Shah Rukh Khan Challenges ‘Outsider’ Label at WAVES 2025: “I Never Felt I Didn’t Belong”

At the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, Shah Rukh Khan reflects on his Bollywood journey, emphasizing mindset over background in achieving success.

At the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in Mumbai, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan addressed the long-standing debate of “insiders vs. outsiders” in the film industry. In a candid conversation with Deepika Padukone, moderated by Karan Johar, Khan shared insights from his personal journey, challenging the notion that one’s origin determines their place in Bollywood.

“I never thought of myself as an outsider,” Khan remarked, emphasizing that the real challenge lies in one’s mindset. He recounted his early days in the industry, stating, “When I came here, I never told myself I don’t belong. I lost a family in 24 hours, and in the next 24 hours, I gained a new one.” This sentiment underscores his belief that self-perception plays a crucial role in one’s success.

Khan further elaborated that the industry welcomed him with warmth, and he never felt the need to label himself as an outsider. He cautioned against self-pity and the dangers of believing one doesn’t belong, suggesting that such a mindset can hinder one’s efforts and growth.

Highlighting the importance of action over background, Khan stated, “The world doesn’t care about one’s background, whether from the film industry or not, rich or poor. What truly matters is how a person leaves their mark.” He urged aspiring actors to focus on their craft and contributions rather than their origins.

The WAVES Summit, which aims to position India as a global hub for content creation, also saw support from other industry stalwarts. Actors like Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to boost India’s entertainment sector. Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman Prasoon Joshi highlighted the summit’s role in spotlighting India’s content industry and its vast potential.

Shah Rukh Khan’s reflections at the summit serve as a testament to his belief in perseverance, self-belief, and the power of embracing one’s journey, regardless of their starting point.