'Truly one of a kind': Mahesh Bhatt heaps praise on Shah Rukh Khan
Mahesh Bhatt is grateful for the "warmth and affection" of Shah Rukh Khan even after their collaborations were unsuccessful.
Mahesh Bhatt is grateful for the "warmth and affection" of Shah Rukh Khan.
The filmmaker directed the legendary actor in 1996's 'Chaahat' and 'Duplicate' (1998) and he's thankful the 58-year-old star didn't turn his back on him when the movies didn't do as well as they had hoped, something he believes is rare in the "success-worshiping" film industry.
He told E! Times: "In the grand scheme, our deeds often leave a fleeting mark, and our time here is ephemeral. In the film industry, I hold the distinction of being the only director with two flops alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
"Despite this, Shah Rukh treated me with unwavering respect, even though my contribution meant nothing for his career trajectory. Typically, stars distance themselves from directors associated with failure, treating them like outcasts.
"However, Shah Rukh’s warmth and affection remained steadfast, unaffected by the box office performance. I learned from him that genuine relationships withstand the trials of failure, in this failure abhorring, success worshiping industry.
"People like him are a rarity in this industry. He truly is one of a kind. He is a King at heart."
The director hailed his friend a "true miracle" who people can learn a lot from.
He gushed: "Shah Rukh is a true miracle, he thrives like a blossoming orchard in an industry that often disguises itself as art. Each milestone he achieves defies the norm, illustrating his unwavering spirit vividly.
"Collaborating with Shah Rukh meant embracing the spontaneity of his pursuit of perfection, as he elegantly navigated challenges with the grace of a panther and the wisdom of a sage.
"His wisdom on finding humour in life’s shadows, not taking ourselves too seriously, and embracing life’s transience deeply resonates with one and all."
