For over three decades, Shah Rukh Khan has reigned supreme in Bollywood, earning the title “King Khan” through his magnetic screen presence.
From the charming romantic hero to complex anti-heroes, SRK has created a filmography that spans genres and generations. Let’s explore the iconic roles that have cemented his legendary status in Indian cinema in this blog created by our team at Wedding Affair.
Table of Contents:
- Raj Malhotra – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
- Rahul Mehra – Darr (1993)
- Rahul Khanna – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
- Devdas Mukherjee – Devdas (2002)
- Mohan Bhargava – Swades (2004)
- Kabir Khan – Chak De! India (2007)
- Rizwan Khan – My Name Is Khan (2010)
Raj Malhotra – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Perhaps no other role defines Shah Rukh Khan’s career quite like the iconic Raj from DDLJ. This film didn’t just emerge and become the longest-running movie in Indian cinema history; it simply reinvented romance for an entire generation. As the fun-loving, beer-guzzling NRI who falls in love on a European vacation, SRK created a character that was both modern and traditionally rooted.
Raj’s charm lay in his authenticity. He wasn’t a perfect hero; he was flawed, playful, and deeply respectful of his beloved’s family values. The famous line “Bade bade desh mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hai” became a cultural phenomenon, and the image of SRK standing with arms outstretched has become an enduring symbol of Bollywood romance. This role established the template for the Shah Rukh Khan romantic hero who is confident yet vulnerable, modern yet respectful of tradition.
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Rahul Mehra – Darr (1993)
Before he became the king of romance, Shah Rukh Khan pulled off a huge gamble as an obsessive stalker in Yash Chopra’s psychological thriller. Rahul, with his chilling portrayal and iconic stammer “K-k-k-Kiran,” exhibited the range of SRK as a performer willing to embrace the dark side.
This role was revolutionary because it made audiences sympathise with a character who was essentially the antagonist. Shah Rukh’s performance was so compelling that viewers found themselves torn between the hero and the villain. His intense eyes, nervous energy, and the desperation in his love created a character that was simultaneously terrifying and tragic. It proved that SRK wasn’t just another chocolate-boy hero—he was an actor capable of complex, layered performances.
Rahul Khanna – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Shah Rukh Khan played another timeless Rahul in Karan Johar’s directorial debut, that of a college heartthrob who finds love and loss and second chances. The film was a cultural reset, and the SRK act of the basketball-playing college student who became a sensitive single father won hearts across all ages.
What made this Rahul special was how Shah Rukh navigated the character through different life phases, from the casual, friendship-focused youth to the grief-stricken widower and devoted father. The emotional depth he brought to scenes with his on-screen daughter Anjali made audiences laugh and cry in equal measure. His chemistry with both Kajol and Rani Mukerji set new standards for on-screen romance.
Devdas Mukherjee – Devdas (2002)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s most luxurious rendering of the classic book gave Shah Rukh Khan the chance to play Indian literature’s greatest tragic heroes. He played the self-destructive lover who drowns his grief in alcohol with grand and intimate nuances.
SRK’s Devdas was a visual and emotional spectacle. From the anguished cry of “Paro” to the dignified bearing even in deterioration, he embodied aristocratic tragedy. The role demanded intense emotional range—from passionate love to bitter regret to resigned despair and Shah Rukh delivered a performance that was both theatrical and deeply personal. His portrayal earned him numerous awards and proved he could carry a period drama with gravitas.
Mohan Bhargava – Swades (2004)
In Ashutosh Gowariker’s Swades, Shah Rukh Khan shed off the glamour of stardom to play Mohan, a NASA scientist, who returns to his Indian village and rediscovers his roots. This was SRK at his most restrained and realistic, eschewing his usual charm for subtle, nuanced acting.
Mohan’s journey from an NRI detached from his homeland to someone who chooses to stay and make a difference was depicted with rare honesty. Shah Rukh’s performance was marked by internalisation rather than grand gestures. The scene where he brings electricity to the village, illuminated by the simple joy on his face, remains one of his finest moments on screen. Though the film underperformed commercially, it’s now recognised as one of his most mature and important works.
Kabir Khan – Chak De! India (2007)
Away from romancing, Shah Rukh Khan turned into Kabir Khan, the shamed hockey player who became the coach of the Indian women’s hockey team. In a bearded look and with a lot of fierce attitude, minus the usual romantic subplot, was a revamped SRK.
His portrayal of a man fighting personal demons while moulding a team of diverse, conflicted women into champions was inspirational and powerful. The locker room speech before the final match, where he declares “Sattar minute,” is etched in Bollywood history. Shah Rukh brought authenticity to the sports drama, making Kabir’s redemption arc both believable and deeply moving. The role proved that his star power didn’t rely on romance; it came from his ability to inhabit any character completely.
Rizwan Khan – My Name Is Khan (2010)
In Karan Johar’s post-9/11 drama, Shah Rukh Khan arguably gave his most technically demanding performance as Rizwan Khan, a man with Asperger’s syndrome who embarks on a journey across America to meet the President, modulating his signature charisma and adopting certain physical and verbal mannerisms.
SRK’s dedication to authenticity was evident in every frame. From the rigid body language to the literal interpretation of language to the overwhelmed reactions to sensory stimuli, he created a character that was both specific and universal. The simple declaration “My name is Khan, and I am not a terrorist” became a powerful statement about identity, prejudice, and humanity. This performance showcased Shah Rukh’s commitment to breaking new ground even after two decades in the industry.
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These roles represent just a fraction of Shah Rukh Khan’s contributions to Indian cinema, yet they capture the essence of what makes him exceptional. Whether he’s playing the romantic hero, complex antagonist, patriotic leader, or vulnerable outsider, SRK brings intelligence, intensity, and an ineffable star quality that transcends the screen. His iconic roles have shaped Bollywood’s evolution and created moments that have become part of India’s collective memory.
As he continues to take on new challenges—from his recent action-packed avatars to more experimental cinema—Wedding Affair wishes the King Khan a very happy birthday and a prosperous health to entertain us for many years to come!
