Words like life coach, mentor are too strong for my character: SRK

Shah Rukh Khan, who is playing counselor Dr. Jehangir Khan to Alia Bhatt's character Kaira, feels terming 'life coach' or mentor' is too strong for his character.

"Words like life coach and mentor are too strong for the character. I am surely a professional counselor in the film. But it's more of a person who is a listener," he told media here.

Adding to it, he said that the makers have realised that women, who are capable of solving their own issues need good non-judgmental listeners.

"I think what Gauri and Alia and everyone in the film has realised that women don't want someone to solve their problems. They can do it very well on their own. They don't want someone to give them solutions; they don't want someone to judge them. They just want a good listener and a good hug," explained the 51-years-old actor, adding, That's what this professional counselor provides. Instead of questioning her or giving her advice or telling her solutions, just listens to her and says, whatever you are doing is the right thing to do."

When SRK, who played a coach in 'Chak De! India' and will portray a counselor in 'Dear Zindagi,' was further asked about the difference between the two characters, he said, "I was a tough and strict guy in Chak De; here I am gentler. There is a huge difference in the world of both the films."

Produced by Gauri Khan, Karan Johar and Gauri Shinde under the banners of Red Chillies Entertainment, Dharma Productions and Hope Productions respectively, 'Dear Zindagi' has Alia Bhatt in the lead.

It also stars Ira Dubey, Kunal Kapoor, Ali Zafar and Angad Bedi and will hit the theatres on November 25.