Shah Rukh Khan, also known as the ‘Badshah of Bollywood,’ is more than just a superstar – he is an institution in himself. His journey from arriving in Bombay (now Mumbai) to reaching the pinnacle of success in the Hindi film industry is nothing short of inspiring for his millions of fans worldwide. One particular moment stands out in his memory, a moment of realization that he was indeed a superstar.
In a candid interview with CNN back in 2004, Shah Rukh Khan fondly reminisced about his early days in Bollywood and how he navigated the complexities of the industry. He vividly recalled an incident while shooting near his iconic bungalow, Mannat, when a filmmaker looked at him and simply said, “you are a star.”
“The director’s words took me by surprise. He mentioned visiting a barber who asked if he wanted a haircut like Shah Rukh Khan, a clear sign of stardom in India. It dawned on me that my initial films had done exceptionally well without much effort on my part in terms of commercial success. I was oblivious to it all,” shared King Khan.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings in Bollywood, the ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ actor described the industry as a close-knit family with very few outsiders. He admitted to being unaware of the uniqueness of his first four movies and confessed that he had no inkling about box office triumphs.
As his career progressed, Shah Rukh Khan learned the art of selecting roles meticulously. He remembered the days when party attire meant more than just shirts and jeans; it required grace and etiquette when mingling with fellow celebrities. Initially, his unconventional style and demeanor made him seem out of place, earning him the label of ‘irrelevant’ in some circles. Even his close friends, especially his female co-stars, couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea of him becoming a film star.
Looking ahead, Shah Rukh Khan has an exciting project lined up – Sujoy Ghosh’s directorial venture, ‘King,’ where he will share screen space with his daughter, Suhana Khan. From his debut in ‘Deewana’ in 1992 to his enduring legacy in Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan’s journey is a testament to his talent, hard work, and undeniable charisma. And as the saying goes, the rest is history!
