Hina Khan Recalls Asking a Sleep-Deprived Shah Rukh Khan for a Picture: “I Thought I Missed the Chance”

Television actor Hina Khan has shared a memorable story about her first meeting with Shah Rukh Khan, recalling how an ordinary flight turned into a moment she continues to remember years later.

Speaking on the podcast POV, hosted by Rocky Jaiswal, Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla, Hina opened up about meeting Shah Rukh during the early phase of her career. She said she was still relatively new to the entertainment industry when she unexpectedly found herself seated near the superstar on a flight.

What began with hesitation eventually became a memorable interaction, particularly because Shah Rukh was exhausted after days of promotional work.

Hina Khan Says She Was Nervous to Approach Shah Rukh Khan

Hina recalled that her meeting with Shah Rukh happened roughly a year and a half after Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai had begun. At the time, she was still finding her footing in the industry and was understandably nervous about approaching one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.

She said she noticed Shah Rukh sitting nearby and initially took a moment to gather the courage to speak to him.

“I saw him sitting next to me. I took a deep breath and saw again that he was sleeping,” Hina recalled.

The actor said she wanted a photograph with him but did not want to disturb him because he appeared to be extremely tired.

Eventually, Shah Rukh woke up when coffee was served. Hina waved at him and asked whether she could take a picture with him.

According to her recollection, Shah Rukh responded positively but asked her to wait.

“He said, ‘Wait, I’ll give you a photo.’ He had his coffee and went back to sleep,” Hina said.

Shah Rukh Khan Remembered His Promise

Hina said she continued waiting, but Shah Rukh soon fell asleep again. By the time the flight landed, she assumed the opportunity had passed.

However, the actor then surprised her.

“Once we landed, I thought I missed the chance, but he got up, called me, and clicked a picture,” Hina recalled.

The two also happened to travel in the same coach afterward. Hina said Shah Rukh continued to rest, eventually moving to the last seat and going back to sleep.

The reason for his exhaustion, she explained, was that he was promoting a film at the time and reportedly had not slept for several days.

For Hina, however, the fact that he still remembered his promise and made time for the photograph made the encounter particularly special.

Abhinav Shukla Also Remembers His First Meeting With SRK

During the same conversation, Abhinav Shukla shared his own first interaction with Shah Rukh Khan.

Abhinav recalled meeting the superstar when he was new to Mumbai and working as a model. The two were backstage at a ramp show for a watch brand when Shah Rukh arrived.

“I decided to go and shake his hand,” Abhinav said.

He remembered that Shah Rukh was speaking with his manager at the time. When the actor noticed Abhinav, he reportedly got up and shook his hand.

For Abhinav, that small gesture left a lasting impression.

“That defines the character of that man,” he said.

Both stories highlight a similar aspect of Shah Rukh’s public image: his ability to make brief interactions feel meaningful, even when he is under considerable professional pressure.

Hina Khan’s Journey From Television to a Wider Career

Hina Khan became a household name after playing Akshara Maheshwari in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Her portrayal of the character helped establish her as one of the most recognisable faces on Indian television.

Over the years, she has moved beyond daily television and explored reality shows, films and digital projects. Her career has included appearances in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, Bigg Boss 11 and several acting projects across different formats.

Her recollection of meeting Shah Rukh comes from a period when she was still at the beginning of that journey, making the memory particularly significant in retrospect.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Next Film Is King

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is preparing for his next major screen appearance in King, an action thriller that has generated considerable interest among his fans.

The film is expected to feature Shah Rukh in a powerful action-oriented role, with the actor reportedly playing a veteran assassin who becomes responsible for protecting a young girl.

The project also features his daughter Suhana Khan, who is set to make her theatrical debut with the film after making her acting debut in Zoya Akhtar’s Netflix film The Archies.

The reported ensemble cast includes Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Arshad Warsi, Raghav Juyal and Jaideep Ahlawat in important roles.

With Shah Rukh returning in an action-heavy role and Suhana making the transition to the big screen, King is among the most closely watched upcoming Hindi films.

A Small Gesture That Stayed With Hina Khan

Celebrity encounters are often brief, particularly when they happen during hectic travel schedules. Hina Khan’s story stands out because Shah Rukh Khan was reportedly exhausted and could easily have let the moment pass.

Instead, according to Hina’s recollection, he remembered that she had asked for a photograph and made sure to keep his word after landing.

For an actor who was still relatively new to the industry, that simple gesture became a lasting memory. Years later, Hina’s account also offers a glimpse into why interactions with Shah Rukh Khan have remained memorable for many people who have crossed paths with him.