Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has revealed that his next film, King, is designed as a "pan-world" project, highlighting the expanding reach of Indian cinema on the global stage. The announcement came during a fan event in the city on his birthday days agi, where Khan expressed deep appreciation for his Indian fans, crediting them for his international success.
At the event, Khan responded to a question from an American fan, who praised him as a “pan-world superstar,” following the success of his recent films, Pathaan and Jawan. Khan shared his pride into representing India globally, saying, "I’m taking India to places I once thought were impossible." He highlighted how Indian audiences have supported him throughout his career, allowing him to make a mark worldwide. “The subcontinent has taken me to places I thought were impossible for me,” he added.
Khan also discussed his commitment to creating original, high-quality stories that resonate globally. "Language is no longer a barrier," he remarked, emphasising that Indian cinema is gaining international appeal as it reaches wider audiences. "We need to write stories that touch hearts while maintaining quality," he noted, adding that he hopes to play a role in furthering this trend.
The choice to title King in English was intentional, aimed at connecting with global viewers. “I now title my films in English so that people in America know what it means,” he said with a smile, concluding, "Take a message back home from India: 'The King is coming'."
Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, King is set to release in mid-2026, featuring Khan alongside his daughter Suhana Khan and actor Abhishek Bachchan.
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Patna (PTI): Bihar was abuzz with speculation on Wednesday over rumours that JD(U) president and the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may move to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for the BJP to take the top post while accommodating his son Nishant as deputy CM.
However, senior BJP leader and Union minister Giriraj Singh dismissed the rumour as a "Holi prank", asserting "Nitish Kumar ji is the chief minister".
The filing of nomination papers for five Rajya Sabha seats in the state will close on Thursday.
While the BJP has named its two candidates, including national general secretary Nitin Nabin, and confirmed a second consecutive term for junior NDA ally Upendra Kushwaha, the JD(U) is yet to officially announce its nominees.
The rumours of Kumar, who turned 75 earlier this month, being one of the candidates of JD(U), surfaced a day after the party had announced that his son Nishant would be making a belated entry into politics.
Earlier, there were speculations that the reclusive Nishant, who is in his late 40s and is yet to be formally inducted into the JD(U), could be sent straight to the Rajya Sabha.
However, with less than 24 hours left for filling of nomination papers, several media outlets ran reports claiming that the chief minister, who has been at the helm since 2005, could choose the Rajya Sabha route to make an "honourable exit".
According to these unconfirmed reports, the BJP, which has been outperforming the JD(U) in elections, will have its own CM in the only Hindi heartland state where the highest seat of power has eluded it.
These reports also suggested that as a bargain, Kumar could settle for the deputy CM's post for his son.
When Giriraj Singh, who represents Begusarai Lok Sabha seat in the state, was approached with queries, he said, "Today is Holi. Such pranks are common on the occasion. Nitish Kumar ji is the chief minister".
JD(U) MLC Sanjay Kumar alias Gandhi ji, a close aide of the party supremo, reacted with bewilderment when his response was sought to the rumours.
"We have no information about who will be the Rajya Sabha candidates of the party. There is an impression that Union minister Ram Nath Thakur may retain his seat, but that is also not official. As regards the other seat, it is a decision to be taken by the chief minister, who is known to reveal his cards at the eleventh hour. We cannot say anything on the reports in the media," he said.
