The era of Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy James Bond has officially concluded with the film 'No Time To Die'. This has sparked intense global speculation about which actor will next step into the legendary tuxedo. While names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner frequently top the rumour mill, an unexpected question was recently posed to Bollywood's King Khan himself.
Shah Rukh Khan's Candid Rejection of 007
While in London for a special event to unveil a bronze statue alongside his longtime co-star Kajol, Shah Rukh Khan was asked by the media if he would ever consider playing James Bond. The superstar, known for his witty and humble responses, gave a firm and humorous refusal. He stated that he does not see himself as the next 007, primarily because he lacks the classic British accent. He also humorously referenced Bond's famous drink preference, saying, "I don't like shaken martini."
Reflecting on his own filmography, SRK noted that despite recent forays into action with films like 'Jawan' and 'Pathaan', he has not done many action films historically. He credited his iconic pairing with Kajol for his romantic image, joking, "I was always wanting to do an action film, but then Kajol was in my life, and you can't do action films when Kajol is acting opposite you. So I did all the romantic films!"
Kajol's Playful Interjection and Bond Legacy
Sitting beside him, Kajol playfully reminded the actor that he has, in fact, worked on numerous films without her. Khan acknowledged this but emphasised that their collaborations, like the timeless 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (DDLJ), are what they are most celebrated for. He concluded his thoughts on Bond by paying tribute to the original, saying, "I don't know James Bond, but Sean Connery for sure, yeah!"
The role of James Bond has been portrayed by a lineage of esteemed actors, including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, and most recently, Daniel Craig. The production company Eon Productions has yet to make an official announcement regarding the next actor. Reports suggest that the upcoming Bond film is likely to be directed by Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed filmmaker behind 'Dune'.
Shah Rukh Khan's Current Focus and Future Projects
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is riding high on a successful career phase. He was last seen on the big screen in Rajkumar Hirani's 'Dunki'. In a significant achievement, he recently won the National Award for Best Actor for his powerful performance in the high-octane action thriller 'Jawan'.
Looking ahead, the superstar's next project is the highly anticipated film 'King'. This movie holds special significance as it will mark the big-screen debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan. The film is currently in development and is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2026.
As the search for the new James Bond continues globally, Indian fans can rest assured that their beloved Shah Rukh Khan is content ruling the hearts of audiences with his own unique brand of cinema, leaving the world of espionage to others.
