In 2023, actress Priyamani revealed her heartfelt experience of reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan on the sets of the film Jawan after almost ten years. During an exclusive interview with ETimes, she candidly discussed working with the superstar, her deep admiration for him, and how he made her feel completely at ease on set.
Recalling their first meeting during the shoot, Priyamani shared, “He just saw me and flashed the biggest smile, gave me the tightest hug, and said, ‘Thank you so much for being part of this film.’”
The actress, who had previously worked with Shah Rukh in Chennai Express, revealed that both the storyline and the chance to collaborate again with SRK and director Atlee drew her to Jawan. “Both. Mainly, it was the story that worked for me. And then the film being an Atlee directorial, acting with Shah Rukh Khan was the icing on the cake,” she stated.
Behind-the-Scenes Moments from Zinda Banda
Priyamani also discussed the grand scale of the Zinda Banda dance sequence, which became a highlight of Jawan. “I honestly didn’t know that that song would have about a thousand background dancers. But I am so glad that Atlee sir thought of it,” she recalled.
She revealed that dancers were brought in from multiple cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kerala. Sharing a charming anecdote from the shoot, Priyamani said Shah Rukh personally ensured she stood beside him during rehearsals and filming. “He came and saw me and said, ‘Why are you standing behind?’ I said, ‘That’s my position.’ Then he called Shobi Master and said, ‘She has been my teacher since Chennai Express and she will stand next to me and I’ll copy her. So, if I make a mistake, that means she made a mistake,’” she recounted with a laugh. “I told SRK, ‘Sir, please don’t put so much pressure on me.’ He made sure that I was next to him,” she added.
Praise for Shah Rukh Khan’s Dedication
Praising Shah Rukh Khan’s commitment as a performer, Priyamani described him as a “phenomenal dancer” who gives his all to every performance. “Being his ‘teacher’, I can confidently say Shah Rukh sir is a phenomenal dancer. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does whether acting or dancing,” she said. She further added, “He gives his 200 percent no matter how easy or difficult the choreography is. He makes it look like a cakewalk.”
The actress also commended SRK for his respectful and kind behavior toward everyone on set. “I think he is the best when it comes to being chivalrous. He is the ultimate when it comes to giving equal respect to not only women but each and every individual,” Priyamani shared.
Priyamani’s Crush on Shah Rukh Khan
During the interview, Priyamani admitted that Shah Rukh Khan was the only Bollywood actor she ever had a crush on. “The only person I had a crush on is Shah Rukh Khan and I got to work with him. I am happy about that. Here’s hoping for many more projects with him,” she said.
Apart from SRK, she also praised Ranbir Kapoor, calling him “effortless” in acting and dancing. “I think he is brilliant,” she added.
