Shah Rukh Khan: ‘I say it with all humility, I am the last of the stars’

As a superstar who lives his life in the glare of cameras and headlines, much has been written about Shah Rukh Khan—his passion, his craft, his humility and the love he spreads around. But beyond the films, the news, and the star persona is a man who has come to mean many different things to his ever-growing legion of fans.

Whether as Rahul Raichand or Raj Malhotra, Mohan Bhargava or Rizwan Khan, Aman Mathur or Kabir Khan, the many personas that ‘King Khan’ has embraced for his films have become forever etched in the minds of countless moviegoers. This book presents portraits of the star’s inspirational life and unearths what he means to people in every corner of the world—be it a taxi driver in Paris, an Irishwoman in London, three generations of women in a family in Pakistan or screaming fans across Europe, Asia, the US, the Middle East and, of course, India.

With intimate stories, fan accounts and never-before-seen photographs of the man who rules the hearts of more than half the world’s people, this book is as much a paean to Shah Rukh’s career as a tribute to the man himself —the star, the icon, the legend, SHAH RUKH KHAN.

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Bushra Ahmed, Executive Editor – HarperCollins India, says, ‘Shah Rukh Khan has not only redefined stardom but has also become an indelible part of our cultural fabric. Like many all over the world, I have grown up watching his films, and while editing the book, as I read heartfelt stories from fans one after another, I marvelled at how many lives, and hearts, he has touched. Releasing on his birthday, this book is a celebration of his journey, his impact, and SRK himself – the perfect tribute to the man who has given us so much – both on-screen and off it.’

Mohar Basu, Author – ‘Growing up as a single child with parents in transferable jobs, I didn’t know what enduring friendships felt like. The only constant in my life was Shah Rukh Khan. He became my conversation starter and the reason I was always able to make friends, despite being the “new girl in school”. It’s been thirty-three years of watching him, and after the phenomenon of Pathaan, it felt like the right time to explore why our love for Shah Rukh hits differently. Writing this book was like peeling back layers of my own memories, alongside the stories of so many others who found solace, joy, and a sense of belonging because of him. Beyond being a collection of fan experiences, this book is a reflection on how one man’s dreams can inspire us to chase our own. Shah Rukh reminds us of a time when hope was within reach. As our realities grow starker, maybe a fairytale can help us believe in dreams again.’

As a globally recognized star, Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most photographed human beings sought after by photographers from around the world. Pradeep Bandekar, the late veteran press photographer, was one of them. He has contributed forty never-seen-before pictures for the book from his collection.

Prathamesh Bandekar, son of Pradeep Bandekar – ‘My father was incredibly excited about the book because it was dedicated to his favourite actor. I often joked with him that he had more pictures with Shah Rukh Khan than with me! When I was just starting out – the industry was transitioning from film to digital – I vividly remember that one day when Shah Rukh called my father and I to Sankraman Studio on an extremely rainy day and gifted us our first digital camera. My father was over the moon that day. I hope that wherever my father is now, he is blessing this book with all his heart. I know he would have been immensely proud and delighted by the love and dedication poured into it, and I do hope readers enjoy these photos, as much as we enjoyed curating them, which give a glimpse of the actor, like never before.’