Two weeks ago, I was so happy, that the word 'happy' wasn't happy enough to
describe my happiness. I was told I was to attend the trailer launch of Happy
New Year. It all fell in place yesterday morning and I was standing in front of
Mannat. I spent about two hours there, and as I stared at the magnificent
residence, I wondered about the extraordinary journey Shah sir has travelled.
He has earned it- every single brick that sits in the compound wall of Mannat
is the outcome of the relentless efforts he has put in while challenging
destiny and life.
Being in the same hall as him was a dream come true. His wit, his persona,
his charm- I was in love. My respect for him increased manifolds noticing a few
little gestures of his. For instance, they had a group photo of the entire cast
for the media, at the end of which, the mediapersons asked him for a solo pose.
He humbly denied with a gesture that said "No solo! Team! Team!!"
It's gestures like these that make him what he is today. He is one of his kind.
The dedication with which he looked into every minute preparation for the event
was remarkable. Where his contemporaries take their fans for granted, he
planned a truly amazing event just for his fans. At the end of the event, he
thanked everyone who attended the event. "And I'd like to thank all my
guests who've come from all over India" he said. I don't know if anyone
even noticed that he called us his guests. Guests?! For a person like me, to be
called a guest of his is something I cannot put into words. I cannot express
that overwhelming feeling that gives me goosebumps every time I think about it.
I couldn't stop smiling, wondering why he is so full goodness. Even attending
the event wasn't as satisfying as was the smile on the face of a security guard
walking home after the event with the goodies for his kids. Maybe, no one will
ever notice such little things, and yet he does them. Not to boast about how
good he is, but because he simply is full of goodness.
In the night, when we were waiting for him near his car, I stood there
thinking about his life. His life doesn't have a pause button. It keeps on
moving, and that too with a pace you can't even think of. Shoots, events,
production, scripts, meetings, media, questions, and so many people wanting and
waiting to meet- he manages everything, and yet is charming enough to smile and
wave at an awestruck fan. Everyone envies his life. He has everything- wealth,
fame, glory, love. Everyone wants to live a life like his. But the truth is, no
one has that mental strength to survive if they were living his life. Only he
can, and how he does it, staying happy and making others happy too, is beyond
my reasoning ability. During the press conference, when everyone sat hearing
carefully what Jackie Shroff was saying about him, I couldn't help wipe off the
tears from the corners of my eyes under those huge plastic spectacles they gave
us. 'It's lonely to be at the top.' True. He has a certain sadness in his eyes
that he doesn't want and let anyone notice. His thoughts are deep. Nights are
his camaraderie. Though always surrounded by people, he is lonely. Not that he
likes it and not in a negative way, but it does exist.
And this loneliness isn't about family or bonds. It's a spiritual thing. And
though he has witnessed almost all the possible ups and downs in his life by
far, he still believes in the unpredictability of life. I'm sorry for saying
this, but to be extremely honest, the only thing I hate about SRK is his habit
of smoking; but yesterday, I didn't hate that habit. In fact I felt empathy for
him. With great power comes not only great responsibility, but also great
challenges that lead to angst and frustration. And my idol is sweet enough not
to cause trouble to anyone else due to his frustration, and stays aloof to get
the anger out of his head. Deep down inside, he is too lonely, and yet, he's a
charmer and that sets him apart. I don't know if I understood him well. Maybe
he's exactly the opposite of what I think he is. But that's not my fault. For
Shah Rukh Khan is beyond definition, beyond comprehension, beyond analysis. He
is an angel sent down here to spread joy, but no one really knows or
understands his state of mind.
By the time I started traveling back home, I was way too worried about him.
I was continuously praying to God to take away all the troubles that he faces.
But now I realize, I don't need to worry. For he is Shah Rukh Khan. And if
anyone can lead such a life with conviction, success, joy and content, it's
him. That's why he's loved so much. That's why he's an inspiration. That's why
he's SRK!
When I was finally back, a lot of people asked me if I got to meet SRK. No,
I didn't. But I did get to know him. I didn't meet SRK, but ended up
discovering him.
PS: If you ever come across an atheist, make
sure you tell him that there is God, that God does exist, that
the Almighty isn't just a myth. Make sure you tell him about SRK.
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