Veteran actor Govind Namdev has provided a fascinating glimpse into the working styles of two of Bollywood’s biggest superstars – Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. In a recent interview, Namdev shared his experiences of collaborating with the two actors, highlighting their contrasting approaches to their craft.
Shah Rukh Khan: A Relentless Workaholic
Namdev, who worked with Shah Rukh Khan on the 2000 film “Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani,” described the actor as a true workaholic. According to Namdev, despite the grueling shooting schedule, Shah Rukh would continue working tirelessly, often staying on set until 2 AM.
“I had heard a lot about workaholics, jinhe sirf kaam ki dhun hoti hai (who want to only work). I had heard about them, but I saw it the first time when I worked with Shah Rukh Khan… we worked throughout the day, then at night he mingled with the whole crew, we ate together and then, because he was also the producer, he worked till 2 am.
The next day, he had to take an early morning flight to Chennai to attend a function, then come back and resume shooting. He would’ve slept for not more than three and a half or four hours maximum… he will smoke like a chimney and keep working, keep thinking about what to do next,” Namdev recounted.
Salman Khan: Focused on Work, Minimal Interaction
In contrast, Namdev’s experience working with Salman Khan on the film “Wanted” was quite different. According to the veteran actor, Salman was solely focused on his work and did not engage in much personal interaction with the cast and crew.
“He (Salman Khan) doesn’t interact much, sirf kaam se kaam (he only cares about work). There was no personal talk at all. Just sometimes how unke father kaise hote the, ‘kuch bhi tedha kiya toh padti thi humko (Salman would share how if the kids did anything naughty, they would get a beating by his father Salim Khan)’. That’s it. He is the opposite of Shah Rukh Khan as far as interacting with others is concerned,” Namdev said.
Superstars Without the Typical Airs
Namdev’s observations are particularly noteworthy as they challenge the common perception of Bollywood superstars. He noted that despite their immense success and fame, both Shah Rukh and Salman displayed a refreshing lack of the typical “superstar attitude” and tantrums.
“Superstars usually have this attitude, these tantrums, but not him (Shah Rukh Khan),” Namdev remarked, highlighting the actor’s down-to-earth and hardworking nature.
Contrasting Approaches, Shared Dedication
While Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan may have adopted different approaches to their work, Namdev’s accounts suggest that both actors share a deep dedication to their craft. Shah Rukh’s relentless work ethic and Salman’s laser-like focus on the task at hand are a testament to their commitment to their profession.
Insights into the Bollywood Ecosystem
Namdev’s insights not only shed light on the working styles of these two superstars but also provide a glimpse into the broader Bollywood ecosystem. His observations challenge the stereotypes often associated with successful actors and offer a more nuanced understanding of the industry’s inner workings.
Conclusion
Govind Namdev’s accounts of his experiences working with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan offer a fascinating contrast between the two Bollywood icons. While Shah Rukh’s tireless work ethic and hands-on approach stood out, Salman’s laser-like focus on his craft and minimal personal interactions presented a different, yet equally dedicated, side of the industry. These insights not only humanize the superstars but also challenge the common perceptions of Bollywood’s elite, providing a more well-rounded understanding of the industry’s dynamics.