When Shah Rukh Khan Spoke About 'Faithfulness' in Relationship: 'You Can't Force Someone to...'

Shah Rukh Khan, often hailed as the ‘King of Romance,’ has played numerous memorable roles over his illustrious 30-year career. However, one of his more unconventional films, Paheli, has recently resurfaced in the public eye, especially due to an old interview where Khan delves into the film’s deep and empowering message. In Paheli, Khan portrays a ghost who falls in love with a lonely woman, played by Rani Mukerji, who ultimately chooses to be with the ghost rather than her husband. The film, directed by Amol Palekar, is a fantastical tale rooted in Indian folklore, but it also carries a powerful narrative about a woman’s right to choose her path in life.

In the resurfaced interview, Shah Rukh Khan passionately speaks about the film’s core theme. He describes Paheli as a “woman-dominated” film that highlights the emancipation of women. According to Khan, the story is about a woman’s right to choose what she wants and to live her life fully, a message that remains relevant and poignant. “Paheli was a folktale written about the emancipation of women. The right of women to choose what they want, the right of women to live life as beautifully and as wonderfully as everyone else does,” Khan explains.

The actor also addresses the notion of faithfulness within the narrative. When asked if Rani Mukerji’s character was being unfaithful by choosing the ghost over her husband, Khan’s response was both thoughtful and profound. He argues that true faithfulness can only come from genuine love, not from compulsion or societal expectations. “Faithfulness has to stem from love, faithfulness can’t stem from force, and I think that is what the message of Paheli is. You can’t force someone to be faithful to you,” he states.

Khan’s insights into the film’s themes have resonated with many, including actress Richa Chadha, who shared the video clip on social media. Praising Khan’s eloquence, Chadha wrote, “Is there anyone else as eloquent, intellectually exciting as this dimpled megastar? Wish for more films like Paheli so he can do more interviews like this, that give us a glimpse into his worldview. #Mohabbat.”

Shah Rukh Khan was last seen in Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki and will next be featured in Sujoy Ghosh’s King.