If there was an award for ‘best buddies in Bollywood’, chances are that actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol would be one of the top candidates.
From ‘Baazigar’ to ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’, which broke box office records as the longest running film with 500 weeks’ ceaseless runs, they were the genuine hit pair at the box office.
For Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the films they’ve acted in have enjoyed a Midas touch at the box office – with no flops.
The pair’s on-screen magic is matched by their off-screen camaraderie, which is apparent as the two come together for a fun-filled chat.
Talk about their on-screen chemistry causes the duo to break into laughter.
Says Kajol, “What you see on screen is not just chemistry between two people, but the efforts of the entire team. SRK and I have usually worked in a team of friends.”
”We are comfortable with each other and that is bound to reflect on-screen. That’s what clicks.”
On his part, SRK says, “I guess since we are such good friends, it just translates well on-screen.” Kajol quips, “The entire team is like a gang and we have a lot of fun while shooting!”
But what is it they really like about each other? “He is humourous, his energy personified, intelligent and well read,” continues Kajol, who like Shah Rukh, is an avid reader herself.
For his part, Shah Rukh opines that Kajol’s in-your-face honesty makes her a lovely person. “She’s frank, simple and that’s what makes her such a fine actress.”
Considering they weren’t childhood buddies, one wonders whether there was a ‘connection’ the first time they met.
“Not at all,” both of them reply, almost simultaneously.
“I don’t think he liked me very much when we first met on the sets of ‘Baazigar’. In fact, he thought I was the most irritating person on earth,” reveals Kajol.
“I don’t think either of us really liked each other. It was the first day of the New Year; I was partying the previous night till 4 am and was slightly grumpy.
She on the other hand, had not partied at all and was her usual chirpy self,” says Shah Rukh. In fact, she even kept complaining to the director that the hero was very boring,” he laughs.
“I don’t discuss acting with friends. In fact, that’s one of the reasons we’re friends,” says Shah Rukh.
However, for Kajol, “Watching him act is a great learning experience in itself. I have no qualms admitting that I have learnt a lot from him as an actor. His dedication to work is inspiring.”
She adds that she is keen to work with SRK again. “I hope a good script comes my way.”
But what Shah Rukh does admit, are that the two share tips on parenting.
“I am little ahead of them (Kajol-Ajay) as far as children are concerned, so we do talk about kids, theirs schools and a whole lot of things about them.”