Actress Girija Oak, who joined forces with Shah Rukh Khan on Atlee’s Jawan,opened up witnessing the superstar amidst one of the most turbulent phases of his personal life — when his son Aryan Khan was jailed following the NCB raid on a cruise ship in October 2021. In a new interview, Girija said she saw SRK closely amidst that emotionally charged period and was struck by his dignity and composure.
Adding she has shot with him in very difficult phases of his life recalling how the entire episode surrounding Aryan unfolded amidst the time they were associated with Jawan. According to her, regardingless everything happening simultaneously, Shah Rukh never allowed his inner turmoil to affect his work.
She further went on to recall that people took Pathaan personally as if it was a form of vengeance.
Girija also spoke about the unprecedented audience response to Pathaan, which released after the controversy and emerged as a blockbuster. She described the wave of public support as deeply emotional.
Adding that it was almost like people took it upon themselves personally to make this film a hit,” and that watching the film felt like an act of solidarity. It was some sort of angst or anger — that they’ll go to see him after buying the ticket. You can’t do this to the beloved person.
She further went on to share that she conveyed this sentiment directly to Shah Rukh. She told him that so many people in this country would want to tell him that they are with you… she just wanted to hold his hand and say that all are with him.” She said the actor was visibly grateful and humbled by the support.
Even after the success, there was no arrogance’
What stood out most to Girija was Shah Rukh Khan’s reaction even after Pathaan emerged as a massive hit. “Even then, he wasn’t saying, they have made a super hit film.’ He was just saying, they didn’t think it would be such a big hit, it’s a good thing, thank God.
She noted how this humility remained intact notwithstanding everything he had endured — including controversies that followed his public appearances, such as the criticism surrounding his presence at Lata Mangeshkar’s funeral.
Not once did he lose his cool on set’
Girija emphasised that throughout months of shooting, Shah Rukh Khan never let personal distress spill onto the set. “Not once has he lost his cool. He has never shouted at anyone. He always showed up on time and did his part well,” she said.
Calling two years a long enough time to see someone’s real personality, she added that no one can pretend for that long. “We shot with him for many months. I truly saw him through all these phases.
He chose silence when everyone else was speaking’
Addressing speculation around how deeply the episode may have affected him, Girija pointed out that Shah Rukh Khan chose restraint over reaction. She clarified that during the immediate aftermath of Aryan’s arrest, SRK stayed away from public appearances and shooting for several months. “When we met him again, the matter was almost over. And he was the same person — professional, composed, dignified.”
News Edit KV Raman
