Actor Vidya Malavade has looked back warmly on Chak De! India as the film marked 19 years, recalling Shah Rukh Khan's generosity toward the ensemble of young women who played the hockey team.

Among her fondest memories was a screening of Don that Khan arranged for the Chak De! girls. Seated right beside him, Malavade described the moment as surreal — watching him on screen while he sat in flesh and blood next to her.

She has also spoken about how demanding the shoot was, including a climax that took some fifteen nights to film, and how Khan helped the sixteen actors through the pressure of sharing screen time.

Nearly two decades on, Malavade said she remains moved that audiences still know her as team captain Vidya Sharma, calling the film a blessing that never stops giving.