Shah Rukh Khan was very nervous when he met Hema Malini for the first time, he had worked with her in Dil Aashna:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Bollywood's King Shah Rukh Khan began his screen career with the TV show "Fauji." Gen Z may not remember this. That was the golden era of Doordarshan. Back then, Shah Rukh's facial hair held sway. Despite this, he looked very attractive. The younger generation fell in love with his powerful acting. His first film, "Deewana," was released in 1992. There's a stark difference between the Shah Rukh of then and now.

When Dream Girl Hema Malini entered the field of film direction, her first film was "Dil Aashna Hai." She chose Shah Rukh Khan for this film. It was in "Fauji" that she first saw Shah Rukh Khan and decided to cast him. Years later, Hema Malini shared her memories with Vineet Mishra about her journey from an ordinary young man to Shah Rukh Khan.

Question: How did you decide to cast Shah Rukh Khan in your first film?
Hema: A TV show, Fauji, was airing on the small screen. Shah Rukh Khan looked very attractive and handsome among so many others. I needed a good hero for Dil Aashna Hai. I even spoke to Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar, but they didn't have time. Then I inquired about Shah Rukh Khan and learned everything about him. She said, “I gave him the role, but I had no idea Shah Rukh Khan would become such a big star.”

Q: When did you first meet Shah Rukh Khan for your directorial debut, "Dil Aashna Hai"? According to your biography, he was very nervous during our first meeting. What do you remember about that meeting?

Hema: Shah Rukh used to live in Delhi. My sister Prabha called him. As for the first meeting, he was bound to be nervous. My sister told him on the phone that Hema Malini wanted to meet him, and he couldn't believe why Hema would invite him. Shah Rukh came to my house with a friend. He looked quite shy and nervous.

Q: You expressed dissatisfaction with his first audition. What changes did you ask him to make for the second?
Hema: The first audition was satisfactory. It felt right from the first audition itself. Shah Rukh's hair was quite messy. His entire face was covered by it. I asked the makeup artist to apply gel and comb his hair back. When it was combed back, Shah Rukh came to me and asked me several times if he looked okay now.

Question: What was your husband Dharmendra's reaction when he first met Shah Rukh Khan?
Hema: I asked Dharam ji about Shah Rukh Khan. Dharam ji was shooting at the time. When he came home that evening, I introduced him to Shah Rukh Khan. At the very first meeting, Dharam ji said, “He's a very nice guy; cast him in the film.”

Q : You said your spiritual guru predicted Shah Rukh's success. After his role in Dil Aashna Hai, did you think he would become one of Hindi cinema's biggest stars?
Hema: When I couldn't find a big actor, I spoke to Shah Rukh. I discussed it with my guru, Indira Devi, who lives in Pune. She said, "You're getting a very big hero." I thought, "This hero you've found is completely new." At that time, I didn't understand why Guru Maa was saying this. I saw a sincere smile on her face. When Shah Rukh became a star, I remembered Guru Maa's words.

Q: What qualities of Shah Rukh Khan have contributed most to his success?
Hema : Shah Rukh Khan is different from other actors. He has his own style and has never copied anyone. This is his greatest strength.

Q : After his career began, you worked with him in the films 'Hey Ram' and 'Veer-Zaara'. How was it working as a star now, discovering yourself? What's the difference between working with Shah Rukh Khan as a newcomer and with an established superstar?
Hema : I had a scene or two in 'Veer-Zaara'. I felt like as an actress, I should do a film with Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh is an established actor. He does both serious roles and comedy very well. His English and Hindi are very good. Shah Rukh has worked so hard to become such a big superstar. He has done all this on his own.

Question : How should Shah Rukh Khan be remembered in the film industry?
Hema : I didn't even realize Shah Rukh Khan turned 60. I saw him as a boy. He is a much better person than he is an actor. He should be remembered as a good human being as well as an actor.