From microwave mishaps to missing Irrfan: A filmmaker’s honest confession
Mumbai, April 4, 2025 — Ace filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia, known for cinematic gems like Paan Singh Tomar and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, recently shared an emotional and candid throwback involving Bollywood’s King Khan and the late, great Irrfan Khan.
Speaking about his early days in the film industry, Dhulia recalled a moment from 1994 when he awkwardly served a “very bad cup of tea” to superstar Shah Rukh Khan at his flat. The incident took place during the scripting phase of an ambitious film project titled Maut Se Jo Darte Nahi, which was to star Shah Rukh Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, and Sunil Shetty, with Shekhar Kapur directing.
First-Time Microwave Blunder with SRK
Recounting the moment with humility and humor, Dhulia said,
“Shekhar Kapur insisted I make tea in the microwave… but it was the first time I had seen one! Poor Shah Rukh ended up drinking a terrible cup of tea.”
The anecdote offers a rare glimpse into the humble beginnings of one of India’s most celebrated directors — showing how even big names once stumbled through the basics.
Missing Irrfan: A Void in Creativity
In the same conversation, Dhulia opened up about his close friendship with Irrfan Khan, whose death he says left a creative vacuum in his life.
“When Irrfan was around, I could write anything — complex, layered scenes — knowing he would deliver it with ease. But now… I don’t have that freedom,” he said emotionally.
Dhulia added that after Irrfan’s passing, not only did he lose a trusted actor, but also his closest friend — and the loneliness is affecting his creativity deeply.
