Why did Deepika Padukone wear white for her first meeting with Shah Rukh Khan?

As Deepika Padukone gears up to reunite with Shah Rukh Khan on the big screen in King — their latest collaboration with director Siddharth Anand after Pathaan — fans are reminiscing about the origins of this iconic duo. It’s been 18 years since Deepika made her dazzling Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Om Shanti Om, a film that not only launched her career but also marked the start of a cherished on-screen partnership.

In a video doing the rounds online, Deepika recently opened up about her journey to that career-defining moment. She revealed an endearing story about her very first meeting with Shah Rukh Khan — and why she chose to wear white for the occasion.

Back then, when director Farah Khan reached out to discuss Om Shanti Om. Deepika confessed she initially believed it was a prank. She had no inkling of the life-changing opportunity headed her way. But as the conversations progressed and the moment arrived for her to meet Shah Rukh Khan, reality began to set in.

Having grown up watching the superstar in Yash Chopra’s timeless romances, Deepika had crafted an image of him in her mind — one steeped in old-school charm and cinematic elegance. She wanted to embody the grace of the heroines she’d seen in those films and leave a memorable first impression.

That’s when she made a thoughtful decision: to wear a classic white chikankari salwar kameez, with her hair left open and straight. White, in her mind, symbolized purity, simplicity, and the kind of ethereal beauty she associated with Hindi cinema’s golden moments.

When she finally arrived at Shah Rukh Khan’s residence, she was greeted by the serene, all-white interiors of his home — white sofas, white décor, a calm, soothing atmosphere. Slightly nervous, Deepika carefully perched herself on the edge of a sofa. But the moment Shah Rukh Khan entered the room, all her anxiety melted away. His warmth, humility, and easygoing charm instantly put her at ease, paving the way for a professional relationship that would go on to deliver Bollywood blockbusters like Chennai Express, Happy New Year, Pathaan, Jawan, and now, King.