As one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Shah Rukh Khan has often been asked why he hasn’t ventured into Hollywood despite his illustrious career spanning over three decades. The superstar recently addressed these queries during an interview with Variety, shedding light on his perspective and aspirations.
In the interview, Shah Rukh Khan humorously remarked on Hollywood’s appeal, saying, “Speak English well enough,” acknowledging the industry’s global reach and influence. However, Khan made it clear that any potential Hollywood project would need to meet high standards. “It should be a role worthy of the status the Indian audience has given me. It should not let down,” he told Variety.
Khan, who is often celebrated for his charismatic and jovial personality, underscored the immense respect and admiration he has received from his Indian audience. “I fully respect and realize the amount of adulation I have, how people adore me. People look up to what I do. People have given me too much respect,” he stated.
The Bollywood icon admitted that he hasn’t actively pursued Hollywood opportunities and currently lacks representation in the West. “I don’t have an agent there. I’ve not also gone looking for it, to be honest,” he confessed. Instead, Khan shared his dream of seeing an Indian film gain the same global recognition as a major Hollywood release. “My dream is to get that one Indian film to be seen with the kind of audience that a big Hollywood film is seen,” he explained. Whether as an actor, producer, or writer, Khan hopes to contribute to an Indian story being embraced worldwide.
Khan’s recent career resurgence has been notable, with three successful films—Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki—collectively earning over Rs 2,500 crore globally. His family is also making waves in the entertainment industry. His daughter, Suhana Khan, made her acting debut with The Archies last year, while his son Aryan Khan is preparing for the release of his directorial debut, Stardom.
Despite his extensive experience, Shah Rukh Khan remains open to learning from his children. He candidly admitted that he doesn’t always feel equipped to advise them due to the evolving nature of the film industry. “I do find myself having less knowledge than my children about the way the world now perceives art or entertainment,” he said. Khan is particularly intrigued by his children’s creative processes and prefers to let them find their own path. “If they ever come to me and say, like my daughter does, ‘There’s a scene, can I just rehearse with you?’ I’m not telling her how to say it,” he noted.
Regarding his son’s directorial endeavors, Khan mentioned, “My son is making his first series or storytelling directorial debut. He does come and ask me, ‘Does it work? Can it be shorter?’ I say, ‘No, I like it long’.”
