“King Khan Ko Haarana Mushkil Hi Nahi, Namumkin Hai” – Why Shah Rukh Khan Remains Unstoppable!

Add as a preferred source on Google

A 5ft 8 inch guy captured hearts worldwide with his iconic pose-the hand stretch that began in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and still makes fans want to run into his embrace. Known as the undisputed 'King Khan' of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan known affectionately as SRK is loved not just for his looks and acting but for his self-made journey in Indian cinema.

Conquering the film industry was no easy feat for him; alongside career struggles, he also faced many personal challenges. Yet nothing could break his spirit. That unyielding drive is what keeps him undefeated and unstoppable. Here's a look back at King Khan's journey from struggle to stardom as he celebrates his 59th birthday.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/iamsrk/

His Initial Days

In one of his old interviews, SRK recounts his days of struggle when he landed up in Mumbai, having no clue of the address he had to go to. He was going to act in a television show for the first time, that's when a group of filmmakers helped him out. He first stayed in their office, which was pretty difficult for him. As he had to get up very early in the morning along with them. On the contrary he was happy with the simple Gujarati food and chai (tea) they provided him.

At a later stage in life, director Aziz Mirza offered him his home after he got married. So he considers these filmmakers as lifemakers and feels he wouldn't be in the industry without them. SRK also adds that when he says, "Mein Ek DIn Mumbai Ko Own Karunga" (I'll own Mumbai one day) he says it with the confidence of their support. This incident serves as a reminder to always cherish one's roots and the people who supported them on their journey to success.

His Marriage With Gauri

Back in Delhi, Shah Rukh Khan was smitten with Gauri, and after their first date at Panchshila Club, he faced the challenge of keeping their budding romance a secret from their families.
However, when Gauri briefly ended things due to his possessiveness and left for a vacation in Mumbai, Shah Rukh couldn't just let her go. Determined, he took Rs 10,000 from his mother and travelled to Mumbai, searching for her across the city.

His efforts led him to the beaches, where he finally found her. Despite Gauri's initial resistance, love triumphed, and they tied the knot on October 25, 1991. Shah Rukh borrowed a suit for the wedding from the costume department of 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman". Gauri said in another interview, "Yes, my parents were obviously not for it because we were so young and then, to take a decision to get married to a person who was going to join films and also from a different religion."

Even as Gauri's family accepted their relationship, challenges were far from over. Shah Rukh Khan recalled how they faced protests outside their home. Luckily, he didn't own a place yet, so he used a friend's address. Instead of targeting him directly, the protestors ended up throwing stones at his friend's house, which led to some frantic calls from his buddy Sanjay. To keep things low-key, they had to plan their marriage carefully and get it done without too much fuss.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/iamsrk/

When His Surname Sparked Controversy

Shah Rukh Khan has had his fair share of run-ins with U.S. airport security and was reportedly detained for 2 hours each at Newark in 2009, White Plains in 2012, and Los Angeles in 2016-all allegedly due to his last name. Rather than dwell on these experiences, SRK got back at them creatively by acting in Karan Johar's movie 'My Name is Khan' which had a simple but powerful catchphrase, "My name is Khan, and I'm not a terrorist." The film takes on the topic of racial profiling faced by Muslims in America after 9/11, delivering a message that resonates far beyond cinema.

When His Son Aryan Was Arrested

While accepting his Best Actor award for Jawan at the 2024 IIFA Awards, Shah Rukh Khan seemed to reflect on the tough times his family endured, particularly after his son Aryan's 2021 arrest during a controversial drug bust. He spent nearly a month in jail before being cleared in 2023.

In his speech, SRK lightheartedly thanked his wife, Gauri, for supporting him through these challenges, saying, ".....So I want to thank Gauri. She may be the only wife who's spending more on the husband than the other way round. We were going through a tough time while making Jawan", also attributed to the challenging time he faced when his son was arrested.

When he was honoured as the Indian of the Year at a media event, SRK spoke about his difficult period, sharing, "Life may come and hit you... be quiet and work hard with dignity." His words captured the resilience he's leaned on through recent years.

His Five Year Break From Cinema

During his five-year break, Shah Rukh Khan revealed at the World Government Summit in Dubai that he faced setbacks with flopped films, but he turned the time into a learning experience, even mastering how to make "the best pizza globally." He shared, "To make the perfect round pizza, you have to first make a million square ones," highlighting the perseverance he developed.

His dreams, once focused on surviving in the industry, have evolved. Now, he aspires to integrate advanced technology into Indian cinema and create a film that resonates worldwide. "I want to make that film which the whole world likes... That film should cross me over. That's my dream," he said.

Shah Rukh Khan keeps going, no matter the challenges, because he never gives up-and that's the real secret to his success. His interviews are filled with inspiring words, showing his belief in hard work and faith in God. For him, luck is just an excuse; it's his relentless drive that has truly earned him the title of King Khan."

Ending with his iconic dialogue from Om Shanti Om, "....Hamari filmon ki tarah hamari zindagi mein bhi end tak sab kuch theek hi ho jaata hai, aur theek na ho tho vo 'The End' nahi. Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost." (Just like our movies, at the end everything will go well in life and if it does not then it is not 'The End'. That is the picture is not over yet my friend!)