Recently, the entertainment world mourned the loss of Pankaj Udhas, who passed away at the age of 72 after battling a prolonged illness. As fans and peers celebrated his musical legacy, one revelation resurfaced – the pivotal role Udhas unknowingly played in shaping the early career of Shah Rukh Khan. Know more about the humble start of the King of Bollywood himself, Shah Rukh Khan, which was intertwined with the legendary ghazal maestro, Pankaj Udhas.
During the promotional campaign for his film Raees in 2017, Shah Rukh Khan shared a heartwarming anecdote from his youth, shedding light on his humble beginnings. He disclosed that his first-ever job was as an usher at a Pankaj Udhas concert. In a delightful twist of fate, it was at this very concert that the future Bollywood icon earned his first paycheck. Recalling the incident with a hint of nostalgia, Shah Rukh Khan revealed that he was paid a meagre sum of Rs 50 for his services as an usher at the concert. He saved up his earnings diligently, cherishing every rupee earned through his labor at the concert. And then, in a moment of youthful exuberance, he decided to fulfill a cherished desire – to visit the iconic Taj Mahal.
As fans bid farewell to Pankaj Udhas, they also pay homage to the countless individuals whose contributions, however small or overlooked, have left an indelible mark on the fabric of Bollywood.