Update Your FKGK. Review on King of Bollywood: Shah Rukh Khan and the Seductive World of Indian Cinema - Anupama Chopra

FKGK - Faaltu Ka General Knowledge

The front-page news in today’s supplement has Shahrukh Khan declare that he is “hurt” over statements that he cannot act.After 19 yrs in the industry, he says his survival surely cannot be a fluke?

The King Of Bollywood as the book’s title refers to him has never found unanimous acceptance of his reign. When the phrase king khan first started doing the rounds, it was widely believed that he was a result of media hype – hoisted on the masses by a media that found him accessible and eminently quotable. Not that his movies weren’t huge successes – still…there were always other contenders who were at least his equal in terms of popularity. Till today his acting is constantly compared with Aamir’s who is often seen as a better “actor”. This non-smooth yet undeniable supremacy makes Shahrukh an interesting subject for a biography in a movie-obsessed world.

But Anupama Chopra is smart enough to see that this alone would not sell. There is information galore on Shahrukh (unlike say Aamir whose life is a mystery); if anything, he seems to be everywhere - from ads (where the superstar even endorses fairness creams for men – yikes!) to magazine articles. He is also never shy of expressing himself on any subject – from his wife and kids to his career related friendships within the industry. In an interview Chopra explained that her book would still work because of the “context”, the “connections” you can find in a book – that which you wouldn’t find in a magazine or on the net.  And she is right. The book is also clearly targeted at NRIs  for whom Shahrukh seems to be some sort of a demi-god (judging by the success of stage shows and Shahrukh films).  To them specifically she tells the story of Shahrukhs success.

Starting with one fans’ dream-meet with Shahrukh, on –stage in a show in America, the book introduces Shahrukh as an idol with a hysterical fan-following from all corners of the world and even among non-indians (interesting) who find the drama of bollywood more relatable than Hollywood. However she is clearly no wide-eyed fan herself and the amused-onlooker attitude injects humour and objectivity to the book. She exaggerates only a little.

Shahrukh’s parents came from Peshawar and their story itself is pretty fascinating. In fact what really makes the book tick is the fact that it views Shahrukh’s life and success in the context of both bollywood and India in general. She brings a journalistic flair to the correlation of events in Shahrukhs life with those in bollywods’/Indias’ history. So there are in fact three parallel stories in the book. She picks some wonderful anecdotes to tell and is consistently entertaining. There is an element of overoptimism in all these stories that is perhaps suited to her subject. One might be left with the impression that Bollywood and India along with Shahrukh are all hurtling towards a glorious end where everyone admits to their well-deserved success after a history of nonacceptance. But it is not a smug book in general and makes for a pacy read.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book for the host of informational anecdotes and the humorous way in which she tells her story.

There are no exposes but there is a lot that has not been heard before. From his family to his being hounded by the underworld, there is much that will make for a good read. Of course there is the more interesting stuff which is left out. His relationship with his sister is not really commented on. There is a picture of Shahrukh and Karan Johar in the book which has them looking all pale and pink and trendy – also very gay.  But there is no discussion at all in the book regarding this controversy except to say that Shahrukh got violent with one journo who questioned him on his sexual inclination. But then one did not really expect any such conclusion on the subject in the book. And frankly who cares, assuming he is gay, one can’t really expect him to admit to it in this country and in his profession; and if he isn’t, well, okay. What is a fact is that his marriage has been surprisingly enduring and scandal-free.

While I am no fan of Shahrukh, I do enjoy seeing him in shows and he is the first superstar to be so witty. The tongue-in-cheek humour gives him a very modern appeal. The haanji, naji, iamsohumbleji attitude is thankfully non-existent in him. His arrogance has gone from being seen as disgusting to one that is perhaps just his way of being, and is therefore not so bad as the slimy false-modesty of other actors. Chopra refers to one of his first interviews to stardust where “he pontificated at length on what ails stars: “ It seems like these stars have just come here to earn some money fame, glory and throw their weight around. Acting be damned. They do not understand the concept of acting. I mean there is no concept…..I mean where’s your professionalism?” After success, the quotes became more self-important : “I am the best and I have to compete with myself..”……..By September 1992. Stardust headlines were asking : Can the industry digest Shahrukh khans arrogance?”

But clearly, today his arrogance is not seen as offensive. It is a harmless trait of a very popular star. In fact a cousin who is a fan (to put it mildly) of Shahrukh’s is now furious with the Bacchhans because at an award show they reacted stiffly to Shahrukh’s mild and clearly non-malicious jokes aimed at them. Who do they think they are? Shahrukh even makes fun of himself doesn’t he?  True, but I am not sure that he’ll find it equally funny if a Hritik Roshan starts being witty on him on stage.

The book does a fair job of analysing Shahrukhs success. But the most interesting parts in the book discuss the changes in India over the years. Chopra puts in a couple of cautious statements like one about “smiling, skeletal children begging..”but otherwise gives a rather giddy assessment of India today and her global presence. A mild irritant in the book is the way it clearly addresses NRIs and perhaps the stray white who might read the book. At one point she introduces each female character in shahrukhs life with a comment about her “fair-skinned” colour. What is that supposed to mean – see we are civilised enough to appreciate pale skin or what ? But then that’s her assessment of the books potential readers I guess. Overall it’s a quick-read and an enjoyable book.

PS: The four stars in no way rank this book independently as a very good book. It is just that it is as pacy and informative as one might expect a book on a current superstar to be.