Back in 2023, actress Priyamani spoke about her unforgettable experience of reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan on the sets of Jawan after almost a decade. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, the actress spoke candidly about working with Shah Rukh Khan, her admiration for him, and how the star made her feel welcome on the sets.Recalling their first meeting during the shoot, Priyamani shared, “He just saw me and showed off with a huge smile and gave me the biggest hug and said, ‘Thank you so much for being a part of this film.’The actress, who previously worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Chennai Express, revealed that the story and the opportunity to collaborate again with Shah Rukh Khan and director Atlee attracted her to Joan.“Both. Mainly, it was the story that worked for me. Then, the film was directed by Atlee, and acting with Shah Rukh Khan was the icing on the cake,” she said.
Priyamani shared behind-the-scenes moments with Zinda Panda
Priyamani also spoke about the grand scale of Zinda Bandha’s dance sequence, which has become one of the highlights of Jawan.“I honestly didn’t know this song was going to have about a thousand dancers in the background,” she recalled. “But I’m so glad Mr. Attlee thought of it.”The actress revealed that the dancers were brought in from multiple cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kerala.
Sharing an adorable anecdote from the shoot, Priyamani said that SRK personally made sure that she stood by his side during rehearsals and shoots.“He came and saw me and said, ‘Why are you standing in the back?’ I said: This is my position. Then he called Shopmaster and said: She has been my teacher since Chennai Express and she will stand by me and I will emulate her. “So, if she made a mistake, then she made a mistake,” she recalled with a laugh.“I told Shah Rukh Khan: ‘Sir, please don’t put too much pressure on me.’ He made sure I was there for him,” she added.
“Shah Rukh sir is exceptional,” Priyamani said.
Praising Shah Rukh Khan’s dedication as a performer, Priyamani described him as an “exceptional dancer” who gives his all in every performance.“Being his teacher, I can confidently say that Mr Shah Rukh Khan is an exceptional dancer. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does whether it is acting or dancing,” she said.She also added, “He gives 200 percent no matter how easy or difficult the choreography is. He makes it look like a cakewalk.”The actress also praised Shah Rukh Khan for his respectful and kind behavior towards everyone on the sets.“I think he is the best when it comes to chivalry. He is the best when it comes to giving equal respect not just to women but to every individual,” Priyamani shared.
Priyamani admitted that she was a fan of Shah Rukh Khan
During the interview, Priyamani also admitted that Shah Rukh Khan was the only actor in Bollywood whom she had ever admired.She said, “The only person I admire is Shah Rukh Khan, and I have worked with him. I am happy about that. I hope to do more projects with him.”Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, the actress also praised Ranbir Kapoor and described him as “leaving no stone unturned” when it comes to acting and dancing.“I think it’s great,” she added.
