London’s wintry air was abuzz with excitement on December 7, 2025, as Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his iconic co-star Kajol unveiled a bronze statue commemorating their legendary on-screen partnership. But it wasn’t just the statue that had fans and press in a frenzy. With Daniel Craig’s final bow as James Bond in No Time To Die still fresh in everyone’s minds, speculation was swirling about who might inherit the coveted 007 mantle. Amid the usual rumors—names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner frequently topping the lists—one question took center stage: Could Shah Rukh Khan ever be James Bond?
The question was put directly to Khan during a conversation with BBC News India while he and Kajol were in London. Khan’s response was as candid as it was charming, immediately diffusing the speculation with a touch of humor and humility. “No, I don't have the accent. I don't like shaken martini,” he quipped, referencing Bond’s famously specific drink order. “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, never one to let a good-natured tease pass by, playfully reminded Khan that his filmography extends well beyond their celebrated collaborations. “He was also doing many more films besides me in it,” she interjected with a smile. Khan, ever gracious, acknowledged the point. “Yeah, but the ones we are known for are the ones we have done together. We can't deny that. So, 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. I don't know James Bond, but Sean Connery for sure, yeah!”
For decades, the role of James Bond has been both a cinematic institution and a subject of passionate debate. From Sean Connery’s suave original to Roger Moore’s wit, Pierce Brosnan’s charm, and Daniel Craig’s gritty vulnerability, each actor has left a distinct mark on the character. According to Hindustan Times, the next installment in the Bond saga is set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve, the visionary behind Dune. But as of now, the world is still waiting for official word on who will don the tuxedo and holster next.
Shah Rukh Khan’s take on the Bond question reveals more than just his self-deprecating wit—it’s also a window into his own career journey. Despite being one of the most recognizable faces in global cinema, Khan has rarely been associated with the action genre, especially in the earlier days of his career. “I haven't done too many action films, actually,” he admitted, before crediting his long-standing on-screen partnership with Kajol for steering him toward romance rather than gunfights and car chases.
Yet, Khan’s later years have seen him embrace more physically demanding roles. “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 said, reflecting on his evolving filmography. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many actors who find new creative energy in reinvention, even after decades at the top of their game.
Still, the idea of a Bollywood superstar stepping into the shoes of the world’s most famous spy is not as far-fetched as it might have seemed a decade ago. The global reach of Indian cinema—and Shah Rukh Khan’s own international appeal—has never been stronger. His recent films have drawn massive audiences not just in India, but in Europe, North America, and beyond. But for Khan, the Bond fantasy remains just that. “No, I don't have the accent,” he repeated, gently poking fun at the quintessentially British requirements of the role.
But even if he’s not ready to trade in his romance for espionage, Khan’s career shows no signs of slowing down. His last theatrical release, Dunki, was met with commercial success, and he recently took home the National Award for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan. Next up, he’ll star in King, slated for a 2026 release—a project that’s already creating buzz because it will also feature his daughter, Suhana Khan, in a prominent role. According to BBC News India, this father-daughter collaboration is one of the most anticipated Bollywood events on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the Bond franchise itself stands at a crossroads. Daniel Craig’s swan song in No Time To Die closed a chapter that began in 2006 with Casino Royale. His tenure, marked by a darker, more emotionally complex take on the character, reinvigorated the series and set a high bar for whoever comes next. The speculation over Craig’s successor has become an international pastime, with fans and pundits dissecting every rumor and shortlist that emerges.
Names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner have been floated by British tabloids and Hollywood insiders alike, but the franchise’s producers have kept their cards close to their chest. The involvement of Denis Villeneuve as director signals a desire to take the series in a bold new direction, but whether that means a fresh face or a familiar one is anyone’s guess.
Yet, Khan’s playful dismissal of the Bond rumors is emblematic of his broader approach to fame and expectation. Rather than chasing trends or roles for the sake of international validation, he remains grounded in his own cinematic roots. “I don't know James Bond, but Sean Connery for sure, yeah!” he said, tipping his hat to the actor who originated the role and, in many ways, defined cool for a generation.
In a world where casting decisions can spark global debates and social media frenzies, Shah Rukh Khan’s response was refreshingly simple—and perhaps even a little wise. Sometimes, the best way to answer a wild rumor is with a smile and a reminder of what makes you unique. As the world waits to see who the next Bond will be, one thing is certain: Shah Rukh Khan will keep doing what he does best, whether it’s romance, action, or something entirely new.
For now, fans can look forward to his next big-screen appearance—and maybe, just maybe, imagine what a Bollywood Bond might look like. But if Khan has his way, he’ll leave the martinis and Aston Martins to someone else.