'SRK called me his teacher': Priyamani opens up about her wholesome bond with Bollywood's King Khan

Economic Times

10-05-2025

'I Didn't Teach Him, I Helped Him': BTS of Chennai Express
When the Superstar Became the Student
— NayaSrk (@NayaSrk)
Kaun Banega Crorepati and Vanity Van Dinners
The Woman Behind the Performances
For most actors, sharing the screen with Shah Rukh Khan is the stuff of dreams. But for National Award-winning actress Priyamani, the journey has been more than just reel—it's been real, heartwarming, and filled with moments that make her look back with a smile. In a candid conversation with Humans of Bombay , Priyamani reminisced about her unique connection with the King of Bollywood—from dance rehearsals to iPad quizzes, and from choreographic cues to warm vanity van dinners.One of Priyamani's most talked-about collaborations with SRK came during the song 1 2 3 4 Get on the Dance Floor from Chennai Express. While fans often say she 'taught him how to dance,' Priyamani modestly clarifies that she only assisted him with a few South Indian-style steps. 'For someone like Shah Rukh to take on such an energetic song in a completely different style was commendable,' she said, adding that the superstar would rehearse tirelessly—often staying back after long shoots from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. just to perfect his moves for the next day.'He didn't need to do that, but he did,' she added with admiration. 'He used to bring in the choreographer's assistants and rehearse post pack-up. That's the kind of dedication he brings to set.'During the shoot of Zinda Banda from Jawan, Priyamani recalls a moment that left her both flattered and flustered. Originally positioned behind SRK in the dance formation, she was surprised when he stopped everything to ask, 'Why are you standing there?' He then gently moved her to the front and told the director Atlee, 'This girl is my teacher—she's going to stand right in front of me.'It wasn't just a sweet gesture, but a moment of mutual respect. 'Of course I was embarrassed, but also incredibly happy,' she confessed. 'He kept looking at me for cues during the steps and made sure I stayed by his side. When Shah Rukh Khan says it, you just can't say no.'It wasn't all work and no play on set. Between takes during Chennai Express, Priyamani and SRK played Kaun Banega Crorepatti on his iPad—a game she unexpectedly won. 'By fluke, I got the right answer, and he handed me a 100-rupee note as a prize,' she laughed. 'I may not have that note anymore, but the memory is priceless.'One evening, as the shoot neared its end, SRK invited her to dine in his iconic vanity van. 'It was like a house—warm, personal, filled with family pictures and tasteful decor. I was just in awe,' she said.Priyamani, who made her debut in 2003 and has since earned critical acclaim across multiple languages, is known for her powerful performances in films like Paruthiveeran, Thirakkatha, and Chaarulatha. In recent years, her Bollywood and OTT appearances—including Jawan, Article 370, and The Family Man—have brought her into the national spotlight once again.But despite her growing stardom, her humility remains intact, as does her admiration for those she shares the screen with. 'I just wish I could collaborate with him more,' she smiled. 'I'll manifest it right here, right now.'