In the year 2004, through ’BBC Documentary The Inner World of Shahrukh Khan’, such glimpses of King Khan’s house and family were revealed, seeing which every Indian will fall in love with him. In these glimpses, it was shown how Shahrukh teaches the lesson of religious unity in the minds of his children under one roof at home. He himself is seen worshiping Lord Ganesha and reciting verses. This old video from inside Shahrukh’s house Mannat is viral on social media. The documentary gives a glimpse into Shahrukh Khan’s home, where he and his family gather for a traditional puja.
Shahrukh Khan proudly tells the Pandit that Aryan knows Gayatri Mantra very well and he recites it. In his prayer place, this puja house of the actor not only has the idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses but he has also kept the Quran. This clearly shows how they have been moving forward taking both religions together and following different traditions.
Shahrukh is seen saying in this video, ‘Children should know about the importance of God, whether it is Hindu Gods or Allah. So apart from the idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi, we also have the Quran. We join our hands and say the Gayatri Mantra, which my son says, and I say Bismillah with him. It makes me very emotional, where I am teaching my children something that I don’t even know very well. I am not a big follower of religion. I have great faith in Allah, but my parents never forced me to pray five times a day.’
According to both Hindu and Muslim customs, Shahrukh is seen praying with his family. He said, ‘For me, having Diwali and Eid at home is very special. We also celebrate Christmas, we plant trees. Children really enjoy it the most.
In a previous interview, Shahrukh had told that he has chosen names for his children which are for both Hindu and Muslim. They named their son Aryan and daughter Suhana and said that these names are common across India and different religions. He said that his last name Khan is such that he cannot remove it.
He had said, ‘We do not focus on being Hindu or Muslim. My wife is Hindu, I am Muslim and my children are Indian. This is true. Sometimes, when they go to school, they have to fill the religion section. One day my daughter asked me – Papa, which religion do we belong to? So I wrote that we are Indians, we have no religion and we should not have any religion.
Title: Bridging Faith and Family: An Interview with Cultural Expert Dr. Aisha Khan
Setting: The chic office of Time.news, adorned with images of world leaders and cultural icons. The editor, Rajiv Mehta, sits across from Dr. Aisha Khan, a renowned cultural expert and author, known for her insights into Indian society and its religious dynamics.
Rajiv Mehta (Editor, Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Khan! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. The recent resurgence of interest in Shahrukh Khan, particularly through the viral video from the 2004 documentary The Inner World of Shahrukh Khan, has sparked discussions about his role as a cultural icon. What are your thoughts on why he resonates with so many people, even today?
Dr. Aisha Khan: Thank you for having me, Rajiv! Shahrukh Khan is more than just a film star; he embodies the fluidity of Indian identity. His openness to blending cultures, as showcased in the documentary, resonates deeply in a diverse nation like India. The way he incorporates both Hindu and Islamic faiths in his home celebrations sends a powerful message of religious unity.
Rajiv: Absolutely! It’s striking to see Shahrukh worshiping Lord Ganesha while also highlighting the presence of the Quran in his home. How do you think this reflects on his personal philosophy and approach to family?
Dr. Aisha: It reveals a profound understanding of pluralism. Shahrukh instills in his children, especially Aryan, the values of both traditions. Teaching his son the Gayatri Mantra signifies pride in their Hindu heritage while ensuring that he also grows up appreciating different faiths. This duality is essential in a multicultural society where understanding and respect for various beliefs pave the way for harmony.
Rajiv: It seems like Shahrukh’s approach to parenting is interwoven with his public persona. In what ways do you think celebrity culture impacts family values in contemporary India?
Dr. Aisha: Celebrities like Shahrukh Khan serve as role models, shaping societal norms and values. His portrayal of family values—prioritizing education, religious respect, and love—often transcends entertainment, encouraging fans to embrace similar ideals in their own lives. In a rapidly changing society, such figures can play a pivotal role in promoting tolerance and inclusivity.
Rajiv: The fact that this specific documentary footage is going viral highlights our continuous fascination with him. Why do you think this particular portrayal of his family life generates such strong emotional responses from audiences?
Dr. Aisha: It taps into a universal longing for connection and belonging. Audiences are attracted to the theme of family unity amidst diversity, which mirrors the aspirations of many Indians. Shahrukh’s candid expressions of love for his family, combined with his spiritual practices, evoke a sense of nostalgia for traditional values while encouraging modern acceptance. It’s a compelling narrative that strikes a chord.
Rajiv: Moving forward, how can we leverage these narratives from popular culture to promote greater religious harmony in our society?
Dr. Aisha: It begins with fostering open dialogue. Media outlets, film personalities, and educational institutions can work together to spotlight stories, like Shahrukh’s, that celebrate unity in diversity. Workshops and discussions around these themes can further normalize interfaith interactions and inspire individuals to adopt inclusive practices in their everyday lives.
Rajiv: Thank you, Dr. Khan. Your insights have illuminated the significant role that figures like Shahrukh Khan play not only in entertainment but also in shaping cultural narratives and promoting harmony in our society.
Dr. Aisha: Thank you, Rajiv. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important themes with you.
[Their conversation continues, touching on the evolving landscape of Indian culture and the influence of cinema on societal values.]
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Conclusion: This engaging dialogue not only magnifies the essence of Shahrukh Khan’s influence but also serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering an inclusive cultural landscape for future generations.