Name of heroines should appear first on film credit rolls, says SRK

Making a pitch for women power, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan wants filmmakers to scroll name of actresses first in the credit roll on big screens and feels that they are yet to get their due.

"I would like to request to all that the name of heroines should appear first while giving credits. We would start this with Chennai Express. Deepika's name comes first. She is quite excited about it," SRK told reporters here last night.

"I would request others also to do it. I know this will not make a huge difference but may be a change in mindset will happen... I am looking to make a point," he said.

The 47-year-old also feels it's unfair that winning actors take all the applause in the end of an award function.

"Even at award functions the announcement of the best actor is lauded. Why not have actress award in the last. I know this all will not change (anything) but at least a point will be made," he said.

His comments come in the wake of a short film based on the pertinent issue of people's attitude towards women for Tata Tea's Jaago Re platform.

Its first of its kind in Indian cinema and Paa director R Balki has helmed it.

"When Balki asked me about it I readily agreed as I liked the concept. I jumped at the idea and shot for it soon," SRK said.

This is for the very first time that the director and actor have come together for a short film on a social cause. The duo recently shot it at Panchgani. It will release tomorrow on International Womens' Day.

Shah Rukh also felt that actresses don't get due credit.

"I have worked with Hemaji, Madhuri, Sridevi, Juhi, Deepika, Anushka and several others. They all work hard and are better. Also be it women directors, producers, choreographers and other women in my field I am inspired by all," he said.

"Women are the backbone in my field of work. But they don't get due credit," he said.