There are immensely few people who receive such fame, accolades, and recognition which the heartthrob of the nation Shah Rukh Khan has gotten.
Shah Rukh Khan has been ruling our hearts for over 30 years now.
His journey from an actor to a Bollywood's megastar has been admired by every middle-class person having dreamy eyes. The story of King of Bollywood from a Delhi middle-class boy to becoming the World's second richest actor is worth referring to. Shah Rukh Khan's journey has become a reference point for any outsider aspiring to make it big in Bollywood.
Not many people are familiar with the fact that the transition involved challenges and failures as the road to stardom is never a child's play.
King of Bollywood - Early Life
Born on November 2, 1965, in the national capital, Shah Rukh Khan excelled at sports in his school. Interestingly, he initially aspired to become a sportsperson and represent Indian someday.
But, as destiny planned, he got a back injury, and unfortunately, he had to leave his sporting career. So, to utilize his free time in the evening, his father Meer Tah Mohammad Khan sent him to Lady Shree Ram College as rehearsals were going on there for a play.
There, the King of Bollywood met an English theatre director Barry John. After acting in that play, the acting bug bit him, and he joined Barry John's group called Theatre Action Group.
He enrolled in Hansraj College in B.A. Economics but spend most of his time with TAG.
He once told in an interview that his father used to run a canteen in the prestigious National School of Drama, where he used to sit in the evening to see great performers of India like Raj Babbar, Ajit Wachani, etc.
Seeing revolutionary plays like Tughlaq, Razia Sultana made him realize his inclination and zest towards acting.
King of Bollywood - Initial Days
- Shah Rukh Khan, in his journey to becoming “King of Bollywood,” combated with a lot of personal and professional losses. The sky fell on him when he lost his father due to cancer in his teenage.
- After honing his skills as an actor by performing plays, he got his first TV series in 1988. The late 1980s marked the birth of commercial TV, and SRK got his breakthrough in the TV Series' Fauji".
- The role of Captain Abhimanyu made Shah Rukh a household name. Indeed, the King of Bollywood was in his making.
- Suddenly, he lost his mother and vent his feelings; he came to Mumbai in search of work in Bollywood. But it was not a cakewalk for him as he had no Godfather in the show business.
- Interestingly, one day he was sitting on Marine Drive, and he famously said that he would rule the city of dreams Mumbai one day. It shows the amount of confidence and determination Shah Rukh had.
King of Bollywood - Entry into Movies
- After some successful stints in TV, finally, his determination and grit showed colors, and he signed five films in a day. His debut film "Dil Aashna Hai" was directed by Hema Malini.
- But, his second film Deewana released earlier, and the King of Bollywood bagged a Filmfare on his debut. Well, Shah Rukh came to the attention of Bollywood Biggies.
- In his early days in Bollywood, Shah Rukh did all the films rejected by his contemporaries like Darr, Baazigar, etc., as they did not want to play an antagonist role. But those movies proved to be the foundation of an empire Shah Rukh has.
- After doing antagonist roles, Shah Rukh got probably the best film of his career, making him India's Superstar. Yes, you guessed it right. It was Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. It was his first association with the most esteemed production house Yashraj Films.
- The character of Raj from DDLJ got immortal in the hearts of people, and then the journey to becoming the King of Bollywood commenced at an unmatchable pace.
Shah Rukh Khan- A Megastar
- The charm of Shah Rukh Khan left a profound impact on people, and he started ruling the hearts of people. From an antagonist, he transitioned to the King of Romance. His romantic dialogues found a place in the hearts of Youngsters.
- After DDLJ, he starred in blockbusters like Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Pardes, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, the renowned Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
- He collaborated with the Chopras in Mohabbatein alongside another megastar Amitabh Bachchan who has always been his role model.
- The King of Bollywood was portrayed as only a romantic hero. To break that stereotype image Shah Rukh took some risky bets and starred as a scientist in Swades. Swades brought wonders into his breathtaking career as the World witnessed his impeccable acting skills.
- Well, he did some more unconventional roles like a hockey coach in Chak De India and a person suffering from a syndrome in My Name Is Khan, due to which he received adulations from critics. He proved that alongside commercial cinema, he is the king of realistic cinema as well.
Shah Rukh Khan- A Businessman
Apart from films, a lot of other astute steps led him to make it to the list of the World's richest actors. Well, SRK owns a production house known as Red Chillies Entertainment, through which he produces his films and some web series also.
Due to Shah Rukh's stardom and his mass appeal, he becomes the automatic choice for the powerful brands to sign him for endorsements. He is the brand ambassador for some world acclaimed brands like BYJU'S, Hyundai, Emami, etc.
When IPL started back in 2008, he must have foreseen the making of the IPL as the most prominent India brand. So, the King of Bollywood made full use of the business opportunity and took a healthy stake in the Kolkata Knight Riders team. It has been his most significant investment with fortifying returns.
SRK is also the king of marketing because he has marketed himself for personal branding, and the way he promotes his films is enthralling. His marketing skills have paid him rich dividends in building the business empire he has today.
Shah Rukh Khan's infamous dialogue "Kisi Cheez Ko Shiddat Se Chaho Toh Puri Kayanat Usey Tumse Milane Ki Koshish Mein Jut Jaati Hai," means that if you desire something with passion, the whole universe makes efforts to fulfill your desire. It perfectly sums up the King of Bollywood's story.
The success story of Shah Rukh Khan serves as an inspiration to every young middle-class boy who wants to reach new heights in his career.
Whether it's films or award shows, or dance performances, Shah Rukh Khan leaves an unreliable impact with his charm and screen presence. He has been entertaining us for 30 years and will entertain us for the many years to come.
