Karan Arjun is certainly one of the most iconic films of Bollywood and it also played an important role in establishing the careers of superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.
Directed by Rakesh Roshan, the film not only became a massive hit but also gave way to plenty of fun behind the scenes. Salman and Shah Rukh, known for their camaraderie, often played pranks on sets, sometimes at the expense of their director.
Rakesh Roshan recently shared in an interview that while he occasionally got frustrated with their antics, he maintained a fatherly approach, ensuring they stayed focused on work. The actors, full of energy, would sometimes take their jokes too far but Rakesh Roshan chose to handle them with patience rather than reacting harshly.
One of their favourite pranks involved creating chaos outside Rakesh Roshan’s room late at night. He recalled waking up to the sounds of gunshots and bottles breaking, only to find the two actors laughing and admitting they were deliberately disturbing him. Despite the mischief, the bond they shared off-screen contributed to their chemistry on-screen.
Shah Rukh Khan also reflected on those days in The Roshans docu-series, describing how he and Salman treated Rakesh Roshan like a strict yet affectionate father figure. He admitted that, initially, he struggled to connect with his character in the film. In fact, he had even requested to switch roles, wanting to play the part that eventually went to Salman Khan, as he was eager to establish himself as an action hero. However, he ultimately placed his trust in Rakesh Roshan’s vision, which worked out in his favor.
As Karan Arjun celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, it was re-released in theatres, allowing fans to relive the magic of Salman and Shah Rukh’s unforgettable on-screen partnership. The film continues to be remembered for its gripping action, emotional storyline and the incredible camaraderie of its lead stars.
