Shah Rukh Khan, fondly known as SRK, the "Baadshah of Bollywood," or "King Khan," is an Indian actor, film producer, and global icon whose journey from a middle-class Delhi boy to one of the world’s most successful film stars is nothing short of legendary. Born on November 2, 1965, in New Delhi, India, SRK has appeared in over 100 films, earning 14 Filmfare Awards, the Padma Shri from the Government of India, and international honors like France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and Légion d’honneur. With a net worth estimated at $770 million, he is one of the richest actors globally, surpassing Hollywood giants like Tom Cruise and Robert De Niro. This biography delves into his life, career, family, and recent updates as of April 2025, crafted to engage and inform.

Early Life and Education

Shah Rukh Khan was born to Meer Taj Mohammed Khan, a Pathan freedom fighter from Peshawar (now Pakistan), and Lateef Fatima, reportedly the adopted daughter of Major General Shah Nawaz Khan of the Indian National Army (though the army disputes this). Raised in a middle-class Muslim family in Delhi’s Rajinder Nagar, SRK faced financial hardships, living in rented homes. His father’s ventures, including a canteen at the National School of Drama (NSD), exposed young Shah Rukh to theatre, sparking his love for acting.

SRK excelled at St. Columba’s School, earning the “Sword of Honour” for being the best student. A sports enthusiast, he played cricket, hockey, and football but suffered a career-ending injury. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Economics from Hansraj College (1985–88) and enrolled in Jamia Millia Islamia for a Master’s in Mass Communications, which he left to pursue acting. His theatre training under Barry John at Delhi’s Theatre Action Group (TAG) honed his craft, setting the stage for his cinematic journey.

Rise to Stardom

SRK’s career began in the late 1980s with TV serials like Fauji (1989) and Circus (1990), where his charisma shone. After losing his parents—his father to cancer in 1981 and mother to illness in 1990—he moved to Mumbai in 1991, determined to make it in Bollywood. His debut film, Deewana (1992), was a commercial hit, earning him a Filmfare Best Male Debut Award.

Unlike typical Bollywood heroes, SRK gained fame playing anti-heroes in Baazigar (1993) and Darr (1993), showcasing his versatility. His role as the romantic Raj Malhotra in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ, 1995) redefined Bollywood romance, running for over 20 years in Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir theatre and earning global acclaim. Iconic films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), and Devdas (2002) cemented his status as the “King of Romance.”

SRK’s ability to portray diverse roles—whether a NASA scientist in Swades (2004), a hockey coach in Chak De! India (2007), or a man with Asperger’s syndrome in My Name Is Khan (2010)—earned critical praise. His global appeal grew with films like Om Shanti Om (2007) and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), which resonated with the Indian diaspora.

Career Resurgence and Recent Projects

After a four-year hiatus post the commercial failure of Zero (2018), SRK made a triumphant comeback in 2023 with three blockbusters:

  • Pathaan (2023): A spy thriller grossing over ₹1,050 crore worldwide, ranking among India’s highest-grossing films.
  • Jawan (2023): An action-drama earning ₹1,150 crore, showcasing SRK in dual roles.
  • Dunki (2023): A collaboration with Rajkumar Hirani, exploring immigration, which grossed ₹470 crore.

In 2024–2025, SRK has been selective but impactful:

  • Upcoming Film: King: SRK is preparing for this action thriller, co-starring his daughter Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, it began shooting in Abu Dhabi, with SRK spotted returning to Mumbai in April 2025, exuding style. The film promises a gritty, intense role for SRK, with Bachchan playing a formidable antagonist.
  • Voice Role: SRK lent his voice to Mr. Incredible (Mr. Lajawaab) in the Hindi-dubbed The Incredibles (Hum Hain Lajawaab).
  • Production Ventures: Through Red Chillies Entertainment, co-owned with wife Gauri Khan, SRK produced Jawan and Dunki, and continues to back innovative projects.

Family and Personal Life

SRK married Gauri Chibber, a Hindu Punjabi, in 1991 after a six-year courtship, blending Islamic and Hindu traditions at home. They have three children:

  • Aryan Khan (b. 1997): A budding filmmaker, Aryan debuted as a writer-director with the Netflix series Stardom (2024).
  • Suhana Khan (b. 2000): An actress, Suhana debuted in The Archies (2023) and is set to star in King.
  • AbRam Khan (b. 2013): Born via surrogacy, AbRam often accompanies SRK at public events.

SRK’s sister, Shehnaz Lalarukh Khan, lives a private life. The family resides in Mannat, their iconic sea-facing bungalow in Bandra, Mumbai, currently under renovation as of March 2025, prompting SRK to temporarily move to a smaller apartment.

SRK’s personal struggles, including the loss of his parents and his emotional confessions about loneliness in a 1997 interview, resonate with fans. He remains a voracious reader, loves video games, and is a cricket enthusiast, co-owning the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) IPL team.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Through the Meer Foundation, founded in 2013, SRK supports acid attack survivors, women’s empowerment, and children’s healthcare. He funded a children’s ward at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital in memory of his mother and supports relief funds during national calamities. His global advocacy includes UNESCO’s Pyramide con Marni award (2011) for education initiatives and the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award for social work. SRK also backed India’s Pulse Polio campaign and collaborated with artist M.F. Husain for a charity auction in 2007.

Achievements and Global Influence

  • Awards: 14 Filmfare Awards (8 for Best Actor, tying with Dilip Kumar), Padma Shri (2005), and French honors (2007, 2014).
  • Global Reach: With a fanbase of over 3.5 billion, SRK is a cultural ambassador, featured in Time’s 100 Most Influential People (2023) and Empire’s 50 Greatest Actors.
  • Business Ventures: Red Chillies Entertainment, KKR, and endorsements (e.g., TAG Heuer) contribute to his $770 million net worth. He owns properties, including a Beverly Hills villa.
  • Cultural Impact: SRK’s films often explore Indian identity, diaspora connections, and social issues, making him a global symbol of Bollywood.

Recent Updates (2024–2025)

  • Health Scares: In May 2024, SRK was hospitalized in Ahmedabad for dehydration, not a heart stroke as falsely reported. Earlier, in July 2023, posts on X claimed he had a minor surgery in the U.S. after an accident, but these were unconfirmed.
  • Mannat Renovation: Renovation work at Mannat faced scrutiny in March 2025, with a complaint filed against it, though details remain unclear.
  • Public Appearances: SRK attended the IIFA Awards 2025, charming audiences, and was spotted in Kolkata and Mumbai, reinforcing his “King Khan” aura. He also commented on a terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April 2025, showing social awareness.
  • Eid 2025: SRK shared a heartfelt dua (prayer) for fans, wishing them “hugs, biryani, and endless love.”
  • Controversies: SRK faced trolling after being booed at a KKR match, and singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya took a dig at him in 2025, claiming SRK took credit for their songs. Past tensions with Sunny Deol during Darr (1993) resurfaced but were resolved, with Deol open to future collaborations.

Why Shah Rukh Khan Matters

Shah Rukh Khan’s story is one of resilience, talent, and reinvention. From losing his parents young to conquering Bollywood without a film background, he embodies the “rags-to-riches” dream. His ability to connect with audiences—whether through romantic ballads, patriotic anthems, or action-packed thrillers—has made him a cultural phenomenon. Despite controversies, health scares, and career fluctuations, SRK’s 2023 comeback and upcoming projects like King prove his enduring relevance.

As he navigates his sixth decade, SRK remains Bollywood’s heartbeat, a philanthropist with a purpose, and a family man who values love above fame. His promise at Mumbai’s Marine Drive in the 1990s—“One day, I will own this city”—has come true, not just in wealth but in the hearts he rules worldwide.