For ‘Pathaan’, unstoppable is a word, as Shah Rukh Khan's spy-thriller has earned over Rs 600 crore worldwide. Rajat Kaul was seen opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Pathaan’ in Shah Rukh’s big intro scene that has gotten the crowds wild. He was able to hold his own opposite the mega star, which is an admirable feat and has sparked a lot of positive feedback from audience members and within the film industry.
Sharing his excitement Rajat Kaul says, “This still feels surreal. I did an ad with Shah Rukh sir 11 years ago, and back then there was such a crowd around him that I couldn’t even shake his hand. He had noticed me trying though, and had waved to me. That meant a lot to me, a newcomer, back then. So, when I got the call that I was going to be in a film with Shah Rukh sir, the one introducing ‘Pathaan’ to the world, I couldn’t believe my good fortune. His warmth, empathy and ability to make everyone feel welcome still remains the same. In fact, he actually thanked me and every single person on set for being in the film on the first day of shoot for ‘Pathaan’.”
When asked what he learned from working with the superstar, Rajat Kaul says, “This chapter of Shah Rukh Khan is really vast. I feel the more you spend time with him, there is a lot more to learn if one dwells deeper. How he brings so much magic to every scene, only he knows. But what he taught me was that in this kind of mainstream filmmaking, we need to work the camera and not always give realistic reactions. The impact of a slight head tilt, or a stare or a pause before a dialogue can have, is where the magic begins. He thinks about the audience while shooting. No wonder the audience loves him so much. Through him I was able to hone my skills in this genre of films. Being a hardcore filmy at heart, I have always been drawn to larger-than-life films. That really helped me bring Raafe to life as you see him now.”
Recalling a funny incident from their first scene together, Rajat says, “My first proper scene with Shah Rukh sir was the intense interrogation scene where I’m tied up and he’s roughing me up to get information. All my female friends have been asking me how Shah Rukh smelled, jealous that I got so close to him. I had to in fact break it to them that I had onions for lunch just before the scene, so the only thing I could think of during the scene was ‘can Shah Rukh smell onions on my breath?’ He’s a thorough gentleman of course, and never brought it up, but I learnt my lesson and always carry a mouth freshener with me on set now!”
On the work front, Rajat will be seen in Excel Entertainment’s ‘Bambai Meri Jaan’ for Amazon Prime Video and ‘Taj The Royal Blood’ for Zee5.
