Kanika Dhillon: SRK taught me most things I know about Bollywood

Shah Rukh Khan and Kanika Dhillon

With Dunki, it's a homecoming of sorts for Kanika Dhillon. Over 16 years ago, she began her Bollywood journey with Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment as a script supervisor and assistant director. Today, she shares the writing credit on the superstar's Christmas offering. "I am a fan first, so I was happy that I got to work with him again. I hope I get to do more work with him because that's the dream," begins Dhillon, who has co-written Dunki with director Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi.

During her four-year stint at Khan's production house, Dhillon served as an assistant director on Om Shanti Om (2007), and wrote the screenplay and dialogues of Ra.One (2011). As she turns producer with Katha Pictures, she is reminded of her days as a rank newcomer. "Shah Rukh is the best mentor I've ever had. He has taught me most of the things I know about storytelling and Bollywood. Also, I have worked with so many people, but I haven't seen a producer like Shah Rukh. He is magnanimous, and teaches you to be a better human being."

At the moment, Dhillon is busy with the prep of her maiden production, Do Patti that will be led by Kajol and Kriti Sanon. The thriller is set to go on floors in a month. What's also keeping her busy is the sequel to Haseen Dillruba (2021), Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba. While the Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey-starrer was directed by Vinil Mathew, the sequel has been helmed by Jayprad Desai. Dhillon, who serves as a writer and co-producer, promises more twists with Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba. "It is twice as wicked and unpredictable as the first film. We were so happy with the love we got for Haseen Dillruba. So, we are coming with the sequel soon." From an assistant director to a writer to now a producer, it has been a long and steady rise for Dhillon. "I feel a sense of gratitude when writers come up to me and say, ‘Ma'am, your work has inspired us to write more.' They can see that you can achieve milestones in your career."