When Hema Malini combed Shah Rukh Khan's hair, he vowed to never leave Mumbai: 'I am a Delhi boy and...'

Hema Malini is known across generations as Bollywood’s timeless ‘dream girl’. But what many people may not know is that she was also the first person to offer a film to Shah Rukh Khan. Their story is full of charm, nervous auditions, and one unforgettable moment when she combed his hair.

When Shah Rukh Khan recalled how Hema Malini first approached him

Looking back on his early struggles, SRK once shared on Aap Ki Adalat how Hema Malini had called him for work. She told him, “You would have to do makeup and all.” But SRK, being new to the industry, admitted he wasn’t very sure about such things. He replied, “I am a Delhi boy and don't have much idea about make up.”



That was when something unusual happened. As Shah Rukh recalled, “Then Hema ji came to me and combed my hair, that was the day when I decided that I will stay here and will never leave Mumbai.” For him, that simple gesture meant acceptance, a sign that he belonged here.

How Hema Malini gave him his first film offer

After that meeting, Hema Malini reportedly signed Shah Rukh for her directorial project ‘Dil Aashna Hai’. However, this was not an easy decision. She had first rejected his audition for the role, only to change her mind after giving him another chance.

Soon after he bagged her film, Shah Rukh signed three more movies. One of them, ‘Deewana’, ended up becoming his debut release in 1992, even before Hema’s film hit the screens.

Why Hema Malini was not satisfied with first audition

In her biography Hema Malini: Beyond The Dream Girl, it is mentioned that Hema was not happy with Shah Rukh’s first audition for ‘Dil Aashna Hai’. He appeared too nervous and unsure of himself. But Hema decided to give him another try.

As quoted by India Today, it reveals, “Hema remembers how nervous Shah Rukh had been during that first meeting. Apparently, every question of hers was met with a breathless, incoherent reply! The first audition left her dissatisfied. Hema suggested they try again – this time with his hair gelled back and his colourful jacket replaced with a plain tee. The results were satisfactory but just to be doubly sure, Hema called Dharmendra over to come and meet the young actor. Dharam, it is believed, took a liking to the young man instantly.”

Shah Rukh Khan later worked with Hema Malini again

What makes this story even more special is how their bond grew with time. Years later, Shah Rukh shared screen space with Hema Malini in Kamal Haasan’s 2000 film ‘Hey Ram’. Their paths crossed again in ‘Veer Zaara’, where Hema played an important role alongside Shah Rukh and Preity Zinta.