Dear Zindagi, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt, recently completed 7 years from its release. Directed by Gauri Shinde, the film revolves around the relationship between Kaira (Alia Bhatt), a young cinematographer who struggles with personal and professional problems, and Dr. Jehangir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), a psychologist who helps her overcome her emotional barriers. It was praised for its realistic and sensitive portrayal of mental health and therapy.
Gauri Shinde, opened up about the film in a recent interview with Film companion and said that the film had a positive impact on people’s perception of therapy. She said that because of Shah Rukh Khan, who played a therapist in the film, people have taken therapy more seriously and have become more open to seeking professional help for their mental health issues.
(Also read: Shah Rukh Khan Steps Out Of Dubbing Studio, Fans Gather To Take His Pictures, Watch!)
Gauri Shinde went to Khan with just 4-5 lines
Gauri Shinde said that she went to Shah Rukh Khan with 4-5 lines. “I mean I had a script ready anyway, but I narrated it to him and he said ‘okay, what do I have to do?’ And that was it. He got it,” said Gauri, further adding that SRK had his own inputs when they discussed what kind of a therapist they wanted him to be.
Gauri Shinde said, you want to listen to Shah Rukh, no one else could’ve played Dr.Jug
Gauri then added that she couldn’t have imagined anyone else other than Shah Rukh Khan playing the role of Dr Jehangir Khan in Dear Zindagi. “I can’t think of anyone else who could have played Dr Jehangir Khan. Because of Shah Rukh Khan, people have taken therapy more seriously. Because I needed a mainstream actor and a star- apart from being awesome, and a great actor. You wanna listen to him,” said Gauri Shinde.
She further added, “When he says words, you want to listen. So apart from those qualities that he has, that star quality was very essential for this film so that more people watch, it’s more accessible, and this idea of therapy and mental health gets through.” Gauri said that SRK was the first person she approached for Dear Zindagi, and he said yes to this role.
Gauri Shinde on Alia’s character in Dear Zindagi
She further talked about how Alia Bhatt’s character Kaira isn’t always likable or attractive at all times. Gauri said that she didn’t want the character to always look her best, and she wanted to expose the insides of the character as much as she could.
“And Alia is fantastic, she doesn’t even look into the mirror as an actor. And that was very impressive,” she said. She added that Alia didn’t care about her makeup, lipstick or hairstyle, and it was great!
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film, Dunki. SRK started the year with Pathaan in January which was a blockbuster. His second release of the year, Jawan, was an unprecedented hit too.
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