Shah Rukh Khan was born on 2 November 1965 in New Delhi, India, to Meer Taj Muhammad Khan and Lateef Fatima. His father was a freedom fighter who had migrated from Peshawar, while his mother was a magistrate and social worker. SRK grew up in the Rajendra Nagar locality of Delhi in a middle-class household. From childhood, he was known for his energy, charisma, and love for acting.
He attended St. Columba’s School in Delhi, where he excelled in academics and sports. A brilliant student, he also won the Sword of Honour, the school’s highest award for overall excellence. His passion for theatre was nurtured during this time, and he actively participated in stage plays under the mentorship of Barry John, a renowned theatre director.
After completing school, Khan pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Hansraj College, Delhi University, while simultaneously joining the Theatre Action Group (TAG). He later enrolled at Jamia Millia Islamia to pursue a Master’s in Mass Communication but dropped out to focus on acting.
Early Career
Shah Rukh Khan began his acting journey on television. His first major role came with the TV series “Fauji” (1989), where he played Abhimanyu Rai, a young soldier. The show became a hit and brought him recognition for his natural acting style. He then appeared in shows like “Circus” (1989) and “Dil Dariya”, which helped establish him as a promising talent.
In 1991, after the sudden death of his mother, SRK moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in films. Within a year, he signed multiple projects and made his Bollywood debut.
Bollywood Career
Debut and Breakthrough
Shah Rukh Khan made his Bollywood debut with “Deewana” (1992) opposite Divya Bharti and Rishi Kapoor. The film was a commercial success and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. Unlike other newcomers who preferred romantic roles, Khan boldly took on negative roles early in his career. Films like “Baazigar” (1993) and “Darr” (1993) showcased him as an anti-hero, and his performances were widely appreciated.
Rise to Stardom
The mid-1990s cemented SRK as a romantic superstar. Movies like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)” (1995), directed by Aditya Chopra, became iconic. DDLJ is still regarded as one of the greatest films in Indian cinema history and continues to run in theatres decades later. Films like “Dil To Pagal Hai” (1997), “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998), and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” (2001) further established his image as the “King of Romance.”
Versatility and International Recognition
SRK proved his versatility with films like “Swades” (2004), where he portrayed a NASA scientist, and “Chak De! India” (2007), where he played a hockey coach leading the Indian women’s team to victory. Both films received critical acclaim.
His performance in “My Name is Khan” (2010), which dealt with Islamophobia, earned global recognition and made him one of the most influential international actors.
Box Office Dominance
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Khan consistently delivered blockbuster hits. Films like “Devdas” (2002), “Om Shanti Om” (2007), “Don” series, “Chennai Express” (2013), and “Happy New Year” (2014) dominated the box office.
After a brief low phase, SRK made a massive comeback with “Pathaan” (2023), which broke multiple records and became one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever. He followed this with “Jawan” (2023) and “Dunki” (2023), both of which strengthened his position as the biggest global superstar of Indian cinema.
Business Ventures
Apart from acting, Shah Rukh Khan is a successful entrepreneur. He co-owns the Red Chillies Entertainment production house and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL cricket team. His businesses span across film production, visual effects (VFX), sports, and endorsements, making him one of the richest actors in the world.
Personal Life
Shah Rukh Khan married Gauri Chhibber in 1991, and the couple has three children: Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam. Despite his superstardom, SRK is known for his humility, wit, and grounded personality. He is also deeply admired for his secular beliefs and respect for all religions.
Achievements and Awards
- Winner of 14 Filmfare Awards across multiple categories.
- Recipient of the Padma Shri (2005), India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
- Honored with Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2007) and Légion d’honneur (2014) by the French government.
- Named among the Top Global Icons by Forbes, Newsweek, and Time magazine.
- Considered one of the most influential film personalities in the world, with a fan base spanning continents.
Legacy
Shah Rukh Khan’s journey from a middle-class boy in Delhi to the “King of Bollywood” is nothing short of inspirational. With over 80 films, global recognition, and unmatched popularity, SRK is not just an actor but a cultural phenomenon. His contribution to Indian cinema, his ability to reinvent himself across decades, and his unmatched charisma make him a timeless icon.
For millions of fans worldwide, Shah Rukh Khan is not just a superstar—he is an emotion, a symbol of hope, love, and perseverance.
