New Delhi: Shah Rukh Khan, known as the King of Bollywood, celebrates his 58th birthday today. From humble beginnings in a middle-class family in Delhi to gather a staggering net worth of $770 million, his life story could be more interesting than his movies.
Background:
Born and raised in Delhi, Khan’s childhood was marked by the everyday struggles of a middle-class life. His father ventured into various business endeavours, including running a restaurant while the family resided in rented apartments. Khan’s journey to stardom had an unlikely start, excelling in football and hockey at St. Columba’s School, where he was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour.
Initially, Khan’s dreams revolved around a career in sports, but fate had a different path in store. A shoulder injury dashed his sporting ambitions, but it paved the way for something extraordinary. Khan took to the stage, performing in plays and gaining recognition for his remarkable imitations of Bollywood actors. He further honed his skills at Delhi’s Theatre Action Group while at Hansraj College, where he earned a B.A. degree in Economics. He continued to enhance his acting skills with a Master’s in Mass Communication at Jamia Millia Islamia.
Career:
Khan’s journey to fame began in 1980 when he left Delhi to settle in Mumbai, the heart of the Indian film industry, to pursue his acting career full-time. He started with TV series before transitioning to the big screen. In the early 1990s, Khan gained recognition for his roles as a villain, delivering memorable performances in movies like “Darr” and “Baazigar.” However, it was in the mid-90s that he truly came into his own as the romantic lead in iconic films such as “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” “Dil To Pagal Hai,” “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” “Mohabbatein,” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.”
Beyond Acting:
Shah Rukh Khan’s influence in the entertainment industry extends far beyond acting. He is the proud owner of his production house, Red Chillies Entertainment. In 2017, he was ranked 65th on Forbes’ list of the world’s richest celebrities, attesting to his immense success and wealth. His assets include luxurious properties such as the iconic “Mannat” in Mumbai and villas in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and London. Khan is also a co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Khan’s contributions to Indian cinema have not gone unnoticed. He was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India, a testament to his immense impact on the entertainment industry.
As Shah Rukh Khan blows out the candles on his 58th birthday cake, his journey from a middle-class Delhi boy to the King of Bollywood and a millionaire is an inspiration to billions. His legacy continues to shine as bright as the stars in the Indian film industry, and his fans worldwide celebrate the Baadshah of Bollywood with unwavering love and admiration. Hello, Entrepreneurs wish Shah Rukh Khan a very cheerful, Happy Birthday!
