'King Khan' says no place for him in Hollywood

Berlin (PTI): Notwithstanding an enviable fan following abroad, Bollywood heartthrob Shahrukh Khan feels that "there is no place" for him in Hollywood or European cinema and says that he was more keen on taking the Indian cinema to the global audience.

"There is no place for me in the Hollywood or in the European cinema. I would like to continue to work in India and to take the Indian cinema to the outside world," Khan, who was given a rapturous reception here as he made his debut at the Berlin Film Festival to attend the German premiere of his latest blockbuster "Om Shanti Om", said at a press conference.

Defending Bollywood films, perceived as loud and overly melodramatic by many western audiences, the 42-year-old actor said he wants to help remove some misconceptions about Indian films in the west. "I may be someone to bind Europe and India through films."

"We do express ourselves a little loudly. We wanted people to know that our movies are like this and we're very proud of it," he said.

He also warned against the dangers of "films being eaten up by technology", and suggested that the more technologically advanced western film industry could learn a thing or two about storytelling from Bollywood.

"I love 'Spiderman', 'Superman' ... but sometimes there is nothing beyond the special effects. Maybe our stories would be interesting to take on."

Khan, who was clearly astounded at being received by hysterical fans here, said he had been working in the Indian cinema for the last 17 years and "it is the first time that I feel like a big movie star."

Earlier, a capacity crowd of over 500, predominantly European film fans, danced in ecstasy, clapping and waving their hands as some chartbusters from the film were played in one of the main screening centres of the ongoing 58th Berlinale.

As Shah Rukh Khan appeared on the stage, the audience gave him a standing ovation lasting several minutes, amidst loud cheers and shouts of "Shah Rukh".

Khan urged the European film industry to avail the opportunities for co-production, marketing of technologies and other possibilities offered by India, which is one of world's largest and rapidly expanding film markets.

At the same time, the Indian cinema, which has not changed very much during the last four decades, should look at the changes taking place around the world, he said.

The superstar said he was humbled and touched by the interest in his films and in the Indian cinema shown by film enthusiasts in Germany.