Shah Rukh Khan: A life in pictures

Photographs tell us so much about the person!

Shah Rukh Khan's phenomenal success story is one few can equal.

It would seem things had to turn out great for a man whose name translates to one with a regal countenance. Yet SRK wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

What the middle-clad lad from Delhi did have in abundance is the affection of a doting family -- sadly, both his parents passed away before they could see their son professionally prosper -- and extraordinary energy to match his brilliant, constantly ticking mind.

It's what made all the difference when he left his home turf to make the big leap from theatre and television and try his luck as hero in the city of dreams: Mumbai.

Minus any filmi connections or know-it-all godfathers to monitor his choices, it wasn't long before the floppy-haired, hyper but charismatic SRK achieved his goal.  

He played the goofball, audiences loved him.

He played the underdog, audiences loved him.

He played the wretch, audiences loved him.

He played the romantic, audiences loved him.

Soon, Mumbai became home and Shah Rukh Khan became King Khan. It's been over two decades but the love keeps pouring in for Bollywood's megastar who went on to marry his childhood sweetheart Gauri and turned father to three adorable kids -- Aryan, Suhana and AbRam.

Actor, producer, brand ambassador and cricket franchise owner, SRK's 50th birthday is a special occasion.

On his golden birthday, we look back at some of his most personal, candid, joyous and sentimental moments. Because photos are not just keepsakes of fond nostalgia, they also tell us so much about the person.

In this case, a star, one of the shiniest ones we know.

Even as a shy teenager, SRK is a picture of charm and self-assuredness.

SRK strikes a playful pose around his director buddy Farah Khan and journalist-cum-filmmaker. While the actor's worked under Farah in Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om and Happy New Year, he pitched in a cameo as sutradhar for the latter's Silsilay.

Why that's Karan Johar lending a helping hand to SRK-Juhi in creating a dreamy, romantic moment on the pair's first collaboration as producers, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.

If there's one habit SRK just cannot kick it's smoking, er, chain smoking.

'Yes, I do smoke but then I am unapologetic about it,' he confessed to a publication once.

It's often landed him in legal trouble too. Another one of the Raees star puffing away to glory while filming an interview to Anupam Kher on his TV show Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.

The dilwala and his real life dulhania on their wedding day.

It's throwback time for Bollywood's power couple SRK and Gauri.

Not even a year after Madhuri Dixit shifted to US after marrying Dr Shriram Nene, she made a rare appearance for the Devdas premiere alongside her co-star Shah Rukh Khan. The duo shares a wonderful camaraderie off screen and crackling chemistry on it.

It's so good that these two made up after a brief altercation between SRK and Farah's husband, Shirish Kunder.

Director Rakesh Roshan instructing Raakhee, SRK and Salman on the sets of the super hit reincarnation drama, Karan Arjun.

Two of Bollywood's biggest stars went from friends to foes to friends to foes to it's complicated. A reminder of the happier times from 2005's Sahara One Sangeet Awards hosted in California.

Shah Rukh Khan made an adorable daddy to Anjali on screen.

He's even more hands on while looking out for his cute third born, AbRam.

This photograph from Diwali at the Bachchans could work as an alternate poster for Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. What say, K Jo?

It's always a pleasure to see Kajol and SRK together. Even if to only promote a movie.

Here's a candid of the two discussing My Name is Khan in USA, also where the movie is based.

 

SRK and his costar of Dil Se.., Kal Ho Naa Ho, Veer Zaara -- Preity Zinta killing it during a concert in Muscat.

Back when it was 'hum do, humare do.'

The Chak De! India star humours his wax replica at the prestigious Madame Tussauds.

Not one to shy away from expressing his emotions in public, Shah Rukh is a picture of unbridled joy after his cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders snagged its second cup at Indian Premier League.

At his producer buddy Ali Morani's daughter, Shirin's sangeet, SRK lets his hair down like only he can.

SRK demonstrates his signature pose to the HUGE crowd of fans gathered outside his bungalow, Mannat.

While on fans, what a following this man has!

We are most curious to see how his upcoming project, Fan has shaped up.

Everyone knows about the warm relationship between SRK and director Yash Chopra who chose to cast him as the lead in in all his three films following Darr -- Dil To Pagal Hai, Veer Zaara and Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

Do Read: Shah Rukh Khan interviews Yash Chopra

Flanked by his leggy heroines -- Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, SRK attends the premiere of Chopra's swan song Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

Trust Big B to rope in often squabbling colleagues -- Aamir and SRK -- on the same platform and endorse his kabaddi team.

It's not just Bollywood who danced for him in the star-studded title track of Om Shanti Om, SRK is equally game shaking a leg for Dharmendra and sons -- Sunny and Bobby on the music launch of Yamla Pagla Deewana. Wait, there's also Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan in the frame.

Dilip Kumar has a noticeable influence of many a big stars, be it Amitabh Bachchan or SRK. What's also attractive is the warmth and respect he inspires.

They first worked together on Doordarshan's serial Circus.

But nothing comes close to the critical acclaim SRK garnered under Ashutosh Gowariker's discerning direction in Swades. Here's a lovely candid from the sets in Wai, Maharashtra.

The actor teaches his lungi dance moves to Southern cinema legends Mohanlal and Mammootty at an awards function.

Another instance of SRK's strong impulses.

The Asoka hero goes all out connect to his fans gathered to wish him on Eid outside his Mannat residence.

After working with Karisma on Dil To Pagal Hai, Kareena in Asoka and Ra.One, SRK is all set to star opposite Alia Bhatt in Gauri Shinde's next. Meanwhile, a glimpse of their glamorous inner circle.

It's hard to keep track of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge's numerous anniversaries. We've got one of the cast celebrating 1,000 weeks in theatre on Comedy Nights With Kapil. Raj and Simran forever, indeed!

Yale, Ediburgh, SRK has conquered them all and won our hearts with his moving speeches.

Read his Yale speech right here!

What's his mantra or method? See for yourself.

On the sets of Chennai Express.

Most journalists will swear by how SRK is both -- a delight to hear and interview.

The superstar has a thing for spontaneity. No wonder he sportingly agreed to hop on the ramp and do an impromptu with his K3G costars -- Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan who were walking the ramp for Varun Bahl and KJo at a fashion event.

In witty SRK's own words, 'How is this for varied roles!! How many actors with mustache & curlers have had a meaningful dialogue with a lion?'

More power to Bollywood's ultimate romantic, entertainer and success story.