King Khan , Bollywood King, SRK, the Khan of Khans – all the proverbial adjectives we usually associate with none other than Shah Rukh Khan, an actor who is perhaps known more for his charisma than his acting prowess. In a career spanning close to 3 decades, Shah Rukh has been a relentless charmer , and one of the most popular Bollywood actor across the globe. His cool demeanour coupled with his trademark wits has earned him a frenzied fan following, and of course, his on screen persona as the venerable romantic hero has weaved out an inimitable legacy, something which the upcoming stars of today try hard to match up.

Shah Rukh has a litany of hugely successful films in his incredible repertoire, and despite a spate of commercially unsuccessful films off late, he still retains his undaunted popularity. Below are my top 10 of his performances where i felt he was at his best , delivering his mesmerizing magic on screen . I strongly believe that he is one of the stars who will never fade out from our hearts.

10. Asoka (2001)- This film makes my list because of the grand vision it boasted when it released, and the way SRK ( also one of the producers) mounted Asoka on a grand scale. Based on the life of emperor Asoka, Shah Rukh was impressive in the titular role, emboldening his portrayal with an infectious enthusiasm . He was the sole torch bearer in an otherwise lackluster film which was fraught with historical inaccuracies. Despite a commercial failure, this was a welcome shift for SRK and his die hard fans, from his repetitive romantic roles.

9. Baazigar (1993) – The film that made Shahrukh Khan an overnight star, Baazigar was a revelation , both as a film as well as for its lead actor. The concept of an vengeful young man as a protagonist whose sole purpose is to wipe out the antagonist who destroyed his family and fortunes, Baazigar was a paradigm shift in the 90’s , when the audience were mostly witnessing mindless and mediocre action flicks . Helmed by the terrific duo of Abbas Mustan, Baazigar scaled to huge success, with a memorable musical score by Anu Malik and a magical pairing of Shahrukh and Kajol .

8. Yes Boss (1997) – In this quintessential romantic flick directed by Aziz Mirza, ‘Yes Boss’ was assertively heartwarming and likeable, primarily because of the indelible charm of Shah Rukh Khan. As a Yes Man who can do anything for his boss, Shah Rukh was at his endearing best , wooing the girl he loved whom his boss lusted. Shah Rukh was delightful in comedy scenes and shared a smooth camaraderie with Juhi Chawla. The film also benefitted from a soulful musical score by Jatin Lalit, with almost every song still etched in our memories.

7. Don (2006)– This Farhan Akhtar film was termed as an ode to the cult of Amitabh Bachchan’s Don. Shah Rukh was roped in to replicate the charisma of Big B, and he didnt dissapoint. He smartly rendered his own personal style with his usual charismatic demeanour in this extremely slick and technically proficient flick. Shah Rukh returned to his roots with a negative shade and he excelled, though the film was definitely pale in comparison to the original. Nevertheless, with his trademark pizzazz , SRK won laurels from audience and the box office!

6. Kal Ho Na Ho (2003) – Karan Johar and SRK unflinching combo gave us this contemporary romantic drama which achieved huge global success when it released. Shahrukh was brilliant in this film, portraying a gamut of emotions – ranging from light hearted comedy to serious moments, culminating to a heart wrenching climax which is still etched in our memories . His funny banters with co star Saif and pleasing chemistry with Preity Zinta was a delight to watch. This love triangle is also fondly remembered for its melodious track by Shankar Ehsaan Loy and a terrific performance by Jaya Bachchan.

5. Raees(2017)– Shah Rukh geared himself up smartly in this throwback to the seventies blockbuster, when the heroes carried the swagger and definitive persona to outmaneuvering the villians. As Raees Alam running an illegal alcohol empire, ShahRukh was swashbuckling in the pivotal role, full throttle with action and smart repartees ( “Baniye ka dimaag, Miyabhai ki daring”) . Adding to the delectable mix was Nawazuddin Sidiqqui , another brilliant actor who played SRK’s counterpart brilliantly. The film was not perfect though, with a smashing first half but diluted in the second with too many plots running in parallel. But Raeez was immensely watchable due to Shahrukh’s indefatigable energy and a tremendous Nawaaz playing the perfect foil.

4. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) – Shahrukh’s filmography will be incomplete without this eternal love story weaved out beautifully by Yashraj productions. This Raj- Simran love story spanning across the exotic locales of Europe and India engrossed viewers worldwide, and catapulted SRK to a global icon. First time director Aditya chopra rendered a freshness to this endearing love story adorned with a perfect mix of contemporary and traditional attire, stamped with strong family values. Shahrukh personified himself as the everlasting romantic hero, and his mesmerizing chemistry with Kajol internalized pure heart . Winner of endless awards and one of the most successful films in the history of cinema, DDLJ remains a long lasting favorite for indian movie aficionados.

3. Fan (2016) – Shahrukh took the unchartered territory of playing himself on screen, and a tricky role of playing the role of his own obsessed fan . An extremely complex premise, but Shahrukh was stellar. The altercation between the unstable behaviour of the fan and the stubborn behavior of the superstar was relentlessly tense, and despite the films uneven and implausible tone, SRK ensured his fans get a bang of their buck by delivering a memorable act. Despite the film’s many flaws, Shahrukh relished the challenging act of playing this layered dual role of both fan and superstar. The film failed to garner business, but SRK did what most of his critics never thought – of coming out of his comfort zone.

2. Swades (2004) – Shahrukh khan and Swades remains synonymous till date, as this was perhaps one of the films where Shahrukh was not SRK, but merely an unassuming immigrant scientist working in NASA who returns to his roots in India to delve into its problems and discover his actual identity. Shahrukh internalized Mohan Bhargav with an understated subtlety which is considered one of his best performances till date. He was utterly convincing in his emotional conflicts, and his steadfastness held this overlong film which didnt find much takers when it released, as it was considered more of a documentary . But Swades has attained a cult following now, and remains a favourite among the Indian NRIs who see their own reflection in Mohan Bhargav!

1. Chak De India (2007) – Kabir Khan, a disgraced hockey player who returns to exorcise his past demons, to built up a team of ragtag women hockey players to win the world cup! Chak De India is Shahrukh Khan’s finest performance – till date. He played Kabir Khan straight from the heart – calm, measured and without any artifice. SRK’s acting histrionics were at his best in this Shimit Amin’s sports drama which dealt with multiple issues – gender bias, minority bashing – with extreme sensitivity and care. He peddled all of this with right dose of patriotism which was not loud but touched our hearts. This was the first time when no lead heroine was paired opposite Shahrukh, as he played a committed coach whose sole mission was to regain his lost pride. Brilliantly shot with finely executed match scenes, SRK and his team were our favorite underdogs and we rooted for them till its nail biting finale!