delhi from Qissa Khawani Bazaar in Peshawar before the partition of India,[28] Regarding his origins, he described himself on Twitter as half hyderabadi (mom) half Pathan (Dad) some kashmiri (grandmom)[29] His father died from cancer when Khan was 15 years old, and his mother died in 1990 after prolonged illness. 30][31] Khan was very attached to his parents as a child and describes their early deaths as a turning point in his life and as his biggest motivation for hard work. He explained that his ideology in life is to make movies so damn bloody big that my parents somewhere sit down on a star and from there also can look at their son and say I can see his movies from here better than I can see the Wall of China or anythin g. We see his movies covering the face of this earth. [32] Khan has an elder sister named Shehnaz. [33] Growing up in Rajendra Nagar neighbourhood of Delhi,[34] Khan attended St. Columbas School where he was accomplished in sports, drama, and academics. He won the Sword of Honour, an annual award given to the student who best represents the spirit of the school. Khan later attended the Hansraj College (1985–1988) and earned his Bachelors degree in Economics. When Hansraj College celebrated its 50th anniversary, it gave away 17 shields to its alumni who had excelled in their lives and professions. Khan was one of them. Though he pursued a Masters Degree in Mass Communications at Jamia Millia Islamia, he later opted out to pursue a career in Bollywood. 35] He also attended the National School of Drama in Delhi. [36] After the death of his mother, Khan moved to Mumbai in 1991. [37] He married Gauri Chibber, a Hindu, in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony on 25 October 1991. [30] They have two children, son Aryan (b. 1997) and daughter Suhana (b. 2000). According to Khan, while he strongly believes in Islam, he also values his wifes religion. At home, his children follow both religions, with the Quran being situated next to the Hindu deities. [38] Acting career See also: Shahrukh Khan filmography 1988–92: Early work and breakthrough Khan studied acting under the mentorship of theatre director Barry John at Delhis Theatre Action Group (TAG). [39] Khans first starring role was in Lekh Tandons television series Dil Dariya, but due to production delays, the 1988 television series, Fauji was his television debut. He played the leading role of Commando Abhimanyu Rai in the critically acclaimed show, which earned him mass recognition. [37][40] He went on to appear in Aziz Mirzas Circus (1989)[41] and played a minor role in the made-for-television English-language film, In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones (1989). His appearance in these teleserials, led critics to compare his acting style with that of film actor Dilip Kumar. [42] In 1991, Khan shifted base to Mumbai and received his first film offer with Hema Malinis directorial debut Dil Aashna Hai. [37] However, due to production delays, his second film, Deewana (1992), alongside Rishi Kapoor and Divya Bharti released first. [36][43] The film became a box office hit, and launched his career in Bollywood. [44] Despite portraying a supporting character in the film, he won a Filmfare Best Male Debut Award, the following year. He subsequently featured in Mani Kauls adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevskys The Idiot, Idiot. Originally made for television, the film eventually received a theatrical release and debuted at the New York Film Festival on 8 October 1992. [45] Later that year, he played the titular character in the comedy, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, which was his first of many collaborations with actress Juhi Chawla. The film proved to be a box office hit. [46] He went on to star in Ketan Mehtas Maya Memsaab, an adaptation of Gustave Flauberts novel Madame Bovary. Upon release, the film generated controversy in India due to Khans appearance in an explicit sex scene with co-star Deepa Sahi. [47] 1993–97: Critical and commercial success In 1993, Khan garnered appreciation for portraying negative roles, that of an obsessive lover and a murderer, respectively, in the box office hits, Darr and Baazigar. [48] The Encyclopedia of Hindi Cinema analyzed that he defied the image of the conventional hero in both these films and created his own version of the revisionist hero. [49] Darr marked the first of many collaborations of Khan with film-maker Yash Chopra and his banner Yash Raj Films. Khans stammering in the film and the usage of the phrase, I love you, Kkkiran, were popular with the audiences. [50] His other release, Baazigar, in which he played an ambiguous avenger who murders his girlfriend, shocked the Indian audiences with an unexpected violation of the standard Bollywood formula. [51] His performance in Baazigar won him his first Filmf are Best Actor Award. The same year, Khan played the role of a love-struck musician in Kundan Shahs dramedy Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, a performance that earned him a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance. In a retrospective review by Rediff, Sukanya Verma called it Khans best performance and added, He was spontaneous, vulnerable, boyish, mischievous and acting straight from the heart. [52] Khan, himself, considers this film to the best film that he has acted in. [53] In 1994, Khan once again played an obsessive lover in Anjaam, co-starring Madhuri Dixit. Though the film was a commercial failiure, Khans performance earned him the Filmfare Best Villain Award. [54] Khan, holding a painting of his character Raj Malhotra from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge(1995) that was gifted to him during an appearance on a TV show. In 1995, Khan starred in two box-office blockbusters. His first release was Rakesh Roshans melodramatic thriller Karan Arjun, in which Khan was a part of an ensemble cast that included Salman Khan, Kajol, Mamta Kulkarni, Raakhee and Amrish Puri. The film, which dealt with the concept of reincarnation, became the second-highest grossing film of the year in India. 55] He followed it with Aditya Chopras directorial debut, the romance Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. A major critical and commercial success, the film became the years top-grossing production in India and abroad. [56] The film was declared an all time blockbuster; it remains the longest-running film in the history of Indian cinema[57] and as of 2011, it is still playing at the Maratha Mandir theatre in Mumbai. [58] Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge has grossed over 1. 2 billion worldwide. The film won ten Filmfare Awards, and Khans performance as a young NRI who alls for Kajols character while on a trip across Europe won him critical acclaim and his second Best Actor Award at the Filmfare. In 2005, Indiatimes Movies ranked the film amongst the 25 Must See Bollywood Films, citing it as a trendsetter of sorts. [59] Raja Sen reviewed, Khan gives a fabulous performance, redefining the lover for the 1990s with great panache. Hes cool and flippant, but sincere enough to appeal to the junta [audience]. The performance itself is, like the best in the business, played well enough to come across as effortless, as non-acting. [60] 1996 proved to be a disappointing year for Khan, as he appeared in two critical and commercial failiures, Praveen Nischols English Babu Desi Mem and Mahesh Bhatt Chaahat[61] However, in 1997, his starring role in Subhash Ghais social dram a Pardes earned him commercial success. The film, which also featured Mahima Chaudhry and Apurva Agnihotri, saw him portray the role of Arjun, a musician facing a moral dilemma. His performance earned him a nomination for the Best Actor at the Filmfare Award ceremony. He then featured in Aziz Mirzas romantic comedy, Yes Boss, opposite Juhi Chawla. Upon release, the film performed moderately well at the box-office. [62] His final release of the year was Yash Chopras blockbuster musical romanance, Dil to Pagal Hai. The project, also featuring Madhuri Dixit and Karishma Kapoor, marked his second collaboration with the filmmaker. Khan essayed the role of Rahul, a stage director who falls in love with one of his new actresses, played by Dixit. The film as well as his performance met with critical appreciation; he won his third Best Actor Award at the Filmfare. [62] 1998–2002: International recognition In 1998, Khan appeared in three films. His first release was Mahesh Bhatts action comedy, Duplicate opposite Juhi Chawla and Sonali Bendre. The film, which saw him portray a double role, marked his first of many collaborations with Yash Johars production company, Dharma Productions. The film however, failed to do well at the box office. [63] He then won critical praise for his performance in Mani Ratnams acclaimed Dil Se The film was the third in Ratnams trilogy of terror films that depict human relationships against a background of Indian politics, after Roja (1992) and Bombay (1995). 64][65] Khan played the part of Amarkant Amar Varma, an All India Radio correspondent, who develops an infatuation for a mysterious terrorist, played by Manisha Koirala. [66] Rediff. com published, Khan delivers a compelling performance. He plays the part with taut restraint, and expresses exasperation superbly. [67] The film,which failed financially in India, however, emerged as a commercial success overseas,[68] becoming the first Indian film to enter the top 10 at the United Kingdom box office. [69][70] His final release of the year was Karan Johars candyfloss romance, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, which paired him with Kajol and Rani Mukerji. The film was declared an all time blockbuster, with a worldwide gross of over 1 billion. [71] Khan played the role of Rahul Khanna, a college student, who falls in love with his best friend, Anjali(Kajol) after the death of his wife, Tina( Rani Mukerji), years after breaking contact with her. His performance won him the Best Actor award at the Filmfare ceremony for the second consecutive year. Khans only release in 1999, Baadshah opposite Twinkle Khanna, was an average grosser, for which he earned a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Performance in a Comic Role. 72] In the same year, Khan set up his own production company, Dreamz Unlimited with actor, Juhi Chawla and director, Aziz Mirza. (see below). In 2000, the three collaborated on their first film, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. The film opened to mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike and failed to emulate the commercial success of the trios previous films, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman and Yes Boss. [73] Khans next release was Mansoor Khans action drama Josh. The film starred Khan as the leader of a Christian gang in Goa, with Aishwarya Rai playing his twin sister. The film emerged as a box office success in both India and abroad. [73] Vinayak Chakravorty of Hindustan Times wrote that Khan basks in his tailormade role, donning with panache the garb of a streetsmart tough. [74] He next played the role of a Muslim archaeologist, beaten to death during the unrest following the partition of India in Hey Ram. Directed by and co-starring Kamal Hassan, the film was critically acclaimed and was selected as Indias entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars that year. [75] Additionally, for the Tamil version of the film, Khan dubbed for his own lines. 76] His final release of the year was Aditya Chopras romantic drama, Mohabbatein, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan. The film was a major financial success, and Khans performance as a music teacher was acclaimed by critics; Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama mentioned him to be outstanding as Raj Aryan. He was awarded his second Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film. I n 2001, Khan produced and essayed the titular role in Santosh Sivans historical epic, Asoka, a partly fictionalised account of the life of Ashoka the Great. 77] The film was screened at the Venice Film Festival and the 2001 Toronto International Film Festival to a positive response. [78] The film, which also featured Kareena Kapoor received generally positive reviews with Khan receiving favourable reactions for his performance; Rediff concluded that he puts in a strong performance, in this well defined role. [79] He next collaborated with Karan Johar again in the family drama, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, in which he featured as a part of an ensemble cast that included Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan. The film was a major financial success in India and the top-grossing Indian production of all-time in the overseas market until 2006, earning over 1. 17 billion worldwide. [80] Khans portrayal of Rahul Raichand, an adopted son of Bachchans character, who disowns him for marrying a girl belonging to a lower socio-economic group than his family, played by Kajol, met with wide public appreciation. Khan described the character of Rahul by saying, I love the vulnerability and the honesty in his eyes. He has the appeal of a boy next door. Besides, his intensity and ability to convey emotions without words is amazing. [81] Taran Adarsh reviewed, Khan sparkles yet again, noting that he performed the part with amazing poise, class, honesty and maturity. [82] It garnered him another nomination for the Filmfare Best Actor Award. Khan termed Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham as a turning point in his career. [81] In 2002, Khan played the titlular role, The role of Devdas in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis period romance, Devdas, which was the most expensive Bollywood film ever made at the ti