This is Part 20 of Legends of Indian Cinema, our 20-part series on the actors, filmmakers and musicians who shaped Indian films across languages. New here? Start with Part 1: Dadasaheb Phalke, or read the previous part, Part 19: Mani Ratnam.
He arrived in Bombay with no film connections, and he became one of the most famous film stars in the world. Shah Rukh Khan, known as SRK and "King Khan", defined romance for a generation of Indians and the Indian diaspora. In 2023, he proved his box-office power again with back-to-back blockbusters.
Early life
- Born on 2 November 1965 in New Delhi.
- He studied economics at Hansraj College and trained in theatre with director Barry John.
- He lost his father in 1981 and his mother in 1991, and moved to Bombay soon after.
From TV to films
- He first became popular on television, in the series Fauji (1989) and Circus.
- His first film release, Deewana (1992), won him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
- He took bold anti-hero roles in Baazigar (1993), Darr (1993) and Anjaam (1994).
The King of Romance
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), directed by Aditya Chopra, became one of the biggest hits in Hindi cinema. It has run at Mumbai's Maratha Mandir theatre for decades, the longest run in Indian film history. Its mustard-field scenes and train finale are iconic.
- Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) and Veer-Zaara (2004) made him the face of the big Hindi romance, often opposite Kajol.
- He showed his range in Swades (2004), Chak De! India (2007), as a hockey coach, and My Name Is Khan (2010).
The 2023 comeback
After a few years of setbacks, SRK returned in 2023 with Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki. Pathaan and Jawan each grossed more than ₹1,000 crore worldwide. For Jawan, he won his first National Film Award for Best Actor at the 71st National Film Awards, received in September 2025, more than 30 years into his career.
Honours and legacy
- Eight Filmfare Best Actor awards, equalling Dilip Kumar's record.
- Padma Shri (2005), and France's Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and Legion of Honour.
- He co-owns the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders and the production company Red Chillies Entertainment.
- His Mumbai home, Mannat, is a pilgrimage spot for fans, who gather outside on his birthday every year.
The series in full
Thank you for reading Legends of Indian Cinema. Here are all 20 parts:
- Part 1: Dadasaheb Phalke
- Part 2: Satyajit Ray
- Part 3: Raj Kapoor
- Part 4: Dilip Kumar
- Part 5: Madhubala
- Part 6: Guru Dutt
- Part 7: Sivaji Ganesan
- Part 8: M.G. Ramachandran (MGR)
- Part 9: N.T. Rama Rao (NTR)
- Part 10: Dr. Rajkumar
- Part 11: Lata Mangeshkar
- Part 12: Amitabh Bachchan
- Part 13: Rajinikanth
- Part 14: Kamal Haasan
- Part 15: Sridevi
- Part 16: Mohanlal
- Part 17: Ilaiyaraaja
- Part 18: A.R. Rahman
- Part 19: Mani Ratnam
- Part 20: Shah Rukh Khan
