Shah Rukh Khan turns 61: Riteish Deshmukh calls 'King' a blockbuster
Synopsis
Shah Rukh Khan turned 61 on 2 November, and Riteish Deshmukh's birthday post doubled as one of the loudest pre-release endorsements for 'King' — calling it a blockbuster before it hits theatres on 24 December. With Genelia Deshmukh and Deepshikha Nagpal adding to the chorus, the day was as much a trailer for SRK's holiday box-office push as it was a birthday celebration.
Key Takeaways
Shah Rukh Khan turned 61 on 2 November 2026 .
Riteish Deshmukh called Khan 'the King of all our hearts' and predicted his upcoming film 'King' has 'blockbuster written all over it'.
Genelia Deshmukh also shared a warm personal message and expressed excitement for 'King' .
Actress Deepshikha Nagpal , Khan's 'Baadshah' co-star, wished him on social media and expressed hope to work with him again. 'King' is scheduled to release in theatres on 24 December , the Christmas holiday weekend.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan turned 61 on 2 November 2026, drawing a flood of warm wishes from across the film fraternity, with actor Riteish Deshmukh among the first to pen a heartfelt tribute and voice his excitement for Khan's highly anticipated film 'King', set to release on 24 December.
Riteish Deshmukh's Tribute
Taking to social media, Riteish Deshmukh shared cherished personal memories alongside a glowing message for the superstar. 'Happy Birthday Sha Bhai @iamsrk - you are and forever will be the King of all our hearts….Have a tremendous day filled with laughter and love- KING has blockbuster written all over it- can't wait for the magic to storm the theatres on 24th Dec. I love you !!! #HappyBirthdaySRK,' he wrote. Riteish also shared photographs capturing warm moments shared with Khan over the years, reflecting the deep personal bond the two actors have cultivated.
Genelia Deshmukh Joins the Celebration
Actress Genelia Deshmukh, Riteish's wife, added her own wishes to the outpouring of affection. 'Happy Birthday Dearest @iamsrk We love you so so much and always will I truly truly can't wait for King - See you soon - Bigggg Bear hug,' she wrote. An image shared alongside the post showed Genelia and Riteish sharing a warm embrace with Shah Rukh Khan, underlining the couple's close rapport with the actor — a bond built on mutual admiration and several memorable encounters over the years.
'Baadshah' Co-Star Deepshikha Nagpal Also Wishes SRK
Actress Deepshikha Nagpal, who starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan in 'Baadshah', also took to social media to mark the occasion. 'Happy birthday to our one and only king khan @iamsrk keep shining and as every year is my wish to work with you again. #amen..' she wrote, sharing fond memories of their time on set together.
About 'King' and What It Means for SRK
'King' is among the most talked-about Hindi film releases of the season, with the December holiday window amplifying audience expectations. Shah Rukh Khan has historically dominated the festive box-office calendar — a pattern his supporters believe 'King' is poised to extend. The film's release on 24 December places it squarely in the Christmas weekend, one of the most lucrative slots in Hindi cinema.
As Shah Rukh Khan marks his 61st birthday, the chorus of wishes from co-stars past and present is a testament to the enduring warmth he commands across generations of Indian cinema.
Point of View
Timed to land on the day SRK turns 61 and public attention is highest. The 'King has blockbuster written all over it' line will circulate widely, and for a film targeting the high-stakes Christmas window, that kind of peer validation carries genuine marketing weight. The bigger question is whether 'King' can restore SRK to the dominant box-office position he held before the 2023 hat-trick — and whether a December release can replicate the Eid or Diwali energy that fuelled 'Pathaan', 'Jawan', and 'Dunki'.
NationPress
2 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shah Rukh Khan in the news today?
Shah Rukh Khan turned 61 on 2 November 2026, prompting a wave of birthday wishes from across Bollywood. Actor Riteish Deshmukh's social media post stood out for its enthusiastic endorsement of Khan's upcoming film 'King'.
What did Riteish Deshmukh say about Shah Rukh Khan?
Riteish Deshmukh called Shah Rukh Khan 'the King of all our hearts' and said his upcoming film 'King' has 'blockbuster written all over it'. He added that he cannot wait for 'the magic to storm the theatres on 24th Dec'.
When is Shah Rukh Khan's film 'King' releasing?
'King' is scheduled to release in theatres on 24 December, placing it in the lucrative Christmas holiday weekend slot.
Who else wished Shah Rukh Khan on his birthday?
Actress Genelia Deshmukh expressed her love and excitement for 'King', while actress Deepshikha Nagpal, who starred with Khan in 'Baadshah', also shared warm wishes and fond memories on social media.
How old is Shah Rukh Khan in 2026?
Shah Rukh Khan turned 61 on 2 November 2026. He made his Bollywood debut in 1992 and has since become one of Hindi cinema's most enduring stars.
