It was a performance straight out of a dramatic Karan Kohar-Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. Shah Rukh Khan risked losing the power to walk just so that he could dance. After the performance Shah Rukh limped out of stage with his bloodied knees.
Says one of his most besotted female co-star, "It was a scary sight on an unforgettable night. The organizers had modified his steps in keeping with his injury. But Shah Rukh being Shah Rukh completely disregarded the restrictions imposed by his injury. He danced like a man possessed. But after the performance he just slumped. We could see the knees had been severely traumatized. "
Just minutes after the performance the organizer Sabbas Joseph could barely contain his exhilaration at what turned out to be the most bravura performance in the history of the global awards.
Says Sabbas, "Until the last minute we weren't sure if Shah Rukh would actually be able to dance. His knees were a wreck. Anyone in his place would've been in bed. Forget dancing, no one could even walk on those knees.
But for Shah Rukh a commitment is a commitment. Yes we had to modify his steps in keeping with his injury. He danced, and how! He got 22,000 people off their feet to dance in the grind finale when he danced to Om shanti om. "
But the highlight of Shah Rukh's performance was undoubtedly the Dabangg performance.
Says the besotted co-star, "Considering the strained equation between Shah Rukh and Salman the organizers were even hesitant to include Salman's Dabangg steps. Both choreographer Shiamak Davar and Shah Rukh insisted.
Shah Rukh not only danced to the title song from Dabangg he also performed Shah Rukh's trademark Dabangg steps with his hands in his pocket. The crowds went berserk. And Shah Rukh of course effortlessly proved once again what a sport he is. "
The reward for his spectacular performance came when Oscar-winning Hollywood actress Hillary Swank presented Shah Rukh his award for the best actor for his performance in My Name Is Khan.
Apparently Hillary told Shah Rukh she'd love to work with him.
Shiamak Davar who choreographed Shah Rukh's historic performance in Toronto on Saturday night says, "Shah Rukh danced through his pain like a true master. He was in AGONY. But he still rocked the crowds. I'm so proud of him. "
Shah Rukh's best friend Karan Johar was seen wiping his years when Shah Rukh finished his performance. Karan also seemed visibly moved when Hollywood leading American-African star Cuba Gooding Jr walked to stage with Bipasha Basu (who seems to be spending a lot of time with Hollywod actors) to present Karan with the best director award.