Selfish, materialistic, capitalistic and too good looking. This is how Bollywood heartthrob Shahrukh Khan described himself as he justified his desire to keep away from politics.
Addressing the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit here today, the actor also described politics as "one of the most self-sacrificing kind of jobs" and apologised on behalf of the film industry for having "caricatured" politicians in movies.
"I think running a country, a state or a small Kasbah requires a lot of selflessness. And I am really too business-oriented to be selfless," Khan said responding to a question on whether he intended to join politics.
In lighter vein, he said he was too selfish, too materialistic and capitalist kind of a person to join politics. Second, I am too good looking."
He then promptly added: "Rahul (Gandhi) is amazing looking. But I have a six-pack," said Khan.
"To be really honest, I was having a discussion with some of my friends last night and I was asking Rahul (Gandhi) that it is amazing and commendable when young people decide to join politics," he said.
Praising politicians, especially the young leaders, Khan said he was sorry that politicians have been caricatured in films.
"I apologise on behalf of the whole film industry that over the years we have caricatured politicians to be bad guys. I don't think that's true. And especially the younger guys who are joining politics," he said.
Khan, who regaled the audience with his witty replies, was ready with "I am priceless" when filmmaker and anchor of the session Karan Johar asked him about the money he earned.
He followed it immediately with "I don't have a price."
Khan, who was asked whether it was true that some actors have been given amounts to the tune of Rs 15 crore to work in films, said he has never been offered that much money.
"I sell myself in endorsements, dancing, marriages and birthdays. Movies, I do those for free," he joked.
