In the 2023 blockbuster film ‘Jawan,’ Deepika Padukone took on a pivotal extended cameo role as Aishwarya Rathore, the loyal and supportive wife of Shah Rukh Khan’s character Vikram Rathore. Following their debut collaboration in ‘Om Shanti Om’ (2007), the duo has consistently captivated audiences, contributing to the success of hits like ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Happy New Year’, and most recently ‘Pathaan’. Their latest film, ‘Jawan’, continued this trend by grossing over 1000 crores at the global box office, cementing their status as one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen pairs.
At the film’s monumental success press conference, Shah Rukh Khan light-heartedly revealed an intriguing behind-the-scenes story: he and the film’s director, Atlee, had tricked Deepika into thinking her part was merely a small cameo. “Deepika is feeling the most awkward,” Shah Rukh jovially announced, recounting how they had convinced her to film extensive scenes under the guise of a minor role. He added, “When she saw the film, she was like, ‘Oh, I am one of the main characters’… but thank you, Deepika, from the bottom of our hearts for being part of this film,” humorously acknowledging Deepika as “family.”
Reflecting upon her surprise at discovering the breadth of her role, Deepika recalled that she was approached for the part while she was working on Nag Ashwin’s ambitious project, Project K, now titled Kalki 2898 AD, in Hyderabad. “They narrated the whole story to me and told me about this very important part of Aishwarya,” she said. Despite the initial deception, Deepika emphasized that for her, it was not about the length of her role but the significant impact her character had on the overall narrative of ‘Jawan’. She elaborated, “Everyone knows my love for him (SRK). Whenever he wants, I will always be there. But also, the movie was so special that any actor, not just me, would have said yes to it because it was about the vision.”
Deepika continued, “I think all of us, everyone here has invested in that vision. It’s not about how big or small your role was; it was about the story we were telling and the impact this movie was going to have on the lives of its amazing audience.”
Shah Rukh, always generous with praise, highlighted Deepika’s dedication, asserting, “For her to have done this role, also as an actor, is very gutsy.
. I always say, ‘There are no small roles, there are only small actors’. With this film, Deepika proves to everybody that she really is a large-size actor, big-size actor. Thank you, Deepika.”
The warm camaraderie and mutual respect that Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone share is evident not only in their professional collaborations but also in their personal interactions. This dynamic duo has created a legacy of beloved films, each marked by their palpable chemistry and complementary talents. From their first meeting on the sets of ‘Om Shanti Om’ to the box office triumph of ‘Jawan,’ their journey has been one of consistent evolution and artistic growth.
Their fans continue to be enthralled by the magic they weave together on screen. Deepika’s decision to take on the role of Aishwarya Rathore, despite initially being told it was a small one, highlights her dedication to storytelling and the vision of the filmmakers. It’s a testament to her professionalism and trust in her long-time friend and co-star, Shah Rukh Khan.
The behind-the-scenes revelation adds another layer of depth to the success story of ‘Jawan’. Knowing that Deepika was misled about the nature of her role, yet rose to the occasion with a performance that complemented Shah Rukh’s, makes the film’s achievements even more remarkable. It speaks volumes about the culture of trust and camaraderie that exists among top actors and filmmakers in Bollywood.
In conclusion, Deepika Padukone’s unexpected major role in ‘Jawan’ is a reflection of her extraordinary talent and the strong bond she shares with Shah Rukh Khan. As audiences eagerly await their next collaboration, one can only imagine what new heights this iconic pair might reach. For now, fans continue to celebrate the cinematic gem that is ‘Jawan,’ a film that not only broke box office records but also served as a reminder of the magic that happens when two of Bollywood’s finest come together.
