Actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub recently shared a heartfelt anecdote highlighting Shah Rukh Khan’s generosity during the filming of Raees. In an interview with The Indian Express, Ayyub recounted an incident where promotional sweatshirts were distributed to the cast. When Ayyub noticed he hadn’t received one, Khan overheard and promptly offered his own sweatshirt, insisting Ayyub keep it despite initial protests.

Ayyub expressed deep admiration for Khan, stating, “I haven’t seen a man with such great kindness.” He further praised Khan’s humility and respect towards everyone, emphasizing that such gestures make meeting him a defining life moment, irrespective of one’s opinion about his work.

A Sweatshirt and a Star: The Day Shah Rukh Khan Gave Zeeshan Ayyub More Than Just Warmth

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub has shared screen space with many leading stars in Indian cinema. But when he talks about Shah Rukh Khan, it’s not the fanfare or fame that he remembers — it’s a moment of quiet kindness that left an impression deeper than any box office success.

It was during the filming of Raees, the gritty action drama where Ayyub played a supporting but memorable role opposite Khan. The crew had just wrapped a day’s shoot, and promotional sweatshirts — custom-made for the team — were being handed out. In the buzz of post-shoot chaos, Ayyub noticed something small but disappointing: his name hadn’t been called. Whether it was a mix-up or a miscount, his sweatshirt wasn’t there. It wasn’t the end of the world, but in that moment, he felt a sting — a small exclusion in a big world.

What happened next, however, transformed that fleeting disappointment into something unforgettable.

Shah Rukh Khan, who had overheard the exchange, didn’t hesitate. Without drama or delay, he removed his own sweatshirt — the one he’d been wearing — and handed it to Zeeshan. “Take mine,” he said, in a tone so natural it felt like second nature. Ayyub was stunned. He tried to refuse. “No, sir, it’s yours, you don’t have to…” But Khan wouldn’t take no for an answer. “You deserve it,” he said with a smile. And with that, he turned and walked away.

That gesture, simple on the surface, became one of the most meaningful memories in Ayyub’s career.

“I haven’t seen a man with such great kindness,” Ayyub later said in an interview. “You can work with a lot of people, some big stars, some legends. But what stays with you is how they made you feel. Shah Rukh sir made me feel seen, valued — equal.”

In an industry often criticized for egos, hierarchies, and distance between stars and supporting actors, Shah Rukh’s act stood out like a quiet rebellion. He didn’t do it for the cameras. There was no entourage watching, no social media post crafted to go viral. It was just one human being recognizing another — and choosing generosity over indifference.

Ayyub, known for his grounded nature and roles in films like Article 15, Tanu Weds Manu, and Raanjhanaa, is not the kind of person to exaggerate stories for attention. That’s what makes his admiration so powerful. “Shah Rukh Khan is not just a star,” he said, “he’s a culture. And part of that culture is kindness.”

For Ayyub, the sweatshirt became symbolic. Not because it belonged to a superstar, but because of what it represented — dignity, humility, and a reminder that greatness lies in the little things. “That moment taught me what real respect is,” he said. “When the biggest person in the room doesn’t need to show you they’re big — they just make you feel taller.”

It wasn’t the only time Shah Rukh left a lasting impression on him. Throughout the shoot, Khan was known for greeting everyone on set, asking crew members how their day was, checking in with junior artists, and sharing meals with the team. “He never looked down on anyone,” Ayyub recalled. “He met you at eye level, no matter who you were.”

It’s gestures like these that have earned Shah Rukh Khan his legendary status not just as an actor, but as a human being. The man who conquered global cinema with charisma, dance, and dialogue also commands loyalty with empathy.

Zeeshan Ayyub’s story is a testament to that legacy. In an era where celebrity culture is often defined by curated perfection, Khan remains something far more rare — authentic. And his kindness, whether offered through a signed autograph, a shared laugh, or a sweatshirt passed quietly into someone else’s hands, has become part of his legacy.

Years may pass, films may fade, but Ayyub knows he’ll always remember that day on set. The moment wasn’t scripted, but it taught him more than any film ever could.

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