Shah Rukh Khan says he’s not a role model for quitting smoking

Actor Shah Rukh Khan spoke about quitting smoking at a fan event on his 59th birthday, Saturday, November 2. As his fans celebrated his decision, some expressed their intent to quit smoking as well.

However, Shah Rukh stated that he does not consider himself a role model in this regard, having smoked aggressively for 30 years.

A video from the event showed fans declaring their commitment to follow in their idol’s footsteps. In response, SRK said, “Jab jab zindagi me jaisa accha lage woh karo… Main koi aisa role model nahi hoon… (Whatever you feel is right, do that. I am not a role model).”

Shah Rukh emphasised that he does not feel it is right to advocate quitting smoking after having smoked for 30 years. He stated, “It is the worst thing that after smoking for 30 years, I’m giving the advice not to smoke. We always know it’s not good to smoke. If we can give it up – very good. If we can’t give it up – very bad. But having said that, jo cheez me jaisa lage apne apne time me waisa waisa karo (Do what you deem fit at the time you deem fit).”

 

 

At the meet-and-greet event with his fans, “The good news is that I’m not smoking anymore, guys. Mujhe laga tha ki I will not feel so breathless, but abhi bhi feel raha hun (I thought I wouldn’t feel breathless after quitting smoking, but I still do). Inshallah, woh bhi theek ho jayega (By God’s grace, that will also be fine).”

The actor often talked about his habit of smoking cigarettes. In a candid 2011 interview with India Today, he said, “I smoke about 100 cigarettes [a day]. I forget to eat. I don’t drink water. I have about 30 cups of black coffee and I have a six-pack.”

During the event, Shah Rukh Khan also inspired his fans to follow their dreams without thinking about the backgrounds they come from.

He said, “I come from a lower middle-class family. I had an education because our parents wanted us to be educated. My education has been useful in my life. In our space, most of us are coming from nowhere. You have to believe that it doesn’t matter from where you begin your journey; you keep working hard, keep reading and writing, and if you keep following your dream, your end would be beautiful, and that is what I stand for.”

Shah Rukh Khan will next be seen in Sujoy Ghosh’s King. He has yet to officially announce the film.

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