Though Shah Rukh Khan today stands as one of the world’s most celebrated and influential actors, his path to fame was filled with uncertainty, rejection, and perseverance. Before he became the “King of Bollywood,” he was just another hopeful outsider trying to make it big in Mumbai. In an engaging chat with Radio Nasha, Shah Rukh’s longtime friend and early mentor, producer Viveck Vaswani, opened up about the little-known beginnings of the superstar’s film journey—including the first film he ever signed and the modest fee he received for it.
The Unlikely Meeting with Hema Malini
Viveck fondly recounted the day when destiny brought Shah Rukh face-to-face with legendary actress and filmmaker Hema Malini. At the time, the young actor was still struggling to find his footing in the industry and was staying with Vaswani. Then came an unexpected call from Hema Malini, who was casting for her directorial project, Dil Aashna Hai. The duo, nervous but hopeful, went to meet her at her residence.
Upon arrival, they noticed a man sitting behind a newspaper. When he finally lowered it, they were startled to find it was none other than Dharmendra. As Hema Malini joined them, she was candid in expressing her doubts about Shah Rukh’s appearance and suitability as a leading man. Amused but determined, Vaswani cleverly defended his friend, insisting that top filmmakers like Rakesh Roshan and Ramesh Sippy had already signed him—a complete fabrication that he later admitted was a necessary white lie to help launch Shah Rukh’s career.
The First Film and a Modest Fee
Despite her initial reservations, Hema Malini saw potential in Shah Rukh’s energy and screen presence and decided to cast him. She offered him Rs 50,000 for the role, a small but significant sum for the struggling newcomer. The film boasted an ensemble cast that included veteran stars like Jeetendra, Mithun Chakraborty, Dimple Kapadia, Amrita Singh, and Kabir Bedi. Though Shah Rukh’s first signed project was Dil Aashna Hai, his first film to go on floors was King Uncle, directed by Rakesh Roshan, and his first release turned out to be Deewana, which ultimately became his breakout success.
About Dil Aashna Hai
Released in 1992, Dil Aashna Hai (translated as The Heart Knows) was directed and produced by Hema Malini under her banner H. M. Creations. The romantic drama, adapted from the TV miniseries Lace based on Shirley Conran’s novel, featured Divya Bharti and Shah Rukh Khan in leading roles. The narrative follows Laila, an orphan raised in a brothel who works as a cabaret dancer in a five-star hotel. Her life changes when a dying woman reveals she was adopted, prompting an emotional quest to find her biological mother.
Although Deewana became Shah Rukh Khan’s first released film, Dil Aashna Hai marked the true beginning of a cinematic journey that would turn an ambitious Delhi boy into the global icon now known as King Khan.
The Unlikely Meeting with Hema Malini
Viveck fondly recounted the day when destiny brought Shah Rukh face-to-face with legendary actress and filmmaker Hema Malini. At the time, the young actor was still struggling to find his footing in the industry and was staying with Vaswani. Then came an unexpected call from Hema Malini, who was casting for her directorial project, Dil Aashna Hai. The duo, nervous but hopeful, went to meet her at her residence.
Upon arrival, they noticed a man sitting behind a newspaper. When he finally lowered it, they were startled to find it was none other than Dharmendra. As Hema Malini joined them, she was candid in expressing her doubts about Shah Rukh’s appearance and suitability as a leading man. Amused but determined, Vaswani cleverly defended his friend, insisting that top filmmakers like Rakesh Roshan and Ramesh Sippy had already signed him—a complete fabrication that he later admitted was a necessary white lie to help launch Shah Rukh’s career.
The First Film and a Modest Fee
Despite her initial reservations, Hema Malini saw potential in Shah Rukh’s energy and screen presence and decided to cast him. She offered him Rs 50,000 for the role, a small but significant sum for the struggling newcomer. The film boasted an ensemble cast that included veteran stars like Jeetendra, Mithun Chakraborty, Dimple Kapadia, Amrita Singh, and Kabir Bedi. Though Shah Rukh’s first signed project was Dil Aashna Hai, his first film to go on floors was King Uncle, directed by Rakesh Roshan, and his first release turned out to be Deewana, which ultimately became his breakout success.
About Dil Aashna Hai
Released in 1992, Dil Aashna Hai (translated as The Heart Knows) was directed and produced by Hema Malini under her banner H. M. Creations. The romantic drama, adapted from the TV miniseries Lace based on Shirley Conran’s novel, featured Divya Bharti and Shah Rukh Khan in leading roles. The narrative follows Laila, an orphan raised in a brothel who works as a cabaret dancer in a five-star hotel. Her life changes when a dying woman reveals she was adopted, prompting an emotional quest to find her biological mother.
Although Deewana became Shah Rukh Khan’s first released film, Dil Aashna Hai marked the true beginning of a cinematic journey that would turn an ambitious Delhi boy into the global icon now known as King Khan.
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