Shah Rukh Khan Dunki Title Story: How SRK Won the Rights with a Surprise Call
The Shah Rukh Khan Dunki title story is as intriguing as the film itself. In a candid revelation, actor-filmmaker Akashdeep Sabir shared how Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan personally requested him for the rights to the quirky and catchy title Dunki. What unfolded was a heartwarming tale of friendship, disbelief, and mutual respect, all centered around one of 2023’s most talked-about films.
Akashdeep Sabir Owned the Title First
The origins of the Shah Rukh Khan Dunki title story date back to the COVID-19 pandemic. Akashdeep, who was working on a show for Netflix about illegal immigration, had registered multiple titles including The Donkey Route, The Road to Death, and Dunki. The project was supposed to be a four-season web series exploring real stories of immigrants traveling through harsh and dangerous terrains to enter the U.S.
Coincidentally, filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani and Shah Rukh Khan were also working on a film with a similar theme. When they settled on the title Dunki, they discovered it was already registered under Akashdeep’s name.
SRK Personally Reached Out
As per the Shah Rukh Khan Dunki title story, Hirani informed Shah Rukh that Akashdeep held the rights to Dunki. Shah Rukh, without hesitation, offered to contact him. Akashdeep recalled the moment in a podcast with Lehren Retro, saying he was editing at his studio when he got a call from an unknown number.
“The voice on the other end said, ‘Mote, Shah Rukh bol raha hoon’. I thought it was a prank call,” Akashdeep recounted, laughing.
Even after SRK hung up and texted him, it took a moment for the filmmaker to realize it wasn’t a joke.
“I was stunned. He was so humble and polite, even apologizing for calling at the wrong time.”
Dinner, Nostalgia, and the Big Ask
The story got even more interesting when Shah Rukh invited Akashdeep for dinner the next evening. That meeting became a pivotal part of the Shah Rukh Khan Dunki title story. During dinner, after exchanging fond memories of the past, Shah Rukh gently brought up the title request.
“He asked very sweetly if he could use the title Dunki. I didn’t think twice. I said yes instantly,” Akashdeep shared.
To ensure clarity and avoid any creative overlap, Shah Rukh also arranged a formal meeting between Akashdeep, Rajkumar Hirani, and the Dunki team to discuss their respective projects.
Why the Title ‘Dunki’ Was Special
The title Dunki, though slang for illegal backdoor immigration routes (commonly referred to as “donkey routes”), had a significant emotional and thematic value for both Akashdeep and the Dunki film team. That’s why the Shah Rukh Khan Dunki title story resonated with fans, highlighting SRK’s respect for creative ownership and industry etiquette.
Dunki’s Release and Reception
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani and featuring Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Dunki released in December 2023. The film tackled the subject of illegal immigration with humor, emotion, and social commentary, earning positive reviews and performing well at the box office.
While the film won many hearts, the Shah Rukh Khan Dunki title story continued to garner praise as an example of professionalism and humility in Bollywood. Fans lauded SRK not just for the performance in the movie but also for the grace with which he handled acquiring the title.
What’s Next for SRK?
Following the success of Dunki, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for his next project titled King, which promises another engaging storyline and is already creating buzz among his fans. However, it’s safe to say that the Shah Rukh Khan Dunki title story has set a benchmark in how stars should approach creative collaborations—with kindness and integrity.
