Just like his powerful aura, his wit has always been a talking point in Bollywood circles too, and this Shah Rukh Khan’s unseen throwback interview proves exactly why. During the promotions of his 2000 cult film Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Shah Rukh showed his sharpest, funniest side while introducing his entire team and he didn’t spare anyone.
In an exclusive old conversation with Lehren, the superstar, who also produced the film, introduced the cast and crew in his signature humorous style. From cinematographer Santosh Sivan to lyricist Javed Akhtar, from director Aziz Mirza to co-star Juhi Chawla, everyone was at the receiving end of his playful jokes.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Take On Santosh Sivan
Speaking about the film’s DOP Santosh Sivan, SRK said, “Santosh is a mad man, he’s the only man I met jo apne baal khud kaatte hai aur unke greatness aur camera work se zyada iss baat mein hai ki vo apne baal khud kaatte hai and he has done a great deal for this film and next film we have decided ki apne baal toh vo kaatthe hi hai, agli film mein humare sabke baal b kaatenge.” His tone was light, teasing Santosh for cutting his own hair while also praising his contribution to the film.
Jokes About Javed Akhtar
SRK didn’t stop there. While talking about lyricist Javed Akhtar, he joked, “Ladne aur jagadne se mujhe yaad aya Javed Akhtar saab jo kaafi situation hamari aisi aa chuki hai ki Javed saab humein shoot karna chahte, kahi baar unhone gunde bhi bulaye humko pitwane ke liye aur 1-2 killers b hire kiye lekin finally unka sense of humour itna acha hai ki humko bhi maaf kar diya and right now we are three are working on trying to hire killers to kill Javed Akhtar because we don’t want to pay him the money that we owe him.”
“Farah Khan Chillane Ka Kaam Karti Hai Set Pe”
When it came to the film’s choreographer Farah Khan, he said, “Farah Khan jinhone choreography ki hai film ki unka kaam Javed Akhtar, aur Jatin-Lalit karte but Farah Khan chillane ka kaam karti hai set pe, sabko gaaliyaan deneka kaam karti hai aur generally is the most obnoxious to us on the sets and shouts at everybody.” It was clearly said in fun, showing the comfort and friendship they shared on set.
He also joked about his leading lady and co-producer Juhi Chawla, composers Jatin-Lalit, writer Sanjay Chhel and director Aziz Mirza, making the entire introduction feel more like a stand-up act than a formal promotional event. To catch every witty remark and playful dig, watch the full exclusive unseen interview below.
Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000) was directed by Aziz Mirza and produced by Dreamz Unlimited (now Red Chillies Entertainment). It starred Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla in lead roles, with Paresh Rawal, Satish Shah, and Johnny Lever in supporting parts.
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