Zayed Khan recalls working with the 'really gorgeous' Aishwarya Rai in Shabd: ' I used to have a picture of her in my locker room'
recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as he opened up about working with
in the 2005 film Shabd. The actor revealed his long-time admiration for the former Miss World and how sharing screen space with her was a dream come true.
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From being starstruck to cherishing their on-screen chemistry, Zayed's reflections offered a heartfelt look into one of his most cherished professional experiences.
Speaking to Siddharth Kannan, Zayed reflected on his career choices, admitting he was drawn to unconventional roles, which often led him to films that were ahead of their time. Citing Shabd as an example, he described it as a powerful slice-of-life story that didn't resonate widely upon release but now leaves viewers saying, 'Oh my God, that's scary.'
The actor opened up about working with Aishwarya Rai in Shabd, calling it a dream come true. He revealed he had been a fan since her Miss World days, even keeping her photo in his locker. 'She was such a professional and beautiful lady,' he said, adding that sharing screen space with her was a truly special experience.
He fondly recalled working with Aishwarya Rai in Shabd, describing her as graceful, professional, and easy to work with.
Having admired her since her Miss World win, he admitted to being starstruck initially but appreciated how effortlessly she helped him feel comfortable on set, making the experience truly memorable.
Shabd, directed by Leena Yadav and produced by Pritish Nandy Communications, featured
, Aishwarya Rai, and Zayed Khan in lead roles. The film followed a reclusive writer who draws inspiration from his wife's real-life interactions with another man for his novel, leading to a blurred line between fiction and reality. While the film was lauded for its unconventional narrative and strong performances—particularly Aishwarya's nuanced act—it struggled to find commercial success at the box office.
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