No history yet

Early Life and Family

Roots in Delhi

Shah Rukh Khan was born on November 2, 1965, in New Delhi, India. He grew up in a middle-class Muslim family in the Rajendra Nagar neighborhood. His family life was a blend of intellectual and patriotic influences that shaped his early years.

His father, Meer Taj Mohammed Khan, was an Indian independence activist from Peshawar (now in Pakistan). He moved to Delhi before the partition of India. Khan's mother, Lateef Fatima Khan, was the daughter of a senior government engineer and worked as a magistrate. This combination of a freedom-fighting father and a mother in the legal system provided a unique and principled upbringing.

School and College

Khan attended St. Columba's School in central Delhi, where he was known for being a bright, energetic student. He excelled not only in his studies but also in sports, particularly hockey and football. His leadership and all-around abilities were recognized by the school.

He was awarded the Sword of Honour, an annual award given to the student who best represents the spirit of the school.

After school, he enrolled at Hansraj College, part of the University of Delhi, from 1985 to 1988. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. Despite his academic path, his interest in acting was growing. He began pursuing a Master's degree in Mass Communication at Jamia Millia Islamia university but left to chase his acting dreams.

First Steps into Acting

During his college years in Delhi, Khan's passion for performance blossomed. He joined the Theatre Action Group (TAG), where he studied acting under the mentorship of theater director Barry John. It was here, on the Delhi stage, that he began to hone the craft that would later make him a global superstar. These early experiences in theater laid the foundation for his expressive and energetic screen presence.

Let's review what you've learned about Shah Rukh Khan's early life.

Quiz Questions 1/5

What was Shah Rukh Khan's father, Meer Taj Mohammed Khan, known for?

Quiz Questions 2/5

Shah Rukh Khan earned his Bachelor's degree in which subject from Hansraj College?