Shah Rukh Khan was already a successful television actor when he considered entering films in 1991. However, back then he was not convinced that cinema was the right career for him. A resurfaced interview from that year reveals how his mother’s wish influenced his decision. Khan was 24 at the time and had signed several projects, but he still questioned whether he was making the move too late.
Shah Rukh Khan was not fascinated by films
Before becoming one of Indian cinema’s most prominent stars, Shah Rukh Khan had established himself on television. By 1991, he had signed films such as ‘Chamatkar’, then titled ‘Ghost Mera Dost’, ‘Dil Aashna Hai’ and ‘King Uncle’. However, he had not yet signed ‘Deewana’, which became his first theatrical release in 1992.Despite these opportunities, Khan admitted that he had never been drawn to the film industry. His reservations were strong, and he had little desire to become part of a world he viewed with suspicion. His perspective changed after his mother, Lateef Fatima Khan, died in 1991.“I’ve never been fascinated by films,” said SRK in the old interview with Deccan Herald. “In fact, I have felt quite sick whenever I’ve heard of the film industry and its ways. The last thing I wanted to be was part of it. But after my mother died early this year, I changed my mind. I loved her immensely, and she always wanted to see me up there on the silver screen someday. Maybe it’s too late now, but I am doing it for her all the same.”“Besides, I can’t bear to live in our Delhi house anymore. Everything there reminds me of her. I want to shift to Bombay, make a clear break, keep myself busy with work round the clock,” he said.
Shah Rukh Khan’s views on learning acting
The interview also revealed Shah Rukh Khan’s unconventional ideas about developing acting skills. He did not believe formal classes were necessary for someone who wanted to become an actor. Instead, he said observation, practice and learning from mistakes were essential to improving one’s performance.“That’s how I have learnt acting. By watching bad actors and seeing how they mess things up. I wouldn’t dream of going to an Asha Chandra or Roshan Taneja’s acting class. I could probably teach them a thing or two about acting. I believe that nobody can teach you how to act; it has to be in you, or it’s just not! Of course, like all other things, acting too improves with practice. You make your mistakes and learn from them,” said Shah Rukh.
From television actor to global superstar
More than three decades after that interview, Shah Rukh Khan has become an internationally recognised star. His career includes a wide range of performances and commercially successful films.King Khan is preparing for his next major release, ‘King’, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 24, 2026.