Pankaj Kapur shares how 10-year-old Shah Rukh Khan became part of his NSD backstage memory: ‘He supplied samosas to us’

Veteran actor Pankaj Kapur has shared a heartwarming anecdote about Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, taking fans back to a time when the future "King Khan" was just a young boy helping theatre artists backstage.

Speaking about his experiences at the National School of Drama (NSD), Kapur recalled encountering Shah Rukh years before he became one of India's most celebrated actors. The memory, according to the veteran performer, dates back to when Shah Rukh was around 10 years old.

“Shah Rukh used to supply samosas to us,” Kapur recalled with a smile, describing how the young boy would frequently be seen around theatre circles during those early years.

A glimpse of the future superstar

Long before blockbuster films, international fame and record-breaking success, Shah Rukh Khan's connection with the performing arts was rooted in Delhi's vibrant theatre culture.

Kapur's recollection offers a rare glimpse into those formative years, when Shah Rukh was still far from imagining the extraordinary career that lay ahead.

The actor's presence around theatre groups reflected the environment in which he grew up, surrounded by artistic influences that would later shape his passion for acting.

Theatre's role in Shah Rukh's journey

Shah Rukh Khan has often credited theatre and stage performances for helping him develop as an actor.

Before entering television and eventually Bollywood, he was actively involved in theatre in Delhi, working with renowned mentors and performing arts groups. Many industry veterans have spoken about his dedication and enthusiasm during those early years.

Kapur's anecdote adds another layer to the narrative of Shah Rukh's rise, illustrating how closely connected he was to the theatre community even as a child.

Pankaj Kapur's fond recollection

Known for his acclaimed work across theatre, television and cinema, Pankaj Kapur has witnessed several generations of performers emerge in the Indian entertainment industry.

His story about Shah Rukh was met with amusement and nostalgia, particularly among fans eager to learn more about the superstar's lesser-known childhood experiences.

The image of a young Shah Rukh helping backstage by bringing snacks to performers stands in stark contrast to the global icon he would eventually become.

From backstage helper to global icon

Today, Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most recognizable faces in world cinema, with a career spanning more than three decades and a fan following that stretches across continents.

Yet stories like Kapur's continue to resonate because they reveal the humble beginnings behind extraordinary success.

For fans, the anecdote serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars often begin their journeys in the most unexpected ways.

What was once a simple act of supplying samosas to theatre artists has now become part of the folklore surrounding one of Indian cinema's most remarkable success stories.