Back in 2023, actress Priyamani opened up about her memorable experience of reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan on the sets of Jawan after nearly a decade. In an exclusive interview with ETimes, the actress spoke candidly about working with SRK, her admiration for him, and how the superstar made her feel welcomed on set.Recalling their first meeting during the shoot, Priyamani shared, “He just saw me and flaunted the biggest smile and gave me the tightest hug and said, ‘Thank you so much for being part of this film.’”The actress, who had earlier worked with Shah Rukh in Chennai Express, revealed that both the story and the opportunity to collaborate again with SRK and director Atlee attracted her to Jawan.“Both. Mainly, it was the story that worked for me. And then the film being an Atlee directorial, acting with Shah Rukh Khan was the icing on the cake,” she had said.

Priyamani shared behind-the-scenes moments from Zinda Banda

Priyamani had also spoken about the grand scale of the Zinda Banda dance sequence, which became one of the highlights of Jawan.“I honestly didn’t know that that song would have about a thousand background dancers. But I am so glad that Atlee sir thought of it,” she recalled.The actress revealed that dancers had been brought in from across multiple cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kerala.Sharing an adorable anecdote from the shoot, Priyamani said Shah Rukh personally ensured that she stood beside him during rehearsals and filming.“He came and saw me and said, ‘Why are you standing behind?’ I said, ‘That’s my position.’ Then he called Shobi Master and said, ‘She has been my teacher since Chennai Express and she will stand next to me and I’ll copy her. So, if I make a mistake, that means she made a mistake,’” she recalled with a laugh.“I told SRK, ‘Sir, please don’t put so much pressure on me.’ He made sure that I was next to him,” she added.

‘Shah Rukh sir is phenomenal,’ said Priyamani

Praising Shah Rukh Khan’s dedication as a performer, Priyamani described him as a “phenomenal dancer” who gives his everything to every performance.“Being his ‘teacher’, I can confidently say Shah Rukh sir is a phenomenal dancer. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does whether acting or dancing,” she said.She further added, “He gives his 200 percent no matter how easy or difficult the choreography is. He makes it look like a cakewalk.”The actress also praised SRK for his respectful and kind behaviour towards everyone on set.“I think he is the best when it comes to being chivalrous. He is the ultimate when it comes to giving equal respect to not only women but each and every individual,” Priyamani had shared.

Priyamani confessed she had a crush on Shah Rukh Khan

During the interview, Priyamani also admitted that Shah Rukh Khan was the only Bollywood actor she ever had a crush on.“The only person I had a crush on is Shah Rukh Khan and I got to work with him. I am happy about that. Here’s hoping for many more projects with him,” she said.Apart from SRK, the actress also praised Ranbir Kapoor and called him “effortless” when it comes to acting and dancing.“I think he is brilliant,” she added.