Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan begins a selection of his personal heroes with a tribute to his late father - "most important hero of my life".

Named as one of the youngest freedom fighters for India at the time, Taj Mohammed Khan played an integral part in Shah Rukh's life until he died of throat cancer when he was just 15.

Shah Rukh talks about all the lessons his father taught him; kindness, patience, humour and that "it is not special to be special, it is special to be ordinary."

He also credits his father as the reason he entered the industry. Shah Rukh says the great Dilip Kumar was his dad's favourite actor and that's why he decided to play the role of Devdas in the remake, a role originally played by Dilip Kumar.

He also talks about how he wants to be like his dad; a gentleman, a good father and someone with a lot of strength.

The actor explains how he misses his father, "the stories can go on and on about my father, and I can spend a whole lifetime talking about my dad. And tell you how he has had such a major impression on my life and I really do miss him".

First broadcast on the BBC Asian Network in May 2012. Show less