Entertainment
‘What Kind of Hero Is This?’: When Kajol’s first reaction to Shah Rukh Khan left everyone surprised…
Before becoming Bollywood’s most iconic on-screen pair, Kajol once admitted she found Shah Rukh Khan “strange” during their very first meeting on the sets of Baazigar.
Mumbai: Today, Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan are celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most legendary on-screen duos, delivering timeless classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Their chemistry has become a benchmark in Hindi cinema, winning hearts across generations.
But their story began in a way few fans would expect.
Long before they became the face of romance in Bollywood, Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan first crossed paths on the sets of Baazigar in 1993. And according to Kajol herself, her first impression of the superstar was far from flattering.
During an appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, Kajol looked back at that moment and admitted she was genuinely confused by Shah Rukh’s personality. The actress recalled being shocked by his quiet and reserved nature something she wasn’t used to.
The host reminded her of a comment she had made back then: “Hai Ram, what kind of boy is this?” Kajol burst into laughter and confirmed that she had indeed said it.
She went on to explain that she was speaking in Marathi with Shah Rukh’s make-up artist, Ravi Dada, and openly questioned the actor’s unusual behaviour.
Kajol remembered saying, “What kind of hero is this? He doesn’t talk. Where did you find him? He’s such a strange hero. He’s not even looking at anyone and has been sitting here for so long wearing those huge black sunglasses.”
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At the time, Kajol was known for her lively, energetic nature, constantly moving around and interacting with everyone on set. In complete contrast, Shah Rukh Khan preferred silence, often sitting in one corner, observing rather than engaging. That difference initially made him seem mysterious even odd to her.

Ironically, that same “strange hero” went on to become Kajol’s most successful co-star.
Baazigar, which also starred Shilpa Shetty, turned out to be a massive blockbuster and laid the foundation for one of Bollywood’s most successful partnerships. The pair went on to deliver one hit after another, including Karan Arjun, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, My Name Is Khan, and Dilwale.
While Dilwale (2015) received a mixed response at the box office, almost every other collaboration between the two became a commercial success and a fan favourite.
Looking back now, Kajol’s first impression of King Khan feels almost unbelievable especially considering the magical cinematic history they created together. Sometimes, the strongest partnerships begin with the most unexpected first meetings
