Famously known for his back-to-back blockbuster films “Pathaan” and “Jawan,” Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan found solace and fulfilment in the unwavering affection of his audience. However, behind the glitz and glamour of his stardom lies a story of personal tragedy and resilience, deeply intertwined with his passion for cinema.
He revealed in an exclusive interview once about how he had to find a new outlet to distract himself from succumbing to depressing thoughts, especially when reminiscing about his late parents. As a result, he found his passion in the entertainment industry and was globally recognised for his talent. Let’s learn a little more about his family background.
The “Kabhi Kushie Kabhie Gham” actor’s parents, Taj Mohammed Khan and Lateef Fatima Khan were both respected individuals in India. His father was an Indian Independence activist and was said to be the youngest freedom fighter at the age of 15. The Bollywood star once revealed that his father advised him to never take his freedom for granted saying, “At the time, I really used to think that he meant freedom from a foreign rule or something but now I understand after having grown up that this freedom he was talking about was in terms of poverty maybe, freedom from misery.”
As for his mother, she was a magistrate and the daughter of a senior government engineer. According to SheThePeople, Shah Rukh Khan said his mother “was among the first few Muslim women in India to have achieved so much in her life.” He added that she was a close associate of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The actor’s parents married in 1958 and had two children together. Unfortunately, the two lovers passed away when Shah Rukh Khan was very young, leaving the actor missing them every day.
The Bollywood icon once shared how much he has looked up to them while growing up. Notably, his words were never truer as the 58-year-old was once spotted visiting his beloved parents’ grave in New Delhi as a means to pay his respects. The video of his visit even resurfaced earlier this year where fans offered their thoughts and prayers for the star. He revealed how close he was to his parents and misses their presence yet the only thing he could do was to reach for success and make them proud instead.
Aside from that, Shah Rukh Khan also mentioned how his parents’ deaths affected his elder sister, Shehnaz Lalarukh Khan greatly as she struggled with depression. “I was very, very attached to my parents. I do miss them, especially now, when I’m successful because I’d like them to see parts of it. The only way I can stop myself from going into depression, like my sister has, is to get up in the morning, wear makeup, and be someone else.” he said.
Hence, upon finding comfort in sharing his vulnerability with the public, his fans were touched by the photos of his parents in the pendant he wears around his neck. A few pointed out how this also gave them a different angle to who Shah Rukh Khan is instead of the one in front of the camera. Yet, the majority of his fans praised his actions for upholding his values of filial piety despite being a top successful actor in India.
Additionally, netizens from across the world left warm condolences and sweet messages on his social accounts. His humbleness and authenticity prove how much he will always be respected and loved as a person, showing how he is truly the embodiment of his parents.
Check out the resurfaced video of Shah Rukh Khan visiting his parents’ grave below.
Sources: The Indian Express, Murai, Youtube, HindustanTimes, SheThePeople
Ariani Soraya contributed to this article.
