Saurabh Shukla to break acting hiatus for completing remaining shoot of ‘King’ with Shah Rukh Khan

After spending the last few years focusing on his directorial venture ‘Jab Khuli Kitaab’, Saurabh Shukla is gradually stepping back into acting. The actor-filmmaker revealed that he had previously filmed portions for ‘King’, the upcoming project starring Shah Rukh Khan along with his daughter Suhana Khan. He is now preparing to return to the sets to complete the remaining scenes.Speaking about the project to Mid-Day, Shukla said, “I shot for it [last year], and I will shoot the remaining portions [soon].” The actor had intentionally stepped away from acting for a while so he could focus entirely on completing his directorial work.

Saurabh Shukla on taking a break from acting for direction

Choosing to pause acting assignments for direction meant sacrificing the steady financial security that comes with acting roles. However, Shukla believes the creative fulfilment made the decision worthwhile. His directorial film ‘Jab Khuli Kitaab’ features seasoned actors

Pankaj Kapur

and Dimple Kapadia in key roles.Reflecting on the choice, Shukla said, “From an actor’s perspective, [taking a break] is difficult, it’s also stupid at times. But when I was living it, it was easy. Physically, I cannot be present at two places.” For him, immersing himself in one creative process at a time was the only way to do justice to the work.

Two releases showcase different sides of Saurabh Shukla's talent

Interestingly, Shukla recently had two projects reaching audiences around the same time. While ‘Subedaar’, starring Anil Kapoor, premiered on Amazon Prime Video, his directorial film ‘Jab Khuli Kitaab’ began streaming on ZEE5.

Together, these releases highlight two facets of Shukla’s artistic journey: one as an actor and the other as a storyteller behind the camera. Discussing the challenges of juggling multiple creative roles, he said acting, directing and writing can often feel overwhelming.

Yet his passion for storytelling continues to push him to explore every creative possibility.Despite the balancing act between acting, writing and directing, Shukla remains committed to pursuing all forms of storytelling.

He believes that every artistic discipline enriches the other and helps an actor grow.Shukla explained, “I’m a firm believer that there is only one life. So, I have no plans of saying, ‘I will act in this life, and direct in the next.’” He added, “I always say, ‘If you want to be an actor, please write. Look at paintings, sing, pursue music because it gives you a sense of rhythm. Everything is interrelated.’”

Saurabh Shukla's recent work

Shukla was most recently seen in ‘Subedaar’, which revolves around a decorated soldier played by Anil Kapoor who returns to civilian life after years of service in the army. The film blends action with emotional drama as the former Subedaar Major confronts personal struggles, societal tensions and lingering scars of war while trying to protect his family and community. The film was released on September 6, 2025, and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.