Ajith Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan are recognized as two of the biggest stars in Indian cinema today. Although their fan bases are in different industries, many film buffs are surprised to hear that the two actors actually came together in a film more than two decades ago. Ajith: Also part of the cast of ‘Asoka’, the ambitious historical drama directed by Shah Rukh Khan back in 2001. At a time when collaborations between major Tamil and Hindi stars were not common, their partnership created a lot of excitement among audiences across the country.
How director Santosh Sivan brought the two stars together
The film is directed by acclaimed filmmaker and cinematographer Santosh Sivan, who envisions ‘Asoka’ as a grand retelling of Emperor Ashoka’s journey. Shah Rukh Khan is not only playing the lead role but also co-producing the project. Ajith comes on board to play Susima Maurya, Ashoka’s elder half-sister and rival. Although it is not the central role, Ajith’s presence adds strength to the story. For Tamil cinema fans, it is a proud moment to see one of their top stars sharing important scenes with Bollywood’s biggest superstar in such a big production.
Ajith’s performance left a lasting impression on fans
In ‘Asoka,’ Shah Rukh Khan essays the role of the warrior prince who eventually becomes Emperor Asoka, while Ajith plays the role of an equally powerful character who stands in his way. The two actors together added a lot of drama to the film and gave the audience two different kinds of performances. Although the film was not a great commercial success in India, it was well received. Over the years, the film has gained a cult following, and Ajith’s appearance remains one of the most talked about aspects of his fans.
A film that is still celebrated by fans to this day
More than 25 years later, the memory of Ajith and Shah Rukh Khan sharing screen space continues to excite cinema lovers. Among a generation of films with a pan-Indian touch, ‘Asoka’ is definitely a film that will come soon. Many of his fans are always on memory lane by remembering scenes from the movie, wondering how interesting it would be if the two actors were together in another film. It is a unique story in the annals of Indian cinematic history, whether it comes to fruition or not.
