Shah Rukh Khan turned 60 on November 2, 2025, leaving his sea of fans flocking to Mannat to see the superstar and wish him their best wishes on his birthday. The year is special for many reasons for Shah Rukh. While fans, family and friends send loving messages on his birthday, Hema Malini is in disbelief as she always thought Shah Rukh was over 40 years old.
Hema Malini reacts as Shah Rukh Khan turns 60
For those who don’t know, Hema Malini was the first to decide to cast Shah Rukh Khan in a lead role. She always felt that he had the charm and energy to carry important films. Recently, in an interview with Hindustan Times, Hema Malini revealed that she cannot believe that he has turned 60 as she always thought he was 40 years old. Hema Malini was quoted as saying:
“I can’t believe he’s turning 60, I thought he must be about 40. From the moment I saw him in Fauji I knew he was different. He suited the role of the son of a rich and aristocratic man that I was looking for. He was intelligent and well spoken. I asked my sister to call him and he couldn’t believe it was a call from me, he kept laughing on the phone.”
Not only was Hema Malini confident in Shah Rukh’s potential, but her husband Dharmendra also loved him. She recalled how Dharmendra forced her to include Shah Rukh in his film and even wrote dialogues for him. Recalling his charm, Hema Malini said:
“When Dharamji saw him, he said, ‘Is ladke ko zaroor lena’. He even wrote some of the dialogues for him. Shah Rukh had coarse-looking hair back then and was short, unlike other heroes, but he had a unique charm. Although he was great as the charming romantic hero, he also excelled in villain roles. Today, I am happy to see what a great personality he has become.”
It is worth mentioning that Hema Malini chose Shah Rukh for Dil Aashna Hai. While it may not have become his first release, it was a stepping stone as he was recognized for his talent among industry veterans.
When Shah Rukh revealed that he couldn’t celebrate his birthday because he had no money
It was in 2011, when in his birthday interaction, Shah Rukh revealed how Suhana made a poster for him and his son, Aryan added his name to it. Shah Rukh shared that on the poster it was written that he was the best father and that he should never change and that his children know that he works hard and still takes time to be with them.
Furthermore, Shah Rukh shared that he comes from a humble background, so his family couldn’t afford to celebrate his birthday with a lavish party. She also shared that they didn’t even have money to buy a cake and she still tries to keep it as simple as possible. He said:
“I come from a lower middle class family; we couldn’t afford to celebrate a birthday by throwing a big party. I never had money to buy a cake. Until today, I try to keep my birthday as simple as possible. I feel overwhelmed that my fans around the world celebrate this day with so much joy.”
What do you think about Hema Malini expressing shock over Shah Rukh Khan’s age?
Next read: SRK’s 60th birthday, fans travel from Peru and UAE and defy police restrictions to celebrate outside Manna
