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Other meanings of Shah Rukh Khan

Film & Television

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan (born 2 November 1965) is an Indian actor, film producer, and television personality, widely known as the King of Bollywood. With a career spanning over three decades, he has appeared in more than 80 films and earned numerous accolades, including 14 Filmfare Awards. His global popularity and influence have made him one of the most recognizable figures in world cinema.1

80+
Films
Acting credits
14
Filmfare Awards
Wins
3.2B+
Global fan following
Approximate
1

Early life and career beginnings

Shah Rukh Khan was born into a Muslim family in New Delhi; his father, Meer Taj Muhammad Khan, was a freedom fighter, and his mother, Lateef Fatima, was a magistrate. He studied at St. Columba's School and later earned a degree in Economics from Hansraj College, though he initially pursued a career in theatre under the mentorship of Barry John.2 His television debut came in 1988 with the serial Fauji, followed by Circus, which brought him recognition. He made his film debut in 1992 with Deewana, a romantic drama that established him as a promising newcomer.

2

Rise to superstardom

Khan's breakthrough came with a series of villainous roles in the early 1990s, notably in Baazigar (1993) and Darr (1993), which defied the conventional hero archetype and showcased his versatility.3 He then transitioned to romantic leads with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), a film that became a cultural phenomenon and ran in theaters for over 25 years. His subsequent hits, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), cemented his status as Bollywood's reigning romantic hero.

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Production and global influence

In 1999, Khan co-founded Red Chillies Entertainment, a production company that has backed blockbusters like Chennai Express (2013) and Happy New Year (2014), as well as visual effects and television ventures.4 His international appeal is evident in his appearances at global events, including the 2018 International Film Festival of India, and his honorary doctorate from the University of Edinburgh in 2015. He has also been a goodwill ambassador for the UN's polio eradication campaign, reflecting his philanthropic reach.

4

Lesser-known aspects

Beyond his on-screen persona, Khan is known for his witty self-deprecating humor, often referencing his own fame in interviews and award shows. He has a rare distinction of being the only actor to have won the Filmfare Award for Best Villain and Best Actor in the same year (1994).5 He also holds a black belt in taekwondo, a fact he has occasionally demonstrated in films. His production company owns a VFX studio that has worked on international projects, including Life of Pi (2012), showcasing his behind-the-scenes influence.

Glossary

Bollywood
The Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai, India.
Filmfare Awards
Annual awards recognizing excellence in Hindi cinema.
Red Chillies Entertainment
Khan's production company, founded in 1999.

This article focuses exclusively on the Indian actor and producer Shah Rukh Khan, not other individuals with the same name.