Veteran actor Amina Shervani recently shared a unique story about how Shah Rukh Khan landed his iconic role in the TV series Fauji, revealing a surprising compliment she once gave his mother about his looks.
An Unconventional Path to Stardom
Before he became a global superstar, Shah Rukh Khan made his acting debut in the 1988 television series Fauji. He played Lt. Abhimanyu Rai, captivating audiences long before his Bollywood takeover. Interestingly, SRK was not initially slated to be part of the show.
Amina Shervani, who played Kiran Kochar in the series, recounted on the Kintu Parantu podcast that Shah Rukh’s mother, Latif Fatima, contacted her directly. She was inquiring about a role for her “very handsome” son.
The “Monkey” Compliment That Launched a Career
Amina, however, had a different perspective on what makes a male star successful in Bollywood. She told Shah Rukh’s mother that conventional good looks often hindered male actors, suggesting that the industry preferred male stars who were more “expressive” rather than traditionally handsome.
Despite Amina’s initial reservations, SRK’s mother insisted on sending him to the set. The moment Amina saw him, she called his mother back with a rather blunt, yet prophetic, observation. “Congratulations! Your son looks exactly like a monkey,” she reportedly said.
She quickly clarified that this was a compliment, explaining that like a monkey, Shah Rukh’s face was incredibly expressive and versatile. Amina emphasized that while he might not be conventionally handsome, his “elastic” face and range of expressions were his true assets, destined for success.
Quick Wit and Innate Talent
Shah Rukh, even back then, was known for his sharp wit. Amina recalled that he promptly retorted, calling her a “monkey” too. This playful exchange highlighted his natural charm and quick thinking.
Amina further praised Shah Rukh’s talent, noting his strong background in theatre, particularly with renowned director Barry John. She stated that actors coming from theatre are inherently versatile and skilled, which was evident in Shah Rukh’s performance even at the beginning of his career.
From Fauji to Global Icon
The role in Fauji proved to be the foundational step for what would become one of Bollywood’s most illustrious careers. Shah Rukh Khan’s unique screen presence and expressive acting style, first recognized by Amina Shervani, have since propelled him to become a global icon.
His “elastic” face has graced countless blockbusters, making him one of the most beloved and successful actors worldwide, spanning a career of over three decades.
- Shah Rukh Khan’s mother personally contacted Amina Shervani for his role in Fauji.
- Amina Shervani initially told SRK’s mother that “handsome” men don’t succeed in Bollywood.
- Amina described SRK’s face as “like a monkey” to his mother, explaining it meant he was very expressive.
- Shah Rukh Khan’s quick wit was evident even then, as he retorted with a similar comment to Amina.
- Amina credited SRK’s theatre background for his early talent and versatility.
This early anecdote showcases the unconventional start of a legend, whose unique qualities were recognized long before he became King Khan.
