In a nostalgic revelation, Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan has opened up about the profound impact Shah Rukh Khan had on his early career. Reflecting on their decades-long bond, Saif praised the 'King' actor as a true visionary who accurately predicted the visual effects (VFX) revolution in Indian cinema a quarter of a century before it unfolded.
Saif Ali Khan on Shah Rukh Khan's Confidence
Speaking to News18, Saif recalled an old interview from the film 'King Uncle' where Shah Rukh spoke candidly about his aspirations. 'There was an interview he did for King Uncle where they asked him what he wants to do. He said that he wants to be the number one star and the biggest thing that India has ever seen. That was the first time I heard something like that because we were not used to that kind of confidence,' Saif said.
Saif noted that Shah Rukh's self-belief remained unwavering as their careers progressed. The two actors first shared screen space in 'Pehla Nasha', though they were working on separate films at the time. 'He has always been like that. I remember meeting him then and then consistently onwards. Thereafter, we did Pehla Nasha where we shot one scene together. We were working around the same kind of time when he did Baazigar with Venus and I was doing Main Khiladi Tu Anari with them,' he added.
Saif also shared an anecdote from their stage shows: 'We did all these shows which were the best shows anyone has ever done onstage. During that time, one day, he called me and said that let us not tell everybody how house full it is. He had his reasons. But I have never got a call from someone saying that let us downplay how successful a show is.'
Shah Rukh Khan's Early Faith in VFX
Saif revealed that Shah Rukh was passionately discussing the future of visual effects nearly 25 years ago, long before it became central to Indian filmmaking. 'I can actually write a speech on how special he has been and about his passion for work, but let me just sum it up by saying that he has been a visionary,' Saif remarked. 'He was obsessed with VFX at one point of time but it was not happening. He said that it is going to be the biggest thing. And I kept saying, You are losing me. We were at a bar in London. He told me, No, you do not understand. VFX is going to be the biggest thing. This was about 25 years ago.'
That foresight later materialized through Red Chillies Entertainment and its acclaimed visual effects division.
Guidance and Collaboration
Saif credited Shah Rukh with guiding him at a crucial point in his journey as a leading actor. 'We shot films like Kal Ho Naa Ho at a time when New York was different. It was a very different time. It was way, way back and I saw all of it close up. He taught me how to kind of be a main lead in a movie when I got offered Hum Tum. I learnt a lot from him, I mean a little bit,' he said.
The two stars have reunited for the upcoming project Kartavya, with Shah Rukh backing the production as producer and Saif playing a central role.
