Recently, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival 2024, held in Switzerland. The revered Pardo Alla Carriera Award was presented to him in recognition of his unparalleled contribution to the cinema industry. During his acceptance speech and subsequent interactions at the event, Khan confirmed his upcoming film titled ‘King’ and shared intriguing insights about the project.
Khan addressed the audience in a live interaction with Giona A. Nazzaro, the Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival. He started the discussion by reflecting on his recent projects and future aspirations. “I finished Jawan and Dunki last year,” he said. “Now, there’s a specific type of film I want to undertake. Perhaps it is more suited to my age, and it is a project I’ve been nurturing for over seven years. Once, I casually mentioned this idea to Sujoy Ghosh in my office. He instantly said, ‘Sir, I’ve got a subject.’”
Elaborating on his method for selecting films, the beloved actor explained, “It’s quite straightforward. I develop a desire for a particular genre; it could be a comedy, courtroom drama, or social film. I then discuss my feelings with a few people, some of whom come with a subject in mind. I listen to their ideas, spend some quality time on it, and if everything aligns, we proceed to make the film.”
Khan also provided a sneak peek into his preparations for ‘King’. “For my next film, King, I need to start preparing physically.
. I need to lose some weight and do a bit of stretching to avoid any injury during the action sequences. When my groin gets caught doing action scenes, it’s incredibly painful and distressing. I have two full bags of icing machines to help with the recovery. It is not a pleasant sight to see me after an intense action scene; I look really cool on camera, but off-camera, I’m often tied up with someone pressing on my back. Walking becomes challenging, but then I put on a brave face and even blow kisses to fans who approach.”
Although further details about the film remain under wraps, it has been confirmed that ‘King’ will also feature Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter, Suhana Khan. This project will mark their first collaboration, an eagerly awaited moment for fans and cinephiles alike. Suhana Khan recently debuted in the acting world with Zoya Akhtar’s ‘The Archies’, acting alongside industry newcomers such as Khushi Kapoor, daughter of the late Sridevi, and Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan.
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan’s versatility extends beyond acting on screen. The legendary actor, who lent his voice to Mufasa in the Hindi-dubbed version of Disney’s 2019 live-action ‘The Lion King’, is set to return as Mufasa in Barry Jenkins’ ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’. The film is scheduled to release in India on December 20, 2024, in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. In an interesting twist, Khan’s sons are also part of this project; Aryan Khan will voice Simba, and little AbRam Khan will voice young Mufasa.
Khan’s ability to adapt to various roles and his commitment to cinema continue to solidify his legacy. The accolades and new projects illustrate a tireless passion for his craft that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. As fans eagerly await more information on ‘King’, the collaborative project with Sujoy Ghosh promises to be another feather in Shah Rukh Khan’s illustrious cap, blending the allure of cinema with the charm that only King Khan can deliver.
With multiple high-profile projects, Shah Rukh Khan is set to enthrall the cinematic world again, further cementing his stature not just as a film star, but a timeless icon of Indian cinema. As details unfold, the excitement and anticipation surrounding ‘King’ and his other ventures promised a compelling journey for audiences everywhere.
