Choreographers Shazia Samji and Piyush Bhagat revealed how Shah Rukh Khan approached filming ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’, a song from his upcoming movie ‘King’. The duo said the actor was particular about how he would be presented, especially when it came to choosing a look and movements that suited his age. They also recalled his initial hesitation about performing Ed Sheeran’s fast-paced rap before he eventually pulled it off smoothly.In an interview with Mid-Day, the choreographers discussed how they landed the opportunity to work on the song. They had approached director Siddharth Anand, hoping to choreograph a number in the action thriller. The film, featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, is scheduled to release in theatres on December 24, 2026.
How Shazia Samji and Piyush Bhagat got the opportunity to choreograph the song from ‘King’
The choreographers said Siddharth Anand introduced them to ‘Tu Mil Jaaye’ and explained the kind of treatment he expected. The song required more than conventional romantic choreography. It needed a combination of storytelling, romance and action.Shazia recalled the filmmaker’s briefing and the process of developing their concept. “Siddharth sir made us hear Tu Mil Jaaye. He told us that it’s not a typical love song and we have to [incorporate] storytelling, romance, and action. Then he asked us to pitch how we’d visualise this song.”The assignment came with considerable expectations because the track was reportedly Shah Rukh Khan’s favourite song in ‘King’. Piyush remembered how Siddharth Anand made it clear that the team had to prove its suitability for the project. “Siddharth sir said, ‘You have to earn this song’.”
Shah Rukh Khan wanted an age-appropriate presentation
After their concept received approval, the choreographers had to work out how to present Shah Rukh Khan on screen. Piyush explained that the superstar was conscious of maintaining a style that suited his age. His screen presence was important, but the choreography also had to feel natural to him.“With the aura that he has, Shah Rukh sir is particular that at this age, he’ll look cool in his own way. So, you can’t give him something that doesn’t look good on him, though he makes everything look amazing. So, we decided to make him sit in the car and do the rap. He felt the rap was too fast and wondered how he’d do it, but it went so smoothly. He is a gem of a person.”
Ed Sheeran’s rap led to a creative decision
The rapid pace of Ed Sheeran’s rap initially left Shah Rukh Khan wondering how he would perform the sequence. The choreographers eventually decided to have him deliver it while seated inside a car. This approach helped them shape the sequence around the actor rather than forcing him into movements that might not suit the performance.Piyush said the superstar adapted to the idea smoothly. His account also offered a glimpse into the discussions that went into designing the song’s visual presentation.
Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone put in extra rehearsals
Shazia-Piyush also praised the commitment shown by Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone during the shoot. The actors reportedly continued rehearsing after their scheduled filming hours to prepare for the following day’s work.Shazia said Shah Rukh Khan was determined to keep practising until the performance felt right. “Shah Rukh sir told Piyush and me that he would rehearse till it felt right. Even after the day’s shoot, Shah Rukh sir and Deepika ma’am would rehearse at night [for the next day]. As Deepika ma’am has worked with Shah Rukh sir in the past, she’d give us tips about how they’d look good together or about their body language.”Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘King’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026. The Hindi action thriller features Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone and Abhishek Bachchan in prominent roles.The ensemble cast also includes Abhay Verma, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi and Raghav Juyal, among others.