Shah Rukh Khan is 57 years young today — the man whose dimpled smile and goofy charisma we can’t get enough of. And also his signature arms-stretched-out pose, which sends his fans into a tizzy. So iconic is this gesture that Shah Rukh is requested to strike this pose even at in-person events, like the 24th Annual Crystal Awards in Davos in 2018, where he was felicitated. Here are our favourite moments from films where SRK brought a smile or a tear with his signature pose.
It all began with the 1992 film Deewana where, on the streets of Mumbai, Shah Rukh sings the song Koi na koi, declaring his need for someone to love.
Mayank ArtsThe impact of this pose was best captured in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1996) when Shah Rukh’s Rahul stands in the middle of a mustard field, his arms stretched out for Kajol’s Simran.
Yash Raj FilmsIn the song Suraj Hua Maddham from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Shah Rukh does the arm-stretch pose with Kajol, again, amidst the limestone statues of Furfura, Egypt.
Dharma ProductionsThe Brooklyn Bridge in New York City forms the backdrop for Shah Rukh’s iconic pose in the title track of Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003).
Dharma ProductionsIn one of the most innovative uses of SRK’s signature pose, Mohan Bhargav, a NASA-returned scientist, tries to unify a village in the song Yeh tara woh tara in Swades (2004).
UTV MoviesIn Main Hoon Naa (2004), Shah Rukh’s Ram, a soldier on an undercover mission, spreads his arms on an impulse every time he runs into the Chemistry teacher (Sushmita Sen) on whom he has a crush.
Red Chillies EntertainmentThe song Mitwa from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) is memorable for Shah Rukh doing his signature pose in a soccer stadium, wooing Rani Mukerji’s Maya.
Dharma ProductionsIn a hilarious use of the iconic pose in Chennai Express (2013), Shah Rukh and Deepika Padukone communicate with each other by singing in Hindi to deflect goons who do not understand the language.
Red Chillies EntertainmentThe pose is so popular that even Shah Rukh’s silhouette, in Happy New Year (2014), is enough to draw cheers from the audience.
Red Chillies EntertainmentIn Zero (2018), where he plays a vertically-challenged man, Shah Rukh strikes the open-arms pose to romance his leading ladies.
Red Chillies Entertainment