One of Bollywood's most famous actors, Shahrukh Khan, says the appeal of Indian cinema lies in its unique combination of escapism and reality.
Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan speaks to #TalkAboutIt presenter Del Irani about fame, Indian cinema, cricket and the secret behind his signature dance moves. (Credit: ABC)
One of Bollywood's most famous actors, Shahrukh Khan, says the appeal of Indian cinema lies in its unique combination of escapism and reality.
"King Khan" as he's known has appeared in more than 75 films, from romantic dramas to action thrillers and is one of the world's highest paid actors.
Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, is one of the world's largest film productions regions producing up to 1,000 films a year.
Shahrukh Khan told Australia Network's #TalkAboutIt India's status as a developing nation is what makes its films different to the rest of the world.
"Somewhere down the line, the fantasies and escapism that we offer in our cinema is a little more real - it's like getting a job or buying a car or settling down with your wife and children," he said.
"They're not very fantastic...we don't yet go and blow up the meteor which is going to hit the earth, we don't have superheroes as yet - our heroes are superheroes.
"It's deep rooted in what society is going through - the escapism is real as yet - very small things which developed nations would take for granted, we take as a thing that you would like to acquire."
Bollywood is mainly known internationally for its 'masala' films. It takes its name from the Indian spice mix - which combine action, comedy, romance and drama.
Video: Parramasala welcomes Shahrukh Khan (ABC News)
Khan says mainstream Indian cinema has to have universal appeal.
"India's so diverse with 1.2 billion people [and] not extremely rich in some places," he said.
"When people go to watch a film, they like to think of it as an event for the whole family for the whole year - so the grandmother goes and the great grandson goes,
"So you've got to make a film which includes an interest for everyone - a little bit of action, a little bit of fights, a little bit of song, a little bit of crying, a little bit of happiness - and a big climax."
Khan has been in Australia as part of Parramatta's arts festival - 'Parramasala' - appearing alongside Bollywood stars including Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukerji, Jacquelne Fernandez.
He says that family spirit has helped Bollywood cut through to international audiences in Australia, Asia and beyond.
"[Some fans in Germany] said 'Indian films provide us with that button - you put it on...and you feel connected'," he said.
"It kind of takes you back to your roots and culture, and that's why a lot of people in this fast paced world...people want to look back and think of all the good things.
"Why don't we sing and dance a little more in our families?"
Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan speaks to #TalkAboutIt presenter Del Irani about fame, Indian cinema, cricket and the secret behind his signature dance moves. (Credit: ABC)
One of Bollywood's most famous actors, Shahrukh Khan, says the appeal of Indian cinema lies in its unique combination of escapism and reality.
"King Khan" as he's known has appeared in more than 75 films, from romantic dramas to action thrillers and is one of the world's highest paid actors.
Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, is one of the world's largest film productions regions producing up to 1,000 films a year.
Shahrukh Khan told Australia Network's #TalkAboutIt India's status as a developing nation is what makes its films different to the rest of the world.
"Somewhere down the line, the fantasies and escapism that we offer in our cinema is a little more real - it's like getting a job or buying a car or settling down with your wife and children," he said.
"They're not very fantastic...we don't yet go and blow up the meteor which is going to hit the earth, we don't have superheroes as yet - our heroes are superheroes.
"It's deep rooted in what society is going through - the escapism is real as yet - very small things which developed nations would take for granted, we take as a thing that you would like to acquire."
Bollywood is mainly known internationally for its 'masala' films. It takes its name from the Indian spice mix - which combine action, comedy, romance and drama.
Video: Parramasala welcomes Shahrukh Khan (ABC News)
Khan says mainstream Indian cinema has to have universal appeal.
"India's so diverse with 1.2 billion people [and] not extremely rich in some places," he said.
"When people go to watch a film, they like to think of it as an event for the whole family for the whole year - so the grandmother goes and the great grandson goes,
"So you've got to make a film which includes an interest for everyone - a little bit of action, a little bit of fights, a little bit of song, a little bit of crying, a little bit of happiness - and a big climax."
Khan has been in Australia as part of Parramatta's arts festival - 'Parramasala' - appearing alongside Bollywood stars including Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukerji, Jacquelne Fernandez.
He says that family spirit has helped Bollywood cut through to international audiences in Australia, Asia and beyond.
"[Some fans in Germany] said 'Indian films provide us with that button - you put it on...and you feel connected'," he said.
"It kind of takes you back to your roots and culture, and that's why a lot of people in this fast paced world...people want to look back and think of all the good things.
"Why don't we sing and dance a little more in our families?"
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