Saif Ali Khan, known for his recent role in Devara: Part 1 alongside Jr. NTR and Janhvi Kapoor, shared his experience of working with the legendary Shah Rukh Khan in the 2003 film Kal Ho Naa Ho, directed by Nikkhil Advani. Saif, who played the second lead opposite Preity Zinta, opened up about SRK’s professionalism and responsibility on set during a candid conversation.
In a heartfelt interview with Film Companion back in 2018, Saif Ali Khan reflected on his time working with Shah Rukh Khan in Kal Ho Naa Ho. He fondly remembered how SRK went above and beyond to support the entire production team throughout the filming process.
“I just finished doing Kal Ho Naa Ho. (I was) working very closely with Shah Rukh Khan and I kind of got an idea what a main lead has to do little extra…be supportive to production and you general demeanour and aura and your whole energy has to shoulder the production on-screen and off-screen,” Saif shared, highlighting SRK’s dedication to his craft.
Saif Ali Khan recalled how Shah Rukh Khan, upon his arrival on set, exuded a sense of responsibility befitting a superstar. The entire cast and crew admired how SRK effortlessly carried the weight of Nikkhil Advani’s directorial vision on his shoulders.
The Kal Ho Naa Ho actor was impressed by Shah Rukh’s ability to handle production issues and other challenges with a calm and responsible demeanor. It was evident to Saif that King Khan’s commitment to his craft went beyond just delivering lines on camera.
Mahima Chaudhry, who worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Subhash Ghai’s Pardes, also shared her admiration for the actor’s aura. In a recent interview with Radio Nasha, Mahima fondly recalled how everyone eagerly awaited SRK’s presence on set, describing him as a “workshop” of talent.
Kal Ho Naa Ho, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, featured a stellar cast including Jaya Bachchan, Sonali Bendre, Rajpal Yadav, Sushma Seth, Reema Lagoo, and others, making it a memorable cinematic experience for all involved.