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Shah Rukh Khan turns 61: Times King of Romance stepped into non-romantic roles

Updated On: 02 November, 2026 02:24 PM IST | Amarylisa Gonsalves

For decades, Shah Rukh Khan has reigned supreme as Bollywood’s ultimate King of Romance. But as the superstar celebrates his 61st birthday, it's time to look back at his legacy, which goes far beyond his romantic films, defined by more than just sweet-talking heroes named Raj and Rahul.

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01
Shah Rukh Khan. Pic via Instagram
Shah Rukh Khan. Pic via Instagram
02
In Pathaan, Shah Rukh played an exiled RAW agent who comes out of hiding to dismantle a rogue mercenary outfit threatening India with a deadly virus. Although it did feature his chemistry with Deepika Padukone, it focused rather on the mission than their love angle.
In Pathaan, Shah Rukh played an exiled RAW agent who comes out of hiding to dismantle a rogue mercenary outfit threatening India with a deadly virus. Although it did feature his chemistry with Deepika Padukone, it focused rather on the mission than their love angle.
03
In Jawan (2023), SRK played the dual roles of Azad, a righteous prison warden, and his soldier father Vikram Rathore, in a high-octane vigilante movement against systemic corruption.
In Jawan (2023), SRK played the dual roles of Azad, a righteous prison warden, and his soldier father Vikram Rathore, in a high-octane vigilante movement against systemic corruption.
04
SRK played the dual roles of Aryan Khanna, a superstar and Gaurav Chandna, an obsessive young lookalike fan in the tense psychological thriller, Fan (2016).
SRK played the dual roles of Aryan Khanna, a superstar and Gaurav Chandna, an obsessive young lookalike fan in the tense psychological thriller, Fan (2016).
05
In 2007, Shah Rukh traded his romantic hero image to play Kabir Khan, a disgraced former hockey captain who redeems himself by coaching an Indian women's national field hockey team.
In 2007, Shah Rukh traded his romantic hero image to play Kabir Khan, a disgraced former hockey captain who redeems himself by coaching an Indian women's national field hockey team.
06
Shah Rukh Khan played the sleek, ruthless international crime lord Don, alongside his simple lookalike Vijay in Don and Don 2.
Shah Rukh Khan played the sleek, ruthless international crime lord Don, alongside his simple lookalike Vijay in Don and Don 2.
07
In Kamal Haasan's Hey Ram (2000), SRK played Amjad Ali Khan, a tragic, idealistic Muslim citizen caught in the horrific religious riots of the Partition era.
In Kamal Haasan's Hey Ram (2000), SRK played Amjad Ali Khan, a tragic, idealistic Muslim citizen caught in the horrific religious riots of the Partition era.
08
In 2016, SRK played Dr. Jehangir 'Jug' Khan, an unconventional, free-spirited psychologist who helps a young cinematographer navigate clinical anxiety and childhood trauma.
In 2016, SRK played Dr. Jehangir 'Jug' Khan, an unconventional, free-spirited psychologist who helps a young cinematographer navigate clinical anxiety and childhood trauma.
09
Darr (1993), saw SRK step into the dark side as Rahul Mehra, an obsessive, terrifying stalker. The film marks one of his earliest and most famous negative roles.
Darr (1993), saw SRK step into the dark side as Rahul Mehra, an obsessive, terrifying stalker. The film marks one of his earliest and most famous negative roles.
10
In My Name is Khan (2010), the actor played Rizwan Khan, an Indian man with Asperger's syndrome embarking on an emotional cross-country journey in the United States.
In My Name is Khan (2010), the actor played Rizwan Khan, an Indian man with Asperger's syndrome embarking on an emotional cross-country journey in the United States.
11
In 2004's Swades, SRK play edMohan Bhargava, a successful NASA project manager who returns to rural India to find his Kaveri Amma, but undergoes a personal and patriotic awakening.
In 2004's Swades, SRK play edMohan Bhargava, a successful NASA project manager who returns to rural India to find his Kaveri Amma, but undergoes a personal and patriotic awakening.

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