Shah Rukh Khan's Heroes

Named as one of the youngest freedom fighters for India at the time, Taj Mohammed Khan played an integral part in Shah Rukh's life until he died of throat cancer when he was just 15.

Shah Rukh talks about all the lessons his father taught him; kindness, patience, humour and that 'it is not special to be special, it is special to be ordinary.

He also credits his father as the reason he entered the industry. Shah Rukh says the great Dilip Kumar was his dad's favourite actor and that's why he decided to play the role of Devdas in the remake, a role originally played by Dilip Kumar.

He also talks about how he wants to be like his dad; a gentleman, a good father and someone with a lot of strength.

The actor explains how he misses his father, 'the stories can go on and on about my father, and I can spend a whole lifetime talking about my dad. And tell you how he has had such a major impression on my life and I really do miss him'.

First broadcast on the BBC Asian Network in May 2012.

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan's personal heroes starts with a tribute to his father.

Dhyan was an Indian field hockey player, considered as one of the greatest players of all time. He died aged 74 in 1979.

Shah Rukh talks about how the three times Olympian inspired him in life and what he's learnt from Dhyan's accomplishments.

'Success is not something that can be passed on. The greatest of people, the most successful of people perhaps will never be able to teach their children or their colleagues, to be as successful as they were.'

Even though the Bollywood star didn't get to meet him in life, he fondly remembers sitting under a statue of his idol at the national stadium in New Delhi while he was growing up. Shah Rukh recalls that's where his interest in learning more about the great Dhyan Chand began.

He goes onto explain he decided to play the role of hockey coach Kabir Khan in the film Chak De! India because he wanted the world to share his passion for the game.

Finally, Shah Rukh discusses how Dhyan's inspiration stretches wider than sport, saying 'just in case you can't achieve success in the field you want to, there are always going to be opportunities which will allow you do so later on. So don't give up.

Producer: Ranjit Doal

First broadcast on the BBC Asian Network in May 2012.

Shah Rukh Khan's celebrates his personal heroes with a tribute to hockey star Dhyan Chand.

Born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on 11 October 1942, Amitabh has acted in hundreds of films during an astonishing career over four decades. He is considered one of the greatest and most influential actors in Indian cinema's history.

Shah Rukh describes him as 'a hero to millions and billions' and recalls that one of his greatest achievements was when he 'was able to stand in the same frame, breathe the same air and that I got to work with him.

With favourite Amitabh films including Amar Akbar Anthony, Shakti, Satte Pe Satta and Lawaaris, Shah Rukh remembers meeting his hero while growing up. His aunt knew this tall actor with intense eyes 'would become one of the greatest things Indian cinema has ever seen.

Shah Rukh Khan says the longevity of Amitabh's career is outstanding and praises his professionalism and sheer hard work. He says Amitabh is a perfectionist and always strives to be great.

He is one of the finest people, finest actors, and a great human being to have come into my life.'.

Producer: Ranjit Doal

First broadcast on the BBC Asian Network in May 2012.

Shah Rukh Khan's tribute to fellow Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, one of his heroes.

He says he is lucky to have worked with three generations of actresses, it's been 'a great learning experience' and that the 'heroines have made me the star that I am.

In a male-dominated industry, he thinks actresses deserve the most credit – and talks of stars like Sridevi, 'the most beautiful' Madhuri Dixit and 'the ever happy and smiling' Juhi Chawla, who were a little senior to him when first they shared screens.

Shah Rukh ponders the next generation of actresses including 'the absolutely gorgeous Miss World Aishwarya Rai, my friend and co-actor of many films Kajol, Rani Mukherjee who has the most beautiful eyes in the world, Preity Zinta who's the best buddy anyone can have and Kareena Kapoor who has always given me too much respect'.

He also credits leading ladies from the younger generation like 'Priyanka Chopra who has always told me that she's a big fan, Deepika Padukone who made me feel that I can still play a lover boy and Katrina Kaif who I'm working with recently.

He reminisces about when he had to dress as a woman for the film Duplicate and how difficult it was in the make-up, wigs and false eyelashes - so difficult that he ended up in hospital for two days after filming!

He credits the actresses' professionalism, hard work and humble nature and explains how he has built the greatest of relationships with many of them.

Producer: Ranjit Doal

First broadcast on the BBC Asian Network in May 2012.

Bollywood film star Shah Rukh Khan pays tribute to his key leading ladies.

Revisiting his father's view that it is special to be down-to-earth, Shah Rukh talks about the hard work he believes he has invested to cover up his lack of talent. He reveals he has the same fear of failure today as when he started working in Indian cinema.

He talks about his faith in God and how he truly believes himself to be an ordinary man - doing things exactly like normal men.

Shah Rukh shares a story of a common man who lives in Mumbai, India. We hear about a typical day in this man's life; making his own food, travelling to work in an overcrowded train and the need for him to come home and make his wife happy and mother comfortable with little to spend on life's luxuries.

He says 'it's not the cost of the shirt or jacket that you wear, it's just how much you enjoy wearing it', explaining that ordinary people are heroes because they enjoy life despite the world's issues.

Producer: Ranjit Doal

First broadcast on the BBC Asian Network in June 2012.

Bollywood film star Shah Rukh Khan pays tribute to everyday people.