Shah Rukh Khan at 60: How Bollywood's 'King' reshaped global cinema

Holding a bottle like a trophy in one hand and a comb as a mic in another, a young man once said, "When you want something with all your heart, the whole universe conspires in helping you achieve it. Today, you all have united me with my desire. Thanks. Thanks very much. I feel like the king of the world."

That scene from Om Shanti Om was fiction inspired by the great writer Paolo Coelho. But for Shah Rukh Khan, those words turned into life. Once, only a handful of extras in that scene heard him say it; today, the entire world knows the man who truly became the 'King of Bollywood.'

From performing in a television show to becoming one of the most recognised faces in the world, his journey is nothing short of cinematic.

Shah Rukh Khan, an outsider with no family ties to the film industry, went on to dominate not only Bollywood but also inspired generations of global film-makers for over three decades. His popularity stretches from India to Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Middle East, and far beyond.

The romantic legacy

If Hindi cinema had to define love through one face, it would be his. From Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Chennai Express, from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham to Veer Zara, Shah Rukh built the modern idea of a lover.

His characters were flawed, emotional, persistent, and utterly human.

Raj and Rahul, names that became part of pop culture, stood for hope and innocence. His way of presenting love on the screen has redefined 'romance' around the world. Whether it is Hollywood or Dhallywood actors mimicking his romance, directors run their scenes inspired by him. That is his impact or contribution to the global cinema. His films, often characterised by their blend of tradition and modernity, explore universal themes of love and relationships, influencing societal perceptions of romance and gender roles in India and beyond. He is perceived as a "cosmopolitan Indian man" who embodies a new, successful, and globally oriented identity.

But Shah Rukh never let romance trap him. He explored its other sides: the pain, the mistakes, the imperfections. In Chalte Chalte, Devdas, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, he played men who loved, lost, and learned. These weren't perfect lovers. They were genuine, and that honesty made him stand out from his contemporaries.

Khan's ability to represent India's heart extended beyond love stories.

In Swades, he played an NRI scientist returning home to make a difference, while Chak De! India showed him as a coach rebuilding both his own reputation and the nation's faith in itself. Through these films, he became a symbol of national pride.  

Then came My Name Is Khan, where he portrayed a man with Asperger's syndrome in a post-9/11 world. The film explored faith, humanity, and acceptance, resonating with audiences from India to America. It marked his transformation from just a movie star into a global ambassador of Indian cinema.

He often spoke about dignity, diversity, and the power of love in many of his interviews. His wit, intelligence, and calm presence made him more than a film star. He became a spokesperson for modern India.

Reinvention and the comeback

Throughout his career, Shah Rukh Khan has consistently demonstrated a willingness to reinvent himself. He transitioned from romance to thrillers with Don and Don 2, where he emerged as a skilled strategist.

After nearly four years of struggle and a few less successful films, many wondered if Shah Rukh's era had come to an end. But in 2023, he returned with unmatched energy and confidence. Both films reignited the magic that first made audiences fall in love with him — not only in India, but worldwide.

In Bangladesh, too, the excitement around his comeback was extraordinary. Theatres filled up, fans celebrated his return like a festival, and his films became shared moments of joy for people of all ages.

His connection with Bangladeshi audiences has always been deep and emotional — built over decades of love, admiration, and nostalgia. Whether in Dhaka or Delhi, Shah Rukh Khan continues to unite people through his charm and sincerity, proving that true stardom knows no borders.

The man behind the stardom

What truly makes Shah Rukh Khan special is the relationship he shares with people. His connection with fans is personal and enduring.

Online, he responds to fans with humour and warmth. In interviews, he remains articulate yet humble, never letting fame distance him from the audience that built him.

Legacy at 60

As Shah Rukh Khan turns 60, his story continues to inspire. He stands as proof that stardom is not inherited; it is earned, one frame at a time. His films continue to play in theatres, his words continue to resonate, and his presence continues to fill screens with energy and grace.

Long before he became the King of Bollywood, he had already imagined it for himself. In his early song "Chaand Tare," he dreamt aloud, "Maan jaa ae khuda itni si hai dua Main ban jaaun sabse bada." It was a young man's promise to the universe — and over the years, he fulfilled it with hard work, belief, and love.

At 60, Shah Rukh Khan remains what he has always been — not just the king of Bollywood, but the face of a dream that began in one man's heart and ended up belonging to the world.