Farah Khan recently took a trip down memory lane and shared how carefully he prepared Deepika Padukone before launching her in the blockbuster film ‘Om Shanti Om’. The filmmaker revealed that he made sure the newcomer received 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 his cook Dileep visit actor Dia Mirza at his residence. During their candid conversation, Dia reflects on her entry into Hindi cinema and compares it to the preparation many newcomers take today.Recalling her experience, Dia says, “You tell the people you launched, when I heard stories of their level of love, care and attention. Unke workshop karwaye, class lagwaye, tamij chaihayi ki abhina ki hoti hai, dance class karwaye (you attend their workshops, enroll them in classes, teach them proper etiquette and what acting is, even arrange dance classes for them), diction coaching, so I had nothing like that.” He added that instead of formal training, he was immediately thrown into demanding work schedules that often stretched for nearly 28 hours at a time.
Deepika Padukone’s preparation to face the camera is months before
Responding to Diya’s comments, Farah detailed the efforts she made to groom Deepika Padukone before her debut in ‘Om Shanti Om’. The director explained that he wanted Deepika to feel fully prepared before sharing screen space with established stars.Farah said, “Deepika, how much I took care of you. Pehle to main usse 3-4 mahine Anupam Kher ki classe mein veja, fir mane use kathak classe mein veja (First, I sent her to Anupam Kher’s acting class for three to four months). After that, I admitted him to Kathak class). We did a lot of look tests.”According to Farah, the process was not limited to acting lessons and dance training. Several screen tests and workshops were also conducted to help Deepika build confidence and understand the demands of a major Bollywood production.
Learning by observing Shahrukh Khan on the sets
Farah also revealed that she delayed Deepika’s actual shooting schedule to give her extra time to absorb the tasks on the sets of a film. Instead of facing the camera immediately, aspiring actors were encouraged to simply observe experienced performers at work.Sharing the advice she gave Deepika, Farah said, “Uski shoot vee I started after 10 days. I said 10 din to ake (I started shooting after 10 days too. I told her, ‘First 10 days, just come on set’) and stay there on set, see how Shah Rukh Khan is doing, how Shreyas Talpa is doing. Just come and sit every day.”Dia agrees with this approach, noting that such exposure can significantly help newcomers understand the craft and discipline required in the industry.
A debut that changed Deepika Padukone’s career
Released in 2007, ‘Om Shanti Om’ was directed by Farah Khan and starred Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in dual roles. The fantasy drama revolves around a junior artist named Om who is reincarnated decades after his murder and begins to uncover the truth behind the death of famous actress Shantipriya. The film became the biggest box-office success of the year and won praise for its music, grand scale and homage to Hindi cinema.For Deepika, the film led to a dream launch. Her performance as both the iconic actress Shantipriya and the modern-day Sandy garnered widespread acclaim, instantly making her one of Bollywood’s most sought-after stars. After the success of ‘Om Shanti Om’, she reunited with Shah Rukh Khan in films like ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Happy New Year’, ‘Pathan’ and ‘Jawaan’.
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika have reunited
The popular on-screen duo is now gearing up for their sixth collaboration with ‘King’. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the action entertainer stars Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, Jaydeep Ahlawat, Raghav Jual and Arshad Warsi in lead roles. The much-awaited film is set to hit the theaters on December 24, 2026, marking another chapter in the successful cinematic partnership of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
