Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who recently bagged the National Award for his performance in Jawan, is once again in the spotlight—this time for a controversy. Veteran actor and writer MF Farooqui, popularly known as Lilliput, has slammed SRK’s performance in the 2018 film Zero, comparing it unfavorably to Kamal Haasan’s iconic role in Appu Raja.

In a candid podcast conversation, Lilliput criticized SRK’s portrayal of a dwarf in Zero, saying it lacked originality and depth. He claimed that Shah Rukh merely attempted to replicate Kamal Haasan’s brilliance, but fell short in every aspect.

“Not Even the Dust of Kamal Haasan’s Feet” – Lilliput Blasts SRK

Lilliput didn’t hold back. Referring to Zero, he said,

“What should I say about Zero? Shah Rukh Khan was clearly trying to copy Kamal Haasan’s performance in Appu Raja. But SRK is not even the dust of his feet.”

He further explained that Kamal Haasan’s portrayal was not only original but also highly detailed. “When Appu Raja was made, notice the brilliance – Kamal’s face was altered to reflect the physical characteristics of a dwarf. From fingers to facial features, every detail was covered. In Zero, SRK was only shrunk using VFX. The physical and emotional depth was completely missing,” he added.

Where SRK Missed the Mark

According to Lilliput, Shah Rukh didn’t invest enough in the nuances of his character. “A dwarf’s appearance isn’t just about height—it’s about how their body functions and looks. That realism was absent in Zero. SRK didn’t go deep enough,” he remarked.

Who is Lilliput?

MF Farooqui aka Lilliput is no stranger to Bollywood. With roles in films like Bunty Aur Babli, Aunty No.1, Shararat, and Sagar, he has also made a mark as a writer. Interestingly, he wrote the dialogues for Shah Rukh’s 1992 film Chamatkar. Recently, he gained massive popularity for his powerful role as Dadda Tyagi in the hit web series Mirzapur.