Shah Rukh Khan has long been admired for his screen presence, but stories about his behaviour away from the camera often reveal another side of the superstar. As his historical drama Asoka completes 25 years on October 26, 2026, a heartwarming account from the film’s Jaipur shooting schedule has brought attention to his generosity and warmth towards people outside the film industry.
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rajesh Naik, now 66, recalled how he got the opportunity to have breakfast with Shah Rukh Khan for seven consecutive days during the film’s shoot in Jaipur. What began as an unexpected invitation turned into a memorable experience that he still cherishes decades later.
The story also highlights how the actor made an effort to ensure that ordinary people felt welcome in his company, despite his growing stardom.
How Rajesh Naik Met Shah Rukh Khan
Rajesh Naik was working in Jaipur after being deputed there by the board of directors of Excel Industries Ltd. At the time, his wife and son had not yet joined him in the city.
A close friend, Ravi Indulkar, who worked as Shah Rukh Khan’s personal makeup artist, informed him that the actor and his team were in Jaipur for the shooting of Asoka. Ravi invited Rajesh to join them for breakfast.
Rajesh accepted the invitation, expecting it to be a one-time experience. However, he was pleasantly surprised by Shah Rukh’s response after their first meeting.
According to Rajesh, the actor asked whether he would return for breakfast on each of the next seven days. Rajesh initially hesitated because he had to reach his office early in the morning, but he eventually accepted the invitation and joined the group every day.
The repeated invitations left a lasting impression on him, particularly because the superstar made him feel as though he was an old acquaintance rather than a stranger.
SRK Treated 17 Employees Like VIPs
The memorable experience did not end with breakfast. During one of their conversations, Shah Rukh asked Rajesh whether he and his office colleagues would like to visit the film set and watch the shooting.
Rajesh shared the invitation with his team, which consisted of 17 employees. They agreed enthusiastically and arranged a minibus to visit the location on a Saturday, their day off.
The team travelled approximately 22 kilometres outside Jaipur, where a battle sequence for Asoka was being filmed. Despite the scale of the production and the presence of a major Bollywood star, the visitors were reportedly welcomed warmly.
Rajesh recalled that Shah Rukh treated every member of the group like a VIP. Food was arranged for them, and some employees even visited the actor’s vanity van to shake hands with him.
For the office team, meeting one of the country’s biggest stars was an exciting experience. The actor’s friendly behaviour made the occasion even more memorable.
Employees’ Motivation and Sales Increased by 24%
One of the most interesting details in Rajesh’s account concerns the effect the visit reportedly had on his team.
He recalled that the employees returned from the shoot feeling energised after meeting Shah Rukh Khan. According to Rajesh, their enthusiasm translated into improved efficiency, and the company’s sales increased by almost 24% that year.
He credited the positive experience to Shah Rukh and Ravi Indulkar, joking about the actor’s ability to inspire people.
The figure was shared as Rajesh’s recollection of his team’s experience; it does not independently establish that the celebrity visit alone caused the increase. Nevertheless, the anecdote illustrates how a memorable interaction can boost morale and create a sense of shared excitement among colleagues.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Kindness Behind the Scenes
Rajesh also remembered asking Shah Rukh for a photograph during their meeting. He requested that the actor place a hand on his shoulder, and Shah Rukh reportedly agreed happily.
Rajesh further shared a story that Ravi had told him about the actor’s concern for his team. During the Asoka shoot, an assistant’s mother passed away. Shah Rukh reportedly travelled to Mumbai to pay his respects and offer financial assistance before returning to Jaipur. According to Rajesh, the visit was not widely known among the crew.
The account adds another personal dimension to the memories associated with the film’s production, although the incident is based on Rajesh’s recollection of what his friend told him.
Asoka Completes 25 Years
Directed by Santosh Sivan, Asoka was released in 2001 and featured Shah Rukh Khan as Emperor Ashoka, with Kareena Kapoor Khan playing Kaurwaki. The film explored a fictionalised account of the ancient Indian ruler’s life, his love story and his transformation following the Kalinga War.
While the film’s legacy includes its ambitious historical setting, music and performances, stories from its production also continue to interest fans.
Twenty-five years later, Rajesh Naik’s recollections offer a reminder that Shah Rukh Khan’s impact was not limited to the screen. For one man and his 17 colleagues, a simple invitation to breakfast and a visit to a film set became a memory they would carry for decades.
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