‘Just sit back and watch Shah Rukh Khan’: Farah Khan recalls wooing Deepika Padukone and preventing her from shooting during the first 10 days of ‘Om Shanti Om’
Farah Khan recently took a trip down memory lane and shared how meticulously she prepared for Deepika Padukone before her release in the blockbuster film ‘Om Shanti Om’. The director revealed that she made sure that the newcomer received extensive training before standing in front of the camera alongside Shah Rukh Khan.In a recent episode of Farah Khan’s cooking vlog, the director and her chef Dilip visited actor Dia Mirza at her home. During their candid conversation, Dia reflected on her foray into Hindi cinema and compared it to the preparation many newcomers receive today.Recalling her experience, Diya said: “The people you say you divorced, when I used to hear stories about the level of love, care and attention you gave them.
Unke karwaye workshops, lagwaye classes, tameez Seekhayi ki acting kya hoti hai, karwaaye dance classes (I made them attend workshops, enrolled them in classes, taught them proper etiquette and what real acting is, and even arranged dance classes for them), dictation training, and I didn’t have anything like that.
Instead of formal training, she added, she was immediately thrown into demanding work schedules that often extended for nearly 28 hours at a time.
Months of preparation before Deepika Padukone faces the camera
Responding to Dia’s statements, Farah detailed the efforts she put in taking care of 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 cared for 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 a lot of appearance tests.”According to Farah, the process was not limited to acting lessons and dance training. Several screen tests and workshops were also conducted to help Deepika develop confidence and understand the demands of a big Bollywood production.
Learn by observing Shah Rukh Khan on set
Farah also revealed that she delayed Deepika’s actual shooting schedule to give her extra time to accommodate the film’s set work.
Instead of facing the camera directly, the aspiring actor was encouraged to observe experienced performers at work.Sharing the advice she gave to Deepika, Farah said, “Oski, I started shooting after 10 days. I told her 10 din toh aake (I started shooting after 10 days as well. I told her, ‘For the first 10 days, just come to the set’) and be there on the set, see how SRK works, how Shreyas Talpade works.”
Just come and sit there every day.”Zia agreed with this approach, noting that such exposure can greatly help newcomers understand the craft and the discipline required in the industry.
The debut that changed Deepika Padukoni’s career
Om Shanti Om was released in 2007 and was directed by Farah Khan and featured Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in dual roles. The fantasy drama revolves around a young artist named Om who is reincarnated decades after his murder and sets out to uncover the truth behind the death of famous actress Shantipriya.
The film became one of the biggest box office successes of the year, earning praise for its music, lavish scope and acclaim from Hindi cinema.For Deepika, the film proved to be the launch of a dream. Her portrayal of both popular actress Shantipriya and contemporary Sandhi received widespread acclaim, instantly turning her into one of Bollywood’s most sought-after stars. After the success of ‘Om Shanti Om’, she reunited with Shah Rukh Khan for films like ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Happy New Year’, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’.
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika meet again
The popular on-screen duo is now gearing up for their sixth collaboration with ‘King’. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film also features Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Goyal and Arshad Warsi in pivotal roles. The much-awaited film is scheduled to hit theaters on December 24, 2026, marking another chapter in the successful cinematic partnership between Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
