26 years of Shah Rukh Khan: A look back at his journey so far

26 years of Shah Rukh Khan: A look back at his journey so far

1/926 years of Shah Rukh Khan: A look back at his journey so far

26 years of Shah Rukh Khan: A look back at his journey so far

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It’s been 26 years since a handsome young hunk, with a centre-parted hairdo and a dimpled smile, walked onto our screens and claimed his stake over our heart. Shah Rukh Khan, who started off as the King of hearts, slowly extended his reign to become the undisputed Badshah of Bollywood. From playing the romantic hero who wins the girl, to a crazy stalker who could haunt anyone’s dream, an emperor and a drunkard, to his touching act as an autistic man, playing his own fan and now a dwarf; there is nobody this artist hasn’t been and no life he hasn’t touched.

Here’s a look at Shah Rukh’s journey in Bollywood so far.

2/9Humble beginnings

Humble beginnings

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Shah Rukh Khan, apart from being one of the biggest stars in the country and the world, is also among the highest paid film stars. He may be living life king sized now with his family of five, houses around the world, zig wheels at his disposal and the latest gadgets, but this superstar is still a humble boy from Delhi at heart.

Born and brought up in a middle-class family, with a father who ran small businesses including a canteen, this star has seen the highest highs and the lowest lows, all within just 52 years. His journey although winding, has taken him from the by-lanes of Delhi to the corridors of Oxford University and beyond which is nothing short of inspiring.

3/9Shah Rukh and Gauri's love story

Shah Rukh and Gauri's love story

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Shah Rukh Khan is Bollywood's heartthrob and every girl's dream man. His alluring persona on-screen and charming personality off it has had girls wanting to be with him and boys wanting to be him. However, this suave actor is a committed man. As destiny would have it, Shah Rukh fell madly in love with Gauri Chibber, now Khan. While he rules as King, his very own Queen has stood by his side through thick and thin, withstood all kinds of rumours and controversies and they have accomplished it all, together. The couple has three children, Aryan, Suhana and AbRam together.

4/9Starting off small and making it big on the silver screen

Starting off small and making it big on the silver screen

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Any SRK fan would know of his tryst with destiny that started off on the sets of a TV series ‘Fauji’ in 1989 and continued with shows like ‘Circus’ and ‘Umeed’. However, it was only until ‘Deewana’ came along that he got his big film break and tasted success at the box office and also picked up a Filmfare Best Male Debut Award that year. He quickly moved up the ranks, from a supporting actor to a lead star and even taking on a bold decision to play the anti-hero, all within the initial stages of his career. His performance in ‘Daar’, was deemed as one of his best works till date and even earned him Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role. However, it was ‘Baazigar’ that earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor.

5/9The crowned King of romance

The crowned King of romance

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Shah Rukh Khan is rightly the crowned king of romance, but it wasn’t until ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’, that he earned the title. His pairing opposite Kajol, not only made the film the longest running Hindi movie in Bollywood history, but also earned the lead stars a permanent place in fans’ hearts. Call it tradition or whatever you may like, but about every 5 years or whenever the right script comes along, Shah Rukh and Kajol are known to come back together to create their own brand of movie magic.

Over the years, Shah Rukh has started in a number of hit romantic films like, ‘Veer Zara’, ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Devdas’ and ‘Mahabbatein’, among many others.

6/9Experiments with film roles

Experiments with film roles

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Well after establishing himself as a romantic hero, Shah Rukh set out to tread the road less travelled by experimenting with his film roles. Although not as successful ventures, Khan is known to push the envelope and be among the firsts to try out something new in the industry, be it with his film, in the technical department or even with marketing, this star does it all. Over the years, we have seen him play a superhero in ‘G.One’, double up to play a star and his own stalker in ‘Fan’ and now, a dwarf in Anand L Rai’s ‘Zero’, opposite Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.

7/9SRK and his Bollywood friends

SRK and his Bollywood friends

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After being a part of Bollywood for almost three decades, Shah Rukh Khan has made some foes, but he has also forged friendships that have stood the test of time. SRK is also known for his kind gestures for his friends, be it gifting them cars or treating them to exclusive house parties, calling them over to make cameos in his films, being Shah Rukh’s friend certainly comes with perks. Those among his inner circle would have to be director Karan Johar, who also happens to be his children’s godparent, Kajol, Juhi Chawla, Farah Khan, Deepika Padukone, among others.

8/9Philanthropic work and acts of kindness

Philanthropic work and acts of kindness

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SRK has often lent a helping hand to those in need. The star has been closely involved with NGOs, hospitals and has even volunteered to help out the needy and give back to society. Unlike some who publicise their acts of kindness, Shah Rukh is known to go under the radar and offer monetary assistance to those who reach out to him for help. According to reports, the actor even makes apt arrangements for terminally ill children to be driven to his house and ensures that he spends some quality time with them.

His latest act of kindness that made headlines was when it was revealed that he reached out to actor Irrfan Khan on hearing about his cancer diagnosis. Reports stated that the actor reached out to Irrfan even gave him the keys to his London house that he may rest and recuperate.

9/9Fatherhood, his biggest role

Fatherhood, his biggest role

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Being one of the country’s biggest superstars is no easy task. It demands long hours on the film sets, tending to work commitments, showing up for events across the globe, pulling out all nighters far away from home, but as a doting father to three beautiful children, Shah Rukh is known to go the extra mile to be a dutiful dad. After wrapping up a scheduled shoot, SRK is a frequent visitor at the Mumbai airport, jet-setting across the globe to be with his kids – Suhana in London and Aryan in the USA. With a 4-year-old AbRam, currently, in primary school, this dad is known to clear his schedule to be there for his son, and even cheer him on at his school functions.