Shah Rukh Khan 101: Bollywood's No. 1 Star

November 2, 1965 brought into the world someone whose persona would be that of an emotional, passionate, intense, funny, and down-to-earth man. This man would come to share his many extraordinary talents with the world, in time. This description should paint a mental picture for you of Mr. Shah Rukh Khan, both in real life and on the big screen. In other words, welcome to Shah Rukh Khan 101.

Interesting enough, we can add to the aforementioned qualities which Shah Rukh inherited from his mother, whom he admires most of all, shy and sensitive. He credits Mumtaz with inspiring some of his moves and mannerisms, stemming from his scrutinizing study of her when he was just a young boy. His most admired actor is Dilip Kumar, who he considers to be the greatest actor of India. Some agree with his mom that he even looks like Mr. Kumar, with a voice described as being like smooth, dark chocolate, candy for the ears.

The Internet is literally teeming with hundreds of web sites dedicated to the Baadshah, where people from all countries and walks of life come to share their thoughts and feelings about him. What is his humble response to all his dedicated devotees? "I cannot repay my fans for what they have done for me, they have given me so much love, and that love has taken me to where I am today. The only thing I can do for my fans is to never stop working, and to do films till the very end. It is the only way I can express my love for them."

His family and friends have formed a strong and lasting bond with him as well. He often speaks with endearment about his beautiful wife Gauri, their two adorable children Aryan and Suhana, and his sister Shehnaaz. The names of friends like Yash and Karan Johar, Farah Khan,Yash and Aditya Chopra, and Vivek Vaswani are closely linked alongside his. In quoting how much of an effect they have had on his young life of just 37 years, he affectionately comments, "I look upon life as a book, and the people I love are like rose petals kept between the pages. Each time I turn a page of my life, I find a rose petal, reminding me of my beautiful memories."