Jackie Shroff Reflects On Shah Rukh Khan’s Solitude: 'It’s Lonely At The Top'

Jackie Shroff opens up on Shah Rukh Khan’s quiet demeanor on film sets and how superstardom can lead to isolation. Read what he had to say about their bond and past collaborations.

Veteran actor Jackie Shroff recently reflected on his long-standing camaraderie with Shah Rukh Khan, offering rare insight into the superstar’s personality behind the scenes. Speaking to Vickey Lalwani, Jackie shared moments from their shared filmography — from King Uncle to Devdas, describing SRK’s aloofness as a quiet strength that resonated with his own.

Jackie Remembers a Young SRK

Shroff fondly recalled the early days of Shah Rukh’s career, particularly their time on King Uncle. “Akelapan. Har actor ko ek lonely feel hona chahiye, mere ko bola tha ye kisi ne,” he said, observing how SRK used to sit quietly, often by himself. “He was playing my younger brother. And he was respectful, focused on his work, and he was charismatic and charming. But aloof. Like I was aloof, he was also aloof. I liked those vibes.”

The veteran actor noted that this sense of solitude wasn’t just a phase but a consistent part of Khan’s demeanor through the years.

'Same Boy, Same Vibe' – On Working Together Again in Devdas

Discussing their reunion in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas, Jackie said, “Devdas se pehle bhi humne kayi films ki. One 2 Ka Four kiya aur ek-do films aur. Par Devdas mein normal tha. Mere liye toh mera bhai tha, chhota bhai jo maine dekha. Wohi ladka jo maine dekha tha ki akele kone mein baitha hai.”

Jackie emphasized that despite SRK’s meteoric rise, he remained the same person he’d met years earlier — a quiet soul who carried a unique gravitas, both on-screen and off.

'You Only Have Your Shadow” – Jackie on Stardom and Solitude

Delving deeper, Jackie offered a philosophical take on superstardom. “I think if you go to the top of the Everest, you will just have your shadow. Otherwise, it’s lonely up there.” He likened Khan’s solitude to the emotional isolation that often accompanies fame — a feeling not unfamiliar to those who reach great heights in the industry.

The duo was last seen together in Happy New Year (2014), where Shroff played the antagonist. Industry buzz suggests they may reunite once again in Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming project titled King.