Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone come from non-film families. Still, they made it to the top of the Indian film industry. On Thursday, they reflected on their journey during a session titled “The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler” at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai.
Despite entering Bollywood from outside the industry, both said they never felt excluded. “I never felt like I was an outsider,” said Padukone. “What mattered to me was my dedication, hard work, and discipline.” At 18, Padukone left Bengaluru and moved to Mumbai. A few years later, she made her debut in Om Shanti Om (2007) opposite Shah Rukh Khan. “I was never made to feel like a newcomer. I got a double role in my debut opposite the country’s biggest superstar. That’s rare,” she said. “It felt like home.”
Shah Rukh Felt Embraced by the Industry
Khan echoed her thoughts. He said the industry welcomed him warmly when he arrived in Mumbai. “I never saw myself as an outsider,” he said. “People embraced me like a new son on Marine Drive.” Khan rejected the idea that someone’s background should define their path in the industry. “This outsider-insider divide doesn’t matter,” he said. “The world doesn’t care about your origin. You have to push yourself and work hard to earn your place.”
Khan said he doesn’t consider himself highly talented but trusts in consistent hard work. “When I’m not shooting, I don’t do anything. I remain in a meditative state,” he said. “In my youth, I was reckless, overconfident, and gutsy—and that helped me.” Padukone said she always gave her best. She felt safe to explore and learn on set, especially during her debut. Khan added, “She was just 18. I treated her kindly back then. But now, the role she’ll play best is that of a mother, with Dua.”
Deepika Adjusted to Life in Mumbai at 18
She admitted it wasn’t easy to leave home at a young age. But she believes she managed well. “It was a big step. I had to learn through trial and error,” she said. “Looking back, I think I did a good job.” Padukone said she enjoys organizing and managing her household chores during her free time. “I handle groceries, laundry, sorting mail, and checking kitchen stock like anyone else,” she said.
WAVES Summit Aims to Unite Creative Industries
The four-day WAVES Summit, held at Jio World Convention Centre, aims to connect cinema, digital media, OTT, gaming, and AI. The first two days focused on filmmaking and marketing. The last two will include public events and business sessions. She praised the summit for bringing multiple media sectors together. “We’ve always had separate events for different industries. This was much needed,” she said.
Khan Sees WAVES as a Game Changer
Khan supported the idea and called WAVES a platform to improve collaboration between entertainment sectors. The government launched the event as part of the World Congress on AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics).
He Called for More Theatres and Lower Ticket Prices
Khan urged the industry to focus on building affordable theatres in smaller cities. “Every fifth person in the world is Indian. Our films must reach global audiences,” he said. “We need cheaper theatres in small towns. It’s becoming too expensive in big cities.” He also pointed to China as an example, where more screens and cheaper tickets make cinema widely accessible.
