Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan, born Shahrukh Khan on November 2, 1965, and widely known by the initials SRK, is an Indian actor and film producer in Hindi cinema. Media outlets often refer to him as the "Baadshah of Bollywood" and "King Khan." Having appeared in more than 90 feature films, he has built a massive global audience across Asia and the Indian diaspora. His filmography frequently explores themes surrounding Indian national identity, connections to overseas diaspora communities, and complex social, racial, gender, and religious issues.

Raised in a middle-class Muslim family, Khan spent his early childhood in Mangalore before growing up in the Rajendra Nagar area of New Delhi. His father was an Indian independence activist and business owner, while his mother served as a magistrate. Khan attended St. Columba's School, where he excelled academically and in sports such as football and hockey. After a shoulder injury ended his aspirations for an athletic career, he began acting in stage plays. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Hansraj College while training with Delhi's Theatre Action Group, later enrolling in a master's program in mass communication before leaving to pursue full-time acting.

Khan launched his professional career on television in the late 1980s with series such as Fauji and Circus. Following his mother's death, he relocated to Mumbai to join the film industry, making his cinematic debut in the 1992 hit Deewana. He subsequently gained prominent recognition for playing complex anti-hero characters in thrillers like Baazigar, Darr, and Anjaam. His status as a leading romantic star was established by the 1995 blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which became the longest-running movie in Indian cinema history. He maintained his commercial success throughout the late 1990s with hits such as Yes Boss, Pardes, and Dil To Pagal Hai.

Over the following decades, Khan achieved further critical and commercial success across a variety of genres. He earned acclaim for portraying an alcoholic in Devdas, a NASA scientist in Swades, a hockey coach in Chak De! India, and a man with Asperger syndrome in My Name Is Khan. He also starred in major comedies, including Chennai Express and Happy New Year. After a brief career hiatus, he made a major box-office comeback with the 2023 action thrillers Pathaan and Jawan.

In addition to acting, Khan serves as co-chairman of the media company Red Chillies Entertainment and co-owns cricket franchises, including the Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders and the Caribbean Premier League team Trinbago Knight Riders. He is also a regular television presenter and stage performer. His philanthropic work in healthcare, disaster relief, and civil rights earned him UNESCO's Pyramide con Marni award and the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award. His career accolades include 15 Filmfare Awards, a National Film Award, the Padma Shri, and prestigious civilian honors from France.