Shah Rukh Khan: Bollywood’s Enduring Global Icon

As Shah Rukh Khan steps onto the stage at the Locarno Film Festival to receive his career achievement award, it marks another milestone in a vocation that has spanned three decades and redefined Indian cinema on the world stage.

Khan, often referred to by his initials SRK, has been a dominant force in Bollywood since his breakthrough role in the 1993 thriller “Baazigar.” His charisma and versatility quickly established him as a leading man, with romantic comedies like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (1995) cementing his status as Bollywood’s “King of Romance.”

Throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, Khan’s star power seemed unstoppable. He delivered a string of box office hits, including “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” (1998), “Devdas” (2002), and “Kal Ho Naa Ho” (2003). These films not only dominated the domestic market but also found significant audiences in the Indian diaspora, helping to expand Bollywood’s global footprint. Notably, his 1998 film “Dil Se” became the first Indian film to break into the U.K. box office top 10, signaling Bollywood’s growing international appeal.

However, Khan’s career hasn’t been without its challenges. The mid-2010s saw a series of commercial disappointments, including “Fan” (2016), “Zero” (2018) and “Jab Harry Met Sejal” (2017). These setbacks led to speculation about whether the actor’s reign at the top was coming to an end.

Yet, true to form, Khan has demonstrated resilience. The year 2023 marked a triumphant return after a four-year hiatus with three major releases: “Pathaan,” “Jawan,” and “Dunki.” Both “Pathaan” and “Jawan” have joined the ranks of India’s all-time highest-grossing films, reaffirming Khan’s enduring appeal and his ability to evolve with changing audience tastes.

Beyond his on-screen persona, Khan has been a cultural ambassador for Indian cinema. His wit and eloquence have made him a sought-after speaker at international forums, from TED Talks to film festivals. He has used these platforms to discuss the power of storytelling, the evolution of Indian cinema, and the importance of representation in media.

What many international fans might not know is that Khan’s career began on television. He first gained attention in the late 1980s with roles in popular TV series like “Fauji” and “Circus,” showcasing his talent before making the leap to the big screen.

Khan’s influence extends beyond acting. As the co-owner of production company Red Chillies Entertainment, he has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema, both in terms of storytelling and technical innovation. The company’s visual effects division has worked on numerous high-profile projects, elevating the production values of Bollywood films. Khan’s wife Gauri Khan serves as a producer and is actively involved in the company’s operations.

His entrepreneurial spirit extends well beyond film production. He is the co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders, a cricket team in the Indian Premier League. But his sports investments don’t stop there. Khan has expanded his cricket empire globally, acquiring ownership stakes in teams across various T20 leagues. He co-owns the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket in the U.S. and the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the U.A.E.’s International League T20.

The Khan legacy in Bollywood is set to continue with the next generation. Shah Rukh’s daughter, Suhana Khan, made her acting debut in 2023 with the Netflix film “The Archies,” an Indian adaptation of the popular American comics, directed by Zoya Akhtar.

Khan’s global impact extends far beyond his film roles. In 2018, he was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), becoming one of the few Indian actors to be part of the prestigious organization that votes for the Oscars. He is also included in Variety‘s V500, a list of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry.

As Bollywood continues to seek wider international audiences, Khan remains one of its most recognizable faces. His ability to balance mass appeal with critical respect has kept him relevant in an industry known for its rapidly changing trends.

Looking ahead, Khan shows no signs of slowing down. With several high-profile projects in the pipeline, including “Tiger Vs Pathaan,” the next instalment in India’s spy universe, and his production company continuing to push boundaries, he seems poised to remain a central figure in Indian cinema for years to come.

The Locarno lifetime achievement award serves as a reminder of Khan’s contributions to cinema and his role in bringing Bollywood to global audiences. As he accepts this honor, it’s clear that Shah Rukh Khan’s legacy extends far beyond his box office numbers. He has become a cultural touchstone, bridging the gap between Indian cinema and the rest of the world.

Khan’s enduring appeal is a testament to his talent, adaptability and the deep connection he has forged with audiences worldwide. As Bollywood continues to evolve, Shah Rukh Khan’s influence on the industry and his place in the pantheon of global cinema icons seems assured.