King Khan at Indian Film Festival

Shah Rukh Khan’s films were an integral part of our teenage life in India. The love he portrayed on screen resonated deeply with us, and we embraced the idea of happy endings as depicted in his movies. His infectious smile became a source of enchantment for us. Witnessing him in person was a cherished item on my bucket list; even catching a fleeting glimpse would have fulfilled a long-held dream.

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Seeing King Khan at the Indian Film Festival (IFF)

9 August 2019, Melbourne

On the 9th of August 2019 in Melbourne, I questioned the reality of what transpired last night.

‘Did I truly witness him in person?’

‘Or was it just a dream?’

‘Really?’

These questions swirl in my mind as I reflect on the previous night’s events, an experience that now feels surreal and dreamlike.

Context

Last night marked the film awards ceremony at Palais Theatre in St Kilda, Melbourne. The prestigious event was hosted by the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), and the esteemed chief guest was the Bollywood luminary Shah Rukh Khan, widely known as King Khan.

Established in 2002, the IFFM stands as an annual celebration of Indian cinema and talents, generously supported by the state government of Victoria.

What is the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne?

Annually, the Victorian government allocates funding for a festival dedicated to Indian cinema. Established in 2012, its inception aimed to fortify the bonds between the state of Victoria and the Indian film industries.

How Do You Book The Ticket for The Indian Film Festival?

• Website: http://www.iffm.com.au/
• All upcoming events are listed on the website, and this is the platform to secure your tickets. The ticket prices vary based on your preferred seating location. I opted for tickets priced at approximately AUD 80.

About Shah Rukh Khan

If you’re unfamiliar with Shah Rukh Khan, your knowledge of Bollywood is incomplete. Widely regarded as the biggest star in India, he boasts a larger following than even Tom Cruise.

As a devoted fan of Shah Rukh, I admire him not only for his on-screen persona but also for his off-screen charm. His sense of humor is captivating, and his philanthropic efforts, along with his unique accomplishments like owning land on the Moon, add to his multifaceted character.

He played a pivotal role in instilling a belief in love stories among countless teenagers and Indians. The unforgettable character Raj from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge remains in our memories. In essence, Shah Rukh Khan is simply fantastic.

My Trip to Melbourne

Upon realizing that Shah Rukh Khan was slated to host IIFM in 2019, I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to witness him live and check off the foremost item on my bucket list. In the past, I had regretfully missed attending his events twice due to my travels coinciding with his appearances in Sydney—first in Coffs Harbour and then in Gold Coast.

Determined not to let this chance slip away again, I recalled one of his famous dialogues, Kya pata kal ho na ho! (You never know if there is tomorrow or not!). With that sentiment in mind, I promptly booked my tickets to Melbourne and secured my spot at the event.

On The Day

The way Shah Rukh Khan strolled down the red carpet last night exuded sheer charisma. His stylish entrance was marked by a unique gesture—he turned around and scanned every corner of the entrance, waving at his fans, a gesture not replicated by any other celebrity that night. The atmosphere became electric as the crowd erupted into chants of ‘Shah Rukh… Shah Rukh… Shah Rukh…’—truly overwhelming!

Among the other luminaries gracing the awards function was Zoya Akhtar, another distinguished personality from the industry whom I deeply respect.

Other notable celebrities in attendance included Karan Johar, Arjun Kapoor, and Malaika Arora.

Best Moment From the Awards Function

The highlight of the event, for me, was when Shah Rukh Khan shared anecdotes about his movie Guddu. He described it as the most peculiar film he had ever acted in, finding humor in its eccentricity. As he narrated the story, a girl from the audience excitedly shouted that she had watched Guddu five times. Shah Rukh, genuinely surprised, quipped that it was a true testament to love and humorously expressed his disbelief, stating he couldn’t fathom anyone watching Guddu five times. This incident perfectly showcased the witty sense of humor that sets him apart.

Closing Notes

Oh my goodness! I could endlessly talk about this event; the butterflies in my heart and stomach are still fluttering. It was undeniably a night to cherish and remember!