For Indians, Diwali is synonymous with light, joy, and celebration — and for over two decades, it also meant a Shah Rukh Khan film lighting up the big screens. From Baazigar in 1993 to Happy New Year in 2014, SRK and Diwali together created a legacy of cinematic memories that still echo across generations.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Diwali run that defined the 90s and 2000s – From Baazigar to Happy New Year!
Interestingly, Shah Rukh’s last Diwali release was Happy New Year in 2014. What followed was a phase where his films struggled to replicate the same festive success. Nearly a decade later, with his spectacular comeback through Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki in 2023, SRK once again proved his enduring stardom. Yet, the charm of a Diwali release — the golden period that once belonged to him — remains unmatched.
Here’s a look back at the films that made Shah Rukh Khan the undisputed king of Diwali.
1. Baazigar (1993): The Game-Changer
Released during Diwali 1993, Baazigar redefined Shah Rukh Khan’s image as an actor unafraid to take risks. His portrayal of a morally ambiguous anti-hero was a bold move, and it paid off spectacularly. The film not only became a massive hit but also established SRK as a force to reckon with in the industry.
2. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995): The Festival of Love
Few Diwalis in Bollywood history shine brighter than the one that brought DDLJ. Released on October 20, 1995, the film turned SRK into the nation’s ultimate romantic hero. It wasn’t just a release — it was the birth of an emotion that continues to define Indian romance nearly three decades later.
3. Dil To Pagal Hai (1997): Love, Dance, and Dreams
Diwali 1997 saw SRK bring magic back to theatres with Yash Chopra’s Dil To Pagal Hai. The film, co-starring Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor, blended music, passion, and nostalgia — a festive treat that resonated deeply with the youth of the 90s.
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998): When Friendship Met Love
Karan Johar’s directorial debut hit theatres around Diwali and turned into a cultural phenomenon. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai wasn’t just a film — it was a style statement, a soundtrack to growing up, and a reaffirmation of SRK’s unmatched screen presence.
5. Mohabbatein (2000): The Spirit of Romance Returns
Diwali 2000 welcomed a cinematic showdown between tradition and rebellion. In Mohabbatein, Shah Rukh Khan’s warm, idealistic portrayal of Raj Aryan Malhotra softened Amitabh Bachchan’s authoritarian Narayan Shankar, creating a memorable mentor-student dynamic. The film reinforced SRK’s reputation as the voice of love and hope.
6. Veer-Zaara (2004): Borders Melt, Love Endures
In 2004, SRK’s collaboration with Yash Chopra once again became a Diwali gift for audiences. Veer-Zaara was a poignant Indo-Pak love story that transcended political boundaries. The film’s soulful storytelling and timeless music made it one of the most emotionally resonant Diwali releases of the decade.
7. Don (2006): The King Turns Stylish
SRK took a sharp turn from romance to reinvention with Don. The sleek Farhan Akhtar remake released during Diwali 2006, reintroducing the superstar in an edgy, contemporary avatar. His iconic line — “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai” — echoed across theatres, proving the king could slay in any genre.
8. Om Shanti Om (2007): A Love Letter to Cinema
Diwali 2007 belonged entirely to Om Shanti Om. Shah Rukh Khan, in collaboration with Farah Khan, delivered a film that celebrated Bollywood itself — from reincarnation to grandeur to self-referential humor. It wasn’t just a blockbuster; it was a meta tribute to the industry that made him.
9. Ra.One (2011): The Festival Goes Futuristic
Diwali 2011 saw SRK take a leap into the world of visual effects with Ra.One. Though polarizing in reception, it remains a landmark in terms of ambition and scale. The film’s release reaffirmed SRK’s penchant for pushing boundaries, even if it meant stepping into uncharted territory.
10. Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012): Yash Chopra’s Swan Song
Yash Chopra’s final directorial venture was released during Diwali 2012, marking the end of an era. Jab Tak Hai Jaan brought together Shah Rukh, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma in a timeless story of love, loss, and destiny. The film’s emotional resonance was amplified by the sentiment of bidding farewell to the legendary filmmaker.
11. Happy New Year (2014): The Last Diwali Dance
Farah Khan’s Happy New Year marked SRK’s last Diwali release — a glitzy heist comedy with an ensemble cast. While not as emotionally layered as his earlier festival releases, it captured the quintessential Bollywood celebration, closing a chapter on SRK’s Diwali dominance.
A Decade Later: Will Diwali Shine for SRK Again?
Over the years, Diwali releases became synonymous with family viewing, grandeur, and box-office gold — all things that fit Shah Rukh Khan perfectly. While 2023 witnessed his grand resurgence with Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki, none coincided with the festival of lights.
As anticipation grows around his future projects, one can’t help but wonder — when Shah Rukh Khan finally returns to a Diwali release, will it mark the beginning of another golden era for the King of Bollywood?
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