Shah Rukh Khan said ‘I’ll take the bullet for you’: Karan Johar recalls how SRK responded when underworld threatened his
life

Karan Johar on his bond with Shah Rukh Khan

Director Karan Johar has often spoken about his personal and professional relationship with Shah Rukh Khan. In a new interview,
Karan recounted an anecdote to illustrate just how close they are.

The scary incident

The incident happened at the premiere of his film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, during which Karan was hiding in a hotel room because
his life had been threatened by an underworld don. Karan was asked in an interview about the scary incident, and he said,
“I’ll never forget how Shah Rukh brought me out. He said, ‘I’ll take the bullet for you, you just stand here’. That’s when
I realised that this is a relationship that is forever.”

Previous account in Karan’s autobiography

Karan had previously recalled what had happened in his autobiography, An Unsuitable Boy. “The phone rang. My mother picked
it up, and it was a call from the underworld. A man’s voice said, ‘Your son’s wearing a red T-shirt, I can see him right
now. And we’re going to shoot him if you release this film on Friday.’ For some reason, they didn’t want the film to
be released that Friday; we didn’t know why. It was a call from Abu Salem, and my mother was shaking with terror. She put
the phone down and ran towards the door,” he’d written.

Shah Rukh’s response

He added about Shah Rukh’s response, “Shah Rukh said, ‘What nonsense!’ He went inside and dragged me out. He said, ‘I’m standing
here in front of you. Let’s see who shoots you. I’m standing right here.’ I said, ‘No, no, no, my mother was…’ He told
my mother, ‘Nothing’s gonna happen. I’m a Pathan. Nothing can happen to me and nothing will happen to your son. He’s
like my brother. Nothing’s gonna happen’.”

Appreciation for Shah Rukh’s bravery

Recently, after the success of Shah Rukh’s new film Jawan, director Sanjay Gupta posted on X (formerly Twitter) about how
Shah Rukh stood up to the underworld during the ’90s. “Back in the 90’s when the underworld bullying of film stars was
at its peak, Shah Rukh Khan was THE ONLY star who never gave in. ‘Goli marni hai mar do, par tumhaare liye kaam nahin
karoonga. Main Pathan hoon (shoot me if you want to, but I won’t work for you, I am a Pathaan),’ he said. He’s the same
today (sic),” he wrote.

Success for both Shah Rukh and Karan

Both Shah Rukh and Karan are basking in the success of their latest films. While Karan delivered Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
a couple of months ago, Shah Rukh’s Jawan is breaking records at the box office.

Conclusion

Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar’s bond has been solidified through their professional and personal experiences. Shah Rukh’s
unwavering support during a time of danger showcased the depth of their relationship, proving that it is indeed forever.

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First published on: 16-09-2023 at 17:55 IST