'Surprised me in every scene': 'Raees' director on SRK's magic
What's the story
Shah Rukh Khan's commitment to his craft is legendary, and a recent revelation by Raees director Rahul Dholakia further proves this. In an interview with SCREEN, Dholakia shared how Khan went the extra mile for his character in the 2017 film. He even "sucked on mutton bones" to make his portrayal of Miya Bhai more authentic! Khan turned 60 on Sunday.
Dedication
'He surrenders himself, doesn't come with rigid ideas'
Dholakia told SCREEN, "He spoils the director. It was quite a fabulous experience." "He is keen and sharp." "He puts in a lot of effort. He comes in very prepared and is always ready to experiment. He surrenders himself, doesn't come with rigid ideas." "It was a collaborative experience working with him. He is aware of what's happening and where in the world, especially in the sectors of liquor, prohibition laws." "He is well-referenced with films in the past."
Process
He makes notes, looks studious: Dholakia
The director added, "From the first meeting till the last one, he was never distracted, no phone calls, no messages. He makes you feel the way it should be. He respects you and your time, which helps a lot." "He makes notes while discussing the script, looks like a studious guy." "And, it's true that he comes down to drop you till the gate, no matter if someone is sitting or what time it is."
Actor's commitment
Khan's commitment to the role left Dholakia in awe
Dholakia said, "He surprised me in every scene. The second scene was him sitting with Zeeshan Ayyub and eating at a dhaaba." "He was supposed to eat mutton over there. We were told that he won't eat the mutton and his food will come from Oberoi - the chicken." "I got that, but the scene didn't work till he ate the mutton the way it was supposed to be eaten because he was miya bhai from the ghettos of Gujarat."
Behind-the-scenes
How SRK made a simple scene memorable
Dholakia continued, "I told him that this is the scene and character, and you should eat the suggested mutton opposed to what some people are saying." "He said, 'Mai toh mutton hi khaaunga na (I will eat the mutton only)." "Then, he ate that mutton how Miya bhai would eat or how someone who enjoys eating it, by tapping and sucking the bones." "It became a very natural scene then, that's what adds to the scene."