Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan shared candid insights about his life and journey to superstardom during a conversation at the Global Freight Summit in Dubai. The actor, who made a successful return to the big screen in 2023 with three major releases, opened up about the challenges and setbacks he has faced throughout his career, emphasising the importance of resilience and self-reflection in overcoming failure.

When asked about being critical of his own work, Khan admitted to moments of self-doubt, saying, “I am [critical], and I hate feeling it. I cry a lot in the bathroom. I don’t show it to anyone.” Despite these low points, he shared that he believes it’s essential to avoid wallowing in self-pity. “You have to believe that the world is not against you,” he said. “Sometimes things go wrong because of many factors, but it’s not because the world is conspiring against you.”

Khan’s approach to failure, he explained, involves acknowledging mistakes, learning from them, and moving forward. “You have to believe that you made it badly. Then you have to move on.”

Khan also offered a philosophical perspective on life’s unpredictability. “The world is not against you. Life moves on,” he said, drawing an analogy to an ant caught in the wind. “I’m a very good-looking ant,” he joked, “but nevertheless, an ant. Sometimes the wind takes you away… it’s not working against you, it’s just doing what it does. Life does what it does.” He emphasised that instead of blaming life for failures, individuals should take responsibility, analyse what went wrong, and recalibrate. “I need to figure it out, recalibrate, and come back,” he explained.

The actor, who celebrated his 59th birthday earlier this month, has remained one of the most beloved figures in global cinema. He recently co-hosted the IIFA Awards alongside Karan Johar and Vicky Kaushal, continuing to shine both on-screen and in the spotlight. Fans can look forward to his upcoming project, King, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, in which he will star alongside his daughter, Suhana Khan, marking a significant moment in their family’s cinematic journey.

Khan’s candid reflections on handling failure serve as an inspiration for both his fans and colleagues, reinforcing his enduring appeal and commitment to personal growth amidst the pressures of stardom.