Farah Khan recently took a trip down memory lane and shared how meticulously she prepared Deepika Padukone before launching her in the blockbuster film ‘Om Shanti Om’. The filmmaker revealed that she ensured the newcomer received extensive 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 her cook Dilip visited actor Dia Mirza at her residence. During their candid conversation, Dia reflected on her entry into Hindi cinema and compared it with the preparation many newcomers receive today.Recalling her experience, Dia said, “People whom you say you launched, when I used to hear stories about the level of love, care and attention you gave them. Unke workshops karwaye, classes lagwaye, tameez seekhayi ki acting kya hoti hai, dance classes karwaaye (you made them attend workshops, enrolled them in classes, taught them proper etiquette and what acting really is, and even arranged dance classes for them), diction coaching, I had nothing of that sort.” She added that instead of formal training, she was immediately thrown into demanding work schedules that often stretched for nearly 28 hours at a time.
Months of preparation before Deepika Padukone faced the camera
Responding to Dia’s remarks, Farah detailed the effort that went into grooming Deepika Padukone before her debut in ‘Om Shanti Om’. The director explained that she wanted Deepika to feel fully prepared before sharing screen space with established stars.Farah said, “Deepika, how much care I took of 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. After that, I enrolled her in Kathak classes). We did so many look tests.”According to Farah, the process was not limited to acting lessons and dance training. Several screen tests and workshops were also conducted to help Deepika develop confidence and understand the demands of a major Bollywood production.
Learning by observing Shah Rukh Khan on set
Farah further revealed that she delayed Deepika’s actual shooting schedule to give her additional time to absorb the workings of a film set. Instead of immediately facing the camera, the aspiring actor was encouraged to simply observe experienced performers at work.Sharing the advice she gave Deepika, Farah said, “Uski shoot bhi I started 10 days later. I said 10 din toh aake (I started her shoot 10 days later as well. I told her, ‘For the first 10 days, just come to the set’) and just be there on set, see how Shah Rukh Khan is working, how Shreyas Talpade is working. Just come and sit there every day.”Dia agreed with the approach, noting that such exposure can significantly help newcomers understand the craft and the discipline required in the industry.
A debut that changed Deepika Padukones’s career
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 revolved around a junior artist named Om who is reincarnated decades after his murder and sets out to uncover the truth behind the death of celebrated 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 widespread acclaim, instantly turning her into one of Bollywood’s most sought-after stars. Following the success of ‘Om Shanti Om’, she reunited with Shah Rukh Khan in films such as ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Happy New Year’, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’.
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika reunite once again
The popular on-screen pair is now gearing up for their sixth collaboration with ‘King’. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the action entertainer also features Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal and Arshad Warsi in pivotal roles. The much-awaited film is slated to arrive in theatres on December 24, 2026, marking another chapter in Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s successful cinematic partnership.
