‘Just sit and watch Shah Rukh Khan’: Farah Khan recalls grooming Deepika Padukone and barring her from shooting for the first 10 days of ‘Om Shanti Om’ | Hindi Movie News
Farah Khan recently took a trip down memory lane and shared how meticulously she prepared Deepika Padukone before casting her in the blockbuster film ‘Om Shanti Om’. The filmmaker revealed that she made sure the newcomer received extensive training before stepping in front of the camera Shah Rukh Khan.In a recent episode of Farah Khan’s cooking vlog, the filmmaker and her cook Dilip visited actor Dia Mirza at his residence. During his candid conversation, Dia reflected on his entry into Hindi cinema and compared it to the preparation many newcomers receive today.Recalling his experience, Dia said, “The people you say you threw, when I used to hear stories about the level of love, care and attention you gave them. Unke workshops karwaye, lagwaye classes, tameez seekhayi ki acting kya hoti hai, karwaaye dance classes (you made them attend workshops, enrolled them in classes, taught them proper etiquette and what acting really is, and even organized dance classes for them), diction training, I had nothing of that kind.“She added that instead of formal training, she was immediately thrown into demanding work schedules that often stretched for almost 28 hours at a time.
Months of preparation before Deepika Padukone faced the camera
Responding to Dia’s statements, Farah detailed the effort that went into preparing Deepika Padukone ahead of her debut in ‘Om Shanti Om’. The director explained that she wanted Deepika to feel fully prepared before sharing screen space with established stars.Farah said, “Deepika, how much I have taken care of you. Pehle toh maine usse 3-4 mahine Anupam Kher ki classes mein bheja, fir maine usse Kathak classes mein bheja (First, I sent her to Anupam Kher’s acting classes for three to four months. After that I enrolled her in Kathak classes). We did so many look tests.”According to Farah, the process was not limited to acting classes and dance training. Various screen tests and workshops were also conducted to help Deepika develop confidence and understand the demands of a major Bollywood production.
Learning by watching Shah Rukh Khan on set
Farah further revealed that he delayed Deepika’s current shooting schedule to give her extra time to absorb the running of a film set. Instead of immediately facing the camera, the aspiring actor was encouraged to observe experienced performers at work.Sharing the advice she gave to Deepika, Farah said, “Uski shoot bhi I started 10 days later. I said 10 din toh aake (I also started her shoot 10 days later. I told her, ‘For the first 10 days, just come on the set’) and just be there on the set, see how Shah Rukh Sh Khan Talpade is working.” Just come and sit there every day.”Dia agreed with the approach, noting that such exposure can significantly help newcomers understand the craft and discipline required by the industry.
A career-changing debut for Deepika Padukone
Released in 2007, ‘Om Shanti Om’ was directed by Farah Khan and featured Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in dual roles. The fantasy drama revolved around a young artist named Om who is reincarnated decades after her murder and sets out to uncover the truth behind the death of famous actress Shantipriya. The film became one of the biggest box office hits of the year and won praise for its music, lavish scale and homage to Hindi cinema.For Deepika, the film turned out to be a dream release. Her portrayal of both the iconic actress Shantipriya and the present-day Sandy won her widespread acclaim, instantly making her one of the most sought-after stars in Bollywood. After the success of ‘Om Shanti Om’, she reunited with Shah Rukh Khan in films like ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Happy New Year’, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’.
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika reunite once again
The popular on-screen couple is now gearing up for their sixth collaboration with ‘King’. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the action entertainer also features Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal and Arshad Warsi in pivotal roles. The much-awaited film is slated to hit theaters on December 24, 2026, marking another chapter in Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s successful film partnership.
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