In the glitzy world of Bollywood, friendships often begin in the most unexpected ways. A recent revelation by filmmaker Karan Johar sheds light on his amusing first encounter with the 'King of Bollywood,' Shah Rukh Khan, a moment that would eventually lead to a long-lasting friendship and numerous cinematic collaborations.Karan Johar, known for his wit and charm, shared this delightful anecdote during a conversation with fashion designer Prabal Gurung. He recalled the time when he was just an assistant on the sets of Aditya Chopra's iconic film, "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (DDLJ). Little did he know that this would be the starting point of his journey into the world of Bollywood stardom.
During the conversation, Karan humorously recounted, "I remember my first meeting with Shah Rukh Khan. It was crazy because I remember I was an assistant for DDLJ. I told him, ‘Oh, you know you’re wearing Wrangler jeans. You should wear Levi’s jeans. They’ll just fit you better." His fashion advice didn't stop there; he went on to suggest that Shah Rukh Khan should unbutton his shirt a few buttons. The young and aspiring filmmaker was offering style tips to one of the biggest stars in the industry.
Shah Rukh Khan's response to this unsolicited fashion advice was nothing short of amusing. Karan Johar recalled, "He was stunned. I didn’t know what gave me that entitlement I had. And I said, ‘Oh, you have an Adam’s apple, you must open your shirt 2-3 buttons.’" Shah Rukh Khan's reaction? He requested a moment to call director Aditya Chopra, likely to make sense of this peculiar encounter.
The moment also highlighted the cultural differences within the industry. Shah Rukh Khan, a seasoned actor, and Aditya Chopra, a known figure in Bollywood, were perhaps not accustomed to such candid advice, especially from a newcomer like Karan Johar. Aditya Chopra amusingly explained, "He’s a townie, they all talk like this." Karan's enthusiasm was simply a reflection of his genuine passion for fashion and design.
The story takes a fascinating turn as Shah Rukh Khan eventually found amusement in Karan Johar's eccentric advice. What started as an amusing encounter blossomed into a deep friendship and professional collaboration that would see the duo working together on iconic Bollywood films like "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham," "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna," and "My Name Is Khan," to name a few.
Karan Johar's journey from offering style advice to Shah Rukh Khan to becoming a celebrated filmmaker in his own right serves as a testament to the unpredictable and endearing nature of Bollywood connections. Their enduring friendship continues to be a source of inspiration and entertainment for fans, adding another layer of charm to the ever-evolving narrative of Indian cinema.
