Shah Rukh Khan, often called the "King of Bollywood," has an incredibly rich and fascinating life, both on and off the screen. While many people are familiar with his major films and his legendary status in the entertainment industry, there are plenty of lesser-known facts about him:

1. Not Always a Bollywood Star

Before becoming the global superstar he is today, SRK was deeply involved in theatre and television. He started his career with the popular TV shows "Fauji" (1988) and "Dil Dariya" (1988). He also appeared in "Wagle Ki Duniya" and "Umeed" in the late '80s and early '90s, which gave him a solid foundation in acting.

2. Entrepreneurial Spirit

SRK is a successful businessman outside of acting. He co-owns the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Additionally, he has invested in multiple ventures, including a production company Red Chillies Entertainment, a visual effects studio Red Chillies VFX, and a distribution company. He’s also been involved in the hospitality industry, co-owning the luxury hotel "The Lalit" in Mumbai.

3. A Passion for Technology

Shah Rukh Khan is a big fan of technology and is considered one of the most tech-savvy celebrities in India. He was one of the first Bollywood stars to embrace social media and digital platforms. He is known for his fascination with gadgets and is often seen promoting new tech and innovations. He even owns an iMax theatre in Mumbai, showing his interest in the film exhibition business.

4. Loves to Write

Though he's not just an actor, SRK has a passion for writing. He enjoys penning down his thoughts and ideas and has written numerous personal letters to his fans and colleagues. His fan mails are often filled with humor, wisdom, and thoughtfulness. He once wrote a letter to his daughter, Suhana, which went viral because of the beautiful advice he gave her.

5. A Serious Collector

SRK has a massive collection of memorabilia, especially connected to movies and pop culture. His love for history and artifacts extends to his collection of old coins and watches. One of the rarest pieces in his collection is an authentic Beatles vinyl signed by the band members, which he cherishes deeply.

6. A Big Softie

Despite his larger-than-life persona on screen, Shah Rukh Khan is known to be incredibly soft-hearted and sensitive. He is a family man who is deeply attached to his wife, Gauri Khan, and their children, Suhana, Aryan, and AbRam. He’s often seen being affectionate and protective of them, especially on social media.

7. A Major Philanthropist

SRK is involved in numerous charitable causes, but many of them are less publicized. He’s donated large sums of money to cancer research, child education, and disaster relief. In 2011, he was honored by the UNICEF for his work in advocating for children's rights and being a role model to the youth of India.

8. World Record Holder

Shah Rukh Khan holds the world record for the most "appearances in a single film" as a lead actor in the film "Om Shanti Om" (2007), where he portrayed 6 different characters. It's a fun fact that reflects his dedication to being diverse and versatile in his roles.

9. A Master of Languages

SRK is a linguist at heart. He speaks Hindi, English, and Urdu fluently. He also has a decent understanding of Bengali (his wife, Gauri, is from West Bengal) and has also studied some basic French and Spanish. His multilingual skills have helped him connect with fans across the globe.

10. A Huge Fan of 'Star Wars'

Shah Rukh Khan is an avid Star Wars fan. He once revealed in an interview that Darth Vader was one of his favorite characters, and he admired the legacy of George Lucas’s cinematic universe. He even joked in the past that he’d like to play Jabba the Hutt in a Star Wars film!

11. Survived a Near-Death Experience

In 2011, Shah Rukh Khan was in a life-threatening accident on the sets of the movie "Ra.One". He suffered a serious back injury while performing an action sequence and was advised strict bed rest for several months. Despite the pain and challenges, SRK continued his work and pushed through to complete the film.

12. A Deep Spiritual Connection

Shah Rukh Khan has spoken multiple times about his belief in the spiritual and philosophical aspects of life. He is often seen quoting lines from poets like Rumi and Gibran, and his thoughts are infused with a deep sense of wonder about life and the universe. Many believe his personality is influenced by his strong spiritual connection.

13. Surprising "Romantic" Gesture

Shah Rukh Khan once said that he believes romance is dead, but he’s a big fan of the old-school romantic ideas. He’s been known to make incredibly sweet and romantic gestures for his wife, Gauri, including an infamous incident where he rented an entire Parisian street for a day to surprise her with a romantic dinner.

14. Worked as a Waiter

Before his big break in acting, Shah Rukh Khan worked as a waiter in a restaurant in Delhi. He was in his early 20s, struggling to make ends meet before entering the entertainment world. This early struggle gave him the determination to succeed in the entertainment industry.

15. He Holds a Degree in Economics

Although he never pursued it professionally, SRK has a degree in Economics from Hansraj College in Delhi. His initial interest was not in acting, but in business and economics.