From Shah Rukh Khan’s shy first days to David Dhawan finishing entire films in 25 days — the veteran actress spills untold stories of 90s Bollywood’s golden era
Published on: November 19, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Mumbai, India
Veteran actress Himani Shivpuri, who has played everyone’s favourite bua, chachi and loud Punjabi mother in over 300 films, left audiences laughing and teary-eyed in the latest episode of the ANI Podcast (Episode 366).In a heartfelt and laughter-filled conversation, the 64-year-old actress opened up like never before about the making of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
She revealed how the iconic “palat” scene with Shah Rukh Khan was never rehearsed the way people think — it happened almost spontaneously, and SRK’s shy smile in real life was exactly what Aditya Chopra captured on camera. “Adi wanted everything natural. Shah Rukh was new, nervous, but the moment he turned, the entire unit clapped,” she recalled with moist eyes.
Himani also shared unknown details about Kajol’s boundless energy on the Switzerland schedule and how the entire cast stayed like a family for almost two months. “We used to have dinner together every night. Even today when we meet, it feels like we never left those trains and mustard fields.”
Talking about the David Dhawan-Govinda golden comedy era, Shivpuri couldn’t stop laughing while narrating how Hero No.1, Raja Babu and Coolie No.1 were shot in breakneck speed. “David ji would finish a film in 25-30 days. Govinda never needed more than two rehearsals — his timing was God-gifted. Even if the set caught fire, he would crack a joke and continue shooting,” she said.
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The actress became emotional while remembering late director Rajkumar Santoshi and her experience working with Aishwarya Rai in Taal and other projects. “Aishwarya is beauty personified, but what touched me was her discipline. At 4 a.m. calls, she would reach before the director, perfectly ready. No tantrums, no late entries — ever.”
From Subhash Ghai’s grand vision in Pardes to Sooraj Barjatya’s family-like sets in Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Himani Shivpuri painted a vivid picture of an era when films were made with love, laughter and long schedules abroad.The episode ends with the actress revealing that even after 30 years, fans still shout “Bade bade deshon mein…” when they see her, and she happily obliges with her famous DDLJ dialogue.
Episode 366 of the ANI Podcast is now available on all audio and video platforms and is trending among 90s Bollywood lovers for its pure nostalgia and priceless anecdotes straight from one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved character artists.
