In a recent interview with News18, acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani shed light on his decision to work with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in their latest collaboration, 'Dunki.' Expressing admiration for Khan's acting prowess, Hirani recounted the journey that led to their partnership.
Hirani reminisced about his days in film school, emphasizing the challenges aspiring filmmakers faced in securing a producer and convincing established actors to come on board for their debut projects. He vividly recalled a defining moment during his student days when he watched a series called 'Circus' in a common room with fellow students.
A particular scene and camera angle featuring an unnamed actor delivering a compelling monologue left a lasting impression on him. Determined to work with this actor, Hirani waited for two decades, as Shah Rukh Khan soared to stardom in the interim.
"I remember studying in a film school, and the real struggle for any filmmaker was how we would make our first film. Will we get a producer? Will any actor come on board? So we had a common room where all the students would watch television together. I recall watching this series called Circus and I vividly remember the scene including the camera angle where one actor was performing and delivering a monologue. I didn’t know who he was but I loved his performance. I told myself once I passed out from school, I would approach him and make a film. It took me two years to graduate from the film institute, and by that time, Shah Rukh Khan had become a huge star (laughs). So, I had to wait for 20 years to collaborate with him on a film," shared Hirani.
Highlighting Shah Rukh Khan's charm, Hirani confessed, "I was enamoured by his charm. I would put on an eye mask and earplugs when he was giving a shot. Once he finished, my assistant would tell me ‘Sir shot khatam ho gaya hai (Sir the shot is over),’ and then I would open my eyes (laughs). Jokes apart, he is an amazing actor and an even better person."
'Dunki,' co-written by Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, and Kanika Dhillon, follows the heartwarming journey of four friends aspiring to settle down in London for a better life. The film, which also features Vicky Kaushal, Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani, and Anil Grover, hit theaters on December 21, garnering mixed reviews. Despite the varied response, the film reportedly raked in ₹49.7 crore within two days of its release, setting the stage for a box office clash with the Prabhas-starrer 'Salaar.'
Presented by JIO Studios, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Rajkumar Hirani Films, 'Dunki' faces the competitive cinematic landscape head-on, vying for audience attention amid the simultaneous release of 'Salaar.'
