Bollywood enjoys a massive fan base across the globe, but it is not often that a senior international politician openly declares his admiration for Hindi cinema. That is exactly what Tony Burke did recently, revealing his deep appreciation for Bollywood and his admiration for superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
During a candid appearance on the Indian Link podcast hosted by Pawan Luthra, Burke did not hesitate to share his fandom.
“I am a big Shah Rukh Khan fan, so let me start with that,” he said, setting the tone for a lively discussion on films and music.
Tony Burke’s Passion for Bollywood Music and Films
Burke’s admiration extends beyond actors to music as well. He spoke fondly of the work of Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman, revealing that Rahman’s music ranks among his personal favourites.
When it comes to films, Burke shared that Chak De! India holds special significance for him. The film resonates not only because of its powerful storyline but also because portions of it were filmed in Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
The conversation took a light-hearted turn when Burke was asked whether he supported India or Australia during the film’s climactic hockey match. Laughing at the question, he responded:
“No, no, no… although I did cheer for India in Lagaan.”
Praise for ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ and Love for Epic Storytelling
Burke also expressed admiration for Jodhaa Akbar, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Describing the film as visually stunning and emotionally engaging, he called it:
“A beautiful epic” and “a phenomenal film.”
His appreciation highlights Bollywood’s global reach and its ability to resonate with audiences from different cultural backgrounds.
‘Om Shanti Om’ Emerges as His All-Time Favourite
While Burke named several favourites, one film stood above the rest—Om Shanti Om.
Directed by Farah Khan and marking the debut of Deepika Padukone, the film left a lasting impression on him.
Burke described Om Shanti Om as his “favourite film of all time.”
One memorable dialogue from the film continues to resonate with him:
“If it’s not happy, it’s not the end… the story is not over yet.”
He noted that this line feels especially meaningful in today’s world, reflecting optimism and perseverance.
Bollywood’s Growing Global Appeal
Burke’s comments highlight Bollywood’s expanding global influence, with films, music, and storytelling finding enthusiastic audiences far beyond India.
From sports dramas like Chak De! India to epic romances such as Jodhaa Akbar, and musical spectacles like Om Shanti Om, Bollywood continues to bridge cultures and connect viewers worldwide—even among world leaders.