Tom Cruise has recounted the fortuitous encounter that led to his role in the Oscar-winning film 'Rain Man', all thanks to a chance meeting with co-star Dustin Hoffman at a London takeaway.

Speaking at BFI Southbank on Sunday, Cruise delighted interviewer Edith Bowman with the tale of spotting Hoffman while grabbing a quick meal with his younger sister, Cass Capazorio.

The 62 year old shared with the audience: "She said, 'You've got to go over and say you love him.'"

"She doesn't usually do stuff like that and I don't walk up to people and introduce myself, but she was so pushy.

"She said, 'If you don't, I'm going to.'", reports the Mirror.

"He had his hat on and was ordering takeout.

"I stood next to him and said, 'Excuse me, Mr Hoffman, I'm sorry...' and he looked at me and said, 'Cruise!'".

"That's how I met him.

"As I was leaving, he said, 'I want to make a movie with you,' and I said, 'That would be nice.'".

"A year later he sent Rain Man to me."

The 1988 film proved to be one of Cruise's most iconic dramatic roles, garnering eight Academy Award nominations and securing four wins, including best picture and best actor for Hoffman.

Cruise also fondly recalled an early visit to Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, where he was driven by a studio chauffeur who had previously worked with renowned British director Sir David Lean.

"I always ask drivers what movies they've worked on – and one said he drove David Lean during Lawrence of Arabia," Cruise disclosed.

"He started telling me stories and eventually took me to the parking place where he used to drop him off."

British screen legend Sir David is celebrated as a colossus of the cinema world, leaving an indelible mark with unforgettable epics such as The Bridge On The River Kwai and Lawrence Of Arabia.

Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise revealed the tantalising detail that he turned down the opportunity to jump straight into a Top Gun sequel after the original film's resounding success in 1986.

"The studio wanted me to make Top Gun immediately – they were talking about the sequels," Cruise nostalgically recalled.

He explained, "I said no. As a young artist, I felt I wanted to develop my talent in different areas."

Cruise went on to expound on his pursuit of artistic growth, stating, "I wanted to understand myself more and challenge myself more with different types of movies."

The esteemed actor was addressing an audience at a special BFI Southbank event, which both honoured his remarkable career and served as a buildup to the much-anticipated premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two.