New Delhi: As Bollywood’s Badshah Shah Rukh Khan basks in the glow of his first National Film Award for Best Actor —earned for his powerhouse performance in Jawan – on September 23, the spotlight turns to a prophetic moment from his early days.
Renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar, in a revelation that blends nostalgia with foresight, once penned a timeless anthem gazing straight into SRK’s ambitious eyes, foretelling the stardom that would one day eclipse the stars he sang of.
Flashback to 1997:The rom-com Yes Boss, helmed by Aziz Mirza, catapulted Shah Rukh to leading-man status with its chartbuster soundtrack. Among the gems was “Chaand Taare Tod Laun”, a soul-stirring plea for the moon and stars. But here’s the magic — Akhtar didn’t craft it in a vacuum. As he shared in an old interview unearthed by IMDb, the producers described the hero as a fiercely-driven dreamer hungry for life’s spoils. “I insisted on meeting the boy first,” Akhtar recalled. One look at the then-up-and-coming SRK, and the wordsmith was struck. “His face exuded superstar potential — the kind capable of conquering all obstacles in due course.” I wrote exactly what bubbled up from my heart, inspired by that very spark.”
Akhtar had no idea that his lyrics would reflect reality. From Delhi’s modest roots to global icon, SRK has indeed “touched the skies”, amassing accolades that affirm the veteran’s hunch.
Decades on, the song remains SRK’s personal elixir. During a press conference after the success bash for Pathaan, King Khan confessed, “Whenever I feel like I’m losing grip or things aren’t aligning, I belt out ‘Chaand Taare’ at the top of my lungs.” It invigorates me each time — it’s my unwavering favourite.”
In an industry of fleeting fame, this anecdote reminds us: true legends are spotted, not just made. As SRK hoists his National trophy, Akhtar’s words echo louder — proof that some stars are destined to shine eternally.