Although Indian cinema has long had iconic on-screen couples like Raj Kapoor–Nargis Dutt, Dilip Kumar–Vyjayanthimala, Prem Nazir–Sheela, MG Ramachandran (MGR)–Saroja Devi, Amitabh Bachchan–Rekha, Kamal Haasan–Sridevi and Mohanlal–Shobana, among others, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol remain a fan favourite and arguably one of the most adored acting duos of all time. From Baazigar (1993), Karan Arjun (1995) and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), and My Name Is Khan (2010), the two have shared the screen multiple times, delivering countless unforgettable moments.
Off-screen too, the duo share a warm and affectionate bond. Recently, Kajol spoke candidly about her longtime friend, highlighting his relentless work ethic in becoming Bollywood’s Baadshah. “Shah Rukh is a huge star. The films we did together were massively successful. I think we have been good for each other on screen. I give him as much credit as he gives me as far as the movies are concerned. As far as his career is concerned, he has worked so hard to be where he is today. If he calls himself ‘King Khan’, he has worked very hard to be there. The credit for his career belongs to him,” she shared during a chat with The Lallantop.
Kajol also recalled a piece of advice Shah Rukh gave her early in her career. Though she didn’t grasp its full meaning at the time, it eventually resonated with her. “Shah Rukh used to tell me, ‘Baby, you better learn how to act. This habit of giving your all in every shot will wear you out’. I, of course, didn’t listen and kept going. But the kind of films I was doing at that time were heavy, the best example being Udhaar Ki Zindagi (1994). I think I was 18 or something while doing that movie. After the film was completed, I was exhausted, and I understood what Shah Rukh said. For every shot in every film, you can’t afford to give… I mean, you can’t be so into the role that you give your 300% to it. You are basically giving your soul away then,” she shared.
Because of these perfectionist tendencies, Kajol revealed she felt burnt out after just four films. “I was tired. I told my mother, ‘I don’t want to do films any more’. I was burnt out at 18. I said I didn’t want to keep doing roles where I had to cry constantly or invest so much of myself. It was only after that phase that I started learning, as SRK called it, the technique of acting.”
