Shah Rukh Khan once lost his cool over a remark about Saif Ali Khan. Producer friend reveals: 'He told me we won't...'

Producer Ratan Jain, one of Shah Rukh Khan’s earliest backers, played a significant role in shaping the superstar’s early film career. Jain, who produced Baazigar—one of SRK’s first major hits—later collaborated with him on several successful ventures, including Yes Boss, Badshah, and Josh. Their partnership even extended to Main Hoon Na, where Jain served as a co-producer. Yet, despite their long-standing association, there was once a moment of serious tension between the two, when Shah Rukh nearly decided to never work with him again.

During an interview with TV9 Bharatvarsh, Jain recounted the incident that almost fractured their friendship. The disagreement occurred during the pre-production of Yes Boss, directed by Aziz Mirza. Jain recalled that while discussions were underway, Mirza mentioned that if Shah Rukh chose not to do the project, they could consider someone else. In that heated moment, Jain unintentionally said he might cast Saif Ali Khan instead. “It slipped out without intent,” he admitted, adding that it turned out to be one of the biggest mistakes of his professional life.

The offhand remark infuriated Shah Rukh Khan. According to Jain, SRK immediately called Hari Singh, his manager at the time, expressing his frustration and disbelief. He then directly confronted Jain, asking if he was truly being replaced and sarcastically questioning, “Saif, who?” Though Jain tried to clarify that it was an impulsive comment and not a real decision, Shah Rukh felt betrayed. He told Jain that words spoken in anger often reveal true feelings and declared that he would finish Badshah, the film they were working on, but would never collaborate again.

"Then he said, 'Let's do one thing: I'll complete the film I’m doing for you, Baadshah, and after that, we won’t work together.' " the producer recalled.

Jain said that the superstar remained upset for several days. Eventually, the producer reached out, apologized, and managed to repair their professional relationship. He admitted that his remark had been careless and that apologizing was the right thing to do. Thankfully, the two patched up, and their association continued.

As of now, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for his next major release, King, directed by Siddharth Anand, which is expected to hit theatres in 2026.

Incidentally, SRK and Saif Ali Khan shared screen space together in the 2003 romantic drama Kal Ho Naa Ho.