Dunki: Rajkumar Hirani finally reveals real reason behind waiting 20 years to collaborate with Shah Rukh Khan
Rajkumar Hirani recalled his initial days and shared an anecdote. “I remember studying in a film school and the real struggle for any filmmaker was how we would make our first film. Will we get a producer? Will any actor come on board? So we had a common room where all the students would watch television together," he said.
After working for over 20 years in the film industry, Rajkumar Hirani happens to collaborate with Shah Rukh Khan with Dunki for the first time. The director carved his niche as one of the best directors of Indian cinema, yet it took too long for him to join forces with the superstar. In the latest interview, Rajkumar explained what kept him away from this much-awaited collaboration.
Hirani recalled his initial days and shared an anecdote. “I remember studying in a film school and the real struggle for any filmmaker was how we would make our first film. Will we get a producer? Will any actor come on board? So we had a common room where all the students would watch television together. I recall watching this series called Circus and I vividly remember the scene including the camera angle where one actor was performing and delivering a monologue. I didn’t know who he was but I loved his performance,” he told News18.
He continued, “I told myself once I passed out from school, I would approach him and make a film. It took me two years to graduate from the film institute and by that time, Shah Rukh Khan had become a huge star (laughs). So, I had to wait for 20 years to collaborate with him on a film.” He also praised the actor saying that he was enamoured by his charm, so much so that he jokingly said that he would put on an eye mask and earplugs when he was giving a shot.
Meanwhile, Hirani has delivered hits with Munnabhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munnabhai, 3 idiots, PK and Sanju. Dunki turned out to be his average work as claimed by several critics. At the box office, the film also didn’t live up to expectations. The film has minted Rs 50 crore in India upon release on December 21, 2023 in theatres so far.