Veteran actor Anita Kanwal recently shared memories of knowing Shah Rukh Khan long before he became one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars. Speaking in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Anita reflected on her experience working in films during the 1990s, her role in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, and how she once helped casting professionals connect with Shah Rukh during his early days in the industry.
Anita also opened up about the changing nature of Bollywood and how difficult it has become for character actors to maintain personal connections in the entertainment world.
Anita Kanwal on Working in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa
Recalling her role in Shah Rukh Khan’s cult classic Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Anita said she played Deepak Tijori’s mother despite being only in her mid-30s at the time.
She remembered how Deepak Tijori jokingly reacted after seeing her on set, saying she did not look old enough to play a mother.
Anita further revealed that the film underwent editing changes after Shah Rukh Khan’s film Deewana became a major hit during the shooting period.
According to her, several scenes featuring supporting actors were shortened while Shah Rukh’s sequences, especially motorcycle scenes, were extended in the final cut because of his growing popularity.
She humorously added that she wished she had been included in those scenes so her portions would not have been removed.
“I Knew Shah Rukh Khan From His Theatre Days”
Anita Kanwal shared that she had known Shah Rukh Khan since his Delhi theatre days, before he entered mainstream Bollywood.
At the time, Shah Rukh was working on television projects like Fauji and building his acting career.
She recalled an amusing incident involving her daughter, who studied at Carmel Convent School and once brought home Shah Rukh Khan’s phone number after it was reportedly written on a classroom blackboard by students who admired him.
Anita Helped Casting Teams Reach Shah Rukh Khan
Anita revealed that during those years, several casting professionals visiting Delhi from Mumbai often approached her for recommendations.
Believing Shah Rukh had immense talent and potential, she shared his contact details with people from the film industry and encouraged them to connect with him.
She said Shah Rukh later personally called her to thank her for recommending him. Anita described him as extremely polite and humble during the conversation.
The actor also remembered how Shah Rukh jokingly asked how she had managed to get his phone number, leading to a lighthearted exchange about the incident involving her daughter’s school.
Anita Kanwal on the Changing Industry
During the interaction, Anita Kanwal also reflected on how the entertainment industry has changed over the years.
She explained that earlier, actors and filmmakers had more direct communication and personal relationships, whereas the industry today feels more distant and professionally guarded.
Despite helping Shah Rukh Khan during his early career, Anita said she never approached him later for work or favours, adding that he may not even remember those moments now.
Her nostalgic recollections offered fans a rare glimpse into Shah Rukh Khan’s journey before stardom and highlighted the supportive relationships that shaped Bollywood during its earlier decades.
