From 'My Name Is Khan' to the present: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Adarsh Gourav - A 14-year cinematic journey unfolds.
- Dakshita Dhiman
- Feb 13, 2024
- 3 min read

Released on February 12, 2010, Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Jimmy Shergill, and Adarsh Gaurav, the film narrates the tale of Rizwan Khan, an individual with autism. The plot unfolds as his family encounters discrimination in post-9/11 United States, leading Rizwan on a poignant journey to meet the President.
As 'My Name Is Khan' celebrates its 14th anniversary, the movie, a pinnacle in KJo's career, continues to be acclaimed for its portrayal of Asperger syndrome and Islamophobia. Delving into the cast's current endeavors adds depth to this enduring social drama's legacy.
My Name Is Khan: Then and Now
Shah Rukh Khan as Rizwan Khan

In the portrayal of Rizwan Khan, a bright individual with Asperger syndrome, Shah Rukh Khan depicts the character's evolution from youth to adulthood with authenticity. Khan's performance is marked by sincerity, devoid of stereotypes or caricatures. Widely acclaimed, this role stands as a pinnacle in SRK's career, contributing to his heightened stardom post the film's release. Today, Shah Rukh Khan continues to hold a prominent position as one of the leading actors in Bollywood.
Kajol as Mandira Rathod Khan

Kajol portrays Mandira Rathod, a woman with a son named Sameer from her prior marriage. Falling in love with Rizwan, she adopts his last name, and the couple enjoys a blissful life in the United States. However, their tranquility is shattered in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Already a well-established figure in the industry, Kajol has since featured in numerous successful films and ventured into the digital realm with her debut web series.
Adarsh Gourav as young Rizwan Khan

Adarsh Gourav portrayed the young Rizwan Khan during his teenage years, depicting the character's challenging journey through school bullying and adversity. Filming this role, Adarsh was still attending school. Since then, as an accomplished adult actor, he has garnered acclaim for his performances in projects such as The White Tiger, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, and Guns & Gulaabs.
Jimmy Shergill as Zakir Khan

Jimmy Shergill portrays Zakir Khan, Rizwan's envious brother in "My Name Is Khan." Initially resentful of Rizwan's intellect and their mother's attention, Zakir relocates to the United States. He later sponsors Rizwan to join him post their mother's passing. Shergill, post-film, has engaged in diverse projects across languages, remaining a prominent face.
In addition to the mentioned actors, the film includes Zarina Wahab as Razia Khan, Sonya Jehan as Hasina Khan, Sheetal Menon as Radha, Arjun Mathur as Rajeev Burman, and others, contributing to its exceptional ensemble. "My Name Is Khan" stands out as Karan Johar ventures beyond his romantic niche, showcasing SRK's transformative portrayal of Rizwan, elevating the film through stellar performances by the entire cast.
The film's music, crafted by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, adds another layer of greatness. Its soulful tunes seamlessly complement the visuals, enhancing the characters' journey. "My Name Is Khan" proves that taking calculated risks in storytelling can yield significant rewards, especially when conveying stories of hope amid adversity.
For cinephiles and those drawn to performance-driven narratives, this film is a must-watch. Shah Rukh Khan delivers one of his finest performances, making it a compelling reason to experience the movie.
Beyond its cinematic elements, the movie adeptly addresses issues like Islamophobia, bullying, and sheds light on Asperger syndrome. As the film celebrates its 14th anniversary, it continues to resonate, gaining traction in the digital era. Now is the opportune time to revisit this timeless piece; if you haven't seen it, don't miss out.
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