Zoya Akhtar Shares Whether Shah Rukh Khan Visited The Archies Set for a 'Pep Talk' with Daughter Suhana Khan: 'That's Not the Way It's Done'
Zoya Akhtar Shares Whether Shah Rukh Khan Visited The Archies Set for a 'Pep Talk' with Daughter Suhana Khan: 'That's Not the Way It's Done'
Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, known for her recent work on Netflix's The Archies, took a trip down memory lane to discuss her debut directorial venture, Luck By Chance, released in 2009. Zoya also addressed whether she reached out to Shah Rukh Khan for a 'pep talk' on the sets of The Archies, particularly for his daughter Suhana Khan and other debut actors.
In an interview with Mid-day, Zoya was questioned about casting Shah Rukh Khan in Luck By Chance, where he played himself. The star notices Farhan Akhtar's character, Vikram Jaisingh, after his first film becomes a massive hit. During a brief conversation at a film party, he imparts a harsh truth about the challenges of being a superstar.
When asked if she wrote those lines with Shah Rukh in mind, Zoya explained, “I think you also see it with him. I think he’s quite rooted, his old friends, you know, the people that gave him a break, the people that stood by him, he stands by. I think, you know, it’s just that guy, so it just came with him.”
Regarding whether she invited Shah Rukh to The Archies sets to interact with the actors and review film rushes, Zoya responded, “No, I wouldn’t. I mean, no, because I’ve worked with newcomers. I’ve worked with Siddhant Chaturvedi, I’ve worked with various newcomers. You don’t call in someone and say, ‘Give them a pep talk.’ You just don’t do that." When pressed about bringing Shah Rukh for a 'Chak De India' style pep talk, she emphasized, “No, that’s my job. I can’t give my job to someone else. That’s what I’m meant to do.”
The Archies marked the debut of Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor (Boney and Sridevi’s daughter), and Agastya Nanda (Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson). The film also introduced Vedang Raina, Dot, and Yuvraj Menda to the world of cinema. Zoya's insights highlight her commitment to her role as a director, emphasizing her responsibility in guiding and supporting newcomers on the sets.