Shah Rukh Khan made chivalry mainstream in Bollywood!

From modest beginnings and brief appearances to portraying edgy anti-heroes, Shah Rukh Khan’s rise remains one of Hindi cinema’s most compelling journeys. He evolved into the definitive romantic hero with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, and decades later, proved his reinvention power with blockbusters like Pathaan and Jawan. Along the way, he built a billion-dollar brand, achieved enduring global popularity, and earned a National Award- constantly raising the bar for what superstardom means in India.

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But, did you know that Shah Rukh Khan is responsible for bringing chivalry to Bollywood?

The Ripple Effect of Cinema

Anubhav Sinha, who is currently gearing up for his next film Assi, recently spoke about the transformative influence of movies. When questioned about cinema’s ability to inspire societal change, he reflected that such impact “can’t be quantified”.

According to him, transformation is rarely immediate; it unfolds steadily over time. He illustrated this with a striking memory from before SRK’s superstardom.

“Before Shah Rukh Khan became the star that he is, I never saw a hero run down the steps to give the lady a hand to climb up. I never saw an actor do that,” he shared.

How a Gesture Became a Standard

Sinha believes that repetition turned these small gestures into an industry norm.

“That is such aspirational conduct that now, you see it very often. Now, that’s a change. People are opening doors for women. Shah Rukh Khan is single-handedly responsible for this chivalry,” he reasons. 

What began as a spontaneous act gradually shaped expectations from leading men- both on-screen and off. In 2018, SRK further demonstrated this ethos by placing the names of his female co-stars ahead of his own in film credits, acknowledging their equal importance. He continues to uphold this practice.

Reflecting on the broader picture, Sinha adds, “So, change is not that difficult an entity. Keep doing the right things. Change happens in so many ways.”

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When Sci-Fi Met Sentiment

The actor-director duo collaborated in 2011 on the sci-fi thriller Ra.One, alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan and Arjun Rampal. Though it didn’t emerge as a major commercial success, the film later found appreciation for its ambitious visual effects and developed a loyal following.

Ultimately, while box-office numbers may fluctuate, influence often lingers. In Shah Rukh Khan’s case, even a simple extended hand became a cultural statement.