New Delhi, Nov. 2 -- For the 'typical' 1990s kids like us, Shah Rukh Khan defined an entire generation, almost. He redefined and shattered the hypermasculine archetype, allowing emotions to take centre stage. In several emotional scenes, a single tear rolls down his cheek, be it in 'Kal Ho Na Ho', 'Devdas' or 'Dil Se'. He cried on screen and an entire generation cried with him.
At a time when toxic masculinity seems to be the go-to formula for box-office success, here is an actor who has always treated women with immense respect. Whether in public interviews or at social gatherings, he has consistently made it a point to listen to women attentively and make them feel valued. Pick any film promotion where his co-actresses share the dais with him and Shah Rukh will invariably ensure that they are comfortable and given their due space. As a host at award functions, he would often walk down from the stage to carefully bring the female actors. And then there is that much-loved scene in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (DDLJ), where he is seen peeling carrots and helping with kitchen chores.
In fact, at an event in Mumbai in 2025, Shah Rukh opened up about his household routine, revealing that he does his share of domestic chores, helps clean the house and assists his son AbRam with his studies. As fans across the world celebrate the release of 'Tu Mil Jaaye', the first song from his much-awaited film 'King', which reunites him with Deepika Padukone after 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan', cinephiles also miss watching him in interviews. Of course, every once in a while, he enlightens and entertains fans with his witty responses during his social media sessions #AskSRK. Whether it is about his handsomeness, watching 'Dhurandhar' or the 'most king-like thing he does in real life', his playful and witty responses never fail to send fans into a frenzy.
But his interviews have also been lessons in life. Shah Rukh has largely stopped giving interviews, reportedly owing to the 'negative' media coverage surrounding the 2021 arrest of his son, Aryan Khan. Even when he has appeared for a few interviews, these have mostly been around award shows. Like many of his fans, we would also love to see Karan Johar bring Shah Rukh back for an appearance on 'Koffee with Karan' before the show's final season comes to an end.
And it is not just his wit that makes these conversations memorable. It is also his immense journey from being an outsider to becoming the 'King' of Bollywood and the way he articulates life's realities. One of his statements that has stayed with many of us is: "Do not get relayed by people who tell you it's wonderful to be creative and poor and hungry! No! You've to survive... Make money out of that uncreative work, cry in your bathroom, but when you're in that position of your choice, make sure you don't cheat with those choices." The actor offers a hard-hitting life lesson here. He makes it clear that one needs to work to earn money and survive; one cannot remain hungry and poor while simply pursuing creativity. Financial security matters and there is no virtue in romanticising poverty.
Another quote that many of us absolutely adore is: "Don't become a philosopher before you become rich." This is perhaps one of the hardest and harshest realities of life. Can you really advise people and would they listen to you, if you are neither rich nor successful? "Sometimes, I feel the reason I have become a star beyond my films is that I am politically incorrect," SRK had once said. At a time when celebrities are increasingly guarded by PR strategies, social media scrutiny and, at times, 'informal' pressure from the government, candid opinions have become rare. But Shah Rukh was known precisely for the opposite. He spoke his mind and heart. Consider the time when a fan asked him during an #AskSRK session whether she should follow her dreams or her father's wishes. His response came from someone who is a doting father and has always stood by his three children: "Sit with your dad and understand why he wants what he wants for you & explain your desires too. Dads understand!" In 'King', Shah Rukh will share the screen with his daughter Suhana. Meanwhile, in his son Aryan Khan's directorial debut, 'The Ba**ds of Bollywood', he made a special cameo appearance and served as the primary inspiration behind the comedy-drama series.
As he turns 61 and screengrabs of his shirtless appearance in the recently released song from 'King' go viral, one understands why he once said: "I'd rather sink trying to be different than stay afloat like everyone else."
Directed by Siddharth Anand, 'King' marks his reunion with Shah Rukh following their collaboration on 'Pathaan'. The ensemble cast includes Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Jaideep Ahlawat, Arshad Warsi, Raghav Juyal and Abhay Verma. King is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on December 24, 2026.
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Shah Rukh Khan skipped his customary midnight appearance outside Mannat on his birthday. However, he made sure his fans didn't miss out on a personal message. The superstar, who turned 61 on Monday, found another way to connect with the thousands gathered outside his Mumbai residence. A handwritten note from the actor was projected on a giant screen, thanking fans for their love and wishes. The special birthday display at the Bandra bungalow in Mumbai also featured visuals from his upcoming film, 'King'. Fans who gathered at midnight were treated to a glimpse of the film, along with a message from their favourite star. "Thank you all for your wishes and love. Sending mine right back to you all," read the handwritten note. He signed off with 'lots of love and a big hug'.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.