When Rishi Kapoor passed away, the entire film industry plunged into grief, but few tributes were as heartfelt as Shah Rukh Khan ’s. Their connection dated back to SRK’s very first film, ‘Deewana’, in which he starred alongside the legendary actor. On that emotional day, Shah Rukh shared memories of how the late Rishi Kapoor had unknowingly shaped the earliest moments of his career and given him the confidence he desperately needed.



A nervous debut and an unforgettable encouragementShah Rukh recalled stepping onto the sets of ‘Deewana’ for the first time—nervous, unsure, and afraid that he didn’t belong. Sharing his vulnerability, he wrote, “As a young man entering the daunting world of films, I was insecure about the way I looked and afraid that I was not talented enough.” Yet what kept him going was the belief that even if he failed, he would still get to act with the legend he admired. “The thought of failing meant nothing though, because even if I failed, I would have worked with the greatest actor I knew of – Rishi Sahib.”



It was on the very first day that Rishi Kapoor unknowingly changed SRK’s life. Despite pack-up being announced, Rishi stayed back to watch the newcomer perform. After the shot, he smiled and said, “Yaar tujhme energy bahut hai.” Shah Rukh added, “That day in my head I became an actor!”

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A bond of respect and gratitudeSRK revealed that he met Rishi Kapoor just a few months before his passing to thank him for that life-changing encouragement, but Rishi had no idea of the impact he had made. “He had no idea how he had encouraged me,” Shah Rukh shared. He then spoke of Rishi Kapoor’s rare grace and generosity: “Few men have the capacity for grace as he did, fewer still have the large-heartedness of feeling genuine happiness for the success of others.”



A final goodbye filled with loveWhat SRK said he would miss most was something simple yet deeply meaningful: “I will miss him for his gentle pat on my head every time we met… I will keep it in my heart always, as the ‘Ashirwaad’ that made me who I am today.” Along with his note, SRK shared a throwback picture and wrote, “Heartfelt condolences to the Kapoor khandaan. May Allah give you all the strength to deal with your loss.”