Saif Ali says SRK made his career playing 'male stalker'
What's the story
Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan recently spoke about the criticism faced by Shahid Kapoor-starrer Kabir Singh. While speaking about the controversial film in a recent interview, the 49-year-old actor addressed the Indian audience's fixation with the "male stalker" character and how his Kal Ho Naa Ho co-star, Shah Rukh Khan, made a career out of it. Here's more on what he said.
Details
'Male stalker is almost a genre for Indian cinema'
Khan told ZoomTV that he never considered the socio-political ramifications of Kabir Singh. "I've only thought of the dramatic potential" quickly adding that perhaps he should have. However, he shifted the onus on the audience, saying, "Male stalker is almost a genre for Indian cinema and somehow it's always been successful." He added, "Shah Rukh Khan made his career on it in the beginning."
Hollywood's influence
Characters influenced by Hollywood because 'we copy a lot': Khan
Khan said, "We have a tendency to give the audience what we feel they want, and again, these characters must've trickled down from the West because we copy a lot." He mentions the 1991 Hollywood film A Kiss Before Dying where "a guy who starts bumping off the girls in the family he wants to take revenge from." The film inspired SRK's Baazigar.
Audience’s role
Khan believes films will be made if there's an audience
On the audience's role in cinema, Khan said viewers draw the line on what they choose to watch. He added, "But if they do want to watch it, a producer would be willing to make the money, for sure, and an actor might be excited to cross that line." He questioned, "Should we be preaching or should we give the people what they want?"
Picking roles
Khan says he was offered 'Batla House'
Khan revealed he was offered Batla House, the August release starring John Abraham. He said, "But somebody said, 'It's good you didn't do it, because it's kind of anti-Muslim.'" He added, "I'd never thought of that. That's not where my mind goes." Khan said only if something is "blatantly socially-irresponsible" it could strike him as unappealing and perhaps he wouldn't enjoy performing the role.
Career
Khan's next film 'Laal Kaptaan' to release on October 18
Khan was last seen in the second season of the Netflix Original Sacred Games. His next film Laal Kaptaan is slated for a release on October 18. In the film, Khan plays a naga sadhu seeking revenge. The film also stars Manav Vij, Zoya Hussain, and Deepak Dobriyal. He is also working on the films Jawaani Jaaneman, Taanaji: The Unsung Warrior.