Deepika Padukone still follows Shah Rukh Khan’s 'good time' career advice. It is perfect for all working professionals

In today’s fast-paced world, where most of our time is spent going through meetings, deadlines, and endless to-do lists, meaningful connections can often take a backseat. Many adults find that building new friendships becomes harder with age. Social circles shrink, and schedules no longer align the way they used to. In such a scenario, the workplace naturally becomes one of the most important spaces for building new relationships, ones that can bring both emotional support and professional growth. It reminds us of a advice from Shah Rukh Khan, which he gave to co-star and good friend Deepika Padukone.

SRK's golden advice to Deepika Padukone

As the boundaries between personal and professional life continue to blur, especially in hybrid or high-pressure environments, the importance of connection at work has become even more vital. It takes us back to King Khan's powerful advice to Deepika.

The Jawan actress once revealed a golden nugget of wisdom given to her by King actor early in her career. In an interview with Colors Cineplex, she said, "Always work with people you know you’re going to have a good time with." This advice rings true across professions, who you work with can major affect how motivated and happy you feel at your job.

Friendships at Work vs. Real-Life Bonds

That said, workplace friendships aren’t always the same as long-standing personal relationships. True friendship takes time, trust, and emotional depth. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find genuine connections with colleagues. With consistent communication and shared experiences, meaningful relationships can grow even within professional settings.

There are several benefits to having friends at work: improved collaboration, better communication, and even higher job satisfaction. People with strong workplace bonds are often more engaged, creative, and resilient in the face of challenges.

However, friendships at work aren’t without their pitfalls. Favouritism, gossip, or clashing career ambitions can create tension. “Friendships at work can become tricky when personal and professional lines blur,” said Rima Bhandekar, Senior Psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust. She added, “That’s why setting boundaries and managing expectations is key.”

Here's how to build healthy work relationships?

If you’re looking to make work feel a little less isolating, here are some tips to foster positive connections:

• Small acts of kindness: A simple thank-you or compliment can brighten someone’s day.
• Open communication: Speak respectfully and listen with empathy.
• Celebrate others: Acknowledge your colleagues’ achievements—big or small.
• Practice emotional awareness: Everyone works differently; respect their styles and space.

In a nutshell, friendships at work aren’t just a nice-to-have. They’re a powerful tool for better well-being and productivity. They bring joy to daily routines, ease the pressure of high-stress tasks, and can even lead to long-lasting relationships beyond the office.