Have never been offered an opportunity in Hollywood, says Shah Rukh Khan

Hollywood films are hugely popular in India. With more exposure to Western content, a few stars from Hindi cinema like Irrfan Khan, Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Amitabh Bachchan and Anupam Kher, have ventured overseas. Those who have not are often asked if they would ever like to work in a Hollywood film. Interestingly, the three Khans of Hindi cinema – Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir — have yet to explore foreign grounds. 

In an interview with Economic Times, a daily, Shah Rukh was asked whether he would look at Hollywood as an option. The actor surprised with his answer saying he has never been offered such an opportunity. 

“They have to look at me; I can’t look at them. I look at the moon every day but I don’t reach for it,” said Khan, “It started with Om Puriji and now Priyanka, Irrfan and so many others are doing it. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is getting some films. Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) has done some, Anupam Kher too has and it’s wonderful. But I have never been offered an opportunity. I don’t even know if I am good enough to do it — I think my English is a little weak,” the actor said.

The Raees (2017) actor further questioned the craze about Indian artistes getting work in Hollywood and said he is working towards the day when American actors like Tom Cruise would look forward to work in Hindi films.

“My own attempt is to make Indian films watched at that level. Again, not taking away from the greatness of anything that others have achieved, I’d like Tom Cruise to say one day that ‘I’ve been given a chance in a Hindi film’. Man, that will be wonderful. Christopher Nolan would say that there is a producer in India who wants him to make a film. Inshallah, that will happen,” Shah Rukh told the daily.

While he has never been offered a Hollywood film, the Indian super star's populairty stretches across the globe. Shah Rukh is a much reverred figure in America, too. Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had exteneded an invitation to Shah Rukh to his state after the Indian actor had complained of high-handedness by US Immigaration officials at the Los Angeles airport. Early this year, Shah Rukh had appeared on Ted Talks and was priased by the likes of actor, wresterler John Cena, who found his speech very inspiring. 

Khan will next be seen in Aanand L Rai’s Zero that is set to be released during Christmas this year.