Despite his iconic "King Khan" status and upcoming film also coincidentally named “King”, Shah Rukh Khan views the title as a duty rather than a position of power. For him, being “King” is a constant prompt to lead a life defined by heart, humility, and purpose.
“The word 'king' has never meant power to me. It has always been about responsibility—to the people who believe in you and the stories you choose to tell...,” Shah Rukh said in an interview.
The star, first seen in the TV show "Fauji" in 1989, has worn the ‘Bollywood King’ crown with ease over three decades.
“As time passes, you realise that what truly matters is not the title, but the intention behind your work,” said Shah Rukh, who has lent his voice to fireworks show "The Lion King: Celebration in the Sky" aboard Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship, Disney Adventure.
"At this stage of my life and career, the title ‘King’ feels less like an identity and more like a reminder to live with heart, humility, and purpose. Whether it’s narrating a story aboard the Disney Adventure or choosing my next film, what matters most to me is creating work that brings people together, makes them feel something, and leaves behind a little bit of joy," the 60-year-old said.
Shah Rukh, who began his acting career in English theatre in Delhi, gave voice to Mufasa in the Hindi version of Disney’s 2024 film "Mufasa: The Lion King". His sons joined in too—the older Aryan (28) was the voice for Simba and the younger AbRam (12) was the young Mufasa.
He and wife Gauri have a third child. Daughter Suhana, 25, shares the screen with her father in Siddharth Anand's upcoming film "King".
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Shah Rukh, whose association with Disney began in 2004 with the Hindi version of "The Incredibles", titled "Hum Hain Lajawaab", said animation’s limitless possibilities continue to inspire him and the films have been a big part of their family time.
Terming his latest project with Disney, which will debut during the vessel’s maiden voyage from Singapore on March 10, a “full-circle moment”, Khan said returning to the world of "The Lion King" feels like “coming home”.
“I’m excited that more families and fans across Asia will now get to celebrate this classic tale and its iconic music in a brand-new way, creating lasting memories at sea. That emotional connection and celebration of storytelling, where nostalgia and newness come together to make magic, are what make this project truly special and why I happily said ‘yes’," he added.
“The Lion King: Celebration in the Sky” will feature pyrotechnics, immersive lighting effects and a music-driven narrative unfolding above the ship. The soundtrack includes beloved songs from the franchise such as “Circle of Life”, “Hakuna Matata”, “He Lives in You” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?”
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