KBC SRK-ishtyle!

Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsI like Shah Rukh Khan. I am not a big SRK fanatic but nonetheless I like the guy. Something about him is quite endearing. As my Pa would say, "He is a nice, affable guy who looks like Dilip Kumar!" Personally, I don't vouch for the latter part but yes, he definitely is genial and sociable.

SRK is a phenomenon. SRK is a brand. SRK is (almost) everything.

From an 80 year old grandma to a pre-teen Neha - everyone loves SRK. They love him - they love his oodles of "X-factor".

You might be exceptionally talented and liked. But then, there are times when you just don't appeal. No, maybe its not age or lack of capability - it's just that the so-called X-factor deserts you. Like a coward captain in the middle of a storm in a wild sea.

That is exactly what happened to SRK in KBC.

He knew he could not be AB Sr. He is just too classy and preachy for SRK. And he knew that he was up against a legend. An icon. So imitation or repetition was out of question. 'Don'ning his role all the time and doing justice to it is like asking Fardeen Khan to write like Tagore! (Apologies for the crazy allusion!)

So the easiest thing to do was to be himself. The way we know SRK. And he did that. And a tad more. And there in lies my issue with SRK as the KBC host.

Yes, SRK was friendly. He cracked up the audience with his characteristic jokes and anecdotes. He charmed his way into the hearts of the millions watching him on screen. His energy was electrifying. He was oozing of bon homie - especially when he called a Bengali participant's wife 'Boudi' and called 'Vekatesh' by the name 'Venky'. And he had done his homework well. Be it the recitation of a vernacular poetry or peppering the humor element in - he was excellent. Everyone was clapping and smiling. Everyone was happy - their own SRK was at his best.And then suddenly, like a bolt from the blue, he stumbled. And how!

Why does he need to make digs at AB Sr (Remember his opening speech about shudh Hindi and what coats would he be wearing?) Beats me again. And why on earth does he need to bring in that "regional" flavor to everything? From Compaq da to frequent use of Telgu - why, SRK, why? Is there not enough of regionalism already in our country? And then came in the final blow. Why on earth does SRK need to give a massage? Just to show that he is one of us and that he is a friend and not a strict school-teacher asking questions. Nah!! Beats me, SRK.

I know people would still like SRK as much - even if he keeps hopping between the jobs of an anchor and a masseur and even if he keeps adjusting his tie for no reason - SRK would still rule prime time and ensure that all eyeballs converge on him at 9 every evening. Like someone said, "Only sex and SRK sell in today's world." True. I agree but with a minor footnote.

SRK as a KBC host would be much better if he acts as one of us - but in a more TONED DOWN AND SUBTLE WAY.

Till then, SRK - Main aapko gale lagana chahta hoon!!
About the AuthorAbhijit Bhattacharya The author is a Marketing professional in the field of broadcast media for more than 9 years now.

He was born in Kolkata, where he finished his hig...Read Morefirst published:January 23, 2007, 15:38 ISTlast updated:January 23, 2007, 15:38 IST
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