SRK's leading ladies, co-stars, directors on Mr. Khantastic

Shah Rukh never wanted to do films!'

Says Renuka Shahane, who was his co-star in the popular serial Circus, way back in 1989

Chaya Unnikrishnan

Renuka Shahane and Shah Rukh Khan shared a special bond in Circus, a serial directed by Aziz Mirza. The serial was about a circus falling apart, and Shah Rukh Khan played the owner's US-returned son who tries to save it. Here, Renuka talks about the star she knows, his charm, the awe-inspiring confidence, his romance with Gauri and the fact that he never wanted to do films! Read on...

The first thing that struck me about Shah Rukh Khan was his awe-inspiring confidence. He was from Delhi and I was from Mumbai so he had a different way of talking and being. But once I got to know him as a co-star, I felt he was born to be a star.

During one of the shoots, I saw around 20,000 people waiting on the sets to see him. This was a big deal; such adulation was, till then, reserved for film stars. But Shah Rukh gained that kind of popularity with Fauji.

The best thing about him was he treated everybody equally " whether it was the producer or the spot boy. It was so refreshing that he didn't believe in hierarchy. He was always full of energy and would survive on a cola and cigarettes throughout the day! We used to shoot in two shifts " day and night " and he would practically be in every scene. Yet, he would be fresh and ready for an extra shift if need be! He used to tell me, "Renuka if the director says jump, you should jump". He is a complete performer, it's in his bones. And, he thrives on appreciation.

Another thing I noticed about him is, he is extremely respectful towards women " their contributions and independence. I think it comes from the fact that he was close to his mother. His father passed away early and she was the driving force in his life.

Would you believe, in those days, he was clear that he was not interested in films! He would say he never wanted to do films and that he was happy doing TV. I remember when he signed his first film Dil Aashna Hai he had come on the sets (of Circus) with Viveck Vaswani, who was a close friend of mine. We were dying to know about the scenes he had shot then. At that time, he used to look at the film industry differently. He would find the whole idea of spot boys holding an umbrella for the stars and the alag treatment of them very funny. Here with Kundan Shah and Aziz sir, everybody was equal and we would have lunch together.

And yes, he was totally in love with Gauri. He was dating her, but he couldn't call her directly, so he would make me or Anita (Sarin, an actress) call her landline (there were no mobiles then). Her parents would take the call and we would ask for Gauri, once she came on the line, Shah Rukh would take the phone. It was such fun and Shah Rukh loved Anita's voice, so he would make her call often.

Today, we are not in touch, but whenever we meet, he greets me warmly. After Circus, I met him when I was shooting for Hum Aapke Hai.. Koun? and he was shooting for Baazigar and later when I was doing Kora Kagaz and he was doing Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.

After all, you never forget the first people you work with.

Nobody from this generation can match his energy'

Varun Dhawan on his SRK memories... fawning over khan's DeewanA stunts right up to the time spent with him on the sets of Dilwale

Nayandeep Rakshit

I cannot exactly remember what age I was, but I remember hearing the song Koi Na Koi Chahiye from Deewana, when I was a child. I loved every time it played on screen. I was really young then and obviously, had no clue who Shah Rukh Khan was. I just saw this man riding a bike and jumping around cars.

There was another song which was a favourite of mine. Badi Mushkil Hai Khoya Mera Dil Hai with Madhuri Dixit-Nene (in Anjaam) and that was also picturised on the streets where Shah Rukh Sir was jumping around.

So, my earliest memory was about this man doesn't do things like other people do. He was always jumping over cars and I found it really cool at the time.

As I grew older, I watched his films and I realised what a great actor he is. I watched DDLJ and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and like the millions and millions of people who love him, I, too, became a fan of his. But before that, his sheer energy and passion and the exuberance he exuded on screen, drew me towards him as a person.

More than the iconic things that we've seen him doing on screen, I love the way in all his action scenes, Shah Rukh Sir would jump, hit, deliver and fall. The way he would actually get beaten up in films " I would try doing that.

His hair, too, was really cool. I remember he had this long mane. I always wanted to have a hairstyle similar to his, but since I was in school, I could never do that!

I remember the first time I got to meet him in person. He had come home to meet dad (David Dhawan) and I had no clue that he had come. So when I walked into the room, I saw my dad talking to someone who was sitting on the ground aaram se chauki maarke. He was looking up and when I came ahead, I saw it was Shah Rukh Khan.

Usually when people would come home, they would sit on the chair, he was different. He was sitting on the ground. My earliest memories have always been around the fact that there was something that separated this man from everyone else. From the simplest of things he did to the most complex ones, he always did everything very differently. The way he behaved, the way he walked, the way he spoke...

Once again, I met him while travelling and I was with my mother. There was something about him that you couldn't ignore, not that he made a big hoo-haa about all that. He doesn't do that even till date. But there's a certain charm, there's a certain energy which draws people towards him. That was always there and maybe, it's more now. But he's very casual and not at all in-your-face about who he is and how he is. This man is really cool.

He has a lot of energy. I don't think anyone from this generation can match him. While doing some scenes or even during rehearsals, he's relentless at it 24X7. Even when we're at the PlayStation, he is like a teenager who will be telling you, Lets do this, let's do that.'

It sometimes baffles me that he's a senior and is so much older than me, but the way he is, he can relate to everyone. Shah Rukh Khan is someone who can relate to an eighty year old and at the same time, he's able to relate to an eight-year-old as well. That's what makes him so popular because he comes across as someone who can relate to any age and any demography. The audiences feel like knowing him in person and also owning him, so they feel really comfortable around him.

During My Name is Khan (Varun was an AD on the sets), Shah Rukh Sir would remain very serious because the film and the role was such. He didn't really fool around much on the sets.

But on the Dilwale sets, he really fooled around a lot. He's a producer as well. So he kind of took care of all of us, saw that everything was done in the best manner for everyone on the sets. But on the sets, he's always fooling around with Rohit Sir and the entire crew. What he does brilliantly as an actor and as the leader, is getting the entire team together.

As told to Nayandeep Rakshit

Shah of the showmen

Shah Rukh's directors share their memories from the sets

Subhash K Jha

Shah Rukh Khan is many things to many people. More so, to the directors he worked with. Even more so, to those he delivered hits and unforgettable films with. These helmers have always found the superstar to be a director's actor, yet always bringing a singular dedication and individuality to each role. Each character is Shah Rukh and Shah Rukh is each character. In their minds, there is little to no doubt that anyone else could have played the lead in their landmark films...

I'M HAPPY PIGGYBACKING ON SRK'S STARDOM'

*KARAN JOHAR

More than the energy he brings into your life, it's the kind of support Shah Rukh gives. You just have to be a director and work with him to know what I mean. Personally, for me, he's my God, my hero and brother. He and I work so well together because we care so deeply for each other in real life. I need him more than he needs me. I'm happy with the success God has given me. And I'm happy God has given me Shah Rukh to attain that success. If you ask me, I'm happy piggybacking on his stardom. If and when he's ready to direct a film, he will be outstanding at it.

HE LEFT ME SPEECHLESS'

*SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI

Working with Shah Rukh in Devdas was a completely new experience. I don't know what to say about him. He left me speechless. I had my doubts before working with him. But it's his most endearing and honest performance. If I were to make Devdas again, I'd still cast only Shah Rukh. He seemed right for the role then. And I was right. I fell in love with his performance. He understood the character without losing spontaneity.

MERA BACHCHA, SHAH RUKH'

*AZIZ MIRZA

Shah Rukh is like my own child. He was like my bachcha from the time he started. I can never move away from him. I've done four films with him. Some relationships go beyond the professional. Shah Rukh is certainly one of them. We did Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman and Yes Boss together. Everyone has his destiny. Shah Rukh became an overnight star with Deewana. I remember they had shot half the film with another actor. Shah Rukh came into the project at that late stage. If that isn't destiny, what is?

He gives intelligent inputs'

*FARHAN AKHTAR

People are always happy to see Shah Rukh. Whether it's almost two years apart, as was the case between My Name Is Khan and RA.One or just two months apart like Don 2 and RA.One, it doesn't matter. Shah Rukh's energy is very infectious. He gives very intelligent suggestions and I enjoy his inputs. We had a whole lot of fun working on Don and Don2.

Mr Khantastic

Shah Rukh's leading ladies pay rich tribute to the man, the hero, the superstar

Upala KBR

As Shah Rukh Khan celebrates his 50th birthday today, we get his various heroines " from Raveena Tandon Thadani (Zamana Deewana), Shilpa Shetty Kundra (Baazigar), Preity Zinta (Dil Se, Kal Ho Na Ho and Veer Zara), Deepika Padukone (Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express and Happy New Year), Anushka Sharma (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Jab Tak Hai Jaan), Katrina Kaif (Jab Tak Hai Jaan), Kareena Kapoor Khan (Asoka, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, RA.One), Madhuri Dixit-Nene (Anjaam, Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, Koyla and Dil To Pagal Hai) to Kajol Devgn (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Karan Arjun and Dilwale) to tell us what makes the actor so special.

I wouldn't want to change anything about him

*Kajol

My favourite film with Shah Rukh is Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, because we had such a great time. I don't have a fav scene with him because whenever I have worked with him, there has always been such a great level of comfort. Shah Rukh is such a good actor that he always makes you feel comfortable, so whatever work we have done together I've honestly loved doing it and watching it. I have known him for the last 20 years and as far as changing is concerned, I think he and I are the same, but the people around us have changed in the last 20 years. But yes, there's one thing I would love to change about him! I would love it if he would reply to BBM messages on time or even read them, for that matter (laughs).

Shah Rukh is a team player

*Kareena Kapoor Khan

Shah Rukh and I have worked together in three films " Asoka being my first. Wherever I go, people always talk of Asoka and I am hugely grateful to Shah Rukh for that. It's a part of my life in a very big way. It was the first time that I shot with no make-up on and like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, is another landmark film in my career. He has always given me some eternal party songs like a Chammak Challo. When I signed RA.One, he had promised to give me two super hit blockbusters and he lived up to it. He is also a dear friend to Saif and me. We may not meet Shah Rukh and Gauri often, but whenever we do, it's with the fondest and deepest respect. Shah Rukh always calls me on my birthday in spite of being so busy. He's important to both Lolo (sister Karisma, who starred with SRK in Dil To Pagal Hai) and me in our careers. Shah Rukh is a team player. He doesn't work for himself but the film. Despite being such a huge star, he's only bothered about how his heroines look and not how he does. That's why his heroines look so gorgeous. Other Bollywood actors will take aeons to achieve the kind of energy and superstardom Shah Rukh has reached till now. He will take an era to replace.

It's a relationship of a lifetime...

*Deepika Padukone

For a very long time, it seemed too surreal for me and took some time to sink in that I was working with Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om. He was shooting for Chak De! India when I signed OSO. I will never forget our first meeting at his home. I was nervous about meeting him, almost tongue-tied. It was a weird experience sitting next to him and chatting so casually. I felt comfortable around him. Shah Rukh has that kind of charm. He is extremely generous as an actor, producer and a friend. It feels odd for me to talk about it today. We share a different equation now. When I started out, I trusted him blindly. Now, we are equals through the work we have done. With Shah Rukh and me it's a relationship of a lifetime. On his birthday today, I wish him health and happiness.

He smells really good

*Anushka Sharma

He is my first co-star and that makes him very special. It was my first film, but what stood out for me was how passionate he was regarding his work and that's something that will stay with me and I can take inspiration from. His passion for his craft and his energy is infectious. I got to know him better during the shoot of Jab Tak Hai Jaan. He is intelligent, has a great sense of humour and is courteous. Oh yes, and he smells really good. I don't know if I will ever be able to get friendly enough with him that I can slap his back like I do with some of my other co-stars. Due to my army background, for me, the hierarchy needs to be respected. I have immense respect for him. He meets me with the same warmth and affection just like he did when we met for the first time.

He makes everyone feel special

*Katrina Kaif

While shooting for Jab Tak Hai Jaan, I was tongue-tied in Shah Rukh's presence, during some of our first interactions. He is, after all, one of the greatest superstars of our times. He is very kind, helpful and caring and that's truly what makes him so unique. He has so much care and love to give those around him and never tires. Shah Rukh is a magical force. For me, like for many others I am sure, he is an inspiration. He can hold the attention of anyone " from the age of two to 102 with a unique gift of making everyone feel special! Shah Rukh's a conversationalist, an extrovert who likes to involve everyone around him. He is also very good at improvisation and can just change and take the scene or dialogue to a different level. Shah Rukh is a more spontaneous actor and not into rehearsing. I am fortunate to have worked with him and count him as a friend.

He's a competitive kid

*Preity Zinta

Shah Rukh is one of the brightest people I know. It's amazing how well-read he is. He has very curious nature. Like a child, he is curious about everything. If you are discussing something and he doesn't know what it is, he will find out about it himself. One can always be young with Shah Rukh. There's never a dull moment with him. Shah Rukh is like this big kid where competing is concerned, a fact I love about him. He's very competitive especially where playing games is concerned. In a kid's store, he's the bigger kid. You see one of the biggest stars in the world like a lost kid in a toy store. I am sure he will redefine himself at 50 this year. I really do love him a lot. Shah Rukh is one of the most inspiring guys I know. None of us are perfect, we all have our own shortcomings, but Shah Rukh's positives are so strong that it outnumbers the rest.

Go easy on the cigarettes, SRK!

*Madhuri Dixit-Nene

For me, Dil To Pagal Hai is the most special film with Shah Rukh. The characters of Pooja and Rahul were incredibly crafted by Yash Chopra. Of all his films, my personal favourite would have to be Baazigar. He was outstanding in the film and with that film, he made the anti-hero trend famous. I honestly don't remember our first-day shot very clearly, but I remember that it was for the film Anjaam. When I met him for the first time on the sets of the film, the first thing I noticed was a mop of hair falling all over his forehead making him look like a naive boy. But I never judge a book by its cover and Shah Rukh proved that with his acting prowess in the film. I don't want to change anything about him but for one. Like everyone else, I'd want him to go little easy on the cigarettes. Also, Shah Rukh has always been very good with all his co stars, especially the female actresses.

He's a cool guy, special person & intelligent actor

*Shilpa Shetty Kundra

I met Shah Rukh on the first day of the Baazigar shoot. I had seen him in Fauji and had been a huge fan. Then, he wasn't that big a star, but he always had the charisma of one. He has been able to achieve all that he has, not just because his of acting, but also because he's a very intelligent actor. He has diversified his businesses. From acting, he's gone into producing movies, sports and other things. He's very blessed to have achieved that kind of stardom. During Baazigar, Shah Rukh definitely was a great help. I was so new with no background in acting and he came from stage. He helped me with my dialogue delivery. I have never been on backslapping terms with him, but he has always given me much respect and has always been encouraging. He's a cool guy and a special person.

I was the first person to call him Shah

*Raveena Tandon Thadani

Shah Rukh and I go back a long way. We shot together for the first time for Ramesh Sippy's Zamana Deewana (1995) and hit it off instantly. A fact nobody knows, is that I was the first person to call him Shah. I started calling him that while shooting for ZD. Since then, we haven't worked together. Maybe our stars don't match. I would have loved to work with him more. But we have always been better friends as we share a fabulous rapport. He is a Scorpio like me. Another Scorpio trait... he loves and hates with equal passion. If he wants something, uske peeche haath dhoke padh jaata hai. Also, Shah is still connected to the people he knew when he first came to Bandra and treats them with the same amount of love, warmth and compassion as before.