Ssudeep Sahir recalls working with Shah Rukh Khan for a commercial: 'Left my cabin crew job, he was the..'

As Shah Rukh Khan turned 60 this year, his journey from Delhi’s theatre stages to becoming one of the most celebrated global icons continues to inspire generations. Actor Ssudeep Sahir, who was last seen in 'Tera Yaar Hoon Main', says SRK’s life story isn’t just about fame and fortune it’s about self-belief, discipline, and the courage to dream big even when the odds are stacked against you.

“For me, SRK's story is the ultimate testament to the power of audacious self-belief,” says Ssudeep. “He arrived in Mumbai with no film lineage and decided he would become the biggest star in the country. It wasn’t just ambition it was conviction. The personal takeaway for me is that your starting point does not define your finish line. He taught an entire generation that you can build your own throne, brick by brick, with hard work, intellect, and a charm that disarms the world.”

Talking about the secret behind SRK’s lasting relevance, Ssudeep points to his mind as much as his craft. “While his talent and work ethic are undeniable, what truly sets him apart is how active he is in shaping his own journey. He has never been a passive movie star. From understanding the pulse of the nation in the ’90s with his romantic films to evolving with changing times, he’s always stayed curious and adaptive. He keeps reinventing while staying rooted in who he is and that’s rare.”

When asked which Shah Rukh Khan film he could watch endlessly, Ssudeep doesn’t hesitate. “Without a doubt, Swades,” he smiles. “It’s SRK stripped of stardom pure, raw, and real. Mohan Bhargav’s journey of self-discovery and belonging mirrors something all of us feel at some point. Every time I watch it, it moves me deeply. Swades isn’t just a movie it’s a reminder of purpose.”

And if SRK were ever to pen his autobiography, Ssudeep believes it would be a masterclass in perseverance. “I would be most curious about the duality of his life the man versus the myth. I’d love to read about his early days in Mumbai, the doubts, the setbacks, and how he consciously built ‘Shah Rukh Khan’ the brand. There’s something fascinating about how he balances his intense privacy with being one of the most visible people on Earth.”

The actor also shares a deeply personal connection to SRK’s influence. “I actually got to work with him in a Pepsi Aha commercial while I was still working as cabin crew,” recalls Ssudeep. “He was so warm and humble it left a huge impression on me. The irony hit when, just days later, I was back on a flight from Mumbai to Delhi, serving the same production crew that had pampered me on set. That was my turning point. I realized I wanted to pursue acting for real. I left my job, moved to Mumbai, and never looked back. SRK wasn’t just a co-star that day he was the reason I took the leap.”

I actually got to work with him in a Pepsi Aha commercial while I was still working as cabin crew. He was so warm and humble it left a huge impression on me.

- Ssudeep Sahir

For Ssudeep, Shah Rukh Khan’s magic lies beyond his films. “He’s more than a superstar he’s an emotion,” he concludes. “He sold us a dream that felt personal. He’s the underdog who won, the lover who never gave up, and the man who made intelligence aspirational. When he opens his arms, it’s not just a pose it’s hope. For millions, he represents what’s possible when you refuse to give up. That’s not just fame. That’s faith.”