Shah Rukh Khan’s school friend Palash Sen on SRK choosing films: He was exceptionally intelligent; thought he’d do something bigger

“I used to sing for Shah Rukh Khan in school plays,” said the Pathaan star’s school buddy, singer-doctor Palash Sen, while speaking in a recent interview. Popularly known as the frontman of rock/pop band Euphoria, Palash described SRK as one of the “most exceptionally intelligent men”, who would have excelled in any field he chose. So, he was quite “surprised” that Shah Rukh decided to pursue a career in films. 

The two went to St Columba’s School in New Delhi. And although both Shah Rukh and Palash were the same age, the singer-songwriter was one year senior to the megastar in school. In an interview with The Lallantop, Palash said, “I believe that whatever success Shah Rukh has achieved in his chosen field, he would have achieved in any other field as well. He’s among the most exceptionally intelligent men I’ve met in my entire life.”

Back in the day, when Palash would lend his voice for Shah Rukh in school plays, the latter told him that one day, Palash would sing for him in movies too. “I really thought that he would do something bigger than films. He’s an extremely intelligent man. We used to see the kind of results he got in school. He was very good at cricket, he was very good at hockey, he was good at dramatics, debating, he was a good orator. So, for someone who was good at so many things to do Hindi films was a little surprising for us. We belonged to the generation that looked down on Hindi films.”

That said, in an earlier interview, Palash also stressed that Shah Rukh has paved the way for many aspiring artistes in India, by legitimising film acting as a profession. Even in his 10th grade, he was clear about what he wanted to do in life - SRK was sure that one day he would become a huge star. “And his self-belief shows,” said Palash.