Deepika Padukone, who recently announced her second pregnancy, continues to work through her pregnancy, with her latest project being the much-awaited Shah Rukh Khan-starrer King. Leaked pictures from the film’s South African schedule, taken during a shoot in Cape Town, showed Deepika and SRK walking hand in hand on the set, sparking enthusiastic reactions from fans. The visuals appear to be from a song sequence, though the exact timing of the photos is unclear.
The images were shared on X by a user who claimed the photos were from the ongoing Cape Town schedule of King, directed by Siddharth Anand. The pictures were soon circulating on Instagram, Reddit, and other fan forums, where they received widespread praise for the duo’s chemistry, styling, and captivating screen presence. Deepika was dressed in a stunning floral-print gown, and Shah Rukh Khan, sporting an unbuttoned printed shirt and salt-and-pepper hair, was seen holding her hand. The chemistry between the two actors was so striking that fans likened the photos to a Renaissance painting, with one fan commenting, "Why the hell is it looking like a Renaissance painting?"
Other reactions included praise for Deepika's undeniable presence, with fans commenting that even when she wasn’t the focal point in the picture, their eyes immediately gravitated toward her. As for Shah Rukh Khan, his appearance also garnered significant attention, with one fan noting, “SRK looking incredible for 60. He doesn’t need all the CGI they end up using in the final product.”
Deepika's announcement of her second pregnancy, shared with her husband Ranveer Singh, has generated immense joy among fans. The couple posted a heartfelt picture of their daughter, Dua, holding a positive pregnancy test, marking the announcement of their growing family. Despite her pregnancy, Deepika has continued filming for both King and another project, Raaka.
Apart from Deepika and Shah Rukh Khan, King features an ensemble cast including Suhana Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Jackie Shroff, and others. This film also marks the theatrical debut of Suhana Khan, following her Netflix debut with The Archies in 2024. Directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, King is set for release in cinemas on December 24, 2026. With an exciting lineup and growing anticipation, the film is expected to be a major hit.