Bollywood has a huge global fan base, but it’s not every day that a top international politician expresses his love. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has done just that – and how.
‘I’m a big Shah Rukh Khan fan ‘
In a chat on the Indian Link podcast, Burke got straight to it. “I’m a big Shah Rukh Khan fan, so start me off with that,” he said, setting the tone for a conversation full of Bollywood nostalgia.His admiration does not stop at actors. Burke also spoke of his love for AR Rahman’s music, naming the Oscar-winning composer’s work as one of his favourites.
From there Chak De! India to cheer India on in Lagaan
Speaking of movies, Burke’s Chak De! India holds a special place in his heart, especially the parts shot in Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.The conversation took a playful turn when he was asked whether he supported India or Australia during the film’s climactic hockey match. Laughing, Burke said: “No, no, no, although I did cheer for India in Lagaan.”Jodhaa Akbar, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was also praised, describing it as a “beautiful epic” and a “tremendous film”.
‘Om Shanti Om ‘ is at the top of his list
But if there’s one film that stands above the rest for Burke, it’s Om Shanti Om. Directed by Farah Khan and the debut of Deepika Padukone, the film has clearly left a lasting impression.He called it “my favorite movie of all time” and recalled one of its most iconic lines: “Simple happy endings… if it’s not happy, it’s not the end, the story isn’t over yet.” Reflecting on this, Burke added that dialogue is especially important today—proving that Bollywood’s charm truly knows no bounds.
