What Amitabh Bachchan Said About Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Swades’ Performance On KBC
During a Kaun Banega Crorepati episode, Amitabh Bachchan had some high praise for Shah Rukh Khan’s performance in ‘Swades’.
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan had a special word of appreciation for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan during the latest episode of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 18’. While discussing one of the quiz questions, the veteran actor revisited some of SRK’s most memorable roles and singled out his performance in ‘Swades’ as one of the actor’s finest. The moment came during the second episode of the new season, when contestant Bablu Kumar Pandit faced a question about an actor who has portrayed a NASA scientist, an Indian Air Force pilot and a hockey coach in Hindi cinema.
The correct answer was, of course, Shah Rukh Khan. Once the answer was confirmed, Amitabh Bachchan elaborated on the three characters. He pointed out that Shah Rukh played NASA scientist Mohan Bhargava in ‘Swades’, Air Force pilot Veer Pratap Singh in ‘Veer Zaara’ and hockey coach Kabir Khan in ‘Chak De! India’.
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It was his reference to ‘Swades’, however, that stood out. Released in 2004, Ashutosh Gowariker's film presented Shah Rukh in a markedly different avatar. He played Mohan, a successful NASA scientist who travels back to India and gradually becomes invested in the challenges faced by a rural community. Rather than relying on the larger-than-life charisma associated with many of Shah Rukh's earlier roles, 'Swades' allowed the actor to deliver a quieter and more grounded performance.
“Swades, unki joh picture thi mera aisa manna hai ki joh abhinay unhone Swades mein kia na, woh ekdm uttam tha, aur kai baar milte hai jab main unse yahi bolta hoon,” Big B said.
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The film also marked the acting debut of Gayatri Joshi, while its music was composed by AR Rahman. Over the years, ‘Swades’ has earned a reputation as one of Shah Rukh’s most nuanced performances and has developed a strong following among his fans. The film also received two National Film Awards, including the honour for Best Male Playback Singer for Udit Narayan.
Meanwhile, ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati 18’ premiered on August 10 on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV, with Amitabh Bachchan returning to host the long-running quiz show.
The season's opening episode featured Aamir Khan, Preity Zinta and Sunny Deol, who appeared on the show in connection with their upcoming film ‘Batwara 1947’. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 14.
