From the diary of King Khan's die hard fan

I was just in Year one when I used to run into my neighbour’s house at night, then I barely understood Hindi as well. That didn't matter at all, for I loved to watch the tele serial 'Fauji' and its just for Lieutenant Abhimanyu Rai. Not having our own TV, didn't dissuade me.

When we had a TV of our own, I waited for Sunday nights just to watch the same Abhimanyu Rai, now in the popular tele show ‘Circus'. Then I didn't know what his real name was? I even waited till late night for watching 'Doosra Keval', his another TV flick. Sooner I realised that his name is Shahrukh Khan, but definitely not as "The SRK" or "King Khan".


It was also the time when his movie 'Deewana' turned to be a big hit. A new star was born in Bollywood who was full of life. The first hero who jumped around, laughed crazily, was versatile and filled the silver screen with energy. He became the reason for my pumping teen hormones and uplifting the mood. I loved him in all sort of dynamic roles, even in those horrid negative roles in 'Baazigar, Darr, Anjaam'.

His boy-next-door character in 'Raju ban Gaya Gentleman, Kabhi haan kabhi naa' hit my sinoatrial node (I mean my heart) straight away.



I once managed to slip out from my boarding school, faking for a dental check up, just to watch 'Dil to Pagal hai'. And what a feat it was to achieve this! I was in year 9 by then, SRK had reached my dreams. 'DDLJ' was a phenomenal. Temperatures soared. He colonised my dreams and filled my mind after I watched any movie of his. He became my stress buster, my ray of inspiration for next crucial years of my academic phase. 'Phir Bhi Dil hai Hindustani, 1,2 ka 4, Dil se followed.....

When I entered the professional course to be a medic, college life  began. It was then 'Kabhi kushi kabhi Gham, Kuch kuch hota hai.. I said 'Squeeze me 😉' during my dissection classes. With 'Kal ho na ho', I imagined myself treating him putting on Sonali Bendre character! His charm was different in 'Swadesh, Veer Zara and Chak de'. I loved them all! 

I always made it a point to watch DDLJ at all the valentine days. The romance would then be rich in air. The moment to relish and relive was in Switzerland on mount Titilis, my date with Shahrukh's cutout. 

For the 1st time, I hated the SRK character in 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (KANK)'. He appeared to be a failure showing infidelity. "Its just one off movie" I said to myself. 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' seemed to be the ultimate movie for that moment of life when I was getting married. My love for SRK was still lingering fresh through his movie 'Don'. His 'Don' character, I debated and vouched that its is much better than that played by Sr. Bachchan! 

Then came 'Billu, Om shanti om' which anchored him towards being the tsar of bollywood 'The king Khan'. I didn't favor that image of SRK, where he proclaims himself as 'I am the best". Slowly his presence in my dreams began to fade. He was no more my 'Shahrukh'. His choice of movies started making me wither within. 

After so many years of being glued, the 'Sharukh' mania wouldn't go easily. His movies' 1st day 1st show rendezvous continued. I never missed his next flicks...'Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Chennai express, Dear Zindagi, Happy New Year'. Even watched one while in London on a tour. The movies 'Dilwale, Fan, Raes'.. all sang similar tunes. Promoting "The King Khan' brand. 

As the "King Khan' brand echoed, Ranveers, Ranbirs, Akshays slowly etched the corners for me to see. The feeling of being SRK fan, began to shy away. The last nail in the coffin was when I watched 'Jab Harry Met Sejal' 😭😡😫. I was devastated. I felt very sorry for myself. How could the person whom I dream't as my inspiration, whom I adored, whom I looked for him in my fiancée/ boyfriend has taken me on a ride.

I don't know what kind of fan following he has now from the younger generation. Doesn't he see the debacle in the script, while narration, editing, during the premiere?  Do they take the audience for granted? I was once upon a time a biggest fan of his... now no more, don't even want to talk about his movies!!

"Meanwhile... an hour later Shilpa was heard asking "When is this Shahrukh's Don 3 releasing"?

The Rickshaw ride that was...

Journey back to Chennai. 3rd Aug 2017.

Wow what an excitement and finish that was...

I had not booked my return tickets to chennai from Bangalore. Had plans to visit Sia and Ishu, spend some time and then decide how to get back to Chennai.

It was almost 2 pm, and options for me was to book Shatabdi at 4.25 pm or take a Volvo bus around 5 pm to Chennai. I spent the good afternoon time with Ishu and Sia. Fed him, played with her and put Ishu to bed.

When I decided to get ready, I managed to book the Shatabdi train at 3 pm. It was instant, thanks to Paytm app. 

Relieved of this planning option, I decided to leave house for train station an hour in advance. 

Had tea, chatted with Aunty, Sia and it was time to leave. By the time, the OLA cab arrived, it was just 45 min to train departure. 

I was tensed. There could be heavy traffic towards the city. Google map showed that i would arrive at Majestic Train station just 5 min early. I didn't want to take the risk. I Changed my destination to Bangalore Cantt and told the driver to head there. 

Now that I was reaching Cantt around 4 pm, I was much relieved and had a relaxing drive. Spoke to Shilpa, checked emails, pondered over the traffic.

When I reached Bangalore Cantt at 4.06 pm and headed towards the platform, an auto wala stopped me and asked if I am traveling to chennai on Shatabdi?

Why should I respond to him? I don't need an auto now, nor a cooli. What for is he asking me 'where I am heading to?'

Reluctantly, I nodded in affirmation. He instantly said, "Sir, Shatabdi train will not stop here". You will have to go to Majestic train station.

I am in denial. I have re-routed my ride from Majestic to Cantt and this auto fellow is telling me to go to Majestic.

Why would I believe him. I know that Shatabdi stops at Cantt, B'lore East... (rather I thought it would)...I moved on. He shouted at my back " You may ask at the counter". Other auto walas also played his tune.

I wanted to check the display boards. Went to ask the ticket counter staff. The counter staff said "Yes sir, the train will not stop here". For a moment, I was in jiffy. Didn't want to ask more. I knew that the auto wala was the only person who could take me there to Majestic station on time.

I Saw my watch. It's 4.11 pm. Train departs at 4.25 pm. Auto wala said he would take me and asked me to rush. I asked him the price. He said 350. 

I lost 1/2 min in Haggling. Back of My mind I realised that I am wasting time. I offered 300 and sat in his rickshaw.

He started driving. It was not the best auto which could speed up. He had confidence in his voice. He went on explaining that he need to ride through 1 way and cut signals and that's the reason for high fare.

He drove as he spoke. He was amazing in cutting the vehicles, went through wrong directions, cut the red lights, went in one way lanes, squeezed through the gaps. No where did he honk or showed frustration. For once he swore at another vehicle driver "Shata... $&@$&"

It was a thrilling ride. Over the edge, nail biting and heart thumping. I enjoyed the whole ride, rather felt thrilled that I am going through this. As I eyed my watch.. it was appearing the we wouldn't make it on time.

He drove through lanes and road which I have never been. Many lanes probably not existed I guess. Like the Harry Potter imaginary roads!! There was some slow traffic, but he made through it.

As we neared Majestic train station, it was just 3 min to 4.25. I almost assumed that we will miss by a frisker. I saw a train leaving the station. I said... oh, here it goes. He said "Sir, that's Marikuppam express, don't worry, we will

Make it on time"

As we drove, he showed an engine backing up. He said "Sir, that's the Shatabdi engine, it will take surely 10 more min to join the engine and we will be there on time"

As we neared the station, I kept Rs 400 in his shirt pocket. I didn't want to waste seconds, paying him after I alight.

I said... "You drove so well, I am giving you 400 for getting me here on time". If I miss the train, you take me to the bus station. 

He said, "You will Get the train sir, leave it to me"

He drove to the back entrance and showed me the 7th Platform and said that the train would be waiting. There. I got down the auto and made way towards the platform. A cooli offered me to rush to the train. I declined him and ran with the bags.

There it was on 7th Platform, the train was getting engine fixed. I ran to my best ability and got into the C1 Coach. Mine was C6. I finally made it into the train. In 4 min, the train started moving.

Wow what a ride it was. Truly, the extra amount paid worth for the adrenaline rush.

I forgot the capture the auto ride on video or take a pic with the auto wala. Now It feels so strange, I am the only witness to this. There goes an exciting story!!