Overview

• Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, moderated by Karan Johar, discussed their journeys in Bollywood during the session ‘The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler’ at the WAVES 2025 Summit in Mumbai.
• SRK dismissed the insider-outsider distinction, asserting that success depends on determination, hard work, and authenticity rather than background or connections.
• He advocated for the expansion of small-town theatres with affordable ticket prices to make films more accessible across India.
• The actors shared candid personal insights, with SRK reflecting on parenting humorously, noting that his children see him as a ‘joke’ at home, and Deepika discussing her transition to motherhood.
• Both stars encouraged public figures to prioritize genuine self-expression over curated image management, emphasizing the value of authenticity in their professional and personal lives.