The intense feeling he stirs up transcends geographical boundaries and time. His captivating gaze, signature hair flip, and iconic dance moves have charmed audiences for over three decades. From defining Bollywood romantic comedies like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in the 1990s, which propelled him to global stardom, to starring in blockbuster action thrillers in the 2020s.
Khan’s influence soared in the ’90s, especially among Indians and South Asians who had emigrated. This created a deep emotional connection between him and audiences worldwide, which still resonates with him today. He understands that his characters evoke powerful emotions, recalling a German fan who described him as “a button for emotions.”
“It’s more than just entertainment. I represent a connection to home, even though I’m not a memory,” Khan told TIME. “The diaspora is responsible for my stardom.”
This week, Khan marked a milestone on the global stage at the , becoming the first Indian male actor to attend. He wore a black silk sherwani-style jacket over black pants, adorned with several necklaces, including a large diamond “K” for King Khan. He was styled by Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who also designed the floral couture sari worn by Alia Bhatt to . Other notable attendees included Bad Bunny, Priyanka Chopra, Lisa from BLACKPINK, and cast members from The White Lotus. This year’s event carries a political charge. As the Trump Administration continues its mission to , including on Sunday, stars are celebrating the rich and revolutionary and its influence on fashion as they arrive on the blue carpet.
“It’s important to represent my country and its people. India is taking a stand on many issues, and it’s crucial to have our presence felt,” Khan stated, expressing his admiration for this year’s . “I appreciated its message – revolution and resolution achieved through artistic expression and exuberance, rather than anger or conflict. Making a statement through fashion.”
At 59, and with a long career in a constantly evolving industry, Khan is now focused on his generational legacy. His upcoming film, King, will feature him alongside his daughter Suhana Khan. His son, Aryan Khan, is directing a Netflix series under Khan’s company, Red Chillies Entertainment, slated for release later this year. Khan started as an outsider in Mumbai, having moved from New Delhi. “I just acted, and I had nothing to lose. Perhaps that’s why I was so cocky, overconfident, and sometimes foolish.” The landscape is different for his children, who have privilege, which also invites scrutiny. Khan acknowledges that his presence as their father helps: “The privilege should humble them. There will always be a shadow,” he says. “But this path is very difficult. Liking or disliking them shouldn’t depend on the shadow someone casts.”
Having shaped Indian cinema for decades, Khan is now looking ahead to the future of film beyond King and his own career. He is excited about using advanced technology to make movies more realistic and embracing grand storytelling with the tools available. “Everything is now cleaner, louder, and better. The lights are better. The watches are cooler. Why not films? They have to get bigger,” he says. “Stories need to be authentic, but their presentation must become more engaging. I watch most things on my phone. Why should I go to the theater? It has to be an experience. It has to be Disney World.”
No one understands the multifaceted nature of stardom better than Khan. Whether he’s in an epic movie, attending a global fashion event, or performing in a world tour, he’s driven by the same passion that brought him to Mumbai years ago. “I need to feel like I was at 26 and act like I feel at 60.”
“`