How SRK's kindness helped him acquire 'Dunki' title rights
What's the story
The title of Shah Rukh Khan's 2023 film, Dunki, was not just a creative choice but a well-thought-out acquisition.
Actor-director Akashdeep Sabir (Fateh, Jigra), who owned the title rights, recently revealed the interesting story behind it during a podcast with Lehren Retro.
Sabir had originally conceived the title for a Netflix series exploring the theme of illegal immigration, a concept that also intrigued director Rajkumar Hirani and Khan.
Title acquisition
SRK's interest in the title sparked a conversation
During discussions on the film's title, Khan asked Hirani about it.
When he told him the title was Dunki, Khan suggested applying for copyright, presuming it was unclaimed.
However, Hirani told him Sabir held the rights.
Upon hearing Sabir's name, Khan wanted to speak with him directly.
Sabir, who had lost touch with Khan over the years, thought it might be a prank when the superstar called him.
Podcast revelation
'I thought someone is playing a prank on me'
Sharing an anecdote, Sabir said, "The person on the other side said, 'Mote, Shah Rukh bol rahu hu (It's me, Shah Rukh speaking).' I thought someone is playing a prank on me."
He added, "He called me for the second time. He was polite as always, he told me, 'Hey, I think I called you at a wrong time. This is my number, please save it. Whenever you are free, let me know I will give you a call."
Title agreement
Dinner invitation led to title agreement
The very next day, Khan invited Sabir for dinner. At this meeting, he suggested using the title for his film.
Sabir readily agreed and further added that Khan arranged a meeting with him, Hirani, and other team members to ensure there were no conflicts or similarities.
Dunki, which was released in December 2023, also starred Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal alongside Khan.
It is streaming on Netflix.