Years after the massive success of Chennai Express, the creative duo of Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Shetty teamed up again for Dilwale, a film that didn’t quite match up to the box office glory of their first collaboration. Since then, speculation has been rife that the lukewarm reception of Dilwale might have caused a rift between the superstar and the director. But Rohit Shetty has now put those whispers to rest.
In a recent interview, Rohit spoke candidly about the alleged fallout. “Nahi aisa kuch nahi,” he said, clearly stating there was no animosity between him and Shah Rukh Khan. He went on to explain the circumstances following Dilwale’s release. “Ek respect hai humare beech me aur Dilwale ke baad ye hua ki immediately phir humne humare khud ki production house kholi. Humne decide kiya ki hum khud ki filmein banayenge. Agar loss bhi ho to humara ho, jabki loss nahi hua tha.”
Rohit emphasized that while Dilwale may not have created a domestic stir, it was far from a failure internationally. The film, produced by Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan under their banner Red Chillies Entertainment, enjoyed considerable success overseas, highlighting its broader appeal.
Beyond box office numbers and collaborations, Rohit also opened up about the genuine relationships he has formed within the industry. He spoke warmly about his bond with Ajay Devgn, whom he regards as an elder brother. He also shared his growing camaraderie with Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Recalling Deepika’s unwavering dedication, he mentioned how she shot the final schedule of Singham Again while being four months pregnant. “Relations like these are rarely made,” he said, acknowledging the rare depth of such connections.
On the other hand, Shah Rukh Khan is preparing to step into a new cinematic chapter with his upcoming film King. The project is set to be particularly special, as he will be sharing the screen with his daughter, Suhana Khan, for the very first time. Directed by Siddharth Anand, King will also star Abhishek Bachchan and Abhay Verma in prominent roles.
With time, respect, and continued success, the bond between Rohit Shetty and Shah Rukh Khan seems intact, undeterred by the ebb and flow of public perception.
