Shah Rukh Khan's humility: What Vikram Kochhar learned from Dunki co-star
Synopsis
Actor Vikram Kochhar says the biggest lesson from working with Shah Rukh Khan on Dunki wasn't a piece of advice — it was watching a superstar treat every crew member as an equal. In an industry where star hierarchy is rarely questioned, that quiet example of humility is worth noting.
Key Takeaways
Vikram Kochhar worked alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the 2023 film Dunki , directed by Rajkumar Hirani .
Kochhar says he learned humility and the importance of supporting co-actors by observing Khan on set.
Khan reportedly never distinguishes between colleagues based on the size of their role, treating all crew members with equal respect.
Dunki , released on 21 December 2023 , also stars Taapsee Pannu , Boman Irani , and Anil Grover , with Vicky Kaushal in a special appearance.
The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences upon release.
Actor Vikram Kochhar has opened up about the one quality of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan that left the deepest impression on him — a grounded humility that, according to Kochhar, shapes how Khan treats every single person on a film set.
What Kochhar Observed on the Dunki Set
Kochhar, who shared screen space with Khan in the 2023 release Dunki, said he did not receive any direct advice from the star, but absorbed something more lasting. 'While I did not receive any advice from him in particular, but I have learned a lot from him — especially humility, how to support your co-actors, and that the story is the real hero,' Kochhar said.
He added that Khan operates with a firm belief that no single performer carries a film. 'He truly believes that an actor is only a small part of the story, and not the entire story. It takes an entire village to make a movie, and every member plays a crucial role,' Kochhar noted.
Treating Every Co-Worker as an Equal
What stood out most to the Sumit Sambhal Lega actor was Khan's consistency in how he treats colleagues regardless of their role size. 'I have never seen him declaring someone small or big on the basis of their role in the project. This is something I have learned from him — that no work is big or small,' Kochhar said.
This kind of set culture, where a leading star actively levels hierarchies, is rarely spoken about openly in Bollywood. Kochhar's account adds a candid, behind-the-scenes dimension to how one of Hindi cinema's biggest names conducts himself professionally.
About Dunki
Dunki, written, produced, edited, and directed by filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, is built around the concept of the illegal immigration route known as 'donkey flight.' The film was backed by Rajkumar Hirani Films in collaboration with Jio Studios and Red Chillies Entertainment.
The primary cast includes Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani, and Anil Grover, with Vicky Kaushal making a special appearance. Released in cinemas on 21 December 2023, the film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Why This Matters
Kochhar's remarks arrive at a time when conversations about workplace culture in the film industry are gaining traction. A superstar's attitude toward junior colleagues can shape the entire atmosphere of a production, and accounts like this one offer a rare, first-hand perspective on what that looks like in practice. For newer actors navigating a competitive industry, such examples carry real weight.
Point of View
And it is notable when a leading actor actively dismantles them — or at least is perceived to. That said, one co-star's admiring recollection is not a full picture; the more meaningful test is whether such attitudes translate into structural changes on set, in contracts, or in how junior artists are credited and compensated. Still, in a media landscape that rarely surfaces these dynamics, Kochhar's candour is a useful prompt.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vikram Kochhar say he learned from Shah Rukh Khan?
Vikram Kochhar said he learned humility and how to support co-actors from Shah Rukh Khan. He observed that Khan treats every crew member with equal respect, regardless of their role size, and genuinely believes the story — not the actor — is the real hero of any film.
Which film did Vikram Kochhar and Shah Rukh Khan work on together?
The two actors worked together on Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, which released in cinemas on 21 December 2023. The film also starred Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani, and Anil Grover, with Vicky Kaushal in a special appearance.
What is Dunki about?
Dunki is a film centred on the concept of 'donkey flight,' an illegal immigration route used by people trying to reach Western countries. It was written, produced, edited, and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, and backed by Rajkumar Hirani Films, Jio Studios, and Red Chillies Entertainment.
How was Dunki received by critics and audiences?
Dunki received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences following its release on 21 December 2023. While Shah Rukh Khan's performance drew attention, overall reception was varied.
Who is Vikram Kochhar?
Vikram Kochhar is a Bollywood actor known for his role in the television series Sumit Sambhal Lega. He appeared alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the 2023 film Dunki directed by Rajkumar Hirani.
