Shah Rukh Khan Is Forever Man At His Best
Industry voices celebrate 60 years of the superstar who keeps setting the bar
Some families have a family doctor or a family lawyer; mine has a family superstar. Everyone in my family loves Shah Rukh Khan. Most of our collective memories have an association with SRK. The time a massive earthquake struck Delhi in 1999 on Eid al-Adha eve, when the whole family thought it was curtains for the Mubarak clan? We were watching Dil Se on the TV, and the strains of ‘Satrangi Re’ merged with my aunt’s frantic duas is one of the most enduring memory from that night.
Anytime the family began feuding over which movie to settle on for the weekly movie night? We’d end up watching Veer-Zaara inevitably. You see, everyone in my family loves Shah Rukh Khan.
The reason we’re not the subject of Irrfan Khan’s 2006 show Mano Ya Na Mano (a reality-adjacent show covering oddities and supernatural-seeming occurrences around India) is that you can find an SRK superfan (or fans) in every household in the country.
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Shah Rukh Khan’s story seems to resonate with everyone. His unprecedented success as a mainstream star in Hindi cinema, his relationship’s origin story that had all the elements of a bona fide Bollywood blockbuster, or his intensely charismatic presenceall present as the different building blocks that have made Brand SRK what it is today, nearly three decades since his debut.
As his 60th birthday approaches, Team Esquire set about seeking all those who have impacted Shah Rukh Khan’s journey over these past years. Whether it was an old friend from his theatre days in Delhi who clocked the ambitious gleam in SRK’s eyes when the Bollywood dream was a speck on the horizon, or one of the up-and-coming Gen-Z stars who experienced his famed ‘aura’ first-hand on the sets of their movie, everyone agrees that there’s nobody like Shah Rukh Khan…
“What a lot of people may not see is how incredibly thoughtful and gracious he is. When you visit his home, you feel that graciousness and hospitality instantly. He makes everyone feel special. His manners, his warmth, and the way he treats people never change - no matter who you are. His conversations are always engaging - intelligent, worldly, and full of perspective. Beyond the star, there’s this wonderful human being who’s hospitable, disciplined, and deeply consistent. That’s a side only those who know him personally get to experience. I’ve known him for over thirty years, and he’s never changed. He’s the same Shah Rukh - full of love, grace, and generosity. I’ve never seen him change, and that’s rare. Many stars evolve differently over time, but Shah Rukh remains the same with everyone.” —Manish Malhotra
“I think what makes everyone a fan of Shah Rukh Khan is the industrial-strength charm. And that's not something you cultivate or buy or grow. You either have it or you don't. And he has it in spades. He has it to burn. He has it to give away and still be as charming as he is. It's quite incredible—when you're talking to him, it feels like you're the most important person in his life, in the world. And you know that all that matters is that moment. It's this incredible ability to connect with everybody, irrespective of age, gender, or background. I've never met a person who doesn't like him.” As he turns 60, Anupama Chopra wants to ask him the question all SRK fans have been wanting to ask their superstar: “As he turns 60, I would like to ask, what is the third act? He reinvented himself as this incredible action hero with Pathaan, Jawan, and hopefully with King. Now I’m curious to know what comes next.”—Anupama Chopra
“When I watched the first episode of Fauji, much before it came on television, I instantly gauged that he is a very confident young man. I knew that he was made for the big screen and has the potential to grow higher and higher with his talent. Shah Rukh is maturing very elegantly. He is a person who lives by example; he doesn't need to teach or preach. His mere presence is a masterclass; you just need to study him, be it his work on screen or his appearances. He is not someone to shy away from admitting when he is wrong and apologising. With all his experience and his stature, he still values learning from his mistakes and bettering himself with every experience.”—Rakesh Roshan
“In more than 25 years of working together, I have seen his consistency. The same level of focus, patience, and willingness to try something new, from the early days to now. I remember a shoot where I asked him to step into a lake with freezing water for a frame. He did it instantly, without question, trusting the vision completely. That shot became one of our iconic calendar images. His dedication to the moment and the craft is something most people never fully get to see. Another time, we were shooting at his home. He was dressed in a tuxedo, looking every bit the superstar. I spotted the gardener’s bicycle and asked him to sit on it. There was no hesitation. No concern about how it might look. He just smiled and made the moment unforgettable. That is him. The global star who stays completely open to simple, playful, and spontaneous creativity.”—Dabboo Ratnani
“One word that comes to my mind when I think of Shah Rukh Khan is tornado — because he brings that whirlwind of charm and energy every time he walks into a room. What’s truly special is how that charm transcends age, gender, and background — it’s timeless, just like him. Wishing him all the love, joy, and magic on his 60th birthday. Happy birthday, Shah Rukh!”—Sonali Bendre
“For me, the one gesture that perfectly captures Khan Saab’s essence is his signature wide-open arms pose. It’s more than just a cinematic move; it is a profound welcome. This gesture, whether on-screen or off-screen, embodies his core appeal, unconditional, wide-open love for his audience. This single, simple action tells you everything you need to know about his relationship with the world, a relationship built on charisma, accessibility, and sheer, boundless generosity of spirit. He commands the room not through arrogance but through an overwhelming positive presence. It’s the energy of a man who built an empire from scratch, a feeling that only a true legend can project. This 'Aura' is what makes him King Khan to millions.”—Jaideep Ahlawat
“What amazes me about the guy is how one can be such a huge star and still be so very gracious. It is unbelievable how naturally it comes to him. He is love, and he spreads that love and that warmth wherever he goes. That is why he has risen so high as a romantic hero.” On his 60th birthday, she has a special message for him, “Stay exactly the way you are, because you are perfection. It cannot get better than what he already is.”—Urmila Matondkar
“He just has so much love and respect to give you, it doesn't matter who you are, but he makes you feel like you're the most important person on planet Earth. He makes you feel seen, which is a very rare ability. They say never meet your heroes, but he's the only exception, that when you meet your hero, you'll fall in love with him even harder. If I had to describe him in one word, it would be very warm. He's just has so much love to give.”—Sahher Bambba
“I think one line that captures him perfectly is the one from ‘Bads of Bollywood’, where the lead says ‘Sitare to bohot hote hain, par aasman sirf ek’. I think that sums him up perfectly. He is larger and grander than life itself. He has given so much back to the industry he belongs to and has inspired millions across the world—and continues to do so. Wishing him the happiest 60th birthday.”—Shalini Passi
“Shah Rukh Khan is insightful. He knows how to gently moderate between people and situations. His ability to constantly adapt , grow and change seamlessly with time, is something that makes everyone a fan of SRK.”—Zayed Khan
“I come from a family where my father’s elder brother was a theatre actor. Because of health issues, he had to return to our hometown, Bilaspur. Years later, Shah Rukh sir still remembered him fondly. He even spoke about the small Chinese restaurant my uncle tried to run for a couple of years there. He knew details that went back decades. That’s what struck me, his memory, or maybe it’s just his ability to be completely present in the moment. He listens, he observes, and he remembers. In a world where most people are constantly distracted, he’s fully there with you, fully engaged.”—Satyajeet Dubey
“Right from his school days, he seemed destined for greatness. A Sword of Honour recipient from St. Columba’s High School, a highly coveted award, he was a complete all-rounder. Whether it was sports, academics, or dramatics, he excelled in all. He's also never been one to shy away from breaking stereotypes; whether as the unforgettable antihero in Darr or the eternal lover in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, even during personally challenging times. When I worked with him on Aśoka, it was very early in my career. He was already a top star then, yet completely open to creative experimentation. From Aśoka to Swades, Chak De! India, Dil Se, Don, Zero, Fan, Ra. One, Jawan, and Pathaan, just look at the sheer magnitude of his exploration, never confined by a set image. As long as movies exist, people will never forget his contribution to cinema. Here’s wishing him a very happy, healthy, and blessed birthday. More power to him!”—Rahul Dev
"For me, Shah Rukh has always been more than a superstar — his warmth, wit, magic, and that rare kindness that stays with you long after the moment ends. My forever crush, my definition of charm, and somehow still the hottest man alive! I’m so grateful for the memories, the laughter, the conversations — the ones that live off-camera and in the heart. The superstar dazzles. The man disarms.”—Anaita Shroff Adajania
“The first time I met SRK was 34 years ago at a party, he was most charming and the best dancer in the room! He has a rare gift of making others feel like the most important person in the room, and the same goes for his fans and audience. He values each one. His work ethic is unbeatable. He is extremely hardworking and has instilled that in his children.”—Gaayatri Dhawan
"He’s incredibly relatable—a real human being with genuine humility and etiquette, qualities many tend to forget when they reach the top. Everyone sees the performer, the charm—but what you don’t see is how even in the busiest moments, he’ll notice something small and make you feel seen. He will come forward, bend down and greet and makes people around them special, which makes it an unforgettable experience for people around. Once, post-shoot at his home, as I was leaving, he called for me to wait—and asked if I had my meal. Then, he accompanied me to the car and kept waving until my car had left. That kind of unforgettable, old-world warmth is so rare today. At 60, I’d want to tell him how his journey continues to inspire generations—not just as an actor, but as a human being who leads with kindness."—Tarun Vishwa
"I first worked with him on Happy New Year. And since then, what's been my constant impression of him is how his Manners instantly stand out. He has so much tehzeeb that it's unbelievable. His whole being is like that, it's never a front. He's almost an enchanter who will leave you mesmerised for life. The way he listens to you, accords you utmost respect and gives you his full attention... it just leaves you his fan for life. Today, on his 60th birthday, I see him as a young 60-year-old guy who is never limited by his age, the way he works on set, performs those flips and jumps, and brings that energy to his parts." —Raghav Juyal
"There’s something about SRK that transcends ordinary fame - there are many stars, but only he exudes such magnetism. He’s become a symbol of love worldwide. He makes you feel seen, even through a screen. Having known him for 35 years, I’ve seen beyond the world-class actor to the man for whom his family and friends come first. I’ve experienced his loyalty, sincerity, warmth and genuine respect for everyone. My first impression at our first meeting still holds true - his confidence, humility, and charm made me think instantly: a star is born…my star, my king."—Naresh Rohira
“Most of Shah Rukh Khan’s traits and qualities are known to everyone. But I don’t think the world knows how kind he truly is. At the beginning of my career, when I was a struggling photographer, I went to shoot him on the set of Duplicate. I was so new at that time, and I didn’t have great equipment. The shoot was falling apart because I was inexperienced.
I’ll never forget how kind and calm he was. He very simply and gently realised that I was new. He just made everyone relax and said, ‘Wait, let him do his thing’. He kept asking me, ‘What do you need? Do you need an extra light? Take your time. Don’t worry about anything.’ That kind of kindness isn’t something you usually associate with superstars. Good behaviour is one thing, don’t confuse it with kindness. You can be well-behaved, but being kind is different. He’s kind, boss. And I’ll never forget that."—Avinash Gowariker
“He will always be the man who showed us that you could be masculine and loving at the same time. For decades before the Khans entered the industry, the idea of a man who would leave everything for love was absent. As a mainstream superstar, I think SRK raised an entire generation of men to value softness, kindness, and emotional intimacy. He made it cool to talk about romance with his wife, which men of that time weren't very open about. He gives the assurance that strong men are not always intimidated by strong women. In a lot of ways, SRK is a disruptor. And he will always be the King of our hearts because, somehow, and lamentably so, no one after him inherited that combination he is.”—Mohar Basu
“I think he has the ability to have men want to have a drink with him, women to adore him, and kids to hero worship him. It’s not easy to transcend all. I recall a small incident. We were at the airport leaving for an overseas flight and a guy ran up and said, ‘Would you please say hello to my wife. She loves you!’ I cannot imagine that this happens to too many people where the men aren’t remotely insecure!” —Atul Kasbekar
“My first interaction with him was, magically enough, through a YouTube video of one of his interviews where he was speaking, and it felt as if he was talking to me. It felt like he knew me better than most people I’ve spent time with every day. He doesn’t know, but he has answered many questions about my life that I never asked anyone. To me, he’s Godsent. One day, on set, he told me, ‘Beta it’s our job to think about entertaining every person who buys the ticket to your film, we owe it to them, ’ and to think like this after 35 years of working is legendary.” —Abhay Verma
“One thing that stands out about Shah Rukh Khan is that he appreciates his fans caring for him. He’s not cynical about that. He enjoys his stardom. He’s not a reluctant star. I can’t imagine Tom Cruise coming out and wishing you a Merry Christmas. The other most important thing that could define his stardom is how he makes you believe you are the centre of his universe. That’s how he appears on screen. His eyes are very arresting. Eyes are very important when you have a star. If they don’t have great eyes or a great smile, they’re not going to get very far.”—Nasreen Kabir
“I think losing his parents so young shaped him largely. Having experienced the loss of my parents recently, I understand the depths of that loss and how it changes one's perspective on life. He was so young when he realised that all he had to make his way in the world was himself, his courage and his talent. And he did it like the true champion he is. Being a sportsman is also a large part of his persona - he can go for the kill with no remorse. It's all part of the game.”—Suchitra Krishnamoorthi
“The first time I met him was in his study. Among the many books displayed, one caught my eye — an advanced physics textbook by Resnick and Halliday. I was impressed. Every notion I had of him changed in that moment. I realised I was about to meet a well-read, intelligent man who respected and revered his past and everything associated with it. For me, this was the kind of person I wanted to be associated with for the rest of my life. And of course, after meeting him, that feeling only grew stronger — I became more and more fond of him. He is truly Raees- Dil Se.”—Rahul Dholakia
“Back in the 90s, my mom would take me to Bollywood concerts, which were a huge deal then. At Rangeele Dilwale at Wembley, Shah Rukh tore through a giant screen, leapt out and threw a Velcro white shirt directly at me, his signature scrawled across it. I knew it was meant for me because of that unmistakable smile. Years later, as fate would have it, I was sitting in his office at Dreamz Unlimited. I pulled out that same shirt and asked him to sign my name on it. He looked at me, paused for a second, and said, ‘Were you the boy in the Harley jacket in the front row?’ That’s Shah Rukh Khan. People matter to him. And he never forgets. India had seen charm before him, but not wisdom wrapped in humility. Every actor since has tried to emulate that. His poise, his modesty, his warmth, but with Shah Rukh, it’s not an act. His humility is real, and it’s magnetic.”—Vishal Punjabi
“During the promotions of Jab Harry Met Sejal, I had a brief opportunity to meet him. The room got really crowded, and even though it was Shah Rukh Khan, I just couldn’t bring myself to go up to him and ask for a selfie. I’m quite shy and I felt maybe I shouldn’t. So, I moved to another room and was sitting there when suddenly his security walked in, and said that Shah Rukh sir is calling you. When I went back, the first thing he asked me was, ‘You don’t like me, right?’ I was so taken aback! He said, ‘Everyone took a selfie with me, but you didn’t.’ I told him that it was too crowded, and that’s why I couldn’t. He smiled and said, ‘This is what I live for. If you don’t take a picture with me, I’ll feel bad.’ That’s what I’ll always remember about Shah Rukh Khan.”—Mimi Chakraborty
“I knew him when he was just about to take off in Bollywood. He was already a TV star in Fauji. When I first saw Shah Rukh for a play reading with Barry John, he came across as a decent, very matter-of-fact guy who didn’t have any airs about him. People of that age can be very uncertain about what lies ahead. Shah Rukh always gave me the impression that he knew what was ahead. Later, we did a TV advertisement film for Top Ramen noodles, where I played the father of his girlfriend. He was already a big star by then. But he never gave me that impression, even for a moment. Today, I’d just say to him: balle balle, man, you made it so big. Congratulations. I wish you well. I’d give him a hug and tell him that you proved me right. You knew exactly where you were going and you knew how to get there.”—Amar Talwar
“For me, it’s the dressing room monologue in Chak De! India that defines Shah Rukh at his purest — calm yet commanding, emotional yet deeply contained. Having styled him for that film, I witnessed how he dissolves the line between actor and character. Every gesture, every crease in the uniform carried meaning. It taught me that true power doesn’t need volume — it’s in presence, stillness, and integrity. That’s the magic of Shah Rukh Khan.”—Shiraz Siddiqui
“Gauri (Khan) and I were batchmates at Lady Sri Ram College, and the strongest memory I have of SRK is of him hanging around outside the gates waiting for her. He was always super confident and ambitious, even then and very strong-willed. He had a great sense of humour and was dead sure that he was destined for stardom. He was charming and always knew the right thing to say. When he was the Fauji guy and with Barry John's group, he would be asking people who could make a film with him and would tell them he would ensure it was a superhit. He had that kind of confidence in himself. For his Delhi friends, who hung out with him and Gauri, he will always be the endearing Fauji guy.”—Anjalee Kapoor, of Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor Label
Compiled by Salva Mubarak
Inputs from Mayukh Majumdar, Prannay Pathak, Sonal Nerurkar, Nitin Sreedhar, Komal Shetty, Nayare Ali, Shashi Sunny, Jeena J Billimoria
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