Dharmesh Darshan and Aamir Khan collaborated on Raja Hindustani (1996) and Mela (2000). Many are unaware that Dharmesh and Shah Rukh Khan have a lovely relationship. The talented and articulate director told Bollywood Hungama exclusively.
Karim Morani wanted to make a Shah Rukh Khan-starring film in 2004, said Dharmesh Darshan. I received them from SRK. I was too busy with Bewafaa (2005).” Cineyug, which made Raja Hindustani, included Karim Morani.
Shah Rukh was so kind, Dharmesh said. After Asoka (2001), he offered me a Red Chillies Entertainment film. This occurred at Aditya Chopra’s house at 2 am in 2002. He’s the most genuine and creative guy who deserves all the success. I’ve never seen a movie star so generous. He’s classy and a star like Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar.
Dharmesh Darshan said, “Twice, I had to decline his offers. He told me, ‘Come on Dharmesh, break your rule of doing one film at a time’. Any star can be offended when a director rejects his film offer. However, he is exceptional.”
He added, “I met him at Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) premiere. I hadn’t attended a film event since my father’s death, but Aditya Chopra called to invite me to the premiere. It was my favorite premiere. There, Shah Rukh asked me, “Why did a director like you stop making films?” I doubt it. Running around and meeting people kept him busy at the event. He met me and showed me respect, as usual. He didn’t mind that I couldn’t make his films. I guess I lost.”
See also: Exclusive: Ashok Amritraj offered Dharmesh Darshan a Hollywood film to direct: “They offered me an unprecedented price and wanted to cast Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan…”
