Farah Khan recently took a trip down memory lane and shared how she prepared Deepika Padukone before launching her in the blockbuster film ‘Om Shanti Om’. The filmmaker revealed that he made sure the newcomer received a lot of training before stepping in front of the camera alongside Shah Rukh Khan.In a recent episode of Farah Khan’s cooking vlog, the filmmaker and his cook Dilip visited actor Dia Mirza at her residence. During their candid conversation, Dia reflects on her entry into Hindi cinema and compares it to the preparation many newcomers receive today.Recalling his experience, Dia said, “The people you said you launched, when I used to hear stories about the level of love, care and attention you gave them. Unke workshops karwaye, classes lawaye, tameez seekhayi ki acting kya hoti hai, dance classes karwaaye (you make them attend workshops, enroll them in classes, teach them proper manners and what acting really is, and even arrange dance classes for them), teaching diction, I don’t have that kind.He added that instead of formal training, he was immediately thrown into grueling work schedules that often lasted for nearly 28 hours at a time.
Months of preparation before Deepika Padukone faces the camera
Responding to Dia’s comments, Farah detailed the effort put into grooming Deepika Padukone before her ‘Om Shanti Om’ debut. The director explained that he wanted Deepika to feel fully prepared before sharing screen space with established stars.Farah said, “Deepika, how much I care for you. Pehle toh maine usse 3-4 mahine Anupam Kher ki classes mein bheja, fir maine usse Kathak classes mein bheja (First, I sent her to Anupam Kher’s acting classes for three to four months. Afterwards, I enrolled him in Kathak classes). We do a lot of look tests. “According to Farah, the process is not limited to acting lessons and dance training. Several screen tests and workshops were also held to help Deepika develop confidence and understand the demands of a major Bollywood production.
Learn by observing Shah Rukh Khan on set
Farah even revealed that he delayed Deepika’s actual shooting schedule to give her more time to absorb work on a film set. Instead of facing the camera immediately, the aspiring actor is encouraged to just watch the experienced performers at work.Sharing the advice she gave to Deepika, Farah said, “Uski shoot bhi I started 10 days later. I said 10 din toh aake (I started her shoot 10 days ago too. I told her, ‘For the first 10 days, just go to the set’) and just be there on the set, see how Shah Rukh Khan works, how Shreyas Talpade works. Come and sit there every day.”Dia agrees with the approach, saying that such exposure will go a long way in helping newcomers understand the craft and the discipline required in the industry.
A career-changing debut for Deepika Padukone
Released in 2007, ‘Om Shanti Om’ was directed by Farah Khan and featured 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 sets out to find out the truth behind the death of famous actress Shantipriya. The film became one of the biggest box-office successes of the year and earned praise for its music, lavish scale and tribute to Hindi cinema.For Deepika, the film proved to be a dream launch. Her portrayal of both the iconic actress Shantipriya and the modern-day Sandy won her widespread acclaim, making her one of Bollywood’s most sought-after stars. After the success of ‘Om Shanti Om’, she teamed up with Shah Rukh Khan again in films like ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Happy New Year’, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’.
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika reunited
The popular on-screen pair is now gearing up for their sixth collaboration in ‘King’. Helmed by Siddharth Anand, the action entertainer also features Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal and Arshad Warsi in pivotal roles. The highly anticipated film is set to hit theaters on December 24, 2026, marking another chapter in Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s successful cinematic partnership.