Shah Rukh Khan, born on 2 November 1965 in New Delhi, India, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and successful film stars in the world, often hailed by the media as the “Baadshah of Bollywood” and “King Khan.” With a career spanning over three decades and more than 90 films, he has become a global cultural phenomenon, known for his charismatic screen presence, romantic lead roles, and his ability to connect with audiences across the Indian diaspora. His journey from a television actor to a cinematic legend is a testament to his enduring appeal and versatility.

Khan began his career in the late 1980s with appearances in several television series, including Fauji, before making his Hindi film debut in 1992 with the musical romance Deewana. He quickly broke away from the typical romantic hero mold by taking on villainous roles in the thrillers Baazigar (1993) and Darr (1993), earning critical acclaim for his intense performances. However, it was his portrayal of the quintessential romantic lead in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) that cemented his status as a superstar, a film that continues to run in Mumbai theaters decades after its release. He followed this with a string of blockbuster romances, including Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Mohabbatein (2000), and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), establishing himself as the king of Bollywood romance.

Khan’s career also showcased his dramatic range, earning him widespread critical praise for films like Devdas (2002), where he played an alcoholic lover, the social drama Swades (2004), the sports drama Chak De! India (2007), and My Name Is Khan (2010), in which he portrayed a man with Asperger syndrome. His commercial success continued with hits like Om Shanti Om (2007), Chennai Express (2013), and Happy New Year (2014). After a brief hiatus and a period of setbacks, Khan made a historic career comeback in 2023 with the action thrillers Pathaan and Jawan, both of which shattered box office records and ranked among the highest-grossing Indian films. For his performance in Jawan, he received the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, a crowning achievement in his decorated career.

Beyond acting, Khan is a prolific producer and businessman, serving as co-chairman of Red Chillies Entertainment and co-owning the Indian Premier League cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders. His philanthropic work is extensive, focusing on health care, disaster relief, and children’s education, earning him honors such as UNESCO’s Pyramide con Marni award in 2011 and the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award in 2018. He has been awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India and the Legion of Honour by the Government of France. In 2023, Time magazine named him one of the most influential people in the world, and Empire ranked him among the 50 greatest actors of all time, solidifying his legacy as a global icon whose influence transcends cinema.