On the evening of October 3, almost a month after the release of Jawan, which continues to make and break box-office records, Shah Rukh Khan walked into the Yash Raj Films studio in Andheri (West) in Mumbai to meet a few special fans. Among them were three readers of t2 who had participated in and won a t2-Jawan contest (t2 is the media partner of the film), which gave them a chance to get up, close and personal with the Bollywood Badshah. Back in Calcutta after the heady experience, the three readers shared their experience with t2

(L-R) Arshiyan Ali, Shanti Krishnan and Bhairav Phukan, winners of the t2 contest, with SRK at Yash Raj Films in Mumbai

BHAIRAV PHUKAN

Meeting Shah Rukh Khan sir in person was a dream come true for me! The day I met him also happened to be my 23rd birthday! I am a big fan of his and his films. His life and success are a big inspiration for me to overcome the odds and become successful and humane.

The meet-and-greet event in Mumbai was organised beautifully by YRF Studios and Red Chillies Entertainment (the producer of the film) with a sumptuous lunch for all. When I met Shah Rukh sir, I told him that it was my birthday and he wished me and we shook hands. I presented him with a traditional Assamese gamocha, a book on Ahoms with a note and a few traditional items from Assam. I would like to thank t2, Red Chillies Entertainment and YRF Studios for making my birthday so special.

ARSHIYAN ALI

It was a great evening with SRK bringing in his charisma and charm and his aura was so magnificent that the whole crowd went berserk over his dialogue delivery, witty one-liners and his mere presence.

When the opportunity finally came to meet him upfront, I had a few words with him, shook hands, hugged him and also clicked a picture with him. It all seemed so surreal that it took some time to sink in

I also gifted him a customised Jawan cap, specially made for him with love and admiration. He showed his gratitude towards the gift by smiling and saying ‘Thank you’. The eye contact at that point in time was something words won’t be able to justify. The arrangements made for us by Red Chillies Entertainment was worthy of appreciation. Thank you t2 for making this happen!

SHANTI KRISHNAN

Getting to meet Shah Rukh Khan is beyond imagination. I had to pinch myself to make certain that the occasion was indeed real. It was a surreal experience in the truest sense.

Once shortlisted through t2, I landed in Mumbai on October 2 and arrived at Yash Raj studios the next day at 1.30pm, though the entry timing was scheduled at 3pm. I didn’t want to miss the madness outside YRF. King Khan arrived on stage at 6.30pm. Welcomed by cheers, whistles and claps, he addressed us with a short and sweet message on women’s empowerment. When he said: “Beti ko haath lagaane se pehle baap se baat kar,” there were deafening cheers all around.

And then the moment came to meet him. We went on stage, hugged him and congratulated him for the blockbuster performance of Jawan, wished him loads of success, happiness and good health in the coming years and said: ‘Love you.’ He smiled and acknowledged saying: ‘Hey thanks, dear. Love you too!’

I gifted him an idol of Shirdi Sai Baba and when I told him that it had been brought specially for him from Shirdi three years ago, he happily accepted it and kept it in his pocket. Then the moment came to click pics with ‘My Man!’ I have been a loyal reader and this moment wouldn’t have been possible without t2. Thanks a lot, t2... dil se!