Akshay Oberoi is currently living out a fantasy he nurtured since his younger days, as he acts alongside the legendary Shah Rukh Khan in the much-anticipated film 'King'. With the project now in its final phases of completion, Oberoi expresses a mix of exhilaration and profound gratitude for the opportunity.
An Instant 'Yes' to a Dream Project
For Oberoi, the choice to join the cast of 'King' required no second thought. He described the chance to work with Shah Rukh Khan as stepping directly into a vital chapter of India's cinematic history, while simultaneously establishing his own narrative within it. As reported by Mid-Day, the actor opened up about this career-defining moment as the film heads towards its conclusion.
"When you get an offer to feature alongside Shah Rukh Khan, you don't say no," Oberoi stated, explaining his immediate acceptance. He revealed that he has been a lifelong admirer, growing up watching Khan's films and drawing inspiration from his vast and remarkable career journey.
Shah Rukh Khan: More Than a Superstar
Oberoi's admiration extends far beyond Khan's on-screen charisma. He regards the megastar as an institution in his own right. What left the deepest impression on Oberoi was Khan's unparalleled professional demeanor.
"His discipline, humility, and professionalism are unmatched," Oberoi shared, emphasizing his awe at how grounded Khan remains despite decades of global superstardom. In 'King', Oberoi holds a significant role within a star-studded ensemble that includes talents like Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Abhishek Bachchan. He admits that sharing the set with such accomplished artists pushed him to elevate his performance every single day.
A Transformative Masterclass in Acting
Oberoi characterized the entire experience as transformative, labeling his close collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan as an invaluable masterclass. "Working side by side with Shah Rukh has been a huge learning experience," he said, acknowledging Khan's phenomenal contribution to Indian cinema over the past thirty years.
For Oberoi, a deep sense of pride stems from this connection to a living legacy. "Being connected to that legacy, even in a small way, feels extremely rewarding," he expressed, highlighting the personal significance of this project.
Helmed by director Siddharth Anand, 'King' is a major action film that brings together a powerhouse cast. Alongside Shah Rukh Khan, the film features Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, and Arshad Warsi. The movie is currently slated for a grand release in 2026.