In a career that has spanned over three decades, Shah Rukh Khan has frequently shared insights from industry legends. Recently, during a candid conversation with AIB, he opened up about a lesser-known moment that left him feeling apprehensive about the life of a star. This pivotal advice from Amitabh Bachchan made him question whether he truly wanted to pursue stardom.

Shah Rukh recounted how, early in his career, Bachchan emphasized the cost of fame, cautioning him that public perception often diverges from reality. He recalled Big B advising him, “If you ever make a mistake, just fold your hands and apologize.” This advice puzzled the young and idealistic Shah Rukh, who questioned the logic behind apologizing when he hadn’t done anything wrong. The response was clear: apologize anyway.

Bachchan elaborated on the potential pitfalls of fame, illustrating scenarios where retaliation could lead to disastrous consequences. He explained that if someone were to physically confront him, responding in kind would only tarnish his reputation. For instance, if Shah Rukh were to retaliate, the narrative would shift to portray him as someone who is intoxicated or has let fame go to his head.

This stark and honest portrayal of a star’s life was daunting for Shah Rukh. He candidly admitted, “I got so scared. I didn’t want to be a star.”

Upcoming Project: King

Currently, Shah Rukh Khan is preparing for his latest action-thriller, King, directed by Siddharth Anand. This film marks a significant milestone as it features his daughter, Suhana Khan, in her debut role as his protégé. The cast also includes Abhishek Bachchan as the antagonist, alongside Rani Mukerji and Deepika Padukone, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles. The ensemble is further enhanced by veteran actors Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff, along with Arshad Warsi and Jaideep Ahlawat.

King is set to release in 2026, with filming already underway in Mumbai and plans for international shoots. This project not only highlights Shah Rukh’s enduring legacy in the film industry but also underscores the importance of navigating the complexities of fame with wisdom and integrity.