Director Rohit Shetty, known for his knack for delivering high-octane entertainers, recently set the record straight about his relationship with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, clearing the air around the years-old buzz that the two had drifted apart after their collaboration on the 2015 film Dilwale.
Rohit and Shah Rukh first worked together on the 2013 blockbuster Chennai Express, a film that smashed box office records and charmed audiences with its perfect blend of comedy, action, and romance. Their partnership was celebrated in the industry, and fans had high hopes when the duo reunited for Dilwale. However, unlike its predecessor, Dilwale didn’t quite meet the expectations of Indian audiences or critics, leading to widespread speculation that the film’s underwhelming response had strained their professional and personal rapport.
In a recent conversation on film journalist Komal Nahta’s podcast series Game Changers, Rohit Shetty finally addressed the long-standing whispers about a rift between him and Shah Rukh. When asked if the performance of Dilwale had created a distance between the two, Rohit firmly dismissed the notion. “Nahi aisa kuch nahi,” he said plainly, clarifying that no such fallout ever occurred.
He went on to explain the transition that followed Dilwale. According to the director, the so-called “gap” was nothing but the natural progression of his professional journey. “There has always been mutual respect between us,” Rohit said. “After Dilwale, I focused on establishing my own production house. We made a conscious decision to independently produce our films, so that whether the film faces a loss or earns a profit, the outcome is our responsibility. That being said, Dilwale did not suffer a financial loss, contrary to the popular narrative.”
Rohit also reminded listeners that despite the film not meeting domestic expectations, Dilwale performed impressively well in overseas markets, proving that the film did connect with audiences — just not perhaps the way it was anticipated back home. He emphasized that his equation with Shah Rukh Khan has always been built on mutual admiration and trust, and professional setbacks or box office numbers have never dictated the respect they share.
The action director further shed light on the fact that branching into independent production after Dilwale was a strategic move rather than a reaction to any one film’s outcome. He expressed pride in the decision, noting that it allowed him and his team more creative freedom and ownership over their projects, which has since translated into the distinctive and successful brand of films that his production house is now known for.
Shah Rukh Khan, on his part, has also never publicly indicated any bitterness regarding the collaboration. The superstar has moved forward with his own flourishing career and is currently gearing up for his next major release, King, a high-octane action film directed by Siddharth Anand. Interestingly, this film marks the big-screen debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan, in a lead role, alongside Abhishek Bachchan.
Meanwhile, Rohit Shetty continues to enjoy success with his signature action-packed films and is also expanding his creative footprint in the digital space, proving that the director is not one to rest on past laurels.
In the end, Shetty’s comments serve as a strong reminder of the deep-rooted camaraderie that exists in Bollywood beyond public assumptions — and that not every box office story affects personal relationships the way the rumour mills often suggest.
