Actor Shah Rukh Khan turns 50 today

Born in 1965, Shah Rukh, synonymous with the title 'Baadshah of Bollywood', started his reel journey with the small screen in the late 80's and slowly graduated into the silver screen with the 1992 released Deewana, opposite Divya Bharti, then one of the most sought after actress.

Deewana proved to be a blockbuster hit and Khan took home the Filmfare Best Debut Award. Soon films like Darr, Baazigar followed in which Khan successfully played negative characters, winning praises from both the audience and critics alike.

The 1995 released Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge transformed Khan's career, making him into an overnight sensation. The release of Dil To Pagal hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in the following years meant there was no looking back for the Delhi boy.

By the beginning of the new millenia Khan was a global superstar.

It was only after the 2000's that he started shading his romantic hero looks to pick up characters with substances.

His portrayal of scientist Mohan Bhargava in Swades and a dejected player turned a successful coach, Kabir Khan in Chak De! India bear testimony to his fine acting chops.

After a dull run in which his movies generated the revenues but his appearances were seldom appreciated, Khan once again paved his return with My Name Is Khan opposite his most successful screen partner Kajol.

With 14 Filmfare Awards in various categories, Khan tops the chart, ahead of another legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. He is also the recipient of Padma Shri Award, given by the Indian Government for his contributions towards films and performing arts.

The Government of France awarded him both the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the Légion d'honneur. He was also honoured with UNESCO's Pyramide con Marni award in 2011 for his support of children's education. 

The superstar is also a successful producer, and produces his own movies through his venture Red Chillies Entertainment. He is also the co-owner of IPL based cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders.

On his birthday, Salman Khan was quoted by BOC (Business of Cinema) as saying, "I will wish him best in life, will wish him best of health, family success and most amazing life, for his whole family to be healthy and to children to take his name forward, beyond what Shah Rukh Khan did."

Acknowledging the love of his fans, Shah Rukh himself wrote on Twitter, "It’s been a few hrs & I hav received such unconditional lov & wishes for my smile, I think it’s time I find new reasons 2 smile from today."

Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee wrote, "Happy Birthday @iamsrk."