Fab Abs: Khan Did It Again

Shah Rukh Khan carves out six-pack abs to get into the skin of his character for Om Shanti Om. The star who was in Dubai for the launch of the music of the film talks about his role

This is the first time you’re baring your chest on screen? What prompted you to do it?

Initially, I was very shy to do it, but my wife Gauri as well as my friends Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan convinced me that I was fit enough to bare my chest. It took a while for the idea to sink in, but then I became quite comfortable with my new look.

How did you prepare yourself for your role in Om Shanti Om?

I’m quite old now and working out was very difficult for me. It took three months of a controlled diet and tough workouts to build my six-pack abs.

I was also on a high-protein diet. My trainer, Prashant, took some tips from Salman. My new fitness regimen has also helped me control my back pain and as such I’ve decided to continue with it.

Is it true that Om Shanti Om is loosely inspired by Karz? Can you tell us about your role?

It’s not a remake of Karz. And I don’t want to talk about my role.

You’ve made Mumbai your home. Don’t you miss your earlier life?

Yes, I miss my relatives the most. I get restless in Mumbai and I’m worried that it will burn me out one day.

Any fears or insecurities you suffer from?

Yes, I have this continuous fear of losing it all. I get nightmares of losing all that I’ve worked so hard for when I wake up. Yeah, I feel quite insecure.

What has been your motto in life?

I always recollect my father’s words. He told me that to achieve anything in life, you have to work hard. I work damn hard to give my family a comfortable life. My mother taught me to love life to the maximum and also to be truthful and upfront. This has been my motto.