It’s been a sweet 16 years since Deepika Padukone burst onto the Bollywood scene with her debut film “Om Shanti Om,” a milestone in her career that also marked the beginning of her memorable journey with the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. In a delightful trip down memory lane, Deepika recently reminisced about her very first interaction with the iconic actor, revealing a charming tale of nerves, excitement, and a touch of serendipity. Recalling the moment with fondness, Deepika shared how she initially thought it was a prank when acclaimed director Farah Khan called her, informing her about the opportunity to star alongside Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Om Shanti Om.’
As Deepika prepared for her first meeting with SRK, she couldn’t shake off the image of him from Yash Chopra films, an iconic figure looming large in the landscape of Indian cinema. Determined to make a lasting impression, Deepika meticulously planned her outfit, opting for a white chikankari salwar kameez that perfectly matched the decor of Shah Rukh Khan’s house—a thoughtful touch that showcased her attention to detail and reverence for the momentous occasion. Despite the nerves and butterflies fluttering in her stomach, Deepika’s apprehension melted away the moment SRK entered the room, his warm smile and infectious energy instantly putting her at ease. Thus began a beautiful journey of collaboration and camaraderie that would see Deepika and Shah Rukh Khan sharing screen space in blockbuster hits like ‘Chennai Express,’ ‘Happy New Year,’ and the highly anticipated ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan.’
The duo went on to dazzle the silver screen in ‘Om Shanti Om’
As Deepika Padukone continues to dazzle audiences with her talent and charisma, her journey with Shah Rukh Khan stands as a testament to the magic of Bollywood and the enduring power of collaboration.