We can’t keep calm! Shah Rukh Khan is going to turn 60 on November 2. The talented, charming, and undisputed king of Bollywood has captivated audiences for over three decades with his charisma and versatility. From his dimpled smile to his unmatched acting prowess, Shah Rukh Khan has not only won hearts in India but across the globe.
Often hailed as the King of Romance, he has proven his mettle by seamlessly transitioning between roles. Whether it’s a passionate lover, a menacing anti-hero, a comic lead, or a rugged action hero, King Khan has done it all.
As the superstar gears up to celebrate his 60th birthday, here’s a curated list of his top films that every cinephile must watch or re-watch.
Jawan
How can we not add this action-packed thriller to Shah Rukh Khan’s repertoire? The actor received his first-ever National Film Award for Jawan. In a massy, high-octane dual role, SRK showcased his unmatched screen presence and owned every frame. Atlee’s directorial shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2023. Also featuring Nayanthara, Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, and Vijay Sethupathi, Jawan is a spectacle of emotion, power, and purpose.
Swades
Often hailed as one of Shah Rukh Khan’s most nuanced performances, Swades remains a gem in his filmography. The film, made under the direction of Ashutosh Gowariker, underperformed at the box office, but it later gained a cult following for its powerful narrative, memorable performances, and AR Rahman’s soulful soundtrack. If you haven’t watched the film yet, watch it on Netflix.
Chak De! India
The first thing that comes to mind after hearing about this movie is its title song and Shah Rukh Khan’s speech that still gives goosebumps. As a disgraced hockey coach with a point to prove, SRK delivers a performance full of grit and grace. He brilliantly portrayed the role of Kabir Khan, who didn’t just coach a woman’s team for hockey but taught them the values of unity, determination, and the power of faith in oneself.
My Name Is Khan
In this poignant drama, King Khan portrays Rizwan Khan, a man with Asperger’s syndrome who navigates life in post-9/11 America with patience and kindness. Watch this film and you will realise how Shah Rukh Khan’s dialogues were meant to teach us all about tolerance, empathy, the value of standing by one’s principles, and of course, courage. When life turns hard, you just need to have the courage to get past it.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
No SRK watchlist is complete without this timeless classic. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, starring the beloved pair of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, continues to be one of the greatest love stories in Indian cinema history. It is safe to say that their iconic chemistry and the film’s unforgettable dialogues make DDLJ not just a film but a feeling and celebration of cinema.