The set of Ashutosh Gowariker's film "Swades" witnessed a shocking incident where Shah Rukh Khan was thrown off a motorcycle, an event that left his co-star Daya Shankar Pandey fearing the end of his career. Pandey recently recounted the incident, highlighting Khan's grace and professionalism in a potentially disastrous situation.

Pandey, who played the character Mela Ram in the film, revealed that the scene required him to ride a motorcycle with Shah Rukh Khan as a passenger. However, Pandey was not confident in his riding abilities and hadn't ridden a motorcycle in a long time. Despite Pandey's reservations and suggestion that SRK, should instead ride the bike, director Ashutosh Gowariker insisted that Pandey take the reins. Gowariker reasoned that Khan's character was returning from the U.S. and would be unfamiliar with the village setting, making it necessary for Pandey's character to be the driver.

Nervous about the task, Pandey mounted the motorcycle. Shah Rukh Khan, sensing Pandey's apprehension, directly asked him if he was capable of riding the bike. Pandey, perhaps caught in the moment, said yes. As he started the motorcycle, disaster struck. He inadvertently engaged the wrong gear, causing the bike to lurch violently and throw Shah Rukh Khan off.

Pandey was overcome with fear. He was convinced that his career was over. Adding to the tension, Shah Rukh Khan was already recovering from a serious back injury sustained during the filming of "Shakti: The Power" a few years prior. He had even undergone surgery for a prolapsed disc and still had a physiotherapist present on set. Pandey was so scared that he couldn't even bring himself to help SRK up.

To Pandey's surprise and relief, Shah Rukh Khan remained calm. He stood up, walked over to Pandey, and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. With a gentle demeanor, Khan said, "I knew you didn't know how to ride a bike." He then turned to director Ashutosh Gowariker and suggested they proceed with the shot. When Gowariker seemed ready to admonish Pandey, Shah Rukh Khan interjected, taking the blame upon himself, stating that he had lost his balance.

Shah Rukh Khan's gesture shielded Pandey from potential repercussions and demonstrated his understanding and empathy. It was a testament to his character, prioritizing the well-being of his co-star over any personal inconvenience or discomfort. This incident further solidified Khan's reputation as a true gentleman in the Bollywood film industry.