For years, Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra’s close bond remained one of Bollywood’s most talked-about equations. Their camaraderie, frequent collaborations and public warmth often sparked speculations
of a link-up, especially during the promotions of Farhan Akhtar’s Don franchise, when questions around their relationship refused to die down.
Breaking his silence during an interaction with NDTV while promoting Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Shah Rukh Khan spoke candidly about how the rumours affected him and, more importantly, how they reflected on Priyanka as a woman and a colleague. He made it clear that what disturbed him most was not the gossip itself, but the lack of respect shown towards her.
“To me, what is most disturbing is the fact that a lady who’s worked with me has been questioned and somewhere down the line, not been shown the kind of respect I show her or all the women. I think it’s a little disrespectful. I’m extremely sorry about that. Sorry means it’s not directly because of anything I’ve done, but the fact that she’s my friend. She’s one of the closest friends I have and very close to my heart and always will be. And I just feel sometimes when things were said, I needed to step back from it because I find it very banal and very small and very menial. And, you know, it just tends to spoil relationships that people share while working together.”
Shah Rukh also reflected on the personal bond he shared with Priyanka Chopra, recalling how long they had known each other and the memories they shared both on and off screen. “She’s a little girl who started her Miss India or Miss World crowning with me. And, you know, we have shared some of the nicest moments on screen and off it, as friends. And it’s unfortunate. It’s extremely unfortunate and sad for me to think that a friendship gets a little soiled.”
When asked directly whether the rumours had affected their friendship, Shah Rukh was rather firm. He said, “No, not at all. I think she’s matured enough beyond her years to deal with it. But having said that, I think we all rush into giving names to relationships without even understanding them at times.“
At the time, Shah Rukh and Priyanka had worked together in films like Don and Don 2, and their visible comfort around each other often became fodder for speculation.
