Hema Malini reveals she thought Shah Rukh Khan was still in his 40s, recalls discovering his spark in ‘Fauji’: ‘I can’t believe he’s 60’

Shah Rukh Khan is celebrating his 60th birthday, and the world seems to have pressed pause to shower him with love. But before he became the global superstar we know today, Hema Malini saw something extraordinary in him.Long before ‘Baazigar’, ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, or ‘Pathaan’ made him a Bollywood superstar, it was Hema Malini who recognised Shah Rukh’s spark and gave him his first big break in her directorial debut ‘Dil Aashna Hai’. On the occasion of his milestone birthday, the ‘Dream Girl' looked back on her early impressions of him.

Hema Malini recalls first impression of Shah Rukh Khan

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Hema Malini said, “I can’t believe he is turning 60, I thought he must be in his 40s.

From the moment I saw him in Fauji I knew he was different. He suited the rich, aristocratic man’s son’s role that I was casting for. He was smart and well spoken. I got my sister to call him and he couldn’t believe it was a call from me, he just kept giggling over the phone."

Dharmendra also recognised Shah Rukh Khan’s unique charm

Hema Malini revealed that her husband Dharmendra was equally impressed by Shah Rukh when he met him for the first time. She said, “When Dharamji saw him he said, ‘Is ladke ko zaroor lena’ (Make sure you take this guy).

He even wrote some of the dialogues for him. Shah Rukh had rough-looking hair back then and was short, unlike other heroes but had a unique charm about him. Though he was great as the charming romantic hero, he also excelled in villainous roles.

Today, I’m happy to see the big personality he has become."

Shah Rukh Khan prepares for his next film ‘King’

The superstar is all set to return to the big screen in his next film ‘King’, where he will star alongside his daughter Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone. Fans are eager to see the father-daughter duo share screen space for the first time.