As Shah Rukh celebrates his 44th birthday at home, what better time to do a blog post tribute to the man who caught me hook, line and sinker on his birthday. Lots of people ask me why Bollywood? What was the one thing that caught my attention long enough to turn a one time movie viewing experience into an obsession, I'd say it was 100% Shah Rukh Khan. So, as I join the millions of people who proclaim their admiration, here's a few of the reasons why he has captured my heart.
The first Hindi films I saw were Shah Rukh's, and I have since seem almost all of his major movies. Almost all of my fav films so far belong to him including Om Shanti Om, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna... Well the list goes on and on. You get my point. Plus, even though every movie may not be a hit, he has played some pretty fantastic and memorable roles. I'm pretty sure that Raj Malhotra is one of the best known and most recognized characters in recent history.
That smile, those eyes, that hair. In all my days I don't think I've ever come across a man as insanely gorgeous as Shah Rukh. Of course, most of my friends don't get it, but to me he is the epitome of sexiness and masculinity. He is a combination of irresistible charm, intelligence and confidence, all which make up the perfect fantasy man. Also, even though I dare say he's no spring chicken anymore, there's something to be said for a man who continues to take care of himself. I challenge anyone to argue that his Dard-E Disco persona is not 100% HOT!
Whether getting honors in school as a kid or using his business talent to secure endorsements, there's no denying that he's one smart cookie. If he spends half of his time filming movies, the other half is spent managing his businesses. He owns Kolkata Knight Riders, has dabbled in real estate in Dubai, and owns the production house Red Chilies. Brand SRK is an entity all it's own and one that I'm sure will continue to thrive and grow.
He carries his age with grace. Unlike others who are trying their best to look and stay young, I think Shah Rukh is among the very few who are embracing their age, and with it a new sense of maturity. He's been spotted with a little bit of grey in his hair and he's not afraid to play the father figure instead of always being the loverboy. Plus I love the "laugh lines" that come with age.
Whether he's fresh out the shower, shaggy hair and a t-shirt and blue jeans, or dressed for success in suit and tie, the man always looks fantastic. Some would argue with me that he's looking a little too thin or tired these days (and sometimes they're right), but he does know his style and he wears it well.
He can dance. I think he's one of the few (except for Hrithik) that actually have the moves to back up those song and dances we all love so much. I'm pretty sure I've read that he thinks he a terrible dancer, but I beg to differ. Put him in a room with Abhishek, Sanjay, Ajay, Saif, I think he'd outdance all of them and many more.
While there's something to be said for a little nepotism, I think it's much more impressive to make it in an industry like Bollywood due to your own passion and hard work, which is exactly what Shah Rukh did. Though through the years he's made many connections, ultimately it was his own drive that propelled him to the top and credit has to be given to anyone who can successfully do that.
He always has time for his fans. Well, I wish I could speak this from experience, but alas, I've yet to have the opportunity to see Shah Rukh in person (though I nearly flew down to San Jose while he was down there filming MNIK). However, I've heard second hand from various sources that he is always gracious with his fans, no matter how tired or busy he is. That's the sign of a star who knows where his fame has come from for sure.
He is extremely loyal to his family and friends. It is a fickle world, the industry of entertainment, but through it all he remains true blue to his best friends, and he is one of Bollywood's few family men that doesn't have the reputation of being a playboy. Though I think I read some stuff recently about problems in their marriage, I'd say anyone who can celebrate an anniversary as large as 18 years deserves some kind of praise.
And there you have it. Also I need to say:
Hooray My Name Is Khan is slated to be released in theatres on February 12. I'm planning my visit to the city right now!
And lastly I'm also sending birthday wishes out to Aishwarya.
Cake all round!!!!
2 months ago
November 2, 2009 at 10:24 AM
'Laugh Lines' -- I love it!! And HELL YES, he can dance! Awesomely well. I do agree that he's one of the few VERY good dancers. I think only Hrithik and Shahid can out-dance him, and he's 10+ years older!
Lots of people ask me why Bollywood? What was the one thing that caught my attention long enough to turn a one time movie viewing experience into an obsession, I'd say it was 100% Shah Rukh Khan. -- TOTALLY the same for me, too! The first film I watched was KKHH, the second was K3G, the third Devdas, and the fourth DDLJ-- and I love him in ALL of them!! <333 KKHH & DDLJ are two of my all-time favourite films now!
I also think him aging gracefully is a BIG plus factor for me!! And he's so intelligent, loyal, and such a warm-hearted a genuinely good person... I LOVE YOU, SHAH RUKH!! =D Totally making the 4 hour round-trip to see MNIK in theatres!
November 2, 2009 at 12:14 PM
rhilex I think we may have been separated at birth! At least there's someone out there who gets me!!!!
My trip is only 3 hours, but there is no way in hell I'm missing MNIK. Absolutely no way. However, with Fox picking it up maybe we'll see it hit local theatres like Slumdog did. I'm crossing my fingers.
November 2, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Ooooh, Maybe they'll show it at the mall near here! That would be AWESOME! I can't even describe how amazing Fox doing this is.
Separated at birth, man. <3
November 2, 2009 at 8:49 PM
SRK seems to have brought a lot of non-Indians to Bollywood! Yay for the #1 Bolly Ambassador!!!!
Agreed about his dancing skills - dunno why he claims to be a bad dancer!
Have you tried watching Fauji - the TV series that started his career? (an unsubtitled version is up for free viewing on Rajshri)
November 2, 2009 at 9:59 PM
YAY!!! Happy Birthday, to definitely one of the world's sexiest men. Mmm... Thank you for this lovely post!!!
November 3, 2009 at 6:56 AM
bollyviewer - They don't call him King Khan for nothing I suppose! I haven't seen Fauji and didn't even know how to access it so I will try that link for sure. Thanks so much!
Jules - You are so very welcome. Anytime I can gush about my #1 I take it. Now off to see if there are more pics from his birthday online!
November 3, 2009 at 7:20 AM
He is the simply the best,,, I just adore this person,,, Thanks for sharing these pics,,,
November 3, 2009 at 9:47 AM
You are very welcome Bikram! You are in good company.
November 3, 2009 at 6:07 PM
SRK is charming, intelligent, hard working and courteous. In a film world full of nepotism and family connections, he has made it on his own through sheer talent, hard work and luck. He deserves kudos for that. Ironically the elitist National School of Drama (NSD) based in Delhi, where he grew up, rejected him for a course in acting. He later did a Masters in communications from Jamia Milia Uni in Delhi and an acting course from John Barry's Academy in Delhi. Some times he does come across as an arrogant person during interviews or programs he comperes on TV although he is very good to his fans and is still able to identify himself with an "aam" (ordinary) Indian.
On another note, Om Puri has recollected that Naseeridun Shah and others used to make fun of him during their NSD days coz he could not speak much English. Later of course he has done some very successful movies esp in the UK like East is East and few others.
November 4, 2009 at 6:51 AM
Interesting facts. Thanks for those.
Later of course he has done some very successful movies esp in the UK like East is East and few others.
Are you talking about SRK here? I don't recall him being is any UK films.
November 4, 2009 at 7:30 AM
Nopes,,, Its Om Puri,,,
November 4, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Oh, thanks Bikram. I just read that part wrong.
February 12, 2010 at 11:02 PM
I love U SRK.........
nd I loved ur MNIK....
AZ u 'VE DONE SUMTHING VERY VERY DIFF. FRM UR IMAGE......
February 13, 2010 at 7:42 AM
Aman, thanks for stopping by. I am seeing MNIK today and can't wait. I know it's going to be an amazing film!