Bollywood actor Manoj Pahwa played Avaatar Singh, the uncle of protagonist Aasmaan Singh (Lakshya Lalwani), who guided his nephew in pursuing an acting career.

In a recent conversation, the Mimi actor shared that he initially refused the role and recalled Shah Rukh Khan’s friendly visits to the set.

In an interview with Mashable India, he said, “Shah Rukh sir was extremely kind on set. He would often say, 'Come to Mannat, daaru peete hai.'”

Manoj also expressed satisfaction with the series’ outcome. “I am very happy with the way he made the show. It turned out great and became extremely popular. They paid us fully and treated us with a lot of respect,” he said.

The Single Papa actor revealed that he had not auditioned for the role. "Aryan made me do things I have never done before. I didn't give any audition for that role. He simply called me and told me he wanted me to do it. I had refused him at first."

He added, “I had asked for the script, but my manager told me that they weren't giving the show's script to anybody. That put me off. I am from Delhi, so I was like, 'I won't do it either. Hoga apne ghar ka, hum bhi kam nahi hai.' I had done a few films with Shah Rukh, but we didn't share any major personal bond.”

Manoj said that after a week, his manager informed him that four different scripts had been sent. 

“I read them and really liked the material. When I finally met the team, they told me, 'Please don't tell anyone we gave you the script because we haven't shared it with any other actors. We sent it to you only because you had refused the role,'” the Mulk actor recalled.

About Aryan Khan’s direction, Manoj said, “He would say, 'Achha lagega, sir!' He made me abuse so much, I wasn't comfortable with it. Aryan told me, 'Sir, aapke mooh se gaali achhi lagti hai.' As an actor, I can only suggest things. The final verdict is always the director's.”

Manoj also discussed similarities between Aryan Khan and his father Shah Rukh Khan. “Shah Rukh Khan bahut hardworking hai aur workaholic hain. Kaam matlab 18-20 ghante humne dekha hai apni aankhon se. Wahi khubi maine Aryan mein bhi dekhi,” he said.

The 62-years-old actor added, “Shah Rukh is very respectful and loving. He will make you feel as if you have known him forever. If you go to his office, he will come and drop you off at the gate. I believe Aryan is similar in this regard. He also takes care of everyone.”

Directed by Aryan Khan, The Ba***ds of Bollywood featured Lakshya Lalwani, Sahher Bambba, Bobby Deol, Raghav Juyal, Aanya Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Mona Singh, Vijayant Kohli, Manoj Pahwa, Gautami Kapoor, and Rajat Bedi