Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla’s relationship transcends their collaborations in popular films like “Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman,” “Yes Boss,” “Darr,” and “Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani,” or their business partnership in ventures such as the Kolkata Knight Riders. Their friendship, spanning decades, began in the early days of their Bollywood careers.
At a recent Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry event, Juhi Chawla reminisced about their early days, painting a vivid picture of a young, ambitious Shah Rukh Khan who had just arrived in Mumbai from Delhi.
She recalled how he “didn’t have a place to stay” and blended seamlessly with the film unit, sharing meals and camaraderie. “He used to have tea with the unit, eat with the unit, and blend in seamlessly,” she said.
Despite working multiple shifts on films like “Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman,” “Dil Aashna Hai,” and “Deewana,” Shah Rukh’s determination never wavered.
Juhi also highlighted the financial struggles Shah Rukh faced early in his career. Despite now being one of India’s wealthiest actors with an estimated net worth of Rs 6300 crores, Shah Rukh’s journey was fraught with challenges. Juhi shared an anecdote about Shah Rukh’s black Gypsy getting repossessed due to missed EMI payments.
“He came on our set very dejected. I told him, ‘Don’t worry, you’ll have many more cars one day.’ And he still remembers that,” she recalled.
Reflecting on their first film together, Juhi recounted how producer Vivek Vaswani had painted a glowing picture of Shah Rukh, comparing him to her “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” co-star Aamir Khan.
Having never seen Shah Rukh’s work on TV, Juhi imagined him to be a “chocolate-faced, good-looking hero” like Aamir. However, upon meeting him, she was taken aback.
“Shah Rukh, patla sa, dubla sa, brown colour ka, white shirt mein duble patle se. Moti naak, mote honth. Maine bola, ‘ye kya hai?’ Ye toh mere saath dhokha ho gaya,” she humorously recounted. Despite her initial disappointment, Juhi decided to do the film and later joked, “Dekho, usko bhi star bana diya maine.”
Juhi fondly remembered how Shah Rukh’s dedication and collaborative spirit made their working relationship enjoyable.
“The director would lean on to him ki jab woh aayenge to shot accha ho jayega. He used to rehearse and improve. He didn’t work selfishly. He would suggest things to you and I had a great time working with him,” she said.
From their humble beginnings to their meteoric rise in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla’s friendship has remained steadfast and grounded, a testament to their shared journey and mutual respect.
