Harper Collins To Publish Book Celebrating SRK

India-West Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI – Shah Rukh Khan, one of the world’s biggest superstars, has long lived under the spotlight. Known for his passion, craft, humility, and the immense love he inspires, there is much more to him than the roles, news, and stardom he’s associated with. To his ever-growing fan base, he’s not just a film icon but a figure of deep personal meaning.

Through characters like Rahul Raichand, Raj Malhotra, Mohan Bhargava, Rizwan Khan, Aman Mathur, and Kabir Khan, Shah Rukh’s on-screen personas have become unforgettable. This book delves into the global impact of these roles, capturing the spirit of a star who resonates with people from all walks of life—from a Parisian taxi driver to an Irish woman in London, to three generations of women in Pakistan, and countless fans across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the US, and India.

Complete with fan stories, personal accounts, and rare photographs, the book is as much a celebration of Shah Rukh Khan’s career as it is a tribute to the man himself. As Bushra Ahmed, Executive Editor at HarperCollins India, shares, “Shah Rukh Khan has not only redefined stardom but has also become an indelible part of our cultural fabric. Like many all over the world, I have grown up watching his films, and while editing the book, as I read heartfelt stories from fans one after another, I marveled at how many lives and hearts he has touched.” Set to release on his birthday, the book honors Shah Rukh’s journey, his impact, and his legacy both on and off the screen.

For author Mohar Basu, the journey of writing the book was deeply personal. “Growing up as a single child with parents in transferable jobs, I didn’t know what enduring friendships felt like. The only constant in my life was Shah Rukh Khan. He became my conversation starter and the reason I was always able to make friends, despite being the ‘new girl in school.’ It’s been thirty-three years of watching him, and after Pathaan, it felt like the right time to explore why our love for Shah Rukh hits differently,” she explains. “Writing this book was like peeling back layers of my own memories, alongside the stories of so many others who found solace, joy, and a sense of belonging because of him. Beyond fan experiences, this book reflects how one man’s dreams can inspire us to chase our own.”

Shah Rukh’s journey is beautifully captured by photographers who followed his career, including the late Pradeep Bandekar. His son, Prathamesh Bandekar, recalls his father’s admiration for the actor: “My father was incredibly excited about the book because it was dedicated to his favorite actor. I often joked with him that he had more pictures with Shah Rukh Khan than with me! When I was just starting out, Shah Rukh gifted us our first digital camera, a moment my father cherished deeply. I hope he is blessing this book with all his heart.”

With a stunning collection of photographs and deeply moving stories, the book offers a new glimpse into the life and impact of Shah Rukh Khan, a star beloved by millions.