In an industry often defined by hierarchy and ego, the true measure of a star's character can be found in how they treat those with less power. Actor Zeeshan Ayyub, who has shared screen space with Shah Rukh Khan in films like Raees and Zero, has offered a revealing glimpse into the megastar's profound humility, particularly towards working-class crew members and junior artistes.
Respect That Never Wavers: Greetings for Doormen and Crew
Speaking in an interview with Shubhankar Mishra on YouTube in December 2025, Zeeshan Ayyub highlighted that while many celebrities are known for their hospitality towards peers, Shah Rukh Khan's respect extends far beyond. Ayyub observed Khan's consistent behaviour over their 3.5 years of collaboration, noting a defining pattern. "I see how a star treats working-class people – those doing more physical labour for less money. This is how I judge a human being, and Shah Rukh never misses greeting these people," Ayyub stated.
He elaborated with a specific example, revealing that even if Shah Rukh Khan is engrossed in a serious conversation while walking through a door held open by a doorman, he will invariably pause, turn his full attention to the person, and thank them. "It is a sign of greatness," Ayyub remarked, emphasising that such gestures are ingrained and automatic for the superstar.
The Personal Apology: Taking Responsibility for Delays
Perhaps the most telling anecdote shared by Zeeshan Ayyub involves the handling of schedule overruns on set. In a move that is exceptionally rare for an actor of his stature, Shah Rukh Khan personally addresses junior artistes if a shoot needs to be extended.
"When he wants to extend half-an-hour of a shoot, he will go to the microphone and say sorry to his juniors and ask them, 'Please, can you extend this shoot by half-an-hour,'" Ayyub recounted. He pointed out that while junior artistes are contractually obligated to comply, Khan does not take their time for granted. The actor sees the delay as his responsibility because it is his film, and he makes a point of personally requesting the extension rather than having an assistant relay the message.
Roots of Humility: A Credit to Upbringing
Zeeshan Ayyub credited this exceptional demeanour to Shah Rukh Khan's upbringing and inherent personality. "This gesture can only be done by a beautiful person, and I will give this credit to his parents. This doesn’t come from a person just like that, this is his upbringing," he explained. For Ayyub, these actions demonstrate that Khan's legendary success has not eroded his fundamental respect for every individual contributing to a project, regardless of their role's size.
The revelations add to the long-standing narrative of Shah Rukh Khan's graciousness, which includes personally walking guests to their cars at his iconic home, Mannat. However, Ayyub's account shifts the focus from celebrity hospitality to a deeper, more consistent ethic of equality and respect on the professional front. It paints a picture of a superstar who remains acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with his position and chooses to lead with kindness and consideration for all.
