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Celebrating 33 years of Shah Rukh Khan: 20 iconic films that defined his stardom

Updated On: 26 June, 2025 06:20 PM IST | Athulya Nambiar

Superstar. Icon. King of Bollywood. Shah Rukh Khan’s journey over 33 years has been nothing short of legendary. From changing the face of heroism in the ’90s to becoming a global force in the 2020s, SRK built an era through passion, charm, and unforgettable roles. Whether romantic, intense, flawed, or fierce, his characters live on in our hearts. As we mark 33 years of SRK’s reign, here are 20 films that shaped his stardom and our everlasting love for him:

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Baazigar (1993) and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)

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Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Baazigar (1993) and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995)
Deewana (1992)
SRK burst onto the silver screen with electrifying energy. Deewana, his Bollywood debut film which released in 1992, showcased his charm and unconventional appeal

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Deewana (1992)

SRK burst onto the silver screen with electrifying energy. Deewana, his Bollywood debut film which released in 1992, showcased his charm and unconventional appeal

Baazigar (1993)
Playing an anti-hero in a Bollywood landscape filled with noble leads was a risk, one that paid off. His layered performance proved he was more than just a romantic face

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Baazigar (1993)

Playing an anti-hero in a Bollywood landscape filled with noble leads was a risk, one that paid off. His layered performance proved he was more than just a romantic face

Darr (1993)
'KKKK...Kiran!' — Need we say more? SRK’s obsessive lover sent chills down spines, solidifying his status as a powerhouse performer

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Darr (1993)

'KKKK...Kiran!' — Need we say more? SRK’s obsessive lover sent chills down spines, solidifying his status as a powerhouse performer

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Raj became the nation’s collective crush. This eternal love story redefined romance in Bollywood and made SRK the undisputed King of Hearts

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Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Raj became the nation’s collective crush. This eternal love story redefined romance in Bollywood and made SRK the undisputed King of Hearts

Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)
SRK as Rahul danced his way into our hearts in this dreamy, musical tribute to love and destiny

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Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)

SRK as Rahul danced his way into our hearts in this dreamy, musical tribute to love and destiny

Dil Se (1998)
SRK’s portrayal of a journalist entangled in a doomed love story was hauntingly poetic and intense

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Dil Se (1998)

SRK’s portrayal of a journalist entangled in a doomed love story was hauntingly poetic and intense

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
College crushes, friendship, and love triangles—SRK, a friend, father, and lover emotionally conflicted, Rahul stole the show here too

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Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

College crushes, friendship, and love triangles—SRK, a friend, father, and lover emotionally conflicted, Rahul stole the show here too

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001)
SRK balanced flamboyance and emotional depth in this family epic, especially in his heart-wrenching scenes with Jaya Bachchan and as a romantic husband with Kajol

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Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001)

SRK balanced flamboyance and emotional depth in this family epic, especially in his heart-wrenching scenes with Jaya Bachchan and as a romantic husband with Kajol

Devdas (2002)
His portrayal of the tragic, broken Devdas earned critical acclaim. Lavish and deeply emotional, it was also Bollywood’s grand debut at Cannes

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Devdas (2002)

His portrayal of the tragic, broken Devdas earned critical acclaim. Lavish and deeply emotional, it was also Bollywood’s grand debut at Cannes

Veer-Zaara (2004)
This cross-border love story brought out SRK’s soft, soulful side, showing love’s ability to endure time and borders

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Veer-Zaara (2004)

This cross-border love story brought out SRK’s soft, soulful side, showing love’s ability to endure time and borders

Swades (2004)
A subtle, grounded performance that veered away from commercial glam. Mohan Bhargava was perhaps SRK’s most real and relatable character

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Swades (2004)

A subtle, grounded performance that veered away from commercial glam. Mohan Bhargava was perhaps SRK’s most real and relatable character

Don (2006)
SRK brought swagger and menace to this stylish remake, redefining the gangster archetype for a new era

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Don (2006)

SRK brought swagger and menace to this stylish remake, redefining the gangster archetype for a new era

Chak De! India (2007)
As Kabir Khan, the disgraced hockey coach seeking redemption, SRK delivered a stirring, motivational performance that became iconic

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Chak De! India (2007)

As Kabir Khan, the disgraced hockey coach seeking redemption, SRK delivered a stirring, motivational performance that became iconic

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)
Two avatars, one heart. SRK’s subtlety as Surinder and flair as Raj showed his incredible range in a single film

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Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)

Two avatars, one heart. SRK’s subtlety as Surinder and flair as Raj showed his incredible range in a single film

My Name Is Khan (2010)
Portraying a man with Asperger’s syndrome on a mission of peace, SRK brought empathy and sensitivity to a complex role

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My Name Is Khan (2010)

Portraying a man with Asperger’s syndrome on a mission of peace, SRK brought empathy and sensitivity to a complex role

Chennai Express (2013)
A perfect mix of action, comedy, and romance, this film reminded us of SRK’s impeccable comic timing

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Chennai Express (2013)

A perfect mix of action, comedy, and romance, this film reminded us of SRK’s impeccable comic timing

Fan (2016)
Playing both a superstar and his obsessive admirer, SRK flexed his acting muscles in one of his most underrated performances

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Fan (2016)

Playing both a superstar and his obsessive admirer, SRK flexed his acting muscles in one of his most underrated performances

Dear Zindagi (2016)
As Dr. Jehangir, a psychologist, SRK gave us wisdom, warmth, and one of the most calming on-screen presences in recent memory

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Dear Zindagi (2016)

As Dr. Jehangir, a psychologist, SRK gave us wisdom, warmth, and one of the most calming on-screen presences in recent memory

Raees (2017)
A morally grey character done right, SRK delivered grit, glamour, and gravitas in this gangster drama

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Raees (2017)

A morally grey character done right, SRK delivered grit, glamour, and gravitas in this gangster drama

Jawan (2023)
This high-octane thriller saw SRK in a dual role that thrilled audiences and proved he’s still at the top of his game

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Jawan (2023)

This high-octane thriller saw SRK in a dual role that thrilled audiences and proved he’s still at the top of his game

Photo of Day

Global AI leaders join PM Modi in a bid to push for a smarter, inclusive future

Global AI leaders join PM Modi in a bid to push for a smarter, inclusive future

PM Narendra Modi joins hands with Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and others during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, in New Delhi. PIC/PTI

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