Would daydream about being his on-screen love interest: Arshin Mehta on SRK.

 

As Shah Rukh Khan turns a year older on November 2, actress Arshin Mehta, who has featured in TVCs like Jeevansathi, Dabur, and Imperial Blue, as well as films such as Circle (Telugu), Main Rajkapoor Ho Gaya, The Rally, Sallu Ki Shaadi, Catfight (a short film), and Prem Yuddh (Gujarati), and recently in The Diary of West Bengal, to name some, says as a kid she wanted to share the screen space with him. Though she said that her love for acting was not influenced by him, his performances did leave an impact on her.

 

She said, “Shah Rukh Khan is a massive inspiration in my life and an icon whose success story motivates anyone aiming for greatness. Growing up in the ‘90s, I watched almost all his films, though I missed a few of his earliest ones. His influence has definitely shaped me in some way. Watching Kajol in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai inspired me so much that I started acting out her scenes in front of the TV. Shah Rukh, as the ultimate romantic hero, was adored by everyone, and I think his influence truly reaches all Indian hearts,” she said.

 

“Although my love for acting wasn’t directly influenced by him, Shah Rukh’s films have always fascinated me. As a kid, I’d watch his movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and Dil To Pagal Hai and would daydream about being his on-screen love interest! I even thought maybe if I became an actress, I’d get to romance him on-screen someday,” she added.

 

Arshin also confessed that his dedication and hard work have inspired her and added, “I love watching his speeches, like his TED Talks, and other motivational videos he’s shared over the years. I admire how he respects everyone, especially women, which makes him even more admirable. It’s my absolute dream to work with him one day, and I hope it becomes a reality.”

 

She further said, “When it comes to his motivational words, I don’t remember any specific quote exactly, but I do know he often emphasizes hard work and honesty in his craft. His dedication is inspiring, and he constantly says he works very hard, which pushes me to put my all into my work too.”

 

And she believes that whatever ups and downs he has seen in his life has only added to his charm. “His humility, respect for people, and beautiful personality are, I believe, the reasons for his lasting success. He remains grounded, and that makes us all love him even more,” she said.

 

Arshin also mentioned that he is a global icon, and she feels his influence on the viewers oversees every time she travels. She said, “Right now, I’m in Istanbul, and people here know Bollywood mainly through Shah Rukh Khan. When I tell people where I’m from, I say ‘the country of Shah Rukh Khan’ - he’s like a whole identity for India. His global reach is incredible, and it fills me with pride that people recognize India through him.”

 

Movies of SRK that you can watch on repeat? “Some of my favorite movies to rewatch are Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil To Pagal Hai, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Kajol’s character especially touched me because I could relate to her so much. Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham is one I can watch endlessly. And my favorite songs; the first one I learned to play on the piano was Tum Paas Aaye from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. But if I had to pick, Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is probably my favorite—its lyrics and the emotional feel resonate with me. I could listen to it over and over, as it reminds us to live life fully and cherish love,” Arshin ended.