Shah Rukh Khan once revealed how Ratan Tata inspired him: 'My father and mother were losing their businesses…'

Shah Rukh Khan is known as the ‘King of Bollywood’ for his iconic acting, but his talents don’t stop at films. Beyond the silver screen, SRK has also stepped into the world of business, showing the same passion and drive that made him a star. Back in 2013, he revealed how the late Ratan Tata, one of India’s most respected industrialists, inspired him not just as a businessman but as a person.

The 'Baazigar' actress opened up about the lessons he learned from Tata and how they (Birlas and Tatas) shaped both his ventures and his outlook on life

Shah Rukh admired Ratan Tata for purpose-driven business

Speaking to Forbes India, the 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' said, “They [Birlas, Tatas] understand that I have an interest in business that is beyond profits. When I met them, they were also at a stage in life when they were looking at business like that. My father was a businessman, my mother was a business lady, and they were losing at their businesses. But I remember the gusto with which they did it. The reason was not to buy a big house. And I realized that if the essence of earning money is right, business is great.”

SRK explained passion is key in business

Talking about running a business, the 'Chennai Express' actor added, "You've got to have passion. You have to be like Walt Disney as a businessman. I think Azim Premji is like that. Ratan Tata is like that. They are fantastic people. I am too small to comment on their business acumen. But I know the reason why they are doing business. I know that Nano was brought out with a very good thought. Will it work, or will it not work? I don’t know. But the reason it was created was very clear. The reason you are creating a business is not business, but passion, and it is personal.”

Shah Rukh applied Tata's lessons in ventures

Shah Rukh also explained how he uses these lessons in his own projects: “Every business I have started is because I wanted to take things to what I am not getting at this point in time.”

He added, “I have taken high-end risks and succeeded in them. Like everyone told me my career was over when ‘Baazigar’ was released. My best well-wishers told me my career is over; you can’t be a hero again after you’ve killed a woman. But it paid off. In the long run, everything is sustainable if you stick to it.”

Shah Rukh Khan on the work front

While Shah Rukh continues to build his business ventures, he remains active in films. He was recently seen in ‘Dunki,’ 'Jawaan' and 'Pathaan'. He will soon appear in ‘King,’ directed by Siddharth Anand, starring his daughter Suhana Khan in the lead.