Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the King of Bollywood, is not just a megastar known for his impeccable acting and massive fan following but is also admired for his down-to-earth personality. Despite ruling the film industry for over three decades, SRK has remained grounded, and his humility is something that continues to be spoken about by those who have worked with him. Director Tigmanshu Dhulia, who has shared screen space with Shah Rukh in films like Zero and worked behind the scenes on Dil Se, recently recalled some touching moments from his experiences with the superstar.
Shah Rukh Khan Slept on the Floor of a Bus During ‘Dil Se’ Shoot
In an interview with Mashable India, Tigmanshu Dhulia opened up about working with Shah Rukh Khan during the shooting of Dil Se in Ladakh, a film directed by Mani Ratnam and released in 1998. The director revealed that during the filming, Shah Rukh, already a big star at that time, didn’t have the luxury of a vanity van, which is common on film sets today. Instead, he would take short naps on the floor of the bus that the crew used for transportation.
“There was no vanity van during the shoot in Ladakh, so Shah Rukh used to lie down on the floor of the bus after lunch. It was a short break of 30 minutes. Even though he was the biggest star on set, he never complained. People would walk over him as they moved around in the bus, and he didn’t mind. He never asked anyone to stop or be careful,” Tigmanshu shared.
A Star Who Never Demanded Special Treatment
Tigmanshu Dhulia further emphasized how Shah Rukh’s behavior stood out during the Dil Se shoot. Even though he had every right to demand some quiet time during his short nap, SRK never made any such requests. “He could have easily asked for some peace or demanded a proper space to rest. But that’s Shah Rukh Khan for you — always considerate, never demanding,” Tigmanshu added, reflecting on SRK’s humble nature despite his stardom.
Shah Rukh’s Kindness on the Set of ‘Zero’
Shah Rukh Khan’s humility wasn’t just limited to the early stages of his career. Years later, during the shooting of Zero, a film produced under Shah Rukh’s home banner, Tigmanshu Dhulia experienced the same warmth from the actor. Tigmanshu played the role of SRK’s father in the film, and during the shoot, he observed how caring and thoughtful Shah Rukh was towards everyone on set.
“On the sets of Zero, Shah Rukh would go out of his way to ensure everyone was comfortable. He would personally arrange chairs for everyone and make sure that the crew had eaten. His genuine concern for the well-being of others, even during his busy schedule, was remarkable,” Tigmanshu mentioned.
A Man Who Never Forgot His Roots
Shah Rukh Khan’s journey from being a struggling actor to becoming one of the biggest stars in the world has always been inspiring. Tigmanshu Dhulia’s anecdotes highlight that SRK’s success hasn’t changed the person he is at heart. His humility, kindness, and ability to connect with everyone, regardless of their position, have only added to his charm.
As Tigmanshu puts it, “In an industry where stardom often creates a gap between actors and the rest of the crew, Shah Rukh remains approachable and caring. It’s no surprise that so many directors, actors, and technicians dream of working with him.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s ability to remain humble while achieving great heights in his career makes him not only a superstar on screen but a true legend off it as well.
