'Fauji is sitting in the second class bogie'

To celebrate Shah Rukh Khan's 40th birthday on November 2, we asked readers to write in about their experience of meeting Shah Rukh Khan.

And gauging from the reactions, it's easy to see why SRK is the badhshah of Bollywood. Every single person who has met him says he makes an impression in real life, just as he does on reel.

Over to the lucky ones:

Veronica Sequeira: It was in 2001 when we went to Film City in Mumbai, on the sets of Devdas. We had to wait for SRK for two hours, as he was in his makeup van. His chauffeur -- who was driving SRK's BMW -- offered us a Pepsi. After some time, Shah Rukh emerged and apologised for being late. We shook hands and clicked pictures with him. It was my dream to meet him since I was in class VI!

Have you met SRK? Tell us!

Deepa Balakrishnan: I have had the privilege of meeting Shah Rukh. My cousins and me had gone for dinner at the Taj, Mumbai, when we spotted the King Khan in the coffee shop, signing autographs. He stood out in the crowd with his suit, floppy hair and a cigarette, which was forever dangling from his mouth. We were really excited at seeing SRK in person. I managed to gather the courage to speak to him. What really stood out about him was his pleasing personality, his energy and the way he spoke.

We managed to get a snap clicked with everyone in tow. The most interesting part of meeting him was that he has the personality to back his talent.

Reema Patel: I met Shah Rukh Khan on May 13, 1994, in Atlanta, Georgia, when he came to the States for a concert. I lived in Chicago at the time, but could not make it to the concert.

My dad knew how much I wanted to see Shah Rukh, so he called the promoters in Atlanta. He told them that we were coming from Chicago to Atlanta just for the show, and were bringing about 20 people. He asked if they could do something for us. They said they would, and we left for Atlanta.

When we got there, one of the promoters gave us three backstage passes. My mother, sister, and I went backstage after the show started. We got pictures and autographs of the rest of the stars, but not with Shah Rukh. He was always either running out onto the stage, or running back to his dressing room.

Towards the end of the show, I inched towards Shah Rukh's dressing room. The door was slightly open, and I peeped in. I saw Shah Rukh sitting on a chair, drink and cigarette in hand, talking to someone. He looked over and saw me peeking in. I immediately moved away, scared that he had seen me. A few moments later, the door opened, and the man he had been talking to came out. I thought he was going to get mad at me but he said that Shah Rukh told him to let us come into the room.

I was shocked. I didn't think we would actually be able to go into his dressing room! We walked in, gave our camera to the other man, and started to gather around Shah Rukh to take a picture. But he stopped us, and said we could take three
pictures, one with each of us. I sat down next to him, and he put his arm around me, and we took the picture.

After my mother and sister got their pictures clicked as well, we walked out. I then realised that I didn't get his autograph. My mom told me to go back in and ask him for it. I walked back in, and asked him for his autograph. He took my pen and signed the piece of paper I gave him. I walked out with a huge smile on my face.

It was a moment I will never forget. I still remember every little detail. Shah Rukh was very friendly, and I've been one of his biggest fans ever since that day.

PS: I've attached my picture, but I've blurred my face. I don't feel comfortable having my picture on the Internet.

SS: SRK is no doubt a great showman and we all wish him a happy birthday. On August 1, on my way to Berlin, I met SRK at the Zurich airport. It was 6.45 am and he was travelling to Barcelona.

After a long flight, I was trying to stretch my legs, when I saw an Indian guy coming from the opposite direction. When he came close, I thought he looked like SRK.

When he came closer, I was convinced he was SRK. It seemed he had a late night and had not slept well as he looked tired, and had white stubble.

He reconfirmed his boarding details and asked for a smoking area. I then greeted him saying, "Hi, Shah Rukh." He nodded his head but did not look at me.

I continued, "Good to see you, you are a great showman." He just thanked me by raising his hand to his heart, but still did not look at me. I moved away.

It was a brief interaction, as he seemed busy with his cell phone. But it would have been nice if he would have just looked at me.

Charla Manohar: I am a 22-year-old from the Netherlands. I have been SRK's fan ever since Deewana. Via a web site, a couple of friends and I heard about a dinner being held with Shah Rukh in London. We went crazy when we heard that, and started arranging for the trip.

We went to the dinner with the hope of seeing SRK, and maybe even meeting him. The hall was filled with 500 people wanting to meet him and shake hands with him. When he walked in, people went crazy! And why wouldn't they? How many times will you get to see Shah Rukh Khan in a small country like the Netherlands?

He walked through the crowd, but I didnt get to see much. I was way shorter than most of the people present. At one point, people were asked to take their seats and if they did, Shah Rukh would come by every table. And that happened! He actually went by every table to say hello.

When he was coming in my direction, I couldn't stay seated; so I stood up. I said, 'Hi,' and shook his hand. He was really nice. I asked him if I could get a hug and he opened his arms and gave me a big hug. I was so happy, I didn't want to let go! It was my Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge moment!

Then I wished him all the best with his upcoming releases Veer-Zaara and Swades. He smiled and thanked me. I will never forget the day. It was October 4, 2004.

My second meeting with Shah Rukh Khan was this year during the IIFA Awards in the Netherlands. I even got an autograph from him at the airport. This time, too, he was very sweet to his fans. He really stands out because he cares about people.

With this message, I want to wish him a very, very, very happy birthday and I hope he will have a great time with his family and friends.

Arif Butt: This picture was taken in 2000. SRK was in Los Angeles for a concert with Sushmita Sen, Juhi Chawla, Narmata Shirodhkar and others.

Gautam Trehan: I still remember the days when SRK made his impact in the television serial Fauji. I remember seeing SRK when we were standing at Agra Cantonment station. It was the summer of 1990. We had gone to Agra to see Taj Mahal. As we were moving towards our train compartment, my mom said, 'Fauji is sitting in the second class in that bogie.'

After we boarded our compantment, we planned to meet him. When he saw us (a group of youngsters), he wore his goggles and flicked his hair. We greeted each other and came back. It was nice to see him. I still remember what my mother said at that time: 'This boy will become a star some day.'

Have you met SRK? Tell us!

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