Actress Girija Oak, who shared screen space with Shah Rukh Khan in the blockbuster film 'Jawan', has offered a rare and poignant glimpse into the superstar's character during one of the most challenging periods of his life. Oak opened up about witnessing Khan's resilience and dignity firsthand during the October 2021 NCB raid on a cruise ship and the subsequent arrest of his son, Aryan Khan.
Professionalism Amid Personal Turmoil
In a candid interview, Girija Oak recounted that the entire episode concerning Aryan Khan unfolded during the time they were associated with Atlee's 'Jawan'. She emphasized that despite the immense personal distress, Shah Rukh Khan never allowed his inner turmoil to affect his work on set. "I have shot with him in very difficult phases of his life," Oak stated, highlighting the emotional weight of that period.
She was deeply struck by his composure. "Not once has he lost his cool. He has never shouted at anyone. He always showed up on time and did his part well," Oak revealed. She added that shooting with someone for many months reveals their true personality, and Khan's professionalism remained unwavering throughout.
Public's Emotional Response to Pathaan
Girija Oak also spoke about the unprecedented wave of public support that greeted Shah Rukh Khan's cinematic comeback, 'Pathaan', which released after the controversy. She described the audience's reaction as deeply personal and emotional.
"It was almost like people took it upon themselves personally to make this film a hit," she said. Oak interpreted the massive turnout as an act of solidarity from the public. "It was some sort of angst or anger — that we will go to see him after buying the ticket. You can’t do this to our beloved person."
Oak mentioned that she conveyed this overwhelming sentiment directly to Shah Rukh Khan, telling him that countless people in the country stood with him. She recalled that the actor was visibly grateful and humbled by this outpouring of support.
Humility After Historic Success
What impressed Girija Oak the most was Khan's reaction even after 'Pathaan' became a historic box office success. There was no trace of arrogance in his demeanor.
"Even then, he wasn’t saying, ‘We’ve made a super hit film.’ He was just saying, ‘We didn’t think it would be such a big hit, it’s a good thing, thank God,’" she recalled. This humility, she noted, remained intact despite the personal trials and the controversies that followed other public appearances, such as the criticism he faced after attending Lata Mangeshkar’s funeral.
Oak pointed out that Khan chose dignified silence over public reaction during the immediate aftermath of his son's arrest. When the team met him again after a break of several months, the matter was nearly resolved, and he was the same composed and dignified person.
Girija Oak's account paints a picture of a megastar who embodies grace under pressure, separating profound personal anguish from his professional commitments and receiving the love of a nation in return.
