SHAH RUKH KHAN : Legend, Icon, Star Paperback – 2 November 2024

I ordered this book from Amazon, and I must say it exceeded my expectations. The quality is top-notch, from the sturdy binding to the crisp pages. But what truly stands out is the writing—engaging, well-structured, and immersive. Mohar Basu has a way of drawing readers in, making even complex topics enjoyable to read. Highly recommended for anyone looking for both quality content and an excellent reading experience!

What if I told you that fairy tales aren't just for books & movies? What if I told you that one of the best fairy tales ever written isn't about a magic lamp or a glass slipper, but rather about a middle-class boy who defied all obstacles to become the biggest global star Indian cinema has ever seen? Doesn't that sound unbelievable? But then again, so is Shah Rukh Khan’s journey.Reading Mohar Basu's Shah Rukh Khan was an absolutely amazing experience. Since childhood, I’ve grown up hearing fairy tales—Cinderella, Aladdin & the like. SRK's story is exactly that—an extraordinary tale of grit, passion & unwavering drive. It's a story that proves that magic doesn't always need wands or spells; sometimes all it takes is an undying trust in oneself.I've always loved SRK, but this book helped me understand that he's more than just an actor I admire; he's an emotion. It is incredible how he went from a young man with big dreams to being the "King of Bollywood." Every page I turned felt like a lesson in perseverance & every anecdote reminded me why he is not just an icon but a phenomenon.And once he said, “I say with all my humility, I am the last of the stars,” but I truly disagree because stars are bound by time—that they rise, shine & eventually set. But in fact, he is a constellation—a celestial force that will shine eternally, long after the world has moved on.His words, his struggles, his triumphs—they all hit me hard. I was deeply affected by his comments, his hardships & his victories. One of the book's most powerful lines stuck with me: "My fans gather outside Mannat not because I am their favorite, but because it is a place where they believe dreams come true. They come to see a man who has lived it." This one line encapsulates all that SRK is all about: inspiration, hope & the conviction that everything is possible if you have the courage to dream.One of my favorite films of his is Swades, Kal Ho Na Ho & every time I watch them, I get overwhelmed beyond words, lost in memories & choked with emotions. His journey, his persona & his films are all entwined with my life. And if God ever gives me one last wish, it will be nothing more than the opportunity to meet him face to face.For every SRKian out there, this book is a must-read. Mohar Basu has created a masterpiece that evokes all the emotions of SRK, not simply telling its story. If you believe in dreams, hard work & the magic, this book will leave you spellbound.

When I started it I didn’t really feel like reading it but as I continued, the author got into the depths of SRKs life and stitched it with anecdotes from fans all over the world. You get to read about the life and times of the actor along with the situations and socio political climate that shaped his decisions and stardom. There are in depth interviews of co-actors, fans from all over the world giving reasons why they love the man. A very eventful read that took me on the train of nostalgia. Highly recommend if you’re an SRK fan.

Disclaimer: I’m not an SRK fan and haven’t enjoyed most of his movies, apart from perhaps one or two exceptions. His acting and choice of roles generally don’t align with my preferences, and I find his films emblematic of the issues in mainstream Hindi cinema.Product Review: The hardcover edition of this book is beautifully crafted and of excellent quality. It’s a great choice for fans who want a long-lasting keepsake. Delivery was prompt, and the book arrived in perfect condition.Book Review: While I don’t consider myself qualified to give a detailed critique, here’s my take: As someone unfamiliar with SRK’s life and journey, I found the biographical sections about his struggles and career enlightening. The insights into his personal and professional milestones were new to me and enjoyable to read.That said, the discussion of his films and their success didn’t resonate with me. Some of his biggest hits (DDLJ, KKHH, K3G, Mohabbatein, etc.) are examples of what I find problematic in mainstream Hindi cinema, and SRK epitomizes this escapist mediocrity in my opinion.On the positive side, I appreciate that he’s largely self-made and serves as a role model, especially in his conduct towards women—a quality that comes across in the book.Also, the book plays it extremely safe in terms of adopting an almost deifying tone towards its subject. That did not go well with me, but then that is quite expected when one is writing about any living person in India, most of all one of its most popular superstar.Conclusion: If you admire SRK, this book is a must-have. For others, it might still offer some fresh perspectives.

Good

I picked this book up because I wanted to read about Bollywood, and cinema in India - especially because there aren't a lot of good books about this subject. And I loved this book. It takes you through the last few decades of Bollywood, through the most iconic star of all time - Shah Rukh Khan. It's not just anecdotes of Shah Rukh Khan's life, but also a tapestry of his impact on people and society, and Bollywood itself. So readable and engaging. Totally worth it!

The book cover is old/used.