Veteran actor Pradeep Rawat has shared several behind-the-scenes memories from his long career in Indian cinema, including interesting anecdotes about working with Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and comedian Johnny Lever during the making of the 1997 film Koyla.
Recalling his experience on the sets of Koyla, Rawat spoke about Shah Rukh Khan’s intense work ethic and also mentioned the actor’s smoking habit during that period. He described Shah Rukh as a highly dedicated performer who was deeply involved in his work despite the demanding shooting schedules.
Shah Rukh Khan, who played the lead role of Shankar in Koyla, was known for his energetic performances and commitment to physically challenging roles. The film, directed by Rakesh Roshan, featured elaborate action sequences and dramatic moments that required strong performances from the entire cast.
Pradeep Rawat also shared a memorable incident involving Hrithik Roshan, who was working as an assistant director on Koyla before becoming one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. According to Rawat, Hrithik would bring the script to comedian Johnny Lever on the sets and help him understand scenes and dialogues.
At the time, Hrithik Roshan was not yet a leading actor. He was learning filmmaking behind the camera and assisting his father, director Rakesh Roshan. His involvement in the project showed his early interest in understanding the technical and creative aspects of cinema before making his acting debut with Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai in 2000.
Pradeep Rawat’s recollections provide a glimpse into the working environment of Bollywood sets during the 1990s. He highlighted how actors, assistants, and technicians contributed to the filmmaking process and how many future stars gained experience through different roles in the industry.
Koyla starred Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Amrish Puri, and Johnny Lever, along with Pradeep Rawat in an important role. Although the film received mixed reviews at the time of release, it developed a following among fans for its dramatic storyline, action sequences, and memorable performances.
Over his decades-long career, Pradeep Rawat has worked with some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. His roles in films such as Lagaan, Ghajini, Sarfarosh, and several Telugu blockbusters established him as one of the industry’s most recognizable character actors.
Fans have appreciated Rawat’s candid stories about his experiences with Bollywood legends, as they offer a rare look at the personalities and working styles of stars away from the spotlight.
His latest revelations about Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Johnny Lever have once again brought attention to the unforgettable era of 1990s Hindi cinema and the many stories behind iconic films.
