As Shah Rukh Khan turns 60 this year, former actress and humanitarian Somy Ali celebrates the milestone with a heartfelt and eloquent tribute that reads like poetry in motion — much like SRK’s own cinematic journey. From reminiscing about his debut in Fauji to calling him “the secular heartbeat of India,” Somy’s words capture both the man and the magic behind the superstar who has redefined the very meaning of stardom in India.
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Join Telegram Channel“I still can’t believe it! Sixty?! The boy who played Abhimanyu in Fauji is now the undisputed King of Bollywood,” Somy begins, reflecting on the sheer magnitude of SRK’s journey. “His story screams one truth: relentless reinvention. From a middle-class Delhi lad with no film lineage to a global icon who built an empire on charisma, grit, and zero entitlement — this is the blueprint for anyone daring to dream beyond their postal code.”
When asked about the secret behind Shah Rukh’s lasting relevance, Somy sums it up in a simple yet powerful equation: “Discipline + Dignity = SRK.” She adds, “He’s the only superstar I know who has never been late to set, never disrespected a woman co-star, and never thrown his weight around. In an industry of tantrums, he’s the monk who meditates on punctuality.”
Her admiration extends to his intellect as well. “He’s a voracious reader, a spellbinding orator, and a man who evolves with every role — whether it’s villain (Darr), lover (DDLJ), mentor (Chak De India), or anti-hero (Jawan). He’s the full spectrum.”
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Somy’s go-to SRK film? “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai — hands down. It’s my comfort blanket,” she confesses. “Shah Rukh, Rani, Kajol in one frame is pure serotonin. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve cried at ‘Tum paas aaye, yoon muskuraye…’ It’s not just a film; it’s a time machine to 1998 when romance still felt possible.”
Asked if SRK should pen his autobiography, Somy’s creative response feels straight out of a dream. She even suggests a title:
“From Abhimanyu to Aryan — Mannat: An Outsider’s Conquest in Reverence to the Feminine Divine.”
“Mannat isn’t just his Bandra palace; it’s the prayer he made when he was broke: ‘One day, this will be mine.’ It’s a living symbol of manifestation and gratitude,” she explains. “His life is built on respect for women — his mother, Gauri, his daughter, his co-stars. Mannat itself is a temple to Shakti, the divine feminine.”
Somy’s favorite phase of SRK’s career remains his anti-hero era. “There’s something electrifying about watching the man who taught us ‘palat’ also teach us that heroes can have blood on their hands and still win hearts,” she says, describing Baazigar, Darr, and Jawan as “Shakespeare in a black shirt.”
But what makes Shah Rukh more than just a superstar, Somy believes, is his humanity. “He’s the secular heartbeat of India — a Muslim who lights diyas with the same reverence he breaks his Ramadan fasts. A husband who calls Gauri his home after 33 years. A father who flew economy class to drop Aryan at college.”
Her words take on a personal note as she addresses Gauri Khan directly: “You’ve been my anchor for 24 years, from Mumbai to Miami. Your grace, your quiet strength, your love whenever I showed up — I respect you beyond words.”
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For Somy, SRK at 60 isn’t an aging superstar — he’s an eternal force. “Legends don’t retire; they just reload for the next blockbuster life chapter,” she concludes. “Jawan gave us the line that defines him: ‘Bete ko haath lagane se pehle, baap se baat kar.’ That’s not just dialogue — it’s his life code. Sixty years old? Please. The King is still here. And we’re not letting him go anywhere.”
