Shah Rukh Khan, celebrating his 60th birthday with an annual fan meet in Mumbai, shared his thoughts on guiding his children, Suhana and Aryan, in their respective careers. When asked about the advice he gives to Aryan, Shah Rukh responded that he doesn't offer much, believing that creative individuals need space to explore their own paths. He humorously added, "‘Arre yaar, papa ki to sunni padegi kyunki woh Shah Rukh Khan hain.’ I don't want them to have that baggage".
Suhana Khan made her acting debut in 2024 with The Archies, while Aryan Khan debuted as a writer-director with the web series The Bads of Bollywood earlier this year. Shah Rukh acknowledged that both Suhana and Aryan are carving their own paths. He mentioned that they occasionally seek his perspective, and he provides his point of view, but ultimately encourages them to follow their own instincts. "Tum wohi karo jo tumhe karna hai*," he tells them.
However, Shah Rukh admitted that he did give Aryan some advice that proved pivotal. Aryan was initially unsure about directing The Bads of Bollywood, and Shah Rukh encouraged him to take the leap. Believing that writers who direct their own work often excel, Shah Rukh advised Aryan to follow his heart, adding, "Dekhenge kya hoga, kitna hi bura kar lega. We will figure it out*".
In a recent #AskSRK session on X, fans inquired about his experience working with his children. One fan asked how it felt to be directed by Aryan and to act alongside Suhana in his upcoming film, King. Shah Rukh responded with humility and affection, stating, "On sets I respect them like my colleagues…and appreciate their inputs and hard work". He added, "Off sets…I just wish and pray their hard work pays off". When asked separately about working with Suhana in King, SRK replied, "Apna apna sa lagta hai".
Notably, Shah Rukh made a cameo appearance in Aryan’s The Bads Of Bollywood. Recollecting Aryan's first public appearance at the show's launch, fans were touched by their father-son bond. Aryan, seemingly nervous, had joked about carrying a torch in case the teleprompter failed, adding, "Aur agar tabhi mujhse koi mistake ho jaye, to papa hai na*". Shah Rukh playfully revealed Aryan's speech taped to his back, a moment that resonated with fans.
Further emphasizing their professional dynamic, sources indicate that Aryan addresses his father as "Sir" on set. An anecdote recounts Aryan seeking Shah Rukh's opinion on a video, addressing him as "Sir". Shah Rukh was surprised and touched by this show of respect.
Looking ahead, Shah Rukh Khan is set to appear in Siddharth Anand's King, which also stars Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji and others. When asked about reuniting with Rani Mukerji and Deepika Padukone in King, he expressed his affection for Rani and his excitement about teaming up with Deepika again.
