Avinash Gowariker recalls Shah Rukh Khan's kindness during his first meeting on sets of Duplicate: 'He gives blank cheque to technicians'

Celebrity photographer Avinash Gowariker, known for capturing the biggest names in Bollywood — from Aamir Khan and Salman Khan to Aishwarya Rai and Deepika Padukone — recently opened up about his most memorable experience. Surprisingly, despite working with a host of top stars, he says it was Shah Rukh Khan who left the deepest impression on him.SRK’s Humility Stands Out Despite StardomRecalling their time together on the sets of Duplicate (1998), Avinash described SRK as incredibly kind and humble, even at the peak of his stardom. What stood out even more was Shah Rukh’s rare gesture towards his crew — the actor is known to offer blank cheques to his technicians, allowing them to fill in any amount they feel is fair. For Avinash, this mix of generosity and warmth made SRK truly unforgettable.A Newcomer's Nervous Start Gets a Superstar’s SupportIn conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Avinash looked back on his early experience working with Shah Rukh Khan during the filming of Duplicate. At the time, he was just starting out as a photographer and had to take on-set shots for the film. Despite being a newcomer and facing several challenges, Avinash was struck by Shah Rukh’s exceptional kindness and support — a gesture he says left a lasting impression on him.Simple Gestures That Made a Big DifferenceHe also recalled how, during the shoot, he was visibly nervous and unsure of himself. Shah Rukh Khan noticed his struggle and repeatedly offered help, asking if he needed anything—like an extra light—and reassuring him not to stress. Avinash was deeply moved by the actor’s warmth and generosity, saying it was rare to find someone so thoughtful and considerate, especially towards a newcomer.A Superstar Who Hasn’t Forgotten His Own StrugglesThe photographer further believed that Shah Rukh Khan’s empathy likely stems from his own journey as an outsider in the film industry. Having arrived in Mumbai with nothing, Shah Rukh understands the struggles newcomers face. Avinash felt that the actor sees a reflection of his own past in those trying to make it, which is why he treats them with such kindness and respect.Blank Cheques and Boundless Support for His CrewAvinash also shared that working with Shah Rukh Khan is a truly rewarding experience, especially for technicians. As a producer, SRK is known for his generosity—often giving his crew members complete freedom over resources. According to Avinash, it's not uncommon for him to offer a "blank cheque" to technicians, allowing them to ask for whatever they need to do their best work.On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for his next film King, in which he stars alongside his daughter Suhana Khan. The film is slated for a 2026 release. Meanwhile, the superstar also made headlines with his debut appearance at the MET Gala this year.