At a time when he was yet to become a superstar, Shah Rukh Khan had openly criticised the star system of Bollywood and said that there is no concept of acting while noting some superficial practices followed by many in the industry.
In an interview with Stardust magazine, the superstar said, “I have been shooting in Bombay for the past one month. And suddenly, there are guys wanting to hold my cup of tea, tie my shoelaces, and hold an umbrella over my head. Why? I tied my shoelaces before I came into films, I'll tie them now.” He also shared how someone told him to throw a tantrum if the AC in his make-room was not working. “Otherwise, the producers will start taking me for granted,” he said. “I guess it's a fashion around here. I mean, this thing about seven people walking behind an actor, why does he need them? But it is supposed to be done.”
Further, he added about how Hollywood has no concept of spot boys. “It seems like these stars have just come here to earn some money, fame, glory and throw their weight around. They do not understand the concept of acting. I mean, there is no concept. It's become a fad now ke (that) if I like hangers-on if I get my shoelaces tied by a spot boy if I like posing for photographs, then I'm a star. Or should I become a star?”
Shah Rukh made his Bollywood debut with Deewana in 1992 and went on to star in films like Dilwale Duhaniya Le Jaayenge (1995), Baazigar (1993), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Baadshah (1999), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), among others, which became blockbusters, strengthening his name as the new soft-hero of Bollywood.
