Shah Rukh Khan has long been celebrated for his magnetic screen presence and larger-than-life persona, but behind the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, there’s another side of the superstar that many might not know. According to renowned celebrity photographer Avinash Gowariker, SRK’s generosity extends far beyond the usual celebrity practices like tips or bonuses. In a recent interview, Gowariker shared a fascinating detail about the superstar’s unique way of showing appreciation—he gives his technicians blank cheques, allowing them to fill in whatever amount they wish.
A Humble Beginning and A Kind Heart
In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Avinash, who has worked with a range of Bollywood's elite—including Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Deepika Padukone—revealed that his most memorable experience was working with Shah Rukh Khan. The encounter took place on the sets of Duplicate in 1998, a time when Avinash was just beginning his journey in the industry.
He recalled feeling overwhelmed as a newcomer, struggling to set up his shots during the film's production. What could have been a stressful moment quickly turned into a display of SRK’s kindness. “I was a nobody photographer,” Avinash admitted. “I was fumbling a bit with the setup, and Shah Rukh kept asking, ‘What do you need? What can I arrange for you?’ He was so calm and supportive. He told me not to worry and take my time. It was something I’ll never forget.”
For Avinash, this moment was a reflection of SRK’s true character—a man who treats everyone with respect, regardless of their status in the industry. “Who has so much kindness?” Avinash mused. “He really takes care of people.”
Understanding the Struggle
Shah Rukh Khan’s personal journey from humble beginnings to stardom is well-known. For Avinash, this shared experience of coming from nothing created a deeper connection between the two. “SRK knows what it’s like to struggle,” Avinash said. “He came to Mumbai with nothing. He understands what it means to help someone out when they’re just starting. That’s probably why he’s so kind—because he’s been there.”
SRK’s empathy for those still finding their footing in the industry is evident in his treatment of everyone around him, not just as an actor but also as a producer. “He really values kindness, because he knows what it means to be given a chance,” Avinash added.
The Blank Cheque Gesture
Perhaps the most surprising revelation from Avinash came when he described Shah Rukh’s approach to working with his team behind the scenes. As a producer, SRK takes generosity to another level. “He gives his technicians a blank cheque,” Avinash revealed. “They can fill in whatever amount they want. Whether it’s a director of photography, a photographer, or anyone else working on the set, he allows them to choose what they feel is fair.”
This isn’t just a one-time gesture—it’s a consistent part of how SRK operates as a producer. Avinash emphasized that this level of trust and freedom to choose speaks volumes about Shah Rukh’s character. “It’s more than just a tip or a bonus,” Avinash said. “It’s his way of showing respect and valuing the contributions of his team.”
In a world where the pressure of fame often leads to ego clashes and controversies, Shah Rukh Khan's gesture seems to stand apart, demonstrating that success doesn’t need to come at the expense of kindness. His legacy goes beyond his films—he’s shown that the true essence of stardom lies in how you treat others.
A Humble Beginning and A Kind Heart
In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Avinash, who has worked with a range of Bollywood's elite—including Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Deepika Padukone—revealed that his most memorable experience was working with Shah Rukh Khan. The encounter took place on the sets of Duplicate in 1998, a time when Avinash was just beginning his journey in the industry.
He recalled feeling overwhelmed as a newcomer, struggling to set up his shots during the film's production. What could have been a stressful moment quickly turned into a display of SRK’s kindness. “I was a nobody photographer,” Avinash admitted. “I was fumbling a bit with the setup, and Shah Rukh kept asking, ‘What do you need? What can I arrange for you?’ He was so calm and supportive. He told me not to worry and take my time. It was something I’ll never forget.”
Mahagun shoot with Avinash Gowariker...Reflections in Red. Kind of a day when all is calm...& no fear of a storm. pic.twitter.com/VZZEcRqJ8h
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 30, 2013
For Avinash, this moment was a reflection of SRK’s true character—a man who treats everyone with respect, regardless of their status in the industry. “Who has so much kindness?” Avinash mused. “He really takes care of people.”
Understanding the Struggle
Shah Rukh Khan’s personal journey from humble beginnings to stardom is well-known. For Avinash, this shared experience of coming from nothing created a deeper connection between the two. “SRK knows what it’s like to struggle,” Avinash said. “He came to Mumbai with nothing. He understands what it means to help someone out when they’re just starting. That’s probably why he’s so kind—because he’s been there.”
SRK’s empathy for those still finding their footing in the industry is evident in his treatment of everyone around him, not just as an actor but also as a producer. “He really values kindness, because he knows what it means to be given a chance,” Avinash added.
Behind the Scenes: Here’s how Avinash Gowariker shot the poster of Shah Rukh Khan’s Zero pic.twitter.com/GeeFS1hoOs
— ( #Googleads #BingAds) (@GoogleadsNinja) January 9, 2018
The Blank Cheque Gesture
Perhaps the most surprising revelation from Avinash came when he described Shah Rukh’s approach to working with his team behind the scenes. As a producer, SRK takes generosity to another level. “He gives his technicians a blank cheque,” Avinash revealed. “They can fill in whatever amount they want. Whether it’s a director of photography, a photographer, or anyone else working on the set, he allows them to choose what they feel is fair.”
This isn’t just a one-time gesture—it’s a consistent part of how SRK operates as a producer. Avinash emphasized that this level of trust and freedom to choose speaks volumes about Shah Rukh’s character. “It’s more than just a tip or a bonus,” Avinash said. “It’s his way of showing respect and valuing the contributions of his team.”
In a world where the pressure of fame often leads to ego clashes and controversies, Shah Rukh Khan's gesture seems to stand apart, demonstrating that success doesn’t need to come at the expense of kindness. His legacy goes beyond his films—he’s shown that the true essence of stardom lies in how you treat others.
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