Paris, February 18: Bollywood‘s King Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, enjoys immense popularity not just in India but across 120 countries worldwide, where his romantic charm captivates audiences.
Whether in Dubai or Paris, the number of Shah Rukh’s fans has surged in every country where he has filmed. Currently, French President Emmanuel Macron is on a visit to India and recently interacted with Bollywood stars. However, few are aware of Shah Rukh Khan’s significant influence throughout France.
The connection between France and India has long been rooted in cinema and culture. Numerous Hindi films have been shot in various locations across France. Notably, Shah Rukh filmed parts of his movie “Pathaan” in France, and upcoming film “King” will also feature scenes shot there. Interestingly, Shah Rukh was awarded France’s prestigious “Knight of the Legion of Honor,” which he graciously accepted on his mother’s birthday. In 2014, he was honored by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius for his outstanding contributions to cinema and cultural diversity.
The admiration for Shah Rukh doesn’t stop there. He is the only Bollywood star to have a gold coin issued in his honor at the Grévin Museum, featuring his iconic look from “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.” This tribute celebrates his remarkable 30-year film career, which is why he is regarded as the ‘King’ not just of Bollywood but of the world.
In 2008, a wax statue of Shah Rukh was unveiled at the Grévin Museum, alongside statues of actress Aishwarya Rai and actor Ranveer Singh. However, only Shah Rukh received a gold coin, making this honor particularly special. The Grévin Museum selected only 14 prominent figures globally, but the coin was exclusively dedicated to Shah Rukh Khan. His films “Pathaan,” “Jawan,” and “Dunki” have performed exceptionally well in France, adding to his legacy as a global superstar.