Shah Rukh Khan bared

When it comes to talking about his personal life, Shah Rukh Khan seems to be a shy man. So it comes as a surprise when one hears that the actor has agreed to let the crew of a reality TV show enter his personal space and follow him around the world for approximately a year.

He says, “Being a movie star, there are parts of me that even my family isn’t aware about. I have been candid about my feelings towards them in the show because I thought they should know what I feel about them.”

The show on Discovery Travel & Living starts in February and will be aired worldwide. Apart from talking about the show, Shah Rukh also bared his heart on various other topics.

Who knows the real SRK?
“It has to be Gauri. She knows me in-and-out and there’s nothing that I can keep from her. She is the only one I can share everything with.”

What unnerves you?
“I like to keep some aspects of my life private. I don’t tell my kids what I do. I don’t tell them what I shoot. I’m shy and I admit it. If my children, sister or wife turn up at the sets then I can’t act. It’s strange but that’s how I am. I like to respect personal space. I don’t open Gauri’s handbag or cupboard. I knock on my children’s door before entering.”

What keeps you going?
“I live for the camera. Without the camera I’m nobody. I love the excitement of movie-making and that I can live so many lives in one lifetime. I think in every movie I have left a part of me and I’m worried that one day I will not be in a position to give anything more. That will be the end of me.”

You say you relate to Michael Jackson’s love for kids. Isn’t that controversial?
“There has been only one star in the world and that’s Michael Jackson. If you are a star, you will be talked about. I love children and I can spend more time with them than adults. My acting guru told me that if you can hold the attention of kids you will be a great actor.”

What are your plans after retirement?
“I know that finally one day I will be all alone. Then I need that part of me that I now keep away from the spotlight. I need that part to lead a normal life. All my money and riches will go one day. I will cry, I will be depressed but it’s okay. I don’t watch the final print of any of my movies. I would do that only when I retire. And I guess 97 is a great age to do that.”

Aren’t you worried about the flagging fortunes of your cricket team?
“Though we have made profits, the team needs to do well and we all know that. I won’t be happy if we make money but my team does badly. I can earn money by acting, dancing at weddings and lots of other stuff. Sports is my passion and cricket is something I deeply feel for. You don’t sell your passion. I will not sell my team. But this season we are going in for a change of jersey. Manish Malhotra is working on it. I’m staying a little hands-off this year from my team. Sourav (Ganguly) told me that the team might be getting awed by my presence. So, though I will be with my team, I will let Sourav and the management handle things.”