Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Jawan' co-star Jhalli once revealed he slept just 4 hours a day during the shoot – Here’s why

It was back in 2021 when Aaliyah Qureishi, also known as Jhalli, got the chance to audition for a role she never thought would actually happen. Just a few days later, she was sitting across from director Atlee, who saw the spark he was looking for. After some boxing training and a full physical makeover, Jhalli became one of the six lead women in Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Jawan' team. Speaking in an earlier interview, she said, “I had to keep pinching myself between scenes. It felt like a dream working alongside Shah Rukh Sir.”

SRK’s 4-hour sleep and generous nature

After Shah Rukh Khan went on to win the Best Actor award for 'Jawan', Jhalli opened up about the hard work he put in behind the scenes. She remembered his dedication, doing double shifts for weeks, shooting 'Dunki' during the day and 'Jawan' at night, all while sleeping only four hours a day.


“He told me once, ‘If you believe in something 100%, it will come true just don’t let even a hint of doubt enter your mind,’” she shared in a past chat with The Free Press Journal.

But what stayed with her the most was not just his discipline—it was his kindness. Once, after Jhalli casually said she was hungry, SRK made sure snacks like makhana, salted nuts, and chips were brought in just for her. She further said, “He always greeted me with a hug. And yes, he smells amazing.”

‘We became like family’

Over the two years of filming, Jhalli grew close to her co-stars, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Lehar Khan, and Girija Oak. “We became like family,” she said. From comforting each other on hard days to regular dinners and a WhatsApp group that’s still active, their bond became something special.

On their last day together, the cast celebrated with ice cream and heartfelt messages for one another, a perfect end to a journey full of laughter, support, and shared dreams.

Meanwhile, after the blockbuster success of 'Jawan', fans are now eagerly waiting for Shah Rukh Khan’s next big action film, 'King'.