In a revealing throwback interview, Shah Rukh Khan discussed the unique nature of ‘Paheli’. He highlighted that the film was a risk he could only undertake when his production house was in a position to do so, after the commercial pressures of films like ‘Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani’ and ‘Asoka’. Khan emphasized the film’s distinctiveness, hoping the audience would connect with its mood. He acknowledged the film’s lighter moments while clarifying that it wasn’t a comedy.
Khan reflected on his experience working with director Amol Palekar, contrasting it with his earlier experiences with avant-garde directors like Mani Kaul, Kundan Shah, and Ketan Mehta. He noted that as the producer of ‘Paheli’, he gained a deeper understanding of a serious director’s mindset.
Addressing potential creative differences, Khan mentioned that such disagreements are natural. He clarified that while he had differences with friends like Karan Johar and Farah Khan, his experience with Amol Palekar was entirely new. He humorously pointed out that Rani Mukerji was the film’s primary protagonist, while he played supporting roles.
Khan shared his personal connection to the story, having narrated it to his children, who found it endearing. He expressed his hope that audiences would enjoy ‘Paheli’ and acknowledged that viewers expecting his usual style might be surprised. He also candidly expressed his dislike for the mustache he sported in the film, due to the discomfort of shooting in the Rajasthan heat.
Discussing the film’s premise, Khan pondered whether the audience would embrace a story about a woman impregnated by a ghost. He suggested that cinema is make-believe, and if viewers could accept similar fantastical scenarios in other films, they could also embrace ‘Paheli’.
Khan described ‘Paheli’ as a love triangle involving a man, his wife, and a ghost, with himself playing two roles. He believes that love stories resonate deeply with audiences in India and abroad. He acknowledged the presence of better love stories in the West, but emphasized the unique emotional depth of Indian storytelling. Khan reiterated that while he sometimes feels tired of love stories, they are an integral part of life, and every story is ultimately a love story.
Khan compared ‘Paheli’ to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s diversification with ‘Kindergarten Cop’, highlighting his commitment to doing just three films a year, each as different as possible. He emphasized that he focuses on telling stories he wants to tell, without strategizing about end results, but always aiming for social relevance. He concluded by expressing his belief that ‘Paheli’ is targeted at an audience seeking more than just songs and dances, and that those in love would appreciate the film.
