Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been named the most prominent Indian actor of the past 25 years, according to a new report released by the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).
The report, titled “25 Years of Indian Cinema,” highlights Khan’s enduring impact on audiences and his unmatched popularity across decades. It reveals that Shah Rukh Khan appeared in 20 of the 130 most popular Indian films released between January 2000 and August 2025. These rankings are based on global IMDb user ratings from over 91 million votes.
Khan’s dominance was particularly strong in the early 2000s, when he starred in eight of the 25 most popular films released between 2000 and 2004.
Even in years when he had no major film releases, he continued to feature in IMDb’s list of most popular celebrities, underlining his lasting global appeal.
Reacting to the recognition, Khan said it was “heartening” to see the long-term impact of his films on audiences. “My purpose has always been to entertain people and win their hearts through storytelling. I have always believed that the power of cinema goes beyond language and cultural boundaries,” he said in a statement.
With over 250 million monthly users, IMDb’s report provides a comprehensive look at Indian cinema’s journey over the last quarter-century. The data also shows that Khan’s popularity remained unshaken in recent years—he was listed among the top 10 most popular actors every week throughout 2024.
The accolade reflects not only his acting talent but also his enduring connection with fans worldwide, cementing his place as one of Indian cinema’s most iconic figures.
