Let’s face it, Shah Rukh Khan needs no introduction. He’s Bollywood royalty, the king of romance, and the DDLJ of our hearts. But before the dazzling heights of “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” and “Chak De! India,” there lie hidden treasures—movies that didn’t quite set the box office on fire but made a place in the hearts of SRK fans.
So, put down your popcorn for the mainstream and grab a plate of offbeat brilliance, because we’re diving into the nine underrated gems of Shah Rukh Khan’s filmography!
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Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994)
Forget DDLJ’s Raj; meet Sunil, the ultimate friend-zoned dude with a heart of gold (and some killer dance moves). This movie is like a warm hug disguised as a rom-com, with SRK playing a goofy singer hopelessly in love with his best friend Anna. Prepare for awkward, one-sided declarations, hilarious misunderstandings, and a surprisingly mature take on unrequited love. Just don’t ask for tissues; Sunil’s smile is enough to melt all your emotional dams.
Also, read:
8 Shahrukh Khan Must Watch Movies That Have Blessed Us Over The Years
Anjaam (1994)
Imagine a heartbreaker turning a psychopath in love. Yeah, “Anjaam” ain’t your typical rom-com. He plays Vijay, a wealthy man falling in love with “Channe ke khet mein” girl Shivani (Madhuri Dixit), turning him into an obsessive lover after she gets married to Ashok. (played by the OG baddie, Deepak Tijori). Prepare for high-octane action sequences, cheesy one-liners, and a thirst for revenge. Think of it as the best version of Bollywood of all time, with singing and dancing (obviously).
Pardes (1997)
Get ready for a heartwarming dose of culture clash and forbidden love. SRK plays Kishorlal, a simple desi boy swept off his feet by a gorgeous NRI named Naina (Mahima Chaudhary). The problem? She’s about to marry someone else, and her family isn’t too keen on this small-town Romeo. Hilarious misunderstandings ensue, from navigating the etiquette of London society to mastering the art of butter chicken diplomacy. This movie is like a warm cup of chai—comforting, full of laughter, and leaving you with a fuzzy feeling inside.
Yes Boss (1997)
Brace yourself for some classic 90s rom-com shenanigans. SRK plays Rahul, a jobless dude who ends up being in a stressful situation while working under his lustful boss. The situation here is the boss’s lust is Rahul’s love. He manages to show his growing feelings for her all while cracking cheesy jokes and sporting some truly questionable hairstyles. This movie is pure, unadulterated fun, like a giant bucket of popcorn with extra butter—perfect for a mindless giggle-fest.
Duplicate (1998)
Get ready for a double dose of SRK! He plays Bablu Chaudhary, a kind-hearted cook with a heart of gold, and Manu Dada, his evil twin. When Bablu gets mistaken for Manu, hilarious mayhem ensues. Think mistaken identities, slapstick comedy, and SRK showcasing his impressive dance skills in two contrasting avatars. It’s like watching two SRK movies for the price of one, and trust me, you’ll want your money’s worth (and maybe some popcorn for the inevitable food fight scene).
Dil Se (1998)
Time to put away the popcorn and grab the tissues. “Dil Se” is a touching tragedy that showcases SRK’s dramatic chops. He plays Aman, a radio jockey caught in a love triangle between Tara (Manisha Koirala) and Pooja (Preity Zinta). Prepare yourself for intense emotions, unrequited love, and the breathtaking cinematography of the Himalayas. This movie is like a rollercoaster of the heart, leaving you breathless and questioning the meaning of love and sacrifice.
Josh (2000)
This movie is a timeless classic. A romance king turns into a street gang leader in the coastal town of Vasco. Two gangs fight for control of the streets. Twist arrives when the rival’s brother falls in love with Max’s twin sister Shirley (as beautiful as her name). SRK, as Max, still manages to make girls go head over heels with his badass character. The film is one of the finest films for youth and is full-on Josh.
Swades (2004)
Move over, NRI romances—this one tackles real issues like identity crises, rediscovering your roots, and the power of a single man’s dream. Shah Rukh Khan plays Mohan, a successful NRI who returns to India and gets swept up in the simple beauty of village life. His chemistry with Aishwarya Rai is undeniable. Forget the fancy cars and designer outfits; Mohan drives a tractor and rocks a kurta like nobody’s business. Get ready for heartwarming reunions, tear-jerking sacrifices, and a reminder that sometimes the greatest journey is finding your way back home.
Paheli (2005)
Forget six-pack or wind-blown hair. Shah Rukh Khan plays Kishanlal in the movie “Paheli,” a trader with a pot belly and a fondness for clever comebacks. He is coupled with Lachchi, played by Rani Mukerji, who is plagued by her husband’s ghost (also played by SRK, since why not?). This whimsical story about love, grief, and a tonne of riddles shows how SRK can let go of his superstar persona.
From quirky comedies to introspective dramas, he’s proven time and again that he’s more than just a Bollywood heartthrob. He’s an actor who dares to experiment, to push boundaries, and to remind us that even the biggest stars have their share of offbeat brilliance.
So, the next time you’re craving a dose of SRK magic, ditch the usual suspects and delve into the underrated.