Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has sparked rumours he’s undergone a facelift after fans noticed his youthful appearance at a recent media event in India.
Shah Rukh, better known as SRK or ‘King Khan’ to his legions of fans, unveiled the trailer for his 27-year-old son, Aryan Khan’s directorial debut at a glitzy launch in Mumbai on 20 August.
While promoting the forthcoming Netflix release, titled The Ba*ads of Bollywood, as ‘full masala’ – or larger-than-life – entertainment, SRK, 59, was typically charismatic and witty – but fans pointed out a big difference to the way he looked.
Shah Rukh, who showed off his toned physique in a tailored black suit sans shirt, appeared much younger than his years as Reddit erupted with speculation the Indian actor has had cosmetic surgery.
Comparing photos of Shah Rukh taken six years apart, one person pointed out a ‘clear difference in eyes, jaw, nose, cheeks, and basically the entire face structure’ under a post titled ‘SRK HAS HAD A FACELIFT‘ on the Bollywood Hot Takes sub-Reddit.
‘SRK got the Kris Jenner,’ another person replied, referring to the Kardashian matriarch’s remarkable transformation that she has since revealed is the result of a $100,000 procedure performed by an American surgeon, dubbed the ‘facelift maestro’.
‘He’s clearly got work done,’ one comment about SRK’s own jaw-dropping makeover.
A third person said they ‘thought this was Aryan’ while another added: ‘He looks good.’
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has sparked rumours he’s undergone a facelift after fans noticed his youthful appearance at a recent media event in India. He is pictured here in 2018
Shah Rukh, who showed off his toned physique in a tailored black suit sans shirt at a launch last week, appeared much younger than his years as Reddit erupted with speculation the Indian actor has recently had cosmetic surgery
A similar comment read: ‘Yeah, it’s an excellent face lift. He looks great.’
Commenting on the differences between Shah Rukh’s appearances in 2018 – at the reunion event for one of his biggest hits – and 2025, an expert told FEMAIL ‘his facial contours appear sharper and more defined’ in the recent image.
According to Dr Ellie Sateei, this contrasts with the ‘slightly heavier, more relaxed look’ he displayed in 2018, as she noted one possible explanation for the difference is that Shah Rukh ‘may have undergone a facelift’.
The procedure is designed to tighten loose skin and reposition underlying tissues to restore youthful definition and bring back the more chiselled look we’re seeing in the recent pictures, she added.
The Board-certified doctor pointed out the ‘relatively taut quality of his mid-faxce’ and the absence of deep nasolabial folds’ that become more prominent with age as signs of surgical intervention.
Dr Ellie added that any improvements in skin texture could be the result of non-surgical procedures such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma therapy.
Meanwhile, aesthetic practitioner and founder of Clinicbe, Dr Barbara Kubicka said what stands out from the comparison photos is ‘how refreshed and lifted his features’ look.
‘His jawline looks more defined, the mid-face fuller, and his skin tone noticeably smoother,’ she said.
Comparing photos of Shah Rukh taken six years apart, one person pointed out a ‘clear difference in eyes, jaw, nose, cheeks, and basically the entire face structure’ under a post titled ‘SRK HAS HAD A FACELIFT’ on the Bollywood Hot Takes sub-Reddit
Shah Rukh, better known as SRK or ‘King Khan’ to his legions of fans, was promoting the trailer for his 27-year-old son, Aryan Khan’s (right) directorial debut at a glitzy launch in Mumbai on 20 August
‘While some might speculate about surgery, these results can very often be achieved through advanced non-surgical treatments, which have become increasingly popular among men seeking subtle yet effective rejuvenation,’ Dr Barbara continued.
These non-invasive treatments might have included dermal fillers to ‘restore lost volume in the cheeks’ and under the eyes, as well as skin-tightening technologies, such as radiofrequency or ultrasound-based treatments that stimulate collagen production.
‘His improved skin quality with smoother texture, fewer visible lines, and an overall glow also suggests regular use of skin boosters, microneedling, or laser resurfacing,’ she added.
‘These treatments enhance hydration, stimulate collagen, and refine pores, which collectively give the skin a younger, healthier appearance.’
It comes after a facial aesthetic expert from the Indian city of Gurugram broke down the different aspects of Shah Rukh’s physical transformation – from the lanky, 20-year-old theatre actor in the Noughties to a global superstar – last year.
Analysing photographs of SRK taken over the years in an Instagram video, Dr Sai Ganapathy of Skin Zensation Cosmetologia said it appeared the father-of-three had undergone Botox treatments to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Other tweakments he may have opted for include under-eye fillers, jawline enhancements, and a face lift, said Dr Sai, noting SRK’s dark circles appeared lighter in recent years and that his smile lines have ‘cleared’.
Men’s magazine MensXP in 2020 included Shah Rukh on a list of seven Indian male celebrities who have ‘allegedly gone under the knife’ as the publication highlighted he had likely had several rounds of Botox injections as well as under-eye treatments to prevent sagging.
Commenting on the differences between Shah Rukh’s appearances in 2018 – at the reunion event for one of his biggest hits – and 2025, an expert told FEMAIL ‘his facial contours appear sharper and more defined’ in the recent image. The National Award winner is seen here with fellow Bollywood star, and frequent on-screen love interest, Rani Mukerji
Shah Rukh, now 59, is widely considered to be the face of Bollywood – both in India and overseas. He is seen here in a portrait from 2001
Shah Rukh as seen in a portrait taken in 2003, when he was 38.
He is best-known for his romantic roles, with Shah Rukh affectionately known as the ‘King of Romance’
Reacting to his new look, one Redditor suggested it was all down to a healthier, smoke-free way of living. Shah Rukh has been chain-smoking for 30 years until he revealed he had quit last November
While fans agreed Shah Rukh looked better than before, many felt his fresh-faced appearance was the result of making lifestyle changes, including ditching his 30-year smoking habit.
Reacting to his new look, one Redditor suggested it was all down to a healthier, smoke-free way of living, writing: ‘Correct, if he has quit smoking and gets ample sleep, he would have looked so, so much better.’
The star, with an estimated net worth of $876 million, was rarely spotted without a cigarette until earlier this year, when he confirmed he has ‘finally’ overcome the addiction.
On the occasion of his 59th birthday last November, he addressed his fans: ‘One good thing is that I’m not smoking anymore.
‘I am still feeling a bit breathless,’ he continued, adding: ‘Hope that will get sorted soon.’
SRK, who is a role model to millions of young Indian men, admitted: ‘After smoking for 30 years, I can’t advise anybody about it.
‘We all know it’s not good to smoke, so please give it up whenever you can.’
The Jawan actor has previously credited a diet comprising ‘very basic food’ and dedicated workout regime to ‘build a physique I’m proud of’ when asked to reveal the secret of his age-defying looks.
Shah Rukh’s personal trainer Prashant Sawant, who also worked with Priyanka Chopra, said the actor has been consistently working out for over 20 years
The Jawan actor has previously credited a diet comprising ‘very basic food’ and dedicated workout regime to ‘build a physique I’m proud of’ when asked to reveal the secret of his age-defying looks
Experts told FEMAIL that Shah Rukh’s skin texture has dramatically improved from before, as they highlighted a brighter, more youthful complexion from his earlier appearances – such as this media event in 2015
Over the years, Shah Rukh has experimented with different facial hair styles as well as growing out his locks for different roles. He is seen here in a still from the 2017 Bollywood remake of When Harry Met Sally, titled Jab Harry Met Sejal
According to a report by The Economic Times, Shah Rukh shared that he typically skips breakfast and opts for dishes like grilled chicken, broccoli, sprouts, and a small portion of lentils for lunch and dinner.
‘I’ve been eating like this for many years without much variation,’ the National Award winner was quoted as saying.
Shah Rukh also explained how an ‘unofficial break’ from his hectic shooting schedules during Covid-19 gave him the opportunity to start exercising regularly, adding: ‘I took my own advice, worked out consistently, and built a physique I’m proud of.’
According to Indian celebrity trainer Prashant Sawant, the actor – who has flaunted eight-pack abs for some of his recent Bollywood films, is becoming ‘fitter, stronger, and more patient with his body’ as a result of enduring several surgeries and injuries over the years.
Sawant, who has been coaching SRK for the past 20 years, told GQ India that the actor stays in shape with a mix of circuit training as well as strength training while focussing on one or two body parts at a time.
‘Shah Rukh Khan also loves strengthening his core, so we included deadlifts and squats as well,’ Sawant told the magazine, spilling the secret of his A-list client’s sculpted mid-section.
He also noted that Shah Rukh rarely listens to music or scrolls on his phone when he’s training at the gym.
‘When you mind is connected to your body, the results will show much quicker,’ the celebrity coach – who has also worked with Priyanka Chopra – added.
According to a report by The Times of India, Shah Rukh shared that he typically skips breakfast and opts for dishes like grilled chicken, broccoli, sprouts, and a small portion of lentils for lunch and dinner
Shah Rukh also explained how an ‘unofficial break’ from his hectic shooting schedules during Covid-19 gave him the opportunity to start exercising regularly
He was seen sporting a more toned physique at an Indian festival in 2024
Shah Rukh made his Met Gala debut earlier this year, when the actor represented India at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on 5 May, wearing designer Sabyasachi’s interpretation of ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’
Shah Rukh with his wife Gauri Khan at the wedding ceremony of Ambani scion Anant, with Shloka Mehta, in 2019
Experts, Dr Barbara Kubicka and Dr Ellie Sateei, weighed in on the actor’s transformation
It comes after SRK – widely considered to be the face of Bollywood both in India and overseas – was ranked as the fourth richest actor in the world by Esquire.
His nearly $900-million net worth put Shah Rukh ahead of George Clooney ($742.8 million), Brad Pitt ($594.23 million), Tom Hanks ($571.94 million), and Jackie Chan ($557.09 million).
With a fan base estimated to be over one billion, he topped Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list in 2012, 2013 and 2015. He is renowned for charging producers around $2.3 million per movie, with his annual salary estimated at around $73 million, in 2018.
Along with his wife Gauri Khan, he is also the owner of the widely successful Red Chillies production house as well as a cricket team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, that represents the eastern Indian city in the Twenty20 cricket tournament IPL – or the Indian Premier League.
He has also hosted a number of awards shows and he replaced Amitabh Bachchan on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Shahrukh then hosted Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?, the Indian version of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? In 2017, he began presenting TED Talks India Nayi Soch, a talk show produced by TED Conferences on STAR Plus.
He owns multiple homes in India including a villa on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai and an apartment in London worth $20 million.
Often referred to as ‘Brand SRK’ because of the abundance of brand endorsements he has made which include Pepsi, Nokia, Hyundai, LUX and TAG Heuer. There is even a wax figure of the actor in many Madame Tussauds across the world.
