Renowned filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, best known today for his socially charged films like Article 15 and Thappad, recently opened up in a candid conversation about Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan (SRK)—reflecting on their tumultuous collaboration on the 2011 sci-fi film Ra.One and revealing the superstar’s deeply rooted middle-class values despite his massive fame and fortune.
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In a heartfelt interview, Sinha described SRK as a “middle-class boy at heart,” and shared intimate moments from their time working together, revealing not just the pressures of big-budget filmmaking, but also the personal warmth and wisdom Khan carries offscreen.
Shah Rukh Khan – ‘The Man Who Has It All, Yet Remains Grounded’
During a conversation with journalist Faye D’Souza, Anubhav Sinha recalled an emotional dialogue he once had with SRK. The director, amazed at Khan’s emotional clarity despite being one of the wealthiest and most successful actors in the world, asked him:
“You have all the money in the world, the brands, the cars. But what really makes you happy—does the Gucci make you happier or does your sister being happy make you happier?”
Sinha said Khan paused and responded:
“Yes. My sister being happy makes me happier.”
This powerful exchange, Sinha believes, is the essence of Shah Rukh Khan. “[He is] someone who, despite his global status, still values the simplest joys rooted in family, emotion, and connection,” Sinha told D’Souza.
The Rise, Fall & Lessons of Ra.One
Anubhav Sinha also shared unfiltered insights about the making of Ra.One, one of Bollywood’s most ambitious films at the time. Though backed by SRK’s Red Chillies Entertainment, the film faced enormous pressure and industry skepticism.
“People in the industry wanted Ra.One to fail. They were betting against Shah Rukh Khan,” Sinha said.
Sinha admitted he lost creative control during the making of Ra.One, and this not only affected the film but also caused him deep personal anguish.
“I betrayed the film and also SRK’s trust,” he said with honesty.
Despite the challenges, he never forgot SRK’s support and dignity during those difficult times.
“Even at the peak of chaos, he never abandoned the project or pointed fingers,” Sinha added.
From Sci-Fi to Social Cinema – Anubhav’s Redemption Journey
After Ra.One, Sinha went through a self-reflective phase that eventually reshaped his directorial path. He moved away from high-concept visual extravaganzas to meaningful, issue-based storytelling.
Films like:
- Mulk (2018) – addressed religious intolerance
- Article 15 (2019) – spotlighted caste discrimination
- Thappad (2020) – tackled domestic abuse
… all marked his redemption and growth as a filmmaker.
Sinha credits his collaboration with SRK and the lessons from Ra.One for pushing him in this new direction.
“Working with someone as thoughtful and grounded as Shah Rukh Khan leaves a mark. He helped me understand what matters—emotion, people, integrity,” said Sinha.
Industry Politics & Khan’s Unshakable Spirit
Sinha didn’t shy away from talking about the darker side of Bollywood either. He suggested that there were people in the industry who harbored ill will toward Khan and even celebrated the perceived failure of Ra.One.
“It was shocking to realize that some were waiting for him to fall,” Sinha said.
But in SRK’s resilience and unwavering dignity, Sinha saw a lesson in grace under fire.
The Legacy of a Middle-Class Icon
Sinha concluded his reflections by saying Shah Rukh Khan’s real superpower isn’t his wealth or global fandom—it’s his ability to stay emotionally connected and grounded despite it all.
“He still thinks like the boy from Delhi who struggled his way up, and that’s what makes him timeless,” Sinha said.
Key Highlights:
- Anubhav Sinha called Shah Rukh Khan “a middle-class boy at heart.”
- Sinha admitted to losing control of Ra.One and feeling he let SRK down.
- SRK, despite facing industry criticism, stayed supportive and loyal to the film.
- The failure of Ra.One became a turning point in Sinha’s career.
- SRK’s emotional wisdom, humility, and priorities continue to inspire filmmakers.
Moving Forward
Anubhav Sinha’s honest tribute to Shah Rukh Khan reaffirms what millions of fans already believe—that behind the glitz and glamour, SRK is a man of immense emotional depth, loyalty, and humility. And perhaps that’s the secret to his long-lasting reign in Bollywood—not just the star power, but the soul.
By – Nikita
