Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has praised Shah Rukh Khan’s screen presence, despite repeatedly saying in the past that she did not want to work opposite the Bollywood superstar.
Kangana made the remarks during the sixth episode of Lock Upp Season 2 while reviewing the performances of the reality show’s 15 contestants. She singled out Dheeraj Dhoopar after he compared himself with Shah Rukh Khan.
Responding to the comparison, Kangana said Shah Rukh’s biggest strength lies in his commanding screen presence. She told Dheeraj, “You said you are Shah Rukh Khan. Do you know what makes him special?
His presence alone makes him the hero. He always has a heroic aura. You do not have that quality. Instead, you are slowly moving into the background.”
Co-host Farah Khan also questioned Dheeraj’s performance. She said he had shown very little enthusiasm throughout the competition and looked active in only one episode. She further claimed that fellow contestant Ram Kapoor had influenced him, adding that Ram spends most of his time sleeping.
Kangana’s praise for Shah Rukh has drawn attention because she has long maintained that she would not act alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan or Aamir Khan. In several interviews, she explained that she did not want to accept roles that placed the heroine behind the male lead. She said such films would never give her equal importance and, for that reason, she turned down several offers.
However, Kangana expressed a different view while promoting Emergency. She said she would like to direct a film starring the three Khans if she found the right script. She said, “Why wouldn’t I direct the three Khans? If I get a good script, I certainly will. I believe they have real talent. But they have continued playing similar characters. I would like to work with them.”
Although Kangana has never appeared on screen with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan or Aamir Khan, she has maintained cordial relations with all three actors.
Her latest film, Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, released recently.
