Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Shah Rukh Khan
How Shah Rukh Khan built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Shah Rukh Khan, also known as SRK, is a highly successful Indian actor and film producer, often dubbed the "Baadshah of Bollywood" and "King Khan". He has starred in over 100 films, receiving numerous awards, including a National Film Award and 15 Filmfare Awards. Khan has also been honored with the Padma Shri by the Indian government and the Order of Arts and Letters and Legion of Honour by the French government. He enjoys a large global fanbase, particularly in Asia and among the Indian diaspora, and is recognized as one of the world's most successful film stars.
1988: First Starring Role in Dil Dariya
In 1988, Khan's first starring role was in Lekh Tandon's television series 'Dil Dariya', which began shooting, but production delays occurred.
1989: Television Debut with Fauji
In 1989, Khan's television debut was in the Raj Kumar Kapoor directed series 'Fauji', where he played the leading role of Abhimanyu Rai.
April 1991: Decision to Act in Films
In April 1991, Khan decided to act in films as a way to escape the grief of his mother's death and moved to Mumbai.
June 1992: Film Debut with Deewana Release
In June 1992, Shah Rukh Khan's film debut was in 'Deewana', which became a box office hit and launched his Bollywood career. He also started shooting his first film with Hema Malini.
1992: Appearance in Idiot
In 1992, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in Mani Kaul's miniseries 'Idiot'.
1992: Hindi Film Debut with Deewana
In 1992, Shah Rukh Khan made his Hindi film debut with the musical romance 'Deewana'.
1993: Recognition for Villainous Roles
In 1993, Shah Rukh Khan gained recognition for playing villainous roles in the films 'Baazigar' and 'Darr'.
1993: Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Baazigar
In 1993, Shah Rukh Khan won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Baazigar".
1994: Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa and Anjaam
In 1994, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' and won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role for his role in 'Anjaam'.
1995: Starring in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
In 1995, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', a top-grossing romantic film.
1995: Release of Karan Arjun and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
In 1995, Shah Rukh Khan starred in seven films, including 'Karan Arjun', which became the second-highest-grossing film of the year. He also starred in 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', which became the year's highest-grossing production and established him as a "romantic hero".
1995: Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
In 1995, Shah Rukh Khan won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge".
1996: Khan's films fail critically and commercially
In 1996, all four of Shah Rukh Khan's film releases were unsuccessful critically and commercially.
1997: Performance in Asha Bhosle's Moments in Time concert
In 1997, Shah Rukh Khan performed in Asha Bhosle's Moments in Time concert in Malaysia.
1997: Starring in Yes Boss, Pardes and Dil To Pagal Hai
In 1997, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Yes Boss', which earned him a Filmfare Best Actor nomination. He also starred in 'Pardes', which was successful in the United States, and 'Dil To Pagal Hai', which won him his third Best Actor Award at Filmfare.
1997: Starring in Dil To Pagal Hai
In 1997, Shah Rukh Khan starred in the top-grossing romantic film 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.
1997: Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Dil To Pagal Hai
In 1997, Shah Rukh Khan won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Dil To Pagal Hai".
1998: Starring in Duplicate, Dil Se.., and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
In 1998, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Duplicate', 'Dil Se..', and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. 'Duplicate' was not well received, but Khan received praise for his performance in 'Dil Se..', and he won the Best Actor award at the Filmfare Awards ceremony for 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'.
1998: Starring in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
In 1998, Shah Rukh Khan starred in the top-grossing romantic film 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'.
1998: Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
In 1998, Shah Rukh Khan won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai".
1999: Co-Producing Films with Dreamz Unlimited
From 1999, Shah Rukh Khan co-produced three films as a founding member of Dreamz Unlimited.
1999: Starring in Baadshah and becoming a producer
In 1999, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Baadshah', which earned him a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Performance in a Comic Role. He also became a producer in collaboration with Juhi Chawla and Aziz Mirza for a production company called Dreamz Unlimited.
2000: Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and Hey Ram releases
In 2000, Dreamz Unlimited's first production, 'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani', starring Khan and Chawla, was a commercial failure. Also in 2000, Khan played a supporting role in Kamal Haasan's 'Hey Ram', making his Tamil debut.
2000: Playback Singing in Josh
In 2000, Shah Rukh Khan did playback singing for his film 'Josh', singing the song "Apun Bola Tu Meri Laila".
2000: Success of Mohabbatein
In 2000, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Mohabbatein', which was a commercial success and earned him his second Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor.
2001: Release of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
In 2001, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', which he cites as a turning point in his career. The film became the top-grossing Indian production of all time in the overseas market for the next five years.
2002: Critical Acclaim for Devdas
In 2002, Shah Rukh Khan earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of an alcoholic in the period romantic drama 'Devdas'.
2002: Featuring in 'From India With Love'
In 2002, Shah Rukh Khan featured alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Preity Zinta, and Aishwarya Rai in the show 'From India With Love' at Manchester's Old Trafford and London's Hyde Park, an event attended by over 100,000 people.
2002: Starring in Devdas
In 2002, Shah Rukh Khan played the title role in 'Devdas', which became a box office success and earned him numerous accolades, including a Filmfare Award for Best Actor and a BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language.
2002: Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Devdas
In 2002, Shah Rukh Khan won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Devdas".
2003: Starring in Kal Ho Naa Ho
In 2003, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho', which became the second-highest-grossing film domestically and the top-grossing Bollywood film in external markets that year. Conflict also broke out between Khan and the other partners of Dreamz Unlimited.
2003: Recognition in Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema
In 2003, the Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema stated that Khan "defied the image of the conventional hero in both these films and created his own version of the revisionist hero".
2003: Dissolution of Dreamz Unlimited
In 2003, the partnership Dreamz Unlimited was dissolved and Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri restructured the company as Red Chillies Entertainment.
2004: Temptations 2004 Tour
In 2004, Shah Rukh Khan participated in the Temptations 2004 concert tour, performing skits and dancing alongside Arjun Rampal, Priyanka Chopra, and other Bollywood stars at 22 venues across the world.
2004: Release of Swades
In 2004, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Swades', portraying a NASA scientist. He won the Filmfare Best Actor Award for his performance.
2004: Starring in Veer-Zaara and Swades
In 2004, Shah Rukh Khan starred in the top-grossing film 'Veer-Zaara' and earned critical acclaim for his role as a NASA scientist in the social drama 'Swades'.
2004: Red Chillies Entertainment and releases of Main Hoon Na and Veer-Zaara
In 2004, Shah Rukh Khan transformed Dreamz Unlimited into Red Chillies Entertainment. He starred in 'Main Hoon Na' and 'Veer-Zaara', which were both commercially successful. 'Veer-Zaara' was the highest earning film of 2004 in India, and 'Main Hoon Na' was the second-highest earner.
2004: Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Swades
In 2004, Shah Rukh Khan won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Swades".
2004: Retrospective Review of Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa
In a retrospective review from 2004, Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com referred to Shah Rukh Khan's performance in 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' as his best performance.
2005: Starring in Paheli
In 2005, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Paheli', which was India's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 79th Academy Awards.
2006: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Don Releases
In 2006, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna', which became India's highest-grossing film in the overseas market. He also starred in 'Don', a remake of the 1978 film of the same name. Both performances earned him Best Actor nominations at the Filmfare Awards.
2006: Starring in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
In 2006, Shah Rukh Khan starred in the top-grossing romantic film 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'.
2007: Starring in Chak De! India and Om Shanti Om
In 2007, Shah Rukh Khan earned critical acclaim for his role as a hockey coach in the sports drama 'Chak De! India' and had commercial success with the romance 'Om Shanti Om'.
2007: Hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati
In 2007, Shah Rukh Khan replaced Amitabh Bachchan as the host of "Kaun Banega Crorepati", the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", for one season.
2007: Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Chak De! India
In 2007, Shah Rukh Khan won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Chak De! India".
2008: Starring in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
In 2008, Shah Rukh Khan had commercial success with the romance 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi'.
2008: Refusing Role in Slumdog Millionaire
In 2008, Shah Rukh Khan refused a role in 'Slumdog Millionaire', which subsequently went to Anil Kapoor.
2008: Temptation Reloaded Concerts and Airtel-Bindass Concert Tour
In 2008, Shah Rukh Khan set up Temptation Reloaded, a series of concerts touring several countries. He also performed alongside Dino Morea, Rani Mukerji, and Dia Mirza at the Airtel-Bindass concert tour.
2008: Acquisition of Kolkata Knight Riders
In 2008, Shah Rukh Khan, in partnership with Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, acquired ownership rights for the Kolkata franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for US$75.09 million, naming the team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
2009: KKR's Brand Value
As of 2009, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), owned by Shah Rukh Khan and partners, had a brand value of US$42.1 million, making it one of the richest teams in the IPL.
2010: Critical Acclaim for My Name Is Khan
In 2010, Shah Rukh Khan earned critical acclaim for his role as a man with Asperger syndrome in the drama 'My Name Is Khan'.
2010: Concert in Dhaka, Bangladesh
In 2010, Shah Rukh Khan performed alongside Rani Mukherji, Arjun Rampal, and Ishaa Koppikar in a concert at the St. Joseph High School field in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2010: Release of My Name Is Khan
In 2010, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'My Name Is Khan', which was his fourth collaboration with director Karan Johar and his sixth with Kajol. The movie earned Khan his eighth Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
2010: Filmfare Award for Best Actor for My Name Is Khan
In 2010, Shah Rukh Khan won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in "My Name Is Khan".
2011: UNESCO's Pyramide con Marni award
In 2011, Khan was honoured with UNESCO's Pyramide con Marni award for his support of children's education.
2011: Appearing on Zor Ka Jhatka: Total Wipeout
In 2011, Shah Rukh Khan appeared on Imagine TV's "Zor Ka Jhatka: Total Wipeout", the Indian version of "Wipeout". However, the show performed poorly and became the lowest-rated show hosted by a Bollywood star.
2011: Performance at IPL Opening Ceremony
In 2011, Shah Rukh Khan performed alongside Sunidhi Chauhan and Shriya Saran at the opening ceremony of the IPL season, dancing to Tamil songs.
2011: Starring in Ra.One and Don 2
In 2011, Shah Rukh Khan starred in the superhero film 'Ra.One' and 'Don 2', a sequel to 'Don'. Ra.One was billed as Bollywood's most expensive production and Don 2 was showcased at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival.
2011: Appointment as Global Ambassador
In 2011, Shah Rukh Khan was appointed by UNOPS as the first global ambassador of the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council. He also received UNESCO's Pyramide con Marni award for his charitable commitment to provide education for children.
2011: Involvement in Ra.One Production
In 2011, Shah Rukh Khan was involved in several aspects of the making of 'Ra.One', including producing, writing the console game script, and overseeing technical development.
2012: Khan breaks his no-kissing rule
In 2012, Shah Rukh Khan broke his long-standing rule of not kissing his co-stars on screen, after being strongly urged by Yash Chopra.
2012: Jakarta Concert with Bipasha Basu
In 2012, Shah Rukh Khan held a concert in Jakarta with Bipasha Basu and others.
2012: Singing in Jab Tak Hai Jaan
In 2012, Shah Rukh Khan sang in the movie 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'.
2012: KKR Wins First IPL Title
In 2012, the Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by Shah Rukh Khan and partners, won their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
2013: Appearance at IPL
In 2013, Shah Rukh Khan appeared alongside Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Pitbull at the IPL.
2013: Success with Chennai Express
In 2013, Shah Rukh Khan expanded to comedies with 'Chennai Express', achieving commercial success.
2013: Concerts in Auckland, Perth, and Sydney
In 2013, Shah Rukh Khan's series of concerts visited Auckland, Perth, and Sydney.
2014: Ambassador for Interpol's Campaign
In 2014, Shah Rukh Khan became the ambassador for Interpol's campaign "Turn Back Crime".
2014: Success with Happy New Year
In 2014, Shah Rukh Khan had commercial success with the comedy 'Happy New Year'.
2014: SLAM! The Tour and Hosting Got Talent World Stage Live
In 2014, Shah Rukh Khan performed in SLAM! The Tour in the US, Canada, and London. He also hosted the Indian premiere of the live talent show, Got Talent World Stage Live.
2014: KKR Wins Second IPL Title
In 2014, the Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by Shah Rukh Khan and partners, won their second Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
2015: Co-chairman of Red Chillies Entertainment
As of 2015, Khan is co-chairman of the motion picture production company Red Chillies Entertainment and its subsidiaries.
2015: Red Chillies Entertainment Production
As of 2015, Red Chillies Entertainment has produced or co-produced at least nine films.
2015: Release of Dilwale
In 2015, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in 'Dilwale' alongside Kajol, Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon. The film garnered mixed reviews.
2015: Revocation of Wankhede Stadium Ban
In 2015, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) revoked the ban on Shah Rukh Khan from the Wankhede Stadium.
2016: Mumbai Police Conclusion Regarding Wankhede Incident
In 2016, Mumbai Police concluded that no cognisable offence was made out against Shah Rukh Khan regarding the 2012 incident at Wankhede Stadium, confirming he was not drunk or abusive.
2016: Starring in Fan and Dear Zindagi
In 2016, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Fan' and 'Dear Zindagi'.
2017: Hosting TED Talks India Nayi Soch
In 2017, Shah Rukh Khan began hosting "TED Talks India Nayi Soch", a talk show produced by TED Conferences, LLC, which aired on STAR Plus.
2017: Roles in Raees and Jab Harry Met Sejal
In 2017, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Raees' and 'Jab Harry Met Sejal'.
2018: World Economic Forum's Crystal Award
In 2018, Khan received the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award for advocating for women's and children's rights in India.
2018: Release of Zero
In 2018, Shah Rukh Khan reunited with Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif in Aanand L Rai's romantic drama 'Zero'.
2018: Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum
In 2018, Shah Rukh Khan was honored by the World Economic Forum with their annual Crystal Award for his leadership in championing children's and women's rights in India.
2018: Suhana Khan as assistant director for 'Zero'
In 2018, Suhana Khan served as assistant director for Shah Rukh Khan's film 'Zero'.
October 2019: Feature in Mahatma Gandhi Tribute Video
In October 2019, Shah Rukh Khan featured in a video launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.
November 2019: Suhana Khan's acting debut in 'The Grey Part of Blue'
In November 2019, Suhana Khan made her acting debut in a short film titled 'The Grey Part of Blue'.
April 2020: COVID-19 Relief Initiatives
In April 2020, Shah Rukh Khan announced a series of initiatives to help the government of India and various state governments mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. He also provided relief measures for underprivileged people and daily wage labourers affected by the lockdown, and offered his personal office as a quarantine center.
2022: Special Appearances in Films
In 2022, after a four-year break, Shah Rukh Khan made extended special appearances in 'Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva' and 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect'.
2023: Career Comeback with Pathaan and Jawan
In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan made a career comeback with the action thrillers 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan', both ranking among the highest-grossing Indian films. He received the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Jawan.
2023: Reuniting with Yash Raj Films in Pathaan and Jawan
In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan starred in 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan', with Jawan breaking the records set by Pathaan. For his performance in Jawan, he received his first National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
2023: Release of Dunki
In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan starred in Rajkumar Hirani's 'Dunki', a social drama about illegal immigration.
2024: KKR Wins Third IPL Title
In 2024, the Kolkata Knight Riders won their third IPL title.
2025: National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Jawan
In 2025, Shah Rukh Khan won the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Jawan.
2026: Upcoming Role in King
In 2026, Shah Rukh Khan will star with his daughter in Siddharth Anand's 'King'.
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