On Shah Rukh’s 53rd birthday, let’s take a look at his 7 career-defining films

‘Darr’

Shah Rukh Khan was just starting his career and this role in Yash Chopra's 'Darr' could be defined as a turning point in his career. SRK played the role of Rahul who is obsessed with Juhi Chawla and later turns into a stalker. Who can forget SRK's memorable dialogue 'KKKKKKKKKKK............. Kiran' from this film? 'Darr' really catapulted Shah Rukh to stardom.

‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’

Shah Rukh Khan's performance in this film is legendary and his chemistry with Kajol was mind boggling. The Aditya Chopra directorial gave a new meaning to love. The climax, when SRK finally gets Kajol is so moving and actually gives goosebumps.

‘Pardes’

Another iconic performance of King Khan was Subhash Ghai's 'Pardes'. Shah Rukh was again in his elements and played the character called Arjun, who falls in love with Mahima Chaudhry (Ganga). The film was again a roller coaster and his struggle in the end with Amrish Puri was stuff of legends.

‘Devdas’

Sanjay Leela Bhansali as a director is not your quintessential filmmaker. SRK's character Devdas was a modern take on the classic and according to many SLB brought the best out of Shah Rukh. The film also had Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Paaro and Madhuri Dixit Nene as Chandramukhi.

‘Veer Zaara’

Shah Rukh Khan is a quintessential romantic hero. This was displayed again in Yash Chopra's Indo-Pak love story. SRK goes through everything to get her beloved Zaara played by Preity Zinta. The film also had Rani Mukerji and was a moving film.

‘Chak De India’

This, according to many was one of the most brilliant and hands down SRK's best performance till date. Khan plays a hockey coach named Kabir Khan, who has been accused as a traitor after losing against Pakistan, when he was a player. The film encapsulates how Shah Rukh brings the best out of a disgruntled Indian women's hockey team and makes them champions.

‘My Name Is Khan’

Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar are a deadly combination. The film shows the reality of modern world after 9/11 terror attacks in the USA, how every Muslim has been branded as a terrorist and is evil. SRK played the character of Rizwan Khan, who is plagued by autism. The film showed a very fragile, emotional side of 'King of Romance.'