SRK’s First Co-Actor Was a Literary Legend in the Making—Arundhati Roy

SRK’s First Co-Star: A Booker Prize Winner Before Bollywood Fame

Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood’s “King Khan,” boasts a career filled with iconic roles. But did you know his *first* co-star was a future Booker Prize winner?  Before his debut in *Deewana*, SRK shared the screen with Arundhati Roy in the lesser-known 1989 short film, *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones*. This unexpected pairing makes for a fascinating piece of cinematic history.

Arundhati Roy: From Screenwriter to Literary Icon

What makes this collaboration even more remarkable is Roy’s multifaceted talent.  Long before she penned the Booker Prize-winning *The God of Small Things*, Roy was actively involved in filmmaking.  She not only starred in *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones* but also wrote the screenplay!  The film, directed by her then-husband Pradip Kishen, went on to win two National Film Awards.

Roy’s Dual Career: Screenwriting & Literature

Roy’s screenwriting career, though less widely known, is significant.  She penned two films:

• *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones* (1989) – Won two National Film Awards.
• *Electric Moon* (1992)

This early success highlights her versatility and paved the way for her later literary achievements.  The screenplay for *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones* was even later published by Penguin, further cementing its place in cinematic history.  Parts of the film are also available on YouTube, allowing a new generation to experience this intriguing piece of work.

A Glimpse into 1970s Delhi

*In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones* offers more than just a glimpse into SRK’s early career; it provides a captivating portrayal of 1970s Delhi college life. The film’s trilingual dialogue (English, Hindi, and Punjabi) reflects the vibrant cultural mix of the era.  It captures the youthful rebellion, college camaraderie, and the carefree spirit of students.

The Film’s Plot and Characters

Set a year before the Emergency, the film centers around Anand Grover/Annie (Arjun Raina), an idealistic student who prefers dreaming up utopian solutions to studying.  Arundhati Roy played his bohemian girlfriend, Radha.  Other notable actors, including Roshan Seth, Rituraj Singh, and Manoj Bajpayee, filled supporting roles. SRK played “Senior,” a somewhat ineffectual student character, a marked contrast to his later on-screen personas.

Q&A:

• Q: What role did SRK play in *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones*?
• A: He played a supporting character simply called “Senior,” described as an “armchair intellectual.”

• Q: What awards did the film win?
• A: It won two National Film Awards: Best Feature Film in English and Best Screenplay (awarded to Arundhati Roy).

SRK’s Early Career: From Television to Film

Before his *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones* appearance, SRK had already begun his acting journey on television with *Fauji* (1988). He also took on minor roles in *Umeed* (1989) and *Wagle Ki Duniya* (1988-90) before landing a lead role in *Circus* (1989-90).  *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones* represents a significant milestone in his early career, showcasing his talent alongside a soon-to-be literary giant.

This unique collaboration between two future cultural icons remains a testament to the unexpected twists and turns of fate, proving that even a King’s journey begins with smaller, less-known steps.

Ready to discover more hidden gems of Bollywood history? Explore our other articles!