For decades, the question of who will step into the iconic role of James Bond has been a favorite pastime for film fans and industry insiders alike. But with Daniel Craig’s departure from the franchise after 2021’s No Time To Die, speculation has reached a fever pitch. The world’s most famous spy—known for his sharp tuxedo, witty one-liners, and, of course, his penchant for shaken martinis—now stands without a face. Among the many names floated to inherit the license to kill, a surprising candidate has entered the conversation: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Recently, during a whirlwind trip to London, Shah Rukh Khan found himself at the center of these rumors. The occasion? The unveiling of a bronze statue with his legendary co-star Kajol, commemorating their much-loved film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. According to BBC News India, the event was as much a celebration of cinema as it was a reunion of two of Bollywood’s most beloved stars. But when the subject turned to Bond, the atmosphere shifted from nostalgia to playful intrigue.
“No, I don’t have the accent. I don’t like shaken martini,” Khan said with a laugh, addressing the swirling speculation about his potential as the next 007. His response, equal parts humorous and humble, instantly disarmed the room. He continued, “I haven’t done too many action films, actually. 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, ever the quick wit, interjected to remind him that he was hardly limited to films with her. “Yeah, but the ones we are known for are the ones we have done together. We can’t deny that,” Khan replied, his trademark charm on full display. The exchange, as reported by Filmfare, captured the easy camaraderie that has defined their on-screen partnership for decades.
While Khan’s answer may have dashed the hopes of those dreaming of a Bollywood Bond, he was quick to pay tribute to the actors who have defined the role. “I don’t know James Bond, but Sean Connery for sure, yeah,” he said, tipping his hat to the original 007. The James Bond franchise, of course, boasts a storied history, with actors like Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig each leaving their indelible mark on the character.
Speculation about the next Bond has only intensified since Craig’s swan song in No Time To Die. Names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner have surfaced as frontrunners, but as of now, there is no official word from the franchise’s producers. What is known, however, is that Denis Villeneuve—acclaimed director of Dune—is attached to direct the next installment. This has only fueled anticipation, as fans wonder not just who will play Bond, but what direction the franchise will take under Villeneuve’s visionary helm.
For Shah Rukh Khan, the Bond conversation comes at a time when his own career is enjoying a remarkable second act. His last theatrical release, Dunki (2023), was met with both commercial success and critical acclaim. More recently, he clinched the National Award for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan (2023), a testament to his enduring appeal and versatility. Now, he is preparing for his next big project: King, directed by Siddharth Anand and co-starring his daughter, Suhana Khan. The film, set for a 2026 release, marks the first time father and daughter will share the big screen—a milestone that has fans buzzing with excitement.
Despite his self-deprecating remarks about action roles, Khan’s recent forays into the genre have not gone unnoticed. “I just did a few action films because I always felt I could. I did it a little late in the day. I think I enjoyed it,” he admitted to BBC News India. His late-blooming action career, combined with his global stardom, has made the idea of a non-Western Bond less far-fetched than it might have seemed a decade ago. Still, Khan remains grounded, acknowledging that his most memorable work has been in romance—a genre he and Kajol have come to define for an entire generation of moviegoers.
The unveiling of the bronze statue in London was more than just a nostalgic nod to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge; it was a celebration of cultural impact. The film, released in 1995, is not just a Bollywood classic—it’s a global phenomenon. Its themes of love, family, and tradition have resonated with audiences far beyond India’s borders. The statue stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to bridge cultures and generations.
Meanwhile, the Bond franchise itself is at a crossroads. With Craig’s departure, the producers face the daunting task of reinvigorating a character who has been both a product of his time and a symbol of timeless cool. The question of diversity and representation looms large, as fans and critics alike debate whether the next Bond could break from tradition—not just in terms of nationality, but also in style and substance. Shah Rukh Khan’s name appearing in the mix, even if only as a flight of fancy, speaks volumes about the franchise’s global reach and the shifting contours of pop culture.
Yet, as the world waits for the official announcement, Khan’s playful dismissal of the rumors offers a refreshing dose of humility. “I don’t have the accent,” he said, shrugging off the idea with a grin. “I don’t like shaken martini either.” It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best roles are the ones you never take—and that the magic of cinema lies as much in the dreams it inspires as in the realities it creates.
As for Bond, the search continues. But for Shah Rukh Khan, the future is already written in bold letters—one blockbuster, one statue, and one loving family at a time.
