Shah Rukh Khan may be one of the biggest stars in Bollywood today, but his journey began humbly – with the TV serial Fauji in 1988. Just four years later, he found himself entering the film industry, thanks in large part to actor-producer Vivek Vaswani. It was Vaswani who not only introduced Shah Rukh Khan to the producers and actors but also gave him a home when he did not have any. Their friendship began somewhat unexpectedly – while smoking a cigarette in a cafe in Mumbai – and soon developed into a brotherly bond. Shah Rukh Khan lived with Vivek for two years, during which Vaswani helped him navigate the film industry.
Vivek also stood by Shah Rukh during some of his toughest times, including his mother’s illness and death. He was instrumental in connecting the young actor with filmmakers like Rakesh Roshan, Hema Malini, and Ramesh Sippy, which led to early projects like Raju Phan Gaya Gentleman, Chamatkar, King Uncle and Dil Aachna Hai.
But decades later, Vaswani says he feels hurt and betrayed. Speaking to Radio Nasha, he talked about his reaction to Aryan Khan’s Netflix series Ba***ds of Bollywood. “Where did you go wrong to feel so much hatred against the industry?” he asked.
“I have no comment on how well Aryan directed the series or how big the show is – he clearly gave Netflix a big boost, unlike The Archies,” Vaswani said. “But what I can’t understand is, when did Shah Rukh Khan come to the conclusion that Bollywood is a gutter and everyone in it is bad? When he entered this industry, the love we, my mother, and Aziz gave him was immense.”
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The actor and producer stressed that Shah Rukh Khan was never subjected to abuse and was not left to struggle in the streets. “He never started his journey from the roads. He used to live in Cuffe Parade, and after marriage, Aziz gave him a house in Bandra,” he said.
“Aziz’s two sons, Haroon and Raheela, treated him like a brother. Everyone welcomed him with open arms, even before the release of his first film. So I have the right to ask – why does he think we are a bad industry?”
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While expressing his disappointment with the show’s portrayal of the world of cinema, Vaswani also acknowledged his skill. “I enjoyed the show. I thought the show was great, and I was pleasantly surprised by the kind of perfection Bobby brought to his performance,” he said.
However, he couldn’t get rid of one feeling: sadness. “I just thought, ‘Did I do something wrong? Did I say or do anything to hurt him – to make him think that Bollywood is a very bad place? I don’t think so,'” Vaswani said. “When he came to Mumbai, everyone in the industry offered him work and respect – Rakesh Roshan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Rajeev Mehra. So why such an offer? This industry is my karmbhoomi and his too. It felt a little sad for me to ignore your karmbhoomi.”
Concluding his thoughts, Vaswani said that while none of them including SRK agreed with his view, he stands by his sentiments. “Everyone loved the show, which is good. But I felt a little sad.”
Shah Khan and Bollywood News
