Shah Rukh Khan Personally Apologises To Junior Artistes For Shoot Delays: 'He Feels It's His Duty...'

Shah Rukh Khan’s warmth as a host has long been spoken about in the industry, from personally walking guests to their cars to making everyone feel welcome at his Mumbai home, Mannat. But actor Zeeshan

Ayyub believes the superstar’s true humility reveals itself not in these grand gestures, but in the way he treats people who are often invisible on film sets.

Having worked with Shah Rukh in Raees and Zero, Zeeshan says it was the actor’s conduct toward doormen, junior artists and daily-wage crew members that left the deepest impression on him.

“This Is How I Judge A Human Being”

Speaking to Shubhankar Mishra on his YouTube channel, Zeeshan explained that respect for working-class people is his personal benchmark for judging character. According to him, Shah Rukh never fails this test.

“Many stars will come and drop you at the gate, but for me, the real test is how someone treats people who do physical labour for less money,” Zeeshan said. “That’s how I judge a human being. Shah Rukh never misses greeting these people.”

Small Gestures That Speak Volumes

Zeeshan recalled multiple moments from their years of working together that showcased Shah Rukh’s attentiveness. One incident, in particular, stayed with him.

“If he walks out of a door and the doorman opens it for him, even if Shah Rukh is in the middle of a serious conversation, he will stop, turn around, give the doorman his full attention and say thank you,” Zeeshan shared. “That is a sign of greatness.”

For Zeeshan, it wasn’t the action itself, but the sincerity behind it that made it stand out.

Taking Responsibility On Set

The actor also spoke about Shah Rukh’s approach when shoots extended beyond scheduled hours. Rather than assuming junior artists would comply, Shah Rukh would personally address them.

“If he wants to extend a shoot by half an hour, he will go to the microphone and apologise to the juniors,” Zeeshan said. “He will ask them politely, ‘Please, can you extend the shoot by half an hour?’”

Zeeshan pointed out that while junior artists are usually prepared to work longer, Shah Rukh still sees the delay as his responsibility.

A Reflection Of Upbringing

According to Zeeshan, this sense of accountability and kindness doesn’t come from stardom, but from values instilled long before fame.

“He thinks it’s his film and because of him the delay has happened,” Zeeshan explained. “So he feels it’s his duty to ask people personally. Only a beautiful person can do that.”

Zeeshan credited Shah Rukh’s parents for shaping this outlook, adding that such behaviour is rooted in upbringing, not image-building.

Respect Beyond Stardom

For Zeeshan Ayyub, Shah Rukh Khan’s humility isn’t performative or selective. It is consistent, instinctive, and extended to everyone around him, regardless of status.

In an industry often driven by hierarchy, these small, quiet acts of respect, Zeeshan believes, are what truly define Shah Rukh Khan’s greatness.