‘He Couldn’t Pay the EMI’: Juhi Chawla recalls Shah Rukh Khan’s lowest financial phase before stardom

A heartfelt memory shared by Juhi Chawla about Shah Rukh Khan’s early days in Bollywood has resurfaced online, reminding fans of the superstar’s humble beginnings and the struggles he faced before becoming one of India’s biggest film icons.

The anecdote has regained attention shortly after Shah Rukh announced the inauguration of the Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Los Angeles, a milestone that reflects just how extraordinary his journey has been.

From Financial Struggles to Global Success

The newly launched Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, California, will serve as the home venue for the Los Angeles Knight Riders while promoting cricket and community activities across the United States.

For many fans, the achievement stands in stark contrast to the actor’s early years, when he was working multiple shifts every day and struggling financially while trying to establish himself in Mumbai.

Juhi Chawla Remembers Shah Rukh’s Early Days

In a video that has once again gone viral on social media, Juhi Chawla recalled working with Shah Rukh during the early phase of his career.

According to the actress, Shah Rukh had recently moved from Delhi and did not yet have a permanent home in Mumbai.

She remembered how he would eat meals prepared for the film crew, drink tea with them and spend time joking and chatting with technicians between shoots.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Juhi said the young actor remained cheerful and completely dedicated to his work.

The Day Shah Rukh Lost His Only Car

Juhi also recalled one incident that left a lasting impression on her.

At the time, Shah Rukh owned just one vehicle a black Gypsy while simultaneously shooting for films including Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dil Aashna Hai, and another project with Divya Bharti.

Working around the clock, the actor was juggling multiple film commitments.

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However, due to financial difficulties, he reportedly failed to keep up with the vehicle’s EMI payments, leading the bank to repossess his only car.

Juhi remembered that Shah Rukh arrived on the film set visibly upset after losing the vehicle.

Wanting to encourage him, she told him not to worry, reassuring him that one day he would own many more cars.

According to Juhi, Shah Rukh still remembers that conversation.

Shah Rukh Confirmed the Story Years Later

Years later, in 2015, Shah Rukh Khan himself spoke publicly about the incident.

The actor revealed that the bank had indeed repossessed his Jeep because he could not keep up with the payments.

He also expressed gratitude to Juhi Chawla, who lent him her own car so that filming could continue without interruption.

In another memorable twist, Shah Rukh recalled that years later, while shooting Trimurti, he unknowingly travelled in the very same vehicle after it had been resold by the bank.

Only later did he realise it was the Jeep he had once owned.

A Journey That Continues to Inspire

The resurfaced story has resonated with fans because it highlights the remarkable transformation of Shah Rukh Khan’s life.

From struggling to pay the EMI on his only car to building a global entertainment empire and expanding the Knight Riders cricket franchise internationally, the actor’s journey remains one of Bollywood’s most inspiring success stories.

For many admirers, Juhi Chawla’s words serve as a reminder that determination, perseverance and hard work can turn even the toughest setbacks into milestones of success.