Shah Rukh Khan has added to a year of stunning achievements by topping the Top 50 Asian Celebrities In The World list for 2023. The Bollywood superstar beat off strong competition from around the world in this year’s edition of the popular list, published annually by UK based Eastern Eye newspaper. The iconic actor added to a record breaking year by ranking ahead of international stars from global cinema, television, the music industry, arts, literature, and social media. His blockbuster hits Pathaan and Jawan, and a guaranteed third
success with red hot release Dunki reignited a floundering Hindi cinema industry and reclaimed his crown as the king of Bollywood.
Eastern Eye entertainment editor, Asjad Nazir, who puts together the list explained why the 58-year-old actor made such a big impact. “By the time 2023 ends, the king Khan will become the first leading man from the modern era to have three huge Bollywood blockbuster hits in a calendar year. By drawing big audiences back into cinema halls with global juggernauts, the actor gave a movie industry that has been in deep decline a much needed boost and had a transformative effect. The history-making superstar eclipsed everyone else with his brilliance and reminded global audiences what escapist Bollywood cinema is capable of.”
Khan astonishingly found success without media interviews before his films released and kept with that by not commenting on topping this year’s list. Sentiments he expressed to fans earlier this year on social media summed up his year, when Khan wrote: "Nothing makes me happier than the fact that I can entertain you a bit. I live in a dream of your love. Thank you for allowing me to entertain you all.”
The top 50 list celebrating Asian stars who shone the brightest in 2023, is based on brilliant work, positive impact, breaking boundaries, shattering glass ceilings, fan attention, and being inspiring in some way. There was also a big public input with readers and social media users nominating their favourite.
Alia Bhatt came in second for work in Indian cinema, Hollywood, business and being a strong role model for working mothers. Third placed Priyanka Chopra-Jonas was once again the most famous Indian on the planet and carried on breaking ground internationally, including with big budget series Citadel, Hollywood film Love Again, humanitarian work and lighting up the red carpet at international events.
Fourth placed Diljit Dosanjh confirmed himself as the biggest Punjabi star on the planet with stunning work as an actor and singer, which included cinema, major crossover international.
