Before cross-industry collaborations became a standard practice in Indian cinema, 2009’s Billu presented a touching yet overlooked story of Bollywood and regional cinema coming together. If the late Irrfan Khan led the film as a humble village barber, Shah Rukh Khan had a high-voltage cameo role as superstar Sahir Khan. But the film also featured a surprise treasure in veteran Malayalam actor Jagadish, who recently recounted an interesting memory from the set.
Jagadish on Shah Rukh Khan’s Energy and Humility
In a recent episode of a talk show hosted by Sreekandan Nair, Jagadish spoke about his time on the Billu film set and working with Shah Rukh Khan. Jagadish played ‘Modern’ Madan, which had some light-hearted nuances, and he excitedly shared how the moment SRK would enter the set, there was an unmatchable energy.
“When he comes to the set, he oozes an energy which is unmatchable,” Jagadish said, noting how Shah Rukh’s presence would positively enhance the entire atmosphere, and energised everyone from the crew to the co-actors.
Jagadish didn’t stop there — he also acknowledged the superstar’s humility, especially around veterans like the late Om Puri.
“He maintains a calm and humble demeanour. I remember him taking blessings from Om Puri saab before a scene. That was really sweet,” he added.
Billu: A Star-Studded Yet Somber Remake
Directed by Priyadarshan, Billu was a Hindi remake of the renowned Malayalam film Kadha Parayumbol, which starred Mammootty and Sreenivasan.
In Billu, Irrfan Khan had gravitas for the role of the humble barber, and SRK played himself (a superstar disconnected from his childhood friend) alongside Lara Dutta, with guest appearances from Kareena Kapoor Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Deepika Padukone in special songs.
While the film did not possess the charm or box office power of its Malayalam predecessor, it will always remain special for its emotional attribute and the unique regional-Bollywood association.
Jagadish’s Rare Bollywood Experience
For Jagadish, a veteran comic and character actor in Malayalam cinema, Billu was an atypical Bollywood experience. And, while it was a small role, his experience with Shah Rukh Khan seems to have made an impression on him.
His story has since gone viral on the fan pages, and there have been a great deal of co-stars that have commented on SRK’s on-set presence, energy, and respect for artists.
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Box Office Worldwide Verdict
Where fame usually rewrites the meaning of ‘genuine’, Shah Rukh Khan’s genuineness and humility usually shine bright, even while telling stories like this one by Jagadish. Billu may not have “exploded” at the box office, but it’s moments like these that show why SRK’s charisma goes beyond just movies.
Sometimes it’s about the memories made on the set, not the film’s success — and Billu established a memory that Jagadish, as well as his fans, will likely never forget.
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