Happy birthday Shah Rukh Khan: Rare photos that prove he was always the King of Bollywood

Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood superstar, turns 52 on Thursday. On this occasion, here are some rare photos from HT archives.

This year has been a mixed one for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. While his film Raees wasn’t declared a superhit despite being the highest grossing film of the year for good five months, his other film Jab Harry Met Sejal bombed against all expectations.

Even after so many years, Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most bankable actors in Bollywood. (HT Photo by S Burmaula)

The failure of JHMS was more alarming for Khan as he was in his favourite zone in this film. He played a tourist guide longing for his Indian roots in a romantic film.

Despite all this, he featured in the Forbes’ list of highest paid actors in the world, which simply means it’s not easy to dethrone the Badshah of Bollywood. Now, on his 52nd birthday, we have brought to you his rare photos from the HT archives.

Sonali Bendre and Shah Rukh Khan at the Jaipur Polo Ground in 2001. (HT Archives)

Shah Rukh Khan greeting the audience at the Jaipur Polo Ground in 2006. (HT Archives)

Shah Rukh Khan, Gauri Khan and Subhash Ghai at an award function in 1998. (HT Archive)

Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala requesting their fans to give way to leave the Rajpath at the end of the full day rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi in 1998. (HT Archive)

Shah Rukh Khan signing autographs at an event in 1999. (HT Archives)

Shah Rukh Khan and Sonali Bendre at designer Rohit Bal’s fashion show in 1999. (HT Archives)

Sometimes, Gauri Khan also posts throwback pictures on Instagram.