In Pictures | A conclusive guide to Shah Rukh Khan's best films to binge on his birthday

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Director: Aditya Chopra

Starring the wonder couple of Bollywood, Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan, this film is Shah Rkh Khan's most famous and popular one, without a debate. With 10 Filmfare Awards in the bag, DDLJ happens to be one of the three Hindi films mentioned in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, a book by 70 film critics. It is also the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema, with the film still playing at Mumbai's Maratha Mandir theatre.

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Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

Director: Karan Johar

​What eventually turned out to be one of the most iconic romantic comedies of all times, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai​ starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukherji. Salman Khan had some appearances as well. The film was the third highest grossing Hindi film, only to be beaten by Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! This cult classic won 8 Filmfare Awards and is the only film in history to win all the four awards in the category of acting - Best Actor and Actress and Best Supporting Actor and Actress.

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Baazigar (1993)

Director: Abbas-Mustan

This crime-thriller has Shah Rukh Khan in a negative role, and that is not something that can be seen in too many films. Despite being loved as an actor in positive roles, SRK proved beyond any doubt that he can excel at whatever he puts himself to. It is difficult to find an Indian who doesn't know the dialogue immortalized by the film, "Kabhi kabhi jeetne ke liye kuch haarna bhi padta hai ... aur haar kar jeetne waale ko baazigar kehte hai."

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Chak De! India (2005)

Director: Shimit Amin

Shah Rukh Khan playing the coach for the Indian women's hockey team, explores the bigotry, sexism and corruption involved with the sport, that lacks prime attention of the people and authorities. The film received critical acclamation in India and beyond. It was screened in New Delhi on August 17, 2016, at the Independence Day Film Festival, commemorating India's 70th Independence Day.

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Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

Director: Nikhil Advani

​If you need a film to count on to make you cry, this is the one. The heartbreaking story features Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan in prime roles, with an elaborate roster of supporting actors. Kal Ho Naa Ho won two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards.

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Dil Se.. (1998)

Director: Mani Ratnam

​Written with the insurgency at the Northeast India in the backdrop, this film romances with the idea of love in times of war. This is also a part of the trilogy of Mani Ratnam's trilogy of films on terrorism. At 1999's Berlin International Film Festival, the film won the Netpac Award. Artistically, this film is noted for its non-linear screenplay, going back and forth in narration on reel time.

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My Name is Khan (2010)

Director: Karan Johar

This 2010 drama film, with Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan in the lead roles was fated for a major success even before it was released. The film generated pre-release revenue because of the controversies regarding the film and the actor, SRK's presence in the film after almost 2 years, and the dream couple of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's coming together. The film was a depiction of post-9/11 racism and religious prejudice faced by the Muslims residing in the United States (US).

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Swades (2004)

Director: Ashutosh Gowariker

​Unlike the most chartbusters, Swades invoked a mood of simplicity. Instead of flashy lights and breaking into dances, the film focused on issues concerned with the development of the rural India, and the story was woven beautifully. Besides two National Film Awards, the film won three Filmfare Awards, one of which was for the Best Actor for Shah Rukh Khan.

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Veer-Zaara (2004)

Director: Yash Chopra

Shah Rukh Khan, an Indian Air Force pilot falls in love with a girl, played by Preity Zinta, from Pakistan. Going down the path of love against two countries stuck in a perpetual state of war, this film is a must -watch. The film won one National Film Award, four Filmfare Awards, seven IIFA Awards, amongst numerous more.

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