Memoir of a Shah Rukh Khan fan

The arduous journey of Tamzid Islam Zarir, an ardent Shah Rukh Khan fan, reached its culmination this year during the SRK Day event on November 2. His story, as the current organising secretary of the devoted SRK fan club SRK Bangladesh CFC, gained significant attention earlier this month when he met the Bollywood icon alongside 400 to 450 other fans on the occasion of King Khan's birthday.

Tamzid believed he would one day meet the legendary star, thanks to his association with the SRK fan club. While he was in line for a meeting last year, it was this year that fortune smiled on him, despite the challenges of navigating visa issues during India's then-ongoing electoral procedures. In an interview with The Daily Star, Tamzid recounted the unforgettable experience of meeting his hero.

When asked how the opportunity came about, Tamzid explained, "SRK Bangladesh CFC ensures that at least three Bangladeshi SRK fans have the chance to meet the actor every year, in collaboration with its Mumbai branch. I learned in April that I was among the lucky fans selected to visit India, and I immediately applied for my visa. Thankfully, I received the necessary approval."

Tamzid expressed gratitude to the club's founder and vice president, saying, "I received immense support from Kazi Shahdat Opu and Sumaiya Sharif Aupi. The latter met SRK last year, and I'm deeply thankful to both of them for their guidance."

However, securing a pass for the SRK Day event was no small feat. "The final confirmation of attendees is announced just a day before the event," he revealed. "Thankfully, I made it through that selection process too." Tamzid, who currently works as a project engineer at VEnS Incorporation, described the whole journey as surreal.

"When I finally met my one true hero, I was speechless. Words cannot describe my feelings at that moment—it was a dream come true. Shaking his hand left me overwhelmed with emotion," he recalled.

Asked if he managed to have a conversation with SRK, Tamzid shared, "I told him I was from Bangladesh, to which he responded, 'Baeth jao!' (Take your seat). During the group photo, I even rested my hand on his leg, and he didn't mind. He spent around two hours and twenty minutes with us this year—slightly less than last year, when he stayed longer due to promoting 'Dunki'. Regardless, SRK is renowned for dedicating this day exclusively to his fans."

When discussing how he became an SRK fan, Tamzid said, "For as long as I can remember. I must have become a fan during my childhood. If you ask which movie intensified my admiration, I'd say 'Duplicate'. I had seen a few of his films before, but watching him play dual roles in 'Duplicate' left a lasting impression on me. I have a special fondness for movies with dual characters."

Tamzid also spoke about the qualities he admires in the superstar. "I'm a fan of his personality and humility. Despite all the glory he's achieved, Shah Rukh Khan remains poised and down-to-earth. I particularly admire his respectful treatment of women. These traits inspire me personally," he affirmed with confidence.

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