Girija Oak recalls Shah Rukh Khan’s quiet strength during Aryan Khan case and Lata Mangeshkar’s funeral: ‘Not once did he lose his cool on set’

Girija Oak, who worked closely with Shah Rukh Khan on Atlee’s Jawan, has opened up about witnessing the superstar during one of the most turbulent phases of his personal life — when his son Aryan Khan was jailed following the NCB raid on a cruise ship in October 2021. In a new interview, Girija said she saw SRK up close during that emotionally charged period and was struck by his dignity and composure.

“I have shot with him in very difficult phases of his life,” Girija told Siddharth Kannan, recalling how the entire episode surrounding Aryan unfolded during the time they were associated with Jawan. According to her, despite everything happening simultaneously, Shah Rukh never allowed his inner turmoil to affect his work.

‘People took Pathaan personally — as if it was a form of vengeance’

Girija also spoke about the unprecedented audience response to Pathaan, which released after the controversy and emerged as a blockbuster. She described the wave of public support as deeply emotional.

“It was almost like people took it upon themselves personally to make this film a hit,” she said, adding that watching the film felt like an act of solidarity. “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.”

She revealed that she conveyed this sentiment directly to Shah Rukh. “I told him that today, so many people in this country would want to tell you that we are with you... I just wanted to hold your hand and say that we are with you.” She said the actor was visibly grateful and humbled by the support.

‘Even after the success, there was no arrogance’

What stood out most to Girija was Shah Rukh Khan’s reaction even after Pathaan became a massive hit. “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.

She noted how this humility remained intact despite everything he had endured — including controversies that followed his public appearances, such as the criticism surrounding his presence at Lata Mangeshkar’s funeral.

‘Not once did he lose his cool on set’

Girija emphasised that throughout months of shooting, Shah Rukh Khan never let personal distress spill onto the set. “Not once has he lost his cool. He has never shouted at anyone. He always showed up on time and did his part well,” she said.

Calling two years a long enough time to see someone’s real personality, she added that no one can pretend for that long. “We shot with him for many months. I truly saw him through all these phases.”

‘He chose silence when everyone else was speaking’

Addressing speculation around how deeply the episode may have affected him, Girija pointed out that Shah Rukh Khan chose restraint over reaction. She clarified that during the immediate aftermath of Aryan’s arrest, SRK stayed away from public appearances and shooting for several months. “When we met him again, the matter was almost over. And he was the same person — professional, composed, dignified.”

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