Faruk Kabir, now celebrated for directing high-octane thrillers like Khuda Haafiz and Salaakaar, recently looked back on his early days in the film industry and shared a heartwarming story about Shah Rukh Khan. Kabir began his journey as an assistant director on Aziz Mirza’s 2000 film Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla as rival reporters.
While the film may not have struck box office gold, Kabir insists the experience left him with invaluable lessons - especially from the leading man himself.
In an interview with The Lallantop, Kabir recalled the sheer dedication and humility that Shah Rukh carried to set every single day. “Anyone who works with Shah Rukh quickly feels embarrassed by how little they work because he works so hard. From the moment he’s on set, he’s fully present, mentally and physically. He’s completely immersed in the world of the film, engaging with actors and the director,” Kabir said.
He added that the superstar’s kindness extended beyond the camera. “If a junior artist isn’t performing a background task correctly, Shah Rukh gently steps in to guide them. He never shows attitude, scolds, or raises his voice. Instead, he corrects with genuine warmth and kindness,” Kabir explained, noting how rare such behavior is in an industry that often breeds ego.
One particular incident from the filming of the iconic song I Am The Best has stayed with Kabir ever since. He shared that Shah Rukh had to perform a knee-slide for the choreography, but the floor surface wasn’t smooth enough for the move. Instead of waiting for the crew to fix the issue, Shah Rukh took matters into his own hands.
“Despite his superstar status, Shah Rukh is incredibly humble. That’s the biggest lesson he teaches,” Kabir reflected. “During the shoot of I Am The Best, he came early after lunch to rehearse. He had to slide on his knees, but the floor was rough. So, he casually borrowed a bucket and mop from the production team while smoking a cigarette. After putting out the cigarette, he started mopping the floor himself.”
Kabir revealed that he quickly joined in to help. “There were only a few people around at that time, and even the lighting crew was asleep. I grabbed another mop and we cleaned the floor together. By the time the rest of the crew arrived, Shah Rukh had already rehearsed and was ready for the shot.”
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani also marked Shah Rukh Khan’s debut as a producer under Dreamz Unlimited, the banner he co-founded with Juhi Chawla and Aziz Mirza. While the film underperformed commercially, it paved the way for productions like Asoka (2001) and Chalte Chalte (2003), cementing SRK’s legacy not only as an actor but also as a producer.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
