When Shah Rukh Khan asked Main Hoon Na co-actor Zayed Khan if he could act; latter recalls feeling insulted

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As someone who grew up idolizing Shah Rukh Khan and his larger-than-life persona, I must admit this anecdote from Zayed Khan has left me somewhat surprised. It’s refreshing to see King Khan, the epitome of charm and humility, in a light that shows he’s not perfect – just like the rest of us.

In a refreshing twist, it’s revealed in a recent interview that despite Shah Rukh Khan’s charming and respectful demeanor which wins over many fans, there was an unexpected moment when their roles were reversed. Zayed, who worked alongside SRK in the 2004 film Main Hoon Na, recalled that during their first meeting for the film, it was Shah Rukh who inquired if he could act. This query left Zayed feeling taken aback, as he had hoped to ask the renowned actor and star of Pathaan if he possessed acting skills.

Zayed Khan, offspring of the esteemed actor Sanjay Khan, made his debut in the entertainment industry in 2003, captivating audiences with his performances during the early 2000s. One of his most memorable roles was as the second lead in the successful film “Main Hoon Na” from 2004, which also starred Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen, and Amrita Rao. During a chat with Amrita and her husband, popular radio jockey Anmol on their YouTube channel Couple of Things, Zayed shared the story behind his casting in the film and his encounter with Shah Rukh Khan.

In Main Hoon Na, Zayed had both the producer and lead roles, and they were seeking an actor to play his character’s younger brother Lucky. When Zayed reached out to Farah Khan, who was directing the film for a different reason, she invited him to meet her in Shah Rukh Khan’s office.

He recalled being confused about being called at Khan’s office and asked the filmmaker for the reason. But she asked him to keep quiet, which he felt was rude. Still, he maintained his calm, and King Khan came in with a sweet and well-mannered style.

In the course of their friendly exchange, SRK started discussing the movie with him. However, Zayed Khan was unaware of their purpose until SRK, the Soldier star, hinted at considering him for the role of the secondary protagonist.

Speaking about the memory, he mentioned, “He told me that they had contacted you regarding the second lead role in Main Hoon Na. I found myself unable to respond, so he continued, ‘Let’s put a stop to all these discussions here and there. All I want to ask is: Are you an actor? Can you act?’ It greatly displeased me that someone would speak to me in such a manner. I responded, ‘I was born to act.’

Initially, when The Dus actor was young, a certain question left him wounded. He didn’t desire to feel upset, but the question had a profound impact on him, causing him to ponder over asking King Khan the same question. However, his response caused Shah Rukh to laugh instead of becoming angry. Eventually, Farah reviewed his footage, and he ultimately got the chance to portray the character that continues to reside in the hearts of fans.

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2024-10-23 16:23