As Shah Rukh Khan takes to the stage at the Locarno Film Festival to receive the Career Achievement Award, it marks another milestone in a three-decade career that has redefined Indian cinema on the world stage.
Khan, often referred to by his initials, has been a dominant force in Bollywood since his leading role in the 1993 thriller Baazigar. His charisma and versatility quickly established him as a leading man, with romantic comedies such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) cementing his status as Bollywood's “King of Romance”.
Throughout the 1990s 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 a large audience 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 UK box office top 10, indicating Bollywood's growing international appeal.
However, Khan's career has not been without its challenges. The mid-2000s 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.
However, as usual, Khan has shown resilience. 2023 saw a triumphant return after a four-year gap with three major releases: “Pathaan,” “Jawan,” and “Dunki.” Both “Pathaan” and “Jawan” have joined the ranks of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, underscoring Khan’s enduring appeal and 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 the media.
What many international fans may not know is that Khan’s career began on television. He first gained attention in the late 1980s with his roles in popular TV series like “Fauji” and “Circus,” showcasing his talent before making the leap to the big screen.
Khan's influence is not limited to acting. As the co-owner of the 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 department has worked on several high-profile projects, raising the production values of Bollywood films. Khan's wife, Gauri Khan, is a producer and actively involved in the company's operations.
His entrepreneurial spirit extends 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 do not stop there. Khan has expanded his cricket empire globally, acquiring ownership stakes in teams across various T20 leagues. He is the co-owner of the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket in the United States, and the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the International T20 League in the United Arab Emirates.
Khan’s legacy in Bollywood is set to continue with the next generation. Shah Rukh’s daughter, Suhana Khan, made her acting debut in 2023 with Netflix’s “The Archies,” an Indian adaptation of the popular American comic book, directed by Zoya Akhtar.
Khan's global influence extends 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 was also included in diverseV500 has released a list of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry.
As Bollywood continues to seek a wider international audience, Khan remains one of its most recognizable faces. His ability to balance mass appeal with critical acclaim has helped him maintain his relevance 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 Pathan, the next installment in the Indian spy universe, and his production company continuing to push boundaries, he looks set to remain a central figure in Indian cinema for years to come.
The Locarno Lifetime Achievement Award is a reminder of Khan’s contributions to cinema and his role in bringing Bollywood to global audiences. As he accepts the honor, it is clear that Shah Rukh Khan’s legacy extends far beyond 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 made with audiences around the world. As Bollywood continues to evolve, Shah Rukh Khan’s impact on the industry and his place in the pantheon of global cinema icons seems certain.
