02 November,2026 08:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shah Rukh Khan pic via Yogen Shah
King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan turned 61 on November 2, and his birthday celebration became a moment of love and emotion for thousands of fans. Known for his impeccable journey from a middle-class boy in Delhi to one of the world's biggest superstars, the King star continues to be an inspiration to people for his humility and warmth, even after more than three decades in the film industry.
For years, fans have gathered outside the Bollywood superstar's Mumbai residence, hoping to see him out on the balcony and wave at them. It has almost become a birthday tradition. However, there were reports that SRK might skip the usual balcony appearance this time as he has temporarily moved out of Mannat.
But that wasn't the case. Shah Rukh Khan made sure not to disappoint his fans as he stepped out onto the balcony to wave at the massive crowd, keeping his birthday ritual alive.
The birthday celebrations come amid growing buzz for King, which stars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone and is among the most-anticipated films on the superstar's upcoming slate. King will also mark Shah Rukh's first theatrical release in more than three years. His last release was Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki, which hit theatres in December 2023.
The upcoming film is particularly special as it will feature the superstar sharing screen space with his daughter, Suhana Khan, for the first time. The film also has a large ensemble cast, including Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Arshad Warsi, Anil Kapoor, Jaideep Ahalawat and Raghav Juyal in key roles.
The celebrations extended beyond Mannat. Mumbai's Sea Link was lit up for the occasion, while fans across the country cut cakes and organised events. Security was tightened outside the actor's residence as people continued to arrive in the early hours of Monday.
Earlier in the day, several of SRK's fan clubs specially commemorated his birthday. While some cut a cake to mark his 61st birthday at a restaurant in Juhu, others stood on the roads to Mannat with 'King-sized' posters of the actor. Besides fans, industry colleagues including Kareena Kapoor, Kajol, Ajay Devgn, Atlee, Riteish Deshmukh, Farah Khan, and Shilpa Shetty also wished SRK on his special day.
