Shah Rukh Khan 101: Bollywood's No. 1 Star

November 2, 1965 brought into the world someone whose persona would be that of an emotional, passionate, intense, funny, and down-to-earth man. This man would come to share his many extraordinary talents with the world, in time. This description should paint a mental picture for you of Mr. Shah Rukh Khan, both in real life and on the big screen. In other words, welcome to Shah Rukh Khan 101.

Interesting enough, we can add to the aforementioned qualities which Shah Rukh inherited from his mother, whom he admires most of all, shy and sensitive. He credits Mumtaz with inspiring some of his moves and mannerisms, stemming from his scrutinizing study of her when he was just a young boy. His most admired actor is Dilip Kumar, who he considers to be the greatest actor of India. Some agree with his mom that he even looks like Mr. Kumar, with a voice described as being like smooth, dark chocolate, candy for the ears.

The Internet is literally teeming with hundreds of web sites dedicated to the Baadshah, where people from all countries and walks of life come to share their thoughts and feelings about him. What is his humble response to all his dedicated devotees? "I cannot repay my fans for what they have done for me, they have given me so much love, and that love has taken me to where I am today. The only thing I can do for my fans is to never stop working, and to do films till the very end. It is the only way I can express my love for them."

His family and friends have formed a strong and lasting bond with him as well. He often speaks with endearment about his beautiful wife Gauri, their two adorable children Aryan and Suhana, and his sister Shehnaaz. The names of friends like Yash and Karan Johar, Farah Khan,Yash and Aditya Chopra, and Vivek Vaswani are closely linked alongside his. In quoting how much of an effect they have had on his young life of just 37 years, he affectionately comments, "I look upon life as a book, and the people I love are like rose petals kept between the pages. Each time I turn a page of my life, I find a rose petal, reminding me of my beautiful memories."

His early years saw him as a restaurateur in New Delhi. But that venture was soon traded in for another, Bollywood's most sought after actor. It all began in the theater with Barry John, the one person he believes taught him all he knows about acting. July 16th of this year marked the debut of his first 14 years in the entertainment world. 1988 brought us the TV serial 'Fauji' and in the following year, 'Circus'.

Once SRK got his big break in Bollywood, there was no turning back. His hardworking, energetic, and "road runner" type personality, according to co-star Juhi Chawla, has helped him push full steam ahead with his career. And although he's had his share of falling on hard times in the industry, he hasn't let that slow him down.

Cast for the most part as a lover of various types, (it's been narrowed down to six), I find it amusing when he says, "For someone who doesn't even like love stories, I've played an awful lot of lovers." And for some unknown reason, which even Shah Rukh doesn't understand, he's played a character named Rahul for at least seven out of his plethora of films.

He has acquired numerous awards for his outstanding performances, including, but not limited to, 'Darr' (1994), 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995), 'Dil To Pagal Hai' (1997), 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998), 'Mohabbatein' (2000), 'Asoka' (2001), 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001), 'Devdas' (2002), 'Swades' (2004) and 'Veer Zaara' (2004). "All that's left is the Best Actress Award," he mischievously laughs.

There's a strong desire within this actor to please. Summing up this admirable quality, he admits, "I'm an actor and I'm always entertaining. I'm a court jester. But my acting is for real. I'm on 24 hours. The only time I don't act is when I'm sleeping. But I'm genuine, I don't fake my emotions. I can't dissociate from acting anymore. You can take me out of the actor, but you can't take the actor out of me."

His career isn't just limited to acting though. When discussing his venture into the sphere of producers, together with actress and close long-time friend Juhi Chawla, and the man whom both of them consider to be a father figure, Aziz Mirza, he has shown himself to be very diplomatic.

Their company, Dreamz Unlimited brought lovers of the Hindi cinema three films. Chronologically they are, 'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani' (2000), 'Asoka' (2001) and 'Chalte Chalte' (2003) .

Now, SRK also has his own production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, which has brought us 'Paheli', 'Kaal' and 'Main Hoon Na', will also be producing director/choreographer Farah Khan's new film to be released next year - 'Om Shanti Om'.

We look forward to his upcoming films, Dharma Productions 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna', Excel Entertainment's 'Don' and any other ventures in his future.

A documentary has also been made on 'The Inner and Outer World of Shah Rukh Khan', in the form of a DVD, which can be purchased by Eros Entertainment.