Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is often celebrated for his charisma, humility, and unparalleled dedication to his craft. While directors and co-stars sing praises of his professionalism and kindness, those who know him personally often highlight his warm and grounded nature. One such person is actress Ananya Panday, a close friend of SRK’s daughter, Suhana Khan. In a recent podcast with Raj Shamani, Ananya revealed heartfelt insights about the superstar’s parenting and his unique ability to connect deeply with people around him.
A Father Beyond Stardom
Ananya Panday, who has never worked with Shah Rukh Khan professionally, shares a long-standing personal bond with him through her friendship with Suhana. Reflecting on her childhood memories, she spoke about how Shah Rukh has always been a constant presence in their lives despite his demanding schedule.
Panday shared how SRK’s parenting style is nothing short of inspiring. “He’s come for every single sports day of ours; he’s taught me for my relay races; he used to practice taekwondo with us; he taught me and Shanaya [Kapoor] how to ride a bike; he’d play football with us; and he helped us with our homework. Any problem we had, we could call him up,” Ananya recounted.
For the young actress, Shah Rukh Khan represents the perfect balance between a global icon and a hands-on, emotionally available father. “He’s the definition of an emotionally available man,” she added, highlighting how deeply involved he is in the lives of his three children — Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam Khan.
Charisma Beyond the Silver Screen
In the interview, Ananya also spoke about Shah Rukh’s magnetic personality and honesty. “The way SRK conducts himself is quite real. He has never been cookie-cutter and always speaks his mind,” she said. His authenticity and ability to make everyone feel like a king, as she described, is what sets him apart.
Ananya praised SRK for being honest and open, traits that make him relatable to people around him. She emphasized that Shah Rukh’s presence is not just comforting but also empowering.
A Role Model for Generations
Shah Rukh Khan’s commitment to his family, even amid the pressures of stardom, sets an example for everyone. Whether it’s attending his children’s events, teaching life skills, or simply being there when they need him, he has proved time and again that his family comes first.
Ananya Panday’s heartfelt recollections further solidify Shah Rukh Khan’s reputation as not only one of Bollywood’s biggest stars but also one of its most grounded and devoted family men. As she aptly put it, he truly is “the definition of an emotionally available man.”