Farah Khan recently took a look back and shared how she prepared meticulously before casting Deepika Padukone in the blockbuster film Om Shanti Om. The filmmaker revealed that she ensures newcomers receive extensive training before stepping in front of the camera. Shah Rukh Khan.In a recent episode of Farah Khan’s cooking vlog, the filmmaker and her chef Dilip visited actor Dia Mirza at her residence. During their candid conversation, Dia reflects on her journey into Hindi cinema and compares it to the preparation many newcomers receive today.Recalling her experience, Dia said: “You say those people you launched, I used to hear stories at the time about the level of love, care and attention you gave them. Unke workshop karwaye, class lagwaye, tameezeekhayi ki performance kyahotihai, dance class karwaaye (you make them attend workshops, sign them up for classes, teach them proper etiquette and the true meaning of performing, and even arrange dance classes for them), phrasing coaching, I have nothing.She added that she received no formal training and was immediately thrown into a demanding work schedule that often lasted nearly 28 hours at a time.
Deepika Padukone’s months of preparation before facing the camera
Responding to Dia’s remarks, Farah detailed Deepika Padukone’s efforts to groom her ahead of her debut in “Om Shanti Om.” The director explained that she wanted Deepika to be well prepared before sharing screen space with a big-name star.Farah said, “Deepika, how much I care about you. First, I sent her to Anupam Kher’s acting class for three to four months. I then enrolled her in Kathak classes). We did a lot of appearance testing. “Farah said the process goes beyond acting classes and dance training. Multiple screen tests and workshops were also conducted to help Deepika build confidence and understand the demands of major Bollywood productions.
Learn by watching Shah Rukh Khan on set
Farah further revealed that she postponed Deepika’s actual shooting schedule to give her more time to absorb the workings of the film’s sets. Instead of facing the camera right away, the aspiring actor was encouraged to simply observe the more experienced actors at work.Sharing her advice to Deepika, Farah said, “I started shooting for ‘Uski’ in 10 days. I said 10 din toh aake (I also started shooting for her in 10 days. I told her, ‘First 10 days, just come to the sets’), just be on the sets and see how Shah Rukh Khan works, how Shreyas Talpade works. Just come and sit there every day. “Dia agrees, noting that such exposure can go a long way in helping newcomers understand the craftsmanship and discipline required in the industry.
The career-changing debut of Deepika Padukone
“Om Shanti Om” was released in 2007, directed by Farah Khan and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in dual roles. The fantasy drama revolves around a junior artist named Om, who reincarnates decades after his murder and sets out to uncover the truth behind the death of famous actress Shantipriya. The film became one of the year’s most successful films at the box office and won praise for its music, lavish scale and homage to Hindi cinema.For Deepika, the film proved to be a dream release. Her portrayal of iconic actress Shandeep Priya and a modern-day Sandy won critical acclaim, instantly making her one of Bollywood’s most popular stars. After the success of ‘Om Shanti Om’, she reunited with Shah Rukh Khan in films like ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Happy New Year’, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’.
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika reunite again
The popular on-screen couple is now gearing up for their sixth collaboration with “King.” The action film is directed by Siddharth Anand and stars Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal and Arshad Warsi. The highly-anticipated film is scheduled to be released on December 24, 2026, marking a new chapter in Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s successful film collaboration.
