King Khan turns 57 today

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan turns 57 today. When SRK completed 30 years in the Hindi film industry, the superstar conducted an Instagram Live where he spoke about his upcoming film ‘Pathaan.’ The teaser of the hyped film is rumoured to be released today. Debuting in 1992 with the film ‘Deewana,’ King Khan is one of the most successful actors in the Indian film industry. He appeared in more than 80 films. In his journey, he won multiple awards including, the Padma Shri award and 15 Filmfare Awards. On his birthday, The Business Post picks 5 movies and quotes by King Khan, which defined Bollywood for the past three decades

Karan Arjun

Released in 1995, towards the beginning of Khan’s film career, Karan Arjun is a movie about revenge. The film revolves around the story of the two titular brothers who seek revenge from their greedy uncle for murdering their father, but are killed by him and are reincarnated to complete the revenge. The film received positive reviews from critics and grossed around $20 million, emerging as a blockbuster and the second-highest-grossing Bollywood film of 1995.

“Kiss Gaalon Pe Nahi … Hoton Pe Kiya Jata Hai…” (“Kiss is not supposed to be on the cheeks… it should be on the lips…”) —SRK as Arjun Singh in ‘Karan Arjun’

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge was also released in 1995, a well-praised film by critics and audiences alike when it came out, and still has a timeless feel to its story. This one film still appeals to audiences not only in India but in abroad as well. The plot revolves around Raj and Simran, two young non-resident Indians, who fall in love during a vacation through Europe with their friends. Raj tries to win over Simran’s family so the couple can marry, but Simran’s father has long since promised her hand to his friend’s son. The film earned 60 million worldwide and was the highest-grossing Indian film of 1995 and one of the most successful Indian films in history.

“It’s alright senorita, bade bade deshon mein aaisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hai” (“It’s Alright Senorita, such petty things keep happening in big countries.”) —SRK as Raj Malhotra in ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’

Devdas

‘Devdas’ is a 2002 Indian Hindi-language period romantic drama film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit in lead roles. Based on the 1917 novel of the same name by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, the film narrates the story of Devdas Mukherjee played by Shah Rukh Khan, a wealthy law graduate who returns from London to marry his childhood friend, Parvati ‘Paro’ played by Aishwarya. However, the rejection of their marriage by his own family sparks his descent into alcoholism, ultimately leading to his emotional deterioration and his seeking refuge with the golden-hearted courtesan Chandramukhi (Madhuri). The film was a major commercial success and emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year.

“Babuji ne kaha gaon chhod do… sab ne kaha Paro ko chhod do… Paro ne kaha sharab chhod do. Aaj tumne keh diya haweli chhod do… ek din aayega jab woh kahenge, duniya hi chhod do” (“Father said to leave the village… Everyone said to leave Paro… Paro said to quit alcohol. Today you are saying to leave the mansion… A day will come when people will say to leave this earth”) —SRK as Devdas in ‘Devdas’

Swades

Swades released in 2004. In the film Khan stars as Mohan, who works at NASA. Although his parents died in a car crash, he finds himself reminiscing about his nanny back in Uttar Pradesh and one day wishes that he can bring her to the United States with him. When he returns home to find her, he discovers that she is living in the village with his childhood friend, who, naturally, does not want the nanny to leave. The longer he stays in the village, the more injustices he witnesses, whether caste discrimination or socio-economic discrimination and the more he wishes to stay and make a difference.

“Main nahi manta hamara desh duniya ka sabse mahaan desh hai ... lekin yeh zaroor manta hoon ... ki hum mein kabliyat hai, taqat hai, apne desh ko mahaan banane ki” (I don’t believe our country is the best country in the world ... but I do believe ... that we have the potential and the strength, to make it the best”) —SRK as Mohan Bhargav in ‘Swades’

Baazigar

Shah Rukh Khan played a young boy Ajay Sharma, who seeks revenge for his father’s death caused by the actions of his trusted employer Madan Chopra (Dalip Tahil). Baazigar centres on the anti-hero character and made Shah Rukh Khan into a star. It’s a loose remake of the Hollywood hit A Kiss before Dying. Abbas-Mustan changed the plot to suit the Indian palette. Songs by Anu Malik were a hit as well. And the comedy track involving Johnny Lever too added an air of hilarity to the otherwise grim proceedings. The film belonged to Shah Rukh Khan who blew the audience away with a strong balanced performance of a multi-layered character.

“Kabhi kabhi jeetne ke liye kuch haarna bhi padta hai ... aur haar kar jeetne waale ko baazigar kehte hai” (Sometimes to win, you must lose something ... and one who wins from a losing position is known as a gambler”) —SRK as Ajay Sharma in ‘Baazigar’