Shah Rukh Khan Reveals Why He Can Never Play James Bond, and the Role He’d Like to Play Instead

During his appearance at the World Governments Summit 2024 in Dubai, Shah Rukh Khan engaged in a candid conversation about his career, including his aspirations, challenges, and Hollywood ambitions. Among the topics discussed was the possibility of Khan portraying the iconic character of James Bond, a role he admitted he would love to play but feels hindered by his height.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Desire to Play James Bond: Despite expressing interest in portraying James Bond, Khan humorously acknowledged that his height might be a barrier to assuming the role. He confessed, “I really wanted to, but I think I am too short.” However, Khan suggested an alternative role that he believes he would be better suited for: that of the Bond villain, emphasizing, “But I am brown enough to play the Bond baddie.”

Challenges in Pursuing a Hollywood Crossover: Addressing his slow progression toward a Hollywood crossover, Shah Rukh Khan attributed the delay to a lack of substantial offers. Despite his eagerness to explore international opportunities, Khan revealed, “Nobody has ever offered me any work, crossover of substance.” He emphasized the importance of delivering to his existing audience and expressed a desire to avoid spreading himself too thin.

Missed Opportunity with ‘Slumdog Millionaire’: While Khan has not received significant Hollywood offers, he disclosed being approached for Anil Kapoor’s role in “Slumdog Millionaire.” However, he declined the offer due to his commitment to hosting “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and discomfort with the character’s actions. Khan praised Kapoor’s performance in the film and expressed his preference for roles aligned with his values.

A Global Film Dream: Looking ahead, Shah Rukh Khan shared his aspiration to star in a universally beloved film that transcends borders. He expressed a desire for such a project to serve as his crossover vehicle, emphasizing his commitment to delivering impactful performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.

In conclusion, while Khan may not be pursuing a Hollywood crossover actively, his dedication to his craft and global aspirations remain unwavering.