If you aren't well acquainted with the vast and diverse world of Indian cinema, you are clearly missing out. Yet, I am very sure, you have heard this one name, even in passing: the unrivalled King of Romance—Shah Rukh Khan, who made even Angelina Jolie blush like a school girl. At 58, his charm still remains undisputed by any who came after him.
And for someoene new to the enchanting realm of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, often lovingly referred to as "King Khan," is an iconic figure known for his magnetic screen presence, versatile acting, and, above all, his portrayal of love on the silver screen. His dialogue delivery, often filled with poetic charm, has given audiences some of the most memorable lines in Indian cinema. As the "King of Romance," Shah Rukh Khan has become a cultural icon, representing the epitome of love and passion in the world of Bollywood.
When Shah Rukh Khan spreads his arms and says to his heroine in his most popular film of all time, "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (DDLJ):
"Senorita, bade bade deshon mein aisi chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rehti hai, Senorita." (Which translated into English, means, "In big countries, such small things keep happening, Senorita."), there isn't a single heart that can resist flattering. There is something about his eyes and his charm that makes even some of his rather outlandish dialogues seem romantic. Trivia: DDLJ has been running in a theater in Mumbai, since its release in 1995 every day to date, thanks to the never ending appeal of its leading man as a flag-bearer for the romantic hero.
Shah Rukh Khan's journey to stardom began in the late 1980s, and since then, he has become a global phenomenon, winning hearts far beyond the borders of India. His films have resonated with audiences worldwide, and while he has since shifted gears to a more nuanced genre of filmmaking, with a significant interest in action packed massy storytelling, his impact on the romance genre remains unparalleled. He still remains the longest reigning king of romance.
What sets Shah Rukh Khan apart is his ability to embody the essence of romance in its various forms—be it the passionate lover, the charming dreamer, or the devoted partner. His characters are not just roles he plays; they become timeless representations of love that transcend cultural boundaries. From the heartwarming Raj in "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" to the intense Rahul in "Dil To Pagal Hai," each character has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.
One of Shah Rukh Khan's most celebrated collaborations is with director Yash Chopra, often hailed as the "King of Romance" himself. The duo created cinematic magic with films like "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge," "Dil To Pagal Hai," and "Veer-Zaara," setting the standard for epic love stories in Bollywood.
Even now, Shah Rukh Khan’s presence in a romantic music video guarantees the film to open at ground-breaking numbers, like his recent outing “Dunki”. Shah Rukh Khan also tries to call back at his iconic moments from the 90’s and 00’s, ever so often in his later films, as a hat tip to all his fans who hold on to him as the ‘king of romance’. There is something magical about his lament as the iconic ‘Devdaas’, whose love story remains unfulfilled as a curse of destiny. You feel the agony of a lost love in his eyes, as he drinks himself to death in this tragic romance. You feel the beauty in the pain of love, in his films like ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’, ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’, and ‘My Name is Khan’. When Shah Rukh Khan feels the pangs of love and loss, there isn't a dry eye in the room.
Beyond his on-screen persona, Shah Rukh Khan is also widely known for his charisma, wit, and philanthropy in the real world. There is a reason why his birthday is celebrated like a festival, with hoards of millions gathering under his apartment in Mumbai, to sneak a glimpse of the King, spreading his arms in gratitude for his well-wishers and admirers. His impact extends far beyond the realm of cinema, making him a beloved and influential figure both in India and around the globe.
"Shah Rukh isn’t a feminist icon..… But when measuring screen time and dialogue of his biggest hits relative to his contemporaries, Shah Rukh’s films are found to have more time and space for women’s words. Female characters tend to play a more equal part in his oeuvre, perhaps because establishing romantic love or familial harmony requires women to participate...from Mubai to Morocco... He isn’t a feminist icon, but certainly a female one." notes economist Shrayana Bhattacharya in her book titled " Desperately seeking Shahrukh: India's lonely young women and the search for intimacy and independence". Such is the gold standard set by the King of romance.
But perhaps, this is also one of the reasons he continues to rule the hearts of women across generations: what differenciates Shah Rukh's love on screen from all the other testesterone laden bollywood heroes is then perhaps more than the softness of his eyes: it is this female quotient that redirects our gaze and makes his pairing iconic with anyone who has the priviledge to play his lady-love.
So, if you are looking to be inspired on how to be romantic, or wanting to have a movie night for Valentine's Day , or simply just beginning to explore the magic of Bollywood, the films of Shah Rukh Khan, going back to the unfiltered, unabashed 90s, are a perfect introduction to the power of love and the magnetic allure of the "King of Romance." But no guarantees here: some of the dialogues can only be sold to your lover if Shah Rukh Khan is the one saying them while gazing into their eyes in all his majestic grandeur.
