As Tarun Mansukhani gears up for the highly anticipated comedy sequel Housefull 5, the filmmaker has been revisiting some pivotal moments from his journey in the film industry. In a recent interview, Mansukhani opened up about a powerful piece of advice he received years ago from none other than Shah Rukh Khan—wisdom that continues to shape his approach to cinema today.
Mansukhani, who rose to fame with the 2008 hit Dostana, recalled a conversation he had with Shah Rukh Khan during that time. Though the superstar wasn’t part of the film, he was a close associate of Dharma Productions and had been mentoring several emerging filmmakers. It was during one of these casual yet meaningful exchanges that SRK shared an insight that stayed with Tarun forever.
“Shah Rukh once told me, ‘99% of filmmaking isn’t about the camera, the lights, or even the script—it’s about managing people,’” Mansukhani revealed. “At the time, I was too focused on technical details and storytelling elements. But what he said made me pause and rethink how I looked at my job as a director.”
According to Tarun, the advice wasn’t just about being nice to the cast and crew—it was about genuinely understanding the emotions, egos, insecurities, and energies on a set. “A film set is a complex space. You have actors working through emotions, technicians on deadlines, assistants running against the clock, and producers looking at budgets. Holding that energy together is an art in itself,” he explained.
Now, with Housefull 5 in the pipeline—a film that brings together a large ensemble cast and the over-the-top humor the franchise is known for—Mansukhani says SRK’s advice has never felt more relevant. “With a big-cast comedy like Housefull 5, coordination is everything. Everyone has their own rhythm and personality. If I don’t handle people right, no amount of script or direction can save the film. The atmosphere has to be light, positive, and full of trust.”
He further noted how his role as a director has evolved over the years from being a technician and storyteller to also being a motivator, counselor, and sometimes even a peacemaker. “The technical stuff can be learned, but dealing with people—keeping them inspired, happy, and creatively invested—that’s the real job. And that’s exactly what Shah Rukh meant.”
Tarun also spoke fondly of how SRK has always had a special way of simplifying complex ideas into one impactful sentence. “He has this rare gift of cutting through the noise. That one line about people management helped me through many chaotic days on set. It taught me that directing is less about control and more about collaboration.”
With Housefull 5 set to be one of the biggest comedy releases in the coming year, Mansukhani is clearly putting that wisdom into action. The film marks a significant addition to the popular Housefull franchise, with Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh returning to lead the pack and new surprises promised for fans.
In an industry where the spotlight often remains on the stars, Tarun Mansukhani’s reflection serves as a gentle reminder that behind the lens, filmmaking is as much about emotional intelligence as it is about cinematic craft. And sometimes, a single piece of advice—especially when it comes from someone like Shah Rukh Khan—can change the entire way a filmmaker sees their work.
