Shah Rukh Khan Reveals How His Iconic Signature Pose Was Created

Mumbai, 12th August 2024: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan recently shared the story behind his famous signature pose with outstretched arms, a gesture that has become a global symbol of his charm.

Speaking at the Locarno Film Festival, Khan revealed that the pose was a solution to his struggle with a popular dance move in the 90s. The actor disclosed that he felt embarrassed about his inability to perform dips, a common move in Hindi films, and practiced extensively to perfect his pose.

Khan, widely recognized as Bollywood’s romantic king, has featured his signature pose in numerous films including ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’, ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’, ‘Happy New Year’, and ‘Swades’. The pose has become a staple in his public appearances and interactions with fans, including when he greets them from his bungalow, Mannat.

At the festival, Khan explained that his struggle with the dance move led to the creation of the iconic pose. “I couldn’t do dips, which made me very embarrassed. I used to practice in my room all night,” Khan said. He recalled asking choreographer Saroj Khan if he was ready, to which she responded, “Yes, but you can’t do dips. You stand and stretch out your arms.”

Khan further elaborated, “I did the dips for her, and she said, ‘No, no, don’t do that. It doesn’t look good on you.’” This led to the decision to use the arm-spreading pose instead. Khan added, “I was just fooling everyone. There’s nothing to it—just spreading the arms.”

This revelation sheds light on the simple origins of a pose that has become one of Bollywood’s most enduring symbols.