I remember seeing him for the first time, a boy standing in the mustard fields with arms spread wide... I must have been three. Of course, I didn't know then what he would come to mean to me. But now that I do, I realise that Shah Rukh Khan makes everyone feel the same. That love is possible, dreams do come true and that even the most ordinary person can be extraordinary. I started off cutting SRK's photos out of magazines and newspapers, protecting every image as a treasure. Now, as a journalist, I find myself on the other side, getting a close glimpse of the man, his myth and his legacy. As King Khan steps into his 60th year, I found myself speaking to sixty people across the industry, actors, filmmakers, newcomers, and friends, trying to understand what it is about him that moves people so deeply. Some know him closely, some have met him only once, and for others, he's still a distant dream. Yet, their words are all filled with the same warmth and a sense of belonging.
One might ask, what is the big deal about a man turning 60? Maybe nothing. But in this 60-year-old Shah Rukh, we still see the young army recruit, full of raw energy, we see the hopeless romantic Sunil, the Rahul that stands up to his family for love, the father who would give his life for his son, and the Baadshah who ruled the silver screen and hearts. Listening to these 60 voices made me realise once again that he is not just a star, he is an emotion.
The Shah Rukh Khan We Know These people have seen the man behind the myth. The good, bad, ugly and the fabulous. For Manish Malhotra, Kajol, Maheep Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, SRK isn't just the superstar the world worships. He is a friend and a guide. Some have shared decades of friendship with him, others have grown up with him as a guiding presence. Here's what they have to say. Kajol: Shah Rukh has always been more than a co-star-he's a friend and a man who inspires humility and hard work simply by doing it himself. From the first moment we stepped on screen together, his generosity and brilliance lifted every scene. The way he connects with the audience, the way he respects his craft, the way he makes everyone around him feel valued-those qualities make him truly beloved, not just by me, but by the entire industry. Happy 60th, SRK. Manish Malhotra: Shah Rukh has always been warm and grounded. He hasn't changed with time, and I think that's what truly makes him who he is. Stardom has never taken away his sincerity or how real he is with people. He's the superstar who connects with everyone. He's disciplined and genuinely passionate about what he does. I've known him for over three decades, and I've never seen him take anything for granted. That charm, consistency, and authenticity make him the king of people's hearts. There are so many memories with him, and each memory and moment with him is special. He does what he says, and he's always there with warmth and affection. Whether it's supporting a cause or being part of someone's celebrations, he always shows up. He brings a sense of joy and genuineness with him every single time. His conversations are mesmerising- intelligent, worldly, and visionary. Beyond being a phenomenal actor, he's a phenomenal friend and a phenomenal human being.
Ananya Panday: He's just pure magic, on screen and off it! The way he makes everyone around him feel seen, special and loved is something I really admire. There is no one like him! Grateful to have shared even a tiny part of his world. Wishing him a very happy birthday! Shanaya Kapoor: A special memory I share with Shah Rukh sir is from when I was growing up. Whenever we travelled to London - Suhana, Ananya, and I - he would take us shopping. He was like Santa Claus for us. He once bought me a parrot green Juicy Couture outfit, teasing my mom that it was too loud, and even got me my first heart-shaped makeup kit. Once, I really wanted a Bratz doll with roller skates and yellow hair, but I was leaving the next day and felt left out. He asked which one I wanted and promised he'd get it. When I came home, the exact doll was waiting in my room. I was on top of the world. That's who he is - the kindest, most thoughtful person, and that memory is forever etched in my heart. Maheep Kapoor: You can't possibly describe Shah Rukh Khan in just one or two lines. He's one of a kind, truly unique. But for me, the most endearing part about him is how he is with my kids, actually, with all the kids. There's such immense love and trust that they have for him, especially my daughter Shanaya (Kapoor). It's something that's been ingrained in them since childhood; the trust factor they share with him is unshakable. There's a small incident that perfectly explains this. One day, Bhavana, Gauri, and I were sitting in the garden, and the kids kept coming to us every five minutes, bothering us with their energy. Just to keep them occupied, we jokingly told them to take a bucket and dig up some emeralds, diamonds, and ru