Rising to the summit of Bollywood hasn’t come easy for Shah Rukh Khan, who turns 52 today. You would think that to get to this position, he has played it safe all through out. But then, as they say, the biggest risk is to not take one. 

SRK has done several films in his career that goes against conventional wisdom. Let’s take a look at some of his biggest career risks. 

Darr (and Anjaam)

Playing a stalker and making people root for him is something only a young SRK could have pulled off with panache. It was an extremely brave move since no other actor could have done this. 

Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustaani…

It was SRK’s first production (under the banner Dreamz Unlimited) and it failed. That said, SRK admitted that it didn’t find success because it was a risky film that was ahead of its time. 

Asoka

Even though Asoka didn’t do as well as SRK would have hoped it would have, it was a risky film with lots of breathtaking moments and extremely soulful music. 

Ra.One

Except for Krrish, this is the only legit superhero movie we’ve ever seen. (Forget Drona and A Flying Jatt). It was not the best film, but you have to give it to King Khan for risking so much of his moolah on this. 

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

It was a very uncanny SRK performance, as you don’t expect a man who stands for true love to play an infidel. But even though the film didn’t do exceptionally well, SRK’s performance found unanimous appreciation. 

Fan

Nobody in Bollywood had done something like this, and you have to take your hat out for the man. 

Raees

Playing a big, bad antihero is something that SRK hadn’t done for a long time, and with Raees he took that leap of faith. And found success.