Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan once shared a deeply personal reason for avoiding Kashmir for decades — a promise rooted in his late father's dying wish. The revelation, made during an appearance on the quiz-based reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati, has resurfaced online and struck a chord with fans across the country.

The Promise Behind the Absence

Speaking to host Amitabh Bachchan on the show, Khan explained that his paternal grandmother was Kashmiri, giving him deep family roots in the valley. His father had made him promise to visit three places: Istanbul, Rome (Italy), and Kashmir — but with a crucial condition attached to the last one.

'It's a very emotional story, Amitji. My father's mother was Kashmiri. He had told me in my life, to look at three places in life, whether I live or not. He said, look at Istanbul, look at Italy, Rome, and look at Kashmir. But look at the other two places without me, but don't look at Kashmir without me. So he died very early, and I've been all over the world, but I never went to Kashmir,' Khan said.

How Yash Chopra Changed Everything

Khan went on to explain that despite numerous invitations — from friends and family alike — he consistently declined every opportunity to visit the valley, honouring the emotional bond with his late father. The turning point came when veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra proposed shooting a film there.

'And I got many opportunities, many friends invited me, and my family went on vacation. But I never went to Kashmir, because my father had told me, 'Don't visit Kashmir without me, I'll show you'. And then, suddenly this happened, and Yash Chopra told me, 'We'll shoot in Kashmir'. And normally I have refused, not for any other reason, not for any political, geographical, or any other reason, but because there was an emotion, that I'll look at Kashmir with my father. But I just felt that's not the case. So the best would be actually, to go with Yashji,' Khan said.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan and a Bittersweet Chapter

The film in question was Jab Tak Hai Jaan, which was extensively shot across the Kashmir valley. The project marked a poignant milestone — Yash Chopra announced it would be his last directorial venture. Tragically, the legendary filmmaker passed away in 2012, making the film his final collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan.

The resurfaced clip has gained fresh traction as Khan prepares for the release of his upcoming film King, drawing renewed attention to his personal connection with the valley and the emotional weight that preceded his first visit.

A Story That Goes Beyond Cinema

The anecdote offers a rare window into Khan's private world, rarely visible behind the superstar persona. It speaks to the enduring influence of parental bonds and how deeply personal decisions — even ones as simple as visiting a place — can carry the weight of grief, love, and legacy. Notably, this is one of the few instances where Khan has publicly linked his Kashmiri heritage to a specific life choice.