Top 50 Amazing, Interesting and Lesser-Known Facts About Shah Rukh Khan
Known as the “King of Bollywood,” Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most recognizable characters in Indian cinema. Over the course of his three-decade career, he has not only won the hearts of millions of people but also made a name for himself as a global celebrity.
Shah Rukh began his career in television with shows like Circus and Fauji, and he made his feature debut with Deewana in 1992. Audiences were soon captivated by his charisma and talent, and he became well-known. Shah Rukh has played a variety of parts throughout the years, from passionate figures in Baazigar and Darr to romantic protagonists in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
Shah Rukh Khan is unique not only for his acting abilities but also for his unmistakable charisma and wit. His enduring appeal to audiences worldwide has elevated him to a revered status in the world of international film. In addition to his career as an actor, Khan is a successful producer. He co-owns the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and the production business Red Chillies Entertainment (IPL).
Shah Rukh maintains his modesty in the face of superstardom, frequently crediting his achievements to perseverance and his fans’ affection. His modesty and commitment to his work have brought him several honors and recognition, including 14 Filmfare Awards.
Shah Rukh Khan is well-known for his charitable endeavors outside of the film industry. He has made important contributions to society by promoting subjects like education and child health.
His recent film “Jawan” has grossed ₹1,148.32 crore (US$140 million) worldwide to become the highest grossing film of his career. It also became the highest grossing Bollywood film of all time, post-Covid-19 pandemic, and the second highest grossing Bollywood film ever after Aamir Khan’s “Dangal.”.
Here are 50 amazing and lesser-known facts about Shah Rukh Khan
1. Birth Name and Date
- Shah Rukh Khan was born on November 2, 1965, in New Delhi, India. His birth name is Shah Rukh Khan, which means “face of the king” in Arabic.
2. Childhood Nickname
- He was affectionately called “Mail Gaadi” (Train) by his grandmother because he used to crawl very fast as a child.
3. Early Education
- Shah Rukh attended St. Columba’s School in New Delhi, where he excelled in academics and sports. He was awarded the ‘Sword of Honor,’ the highest award given to a student.
4. Family Background
- His father, Meer Taj Muhammad Khan, was an Indian independence activist, and his mother, Lateef Fatima, was a magistrate and a social worker.
5. College Education
- He graduated with a degree in Economics from Hansraj College, University of Delhi. Later, he pursued a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Jamia Millia Islamia but left it midway to pursue acting.
6. Passion for Acting
- Shah Rukh Khan developed a passion for acting while performing in plays at school and college. His first role was in a stage play called “Ram Lila.”
7. Television Debut
- He made his acting debut on television with the series “Fauji” (1988), where he played the role of Abhimanyu Rai. The show was a hit and made him a household name.
8. First Film
- Shah Rukh made his Bollywood debut with the film “Deewana” in 1992, where he starred alongside Rishi Kapoor and Divya Bharti. The film was a commercial success.
9. Fear of Flying
- Despite his busy schedule that requires extensive travel, Shah Rukh Khan has a fear of flying. He prefers driving whenever possible.
10. Philanthropy
- Shah Rukh Khan is known for his philanthropic work. He is the founder of the non-profit organization Meer Foundation, which supports victims of acid attacks and provides healthcare services.
11. Harvard Business School
- He is the only Indian actor to have been invited to lecture at Harvard Business School, where he shared his experiences in the film industry.
12. Multiple National Awards
- Shah Rukh Khan has won 14 Filmfare Awards in various categories, including Best Actor. He has been nominated 30 times, making him one of the most awarded actors in Bollywood.
13. Padma Shri
- In 2005, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cinema.
14. Honorary Degrees
- Shah Rukh Khan has received honorary doctorates from several prestigious universities, including the University of Edinburgh and La Trobe University in Australia.
15. Iconic Roles
- His roles in films like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” “Baazigar,” “Chennai Express,” and “My Name is Khan” have become iconic, making him a symbol of romance and versatility in Bollywood.
16. Owner of Kolkata Knight Riders
- Shah Rukh Khan co-owns the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The team has won the IPL championship twice under his ownership.
17. Business Ventures
- He is the founder of Red Chillies Entertainment, a major film production and distribution company in India, as well as VFX (Visual Effects) division, which is one of the best in the industry.
18. Strong Family Bonds
- Shah Rukh Khan is married to Gauri Khan, a renowned interior designer, and they have three children: Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam. He is known for his deep bond with his family.
19. Love for Video Games
- SRK is an avid gamer and enjoys playing video games in his leisure time. He has even confessed to staying up late playing video games with his son Aryan.
20. Ambidextrous
- Shah Rukh Khan is ambidextrous, meaning he can write with both his left and right hands. This talent is rare and adds to his list of unique abilities.
21. First Salary
- His first salary was just ₹50, which he earned by working as an usher at a Pankaj Udhas concert in Delhi.
22. Friendship with Karan Johar
- Shah Rukh Khan shares a special bond with filmmaker Karan Johar. They have worked together on several successful films, and SRK is often seen as a mentor figure to Johar.
23. Loves Reading
- SRK is an avid reader and has a vast collection of books. He enjoys reading in his free time, and his favorite author is Paulo Coelho.
24. Languages Spoken
- In addition to Hindi and English, Shah Rukh Khan is fluent in Urdu and can also speak a bit of Kannada, thanks to his time spent in Bangalore during his early years.
25. Strong Friendship with Juhi Chawla
- Juhi Chawla, his co-star in several hit films, is one of his closest friends. They also co-own the Kolkata Knight Riders team.
26. Inspiration for Wax Statues
- Shah Rukh Khan is one of the few Bollywood actors to have his wax statue at Madame Tussauds in London. His statues are also featured in other Tussauds museums around the world.
27. Non-Smoker
- Although Shah Rukh Khan has been seen smoking in movies, he is a non-smoker in real life and advocates against smoking.
28. Personalized Number Plates
- Shah Rukh’s cars often sport the number plate “555,” as he considers it his lucky number.
29. First Love
- His first love was Gauri Chhibber, whom he married in 1991. Their love story is one of the most talked-about in Bollywood, overcoming various challenges, including religious differences.
30. Fear of Horses
- Shah Rukh Khan has a fear of horses, which is why he avoids riding them in his films unless absolutely necessary.
31. Deep Connection with Delhi
- Despite his global fame, Shah Rukh Khan has a deep-rooted connection with Delhi, where he spent his formative years. He often reminisces about his time in the city.
32. A Knight of the French Legion of Honour
- In 2014, Shah Rukh Khan was honored with France’s highest civilian award, the Légion d’Honneur, for his contribution to cinema and cultural ties between India and France.
33. Close Relationship with Yash Chopra
- Shah Rukh Khan had a special relationship with legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, often referring to him as a father figure. They collaborated on several iconic films together.
34. Love for Cars
- SRK has a penchant for luxury cars and owns an impressive collection, including a BMW i8, a Bugatti Veyron, and several Audis and Mercedes-Benz models.
35. Dream of Becoming an Athlete
- Before becoming an actor, Shah Rukh aspired to be an athlete, particularly in hockey and football. He was a sportsman during his school days.
36. Phobia of Injections
- Despite playing many tough characters on screen, Shah Rukh Khan has admitted to having a phobia of injections.
37. Hospitalized Several Times
- Over the years, SRK has sustained several injuries on set due to his commitment to performing stunts. He has undergone multiple surgeries on his back, knee, and shoulder.
38. Icon in Advertising
- Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most sought-after celebrities for brand endorsements. He has been the face of numerous high-profile brands, ranging from luxury watches to soft drinks.
39. Highest-Paid Actor
- At various points in his career, Shah Rukh Khan has been the highest-paid actor in Bollywood, with 150cr to 250cr per film, commanding fees that reflect his star power and box-office appeal.
40. Unique Acting Style
- Known for his distinct style of spreading his arms wide open, SRK’s pose has become an iconic gesture that fans around the world associate with romance.
41. Philanthropic Contributions
- Apart from his foundation, Shah Rukh Khan has also been involved in various charitable activities, including funding cancer treatment for children and donating to disaster relief efforts.
42. Hosting Skills
- Shah Rukh has hosted several popular television shows, including “Got Talent World Stage Live,” “Kaun Banega Crorepati,” “Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?,” “Zor Ka Jhatka,” and “Lift Kar De,” showcasing his wit and charm.
43. Guinness World Record
- In 2013, Shah Rukh Khan entered the Guinness World Records for being the highest-earning actor in Bollywood, with an annual income exceeding $37 million.
44. Charismatic Speaker
- SRK is known for his oratory skills and has delivered several memorable speeches at prestigious events, including TED Talks.
45. Symbol of Secularism
- Despite being a Muslim, Shah Rukh Khan celebrates all festivals, including Diwali and Christmas, with equal enthusiasm, reflecting his belief in India’s secular ethos.
46. Inspiration for Many
- Shah Rukh Khan’s journey from a middle-class family in Delhi to becoming the King of Bollywood is an inspiration for aspiring actors and millions of fans worldwide.
47. Secret to His Youth
- When asked about the secret to his youthful appearance, Shah Rukh often jokes that it’s because he sleeps in the fridge! In reality, he credits it to a healthy lifestyle and positive outlook.
48. Unmatched Fan Base
- Shah Rukh Khan has an enormous fan base, not just in India but across the globe. His fans lovingly refer to him as “SRK” and “King Khan.”
49. Strong Bond with Children
- SRK shares a close bond with his children and often posts pictures and videos with them on social media, showing his fun and loving side as a father.
50. Legacy
- Shah Rukh Khan’s legacy in Indian cinema is unmatched. With over 80 films, numerous awards, and an unwavering fan base, he continues to be a defining figure in Bollywood, shaping the industry with his charisma, talent, and dedication.
One of the most adored and respected people in the world, Shah Rukh Khan’s life and career are full of amazing tales, hardships, and victories. Future generations will surely continue to find inspiration in Shah Rukh Khan‘s legacy, whether it is from his humility, his devotion to his profession, or his love for his fans.