Shah Rukh Khan, the “King of Bollywood,” has never shied away from expressing his deep-rooted love and gratitude for his parents and the humble beginnings that shaped him. In an appearance on Anupam Kher’s chat show, the actor touched the hearts of millions with his raw honesty.
He said, “Main jahase aaya hu waha hamare ghar mein dal mein extra pani dala jata tha so that hum 4 log ko mil sake dal. Tabhi kahi par bhi ilm nahi tha na he soch thi ki main ye mukaam par aa jaunga. Agar mere jaisa insaan jo limited shakal aur akal ka hai wo iss mukaam par pohach sakta hai then kuch bhi ho sakta hai.” (He said, “Where I come from, extra water was added to the dal in our home so that all four of us could have some. At that time, no one knew, nor did anyone think that I would reach this stage. If someone like me, with limited looks and intellect, can reach this position, then anything is possible.”)
In a separate interview with Parent Circle in 2018, Shah Rukh recalled his childhood with immense fondness and a touch of nostalgia. “When I was a kid, I always wanted to grow up, and now that I am old, I really miss my childhood. I think it’s the best time of our lives when we are so carefree. I remember my mom used to feed me with her own hands for the longest time – until I was about 25. So, I am still ill…”
His relationship with his parents was filled with warmth and deep affection. His father, Taj Mohammed Khan, was a Pathan who came to India from Peshawar and passed away due to cancer when Shah Rukh was only 15. His mother, Lateef Fatima Khan, passed away in 1990 after a prolonged illness.
SRK also fondly spoke about the food he grew up with. “I have grown up on Mughlai and Deccani food. See, my father was a Pathan and their love for food is legendary. My father loved not just eating, but also cooking. So my Pathan father’s raan would make a perfect combo with my Hyderabadi mother’s mutton biryani and the khatti dal. My parents used to mix these and feed me.”
He jokingly added how times have changed. “I don’t do that with my kids, they would disown me! But yes, I have baked for them or rustled up a pasta. I have baked Batman cookies with Aaryan when he was a little boy. I can boil eggs, make tea. And I make very good phulkas. I can make rather decent pasta also.”