You can go anywhere in the world, and if people find out that you are an Indian, they say, ‘Shah Rukh Khan!’ instead of ‘hello’. That’s the magic of Shah Rukh Khan — his contribution in adding Bollywood to the global map.

Even as Shah Rukh celebrates 30 years of his career in the Hindi film industry, four of his blockbusters released in 1997 — Koyla, Yes Boss, Pardes and Dil Toh Pagal Hai – complete 25 years. That was another time and era. Not only in Bollywood but in life in general. One may ask whether these film plots and characters make sense in 2022, but what matters is the global phenomenon that Shah Rukh Khan is. As he turns 57 today, we look back at the four superhits starring Shah Rukh that have won hearts across the globe and still manage to bring a smile on a dreary day.

Koyla

The Rakesh Roshan-directed romantic-action drama is memorable for Shah Rukh’s portrayal of a mute lover and Rajesh Roshan’s soulful music. Released on April 7, 1997, the story is about a village girl, Ganga (Madhuri Dixit), who agrees to marry Raja Saab (Amrish Puri) after being shown a photograph of a handsome man. That man turns out to be Shankar (Shah Rukh Khan), the mute, long-haired, loyal servant of the much older Raja Saab. Later, Shankar and Ganga fall in love, much to the ire of Raja Saab.

In Koyla, we witness Shah Rukh in all possible romantic avatars. From matching steps to the choreographed number Ghunghte mein chanda hai to creating cute moments with Madhuri in Tanhai tanhai, from a star-crossed lover all set to almost burn himself alive in Badan juda hota hain to the dreamy romantic hero in Dekha tujhe toh, Shah Rukh’s Shankar grew on us.

Yes Boss

After Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman’s roaring success, director Aziz Mirza brought back his hit onscreen pair of Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla in yet another romantic comedy. Released on July 18, 1997, Yes Boss revolved around an ambitious underdog Rahul (Shah Rukh) who dreams big and will say ‘yes’ to anything his immoral boss (Aditya Pancholi) asks for to succeed. But his habit gets in the way of his love for his boss’s model girlfriend, Seema (Juhi Chawla).

Shah Rukh trying to woo Juhi on the streets with all kinds of gifts, magically coming out from his long overcoat, in Main koi aisa geet gaoon, was a treat for an entire generation. And he pulled off the impossible feat of playing a piano in style in an open truck amidst traffic.

Pardes

In this Subhas Ghai-directed romantic musical drama, released on August 8, 1997, Shah Rukh’s Arjun is the foster son of Kishorilal, an NRI businessman (Amrish Puri) who wants a traditional Indian bride for his son Rajiv (debutant Apurva Agnihotri). Arjun is sent to India to prepare Kishorilal’s friend’s daughter Ganga (debutante Mahima Chaudhry) with the ways of living in the US. But the duo hit it off and Kumar Sanu’s melodious Do dil mil rahe hai follows. When friends tease him for his feelings for Ganga, Shah Rukh’s Arjun warms our hearts grooving to the Kumar Sanu-Alka Yagnik duet Meri mehbooba.

Donning a white beret hat and suspenders, Shah Rukh charmed us into his world and melted the nation with his heartfelt acting.

Dil To Pagal Hai

Shah Rukh Khan made us believe that ‘someone, somewhere is made for you’. Released on October 30, 1997, co-starring Madhuri Dixit, Karisma Kapoor and Akshay Kumar, the Yash Chopra musical achieved almost cult status with its message on love and friendship.

Though Uttam Singh’s music and Shiamak Davar’s first-of-its-kind choreography were important factors, it was the love triangle between Rahul (Shah Rukh), Pooja (Madhuri) and Nisha (Karisma) — all members of a musical troupe — that had the audiences hooked. Shah Rukh’s vivacious, fun persona with Karisma and his passionate side with Madhuri showed two sides of the same man. Both the leading actresses took to Instagram recently to remember the special moment.