When Pan Nalin remembered Shah Rukh Khan’s dedication on ‘Karan Arjun’ set: ‘A great actor is one who makes the audience dance, romance, laugh and cry’

As the iconic 1995 film ‘Karan Arjun‘ is all set for a re-release, filmmaker Pan Nalin took fans on a nostalgic journey by sharing a behind-the-scenes video from the movie’s production. Nalin, who was invited as one of the 100 young filmmakers from around the world to celebrate the 100th anniversary of cinema in 1996, made a documentary on his favorite star, Shah Rukh Khan.
At that time, Nalin had yet to make his first feature film, ‘Samsara’ (2002), but his short films had already garnered global recognition.
The exclusive footage, shared by ETimes, offers a rare look into Shah Rukh Khan’s training sessions and his lifestyle while filming Karan Arjun. The documentary, which also pays tribute to the Lumière brothers, shows Khan’s unwavering dedication, working 18-hour days on set without showing any signs of fatigue, even as he was surrounded by adoring fans wherever he went. From Rajasthan’s hotel scenes to Mumbai’s busy streets, the video showcases Khan’s enduring humility and focus.
In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Nalin shared his admiration for Khan, saying, “During the shoot of Karan Arjun, every day I was with Shah Rukh Khan, I was awestruck by his talent and humbleness. What I learned from him as a filmmaker is that a great actor is not one who can dance, romance, laugh and cry but the great actor is one who makes the audience dance, romance, laugh and cry.”

‘Karan Arjun’, released in 1995, is a classic Bollywood film that revolves around the theme of reincarnation and revenge. It stars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan as two brothers, Karan and Arjun. The film is packed with memorable dialogues, high-energy action, and emotional drama. Rakhee’s iconic line, “Mere Karan Arjun aayenge,” has become one of the most remembered lines in Bollywood history. Even after almost three decades, the film remains close to the hearts of fans, making its re-release highly anticipated.
The movie is all set for a re-release on November 22.