The Untold Story of Shahrukh Khan – The Entrepreneur
Shahrukh Khan proved his status as the “King Khan” yet again with the success of his film Pathaan during a critical moment in Bollywood. He has established himself as one of the biggest movie stars in the world, with a career spanning over three decades. However, what many people don’t know is that he is also a successful entrepreneur. In this article, we will explore the entrepreneurial side of Shahrukh Khan that many people don’t know, including his foray into the film equipment rental business.
Early Entrepreneurship Years
Shahrukh Khan embarked on his journey as an entrepreneur in 1999 with the launch of Dreamz Unlimited, a film production and distribution company that he co-founded with Juhi Chawla and film director Aziz Mirza. The company produced three popular films: Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Ashoka, and Chalte Chalte.
Dreamz Unlimited was later taken over by Shahrukh Khan. He then co-founded Red Chillies Entertainment (RCE) along with his wife Gauri. Red Chillies Entertainment produced some of the biggest Bollywood between 2004 and 2010, such as Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti OM, and My Name is Khan. The other films it produced around that time were Paheli, Billu, and Always Kabhi Kabhi which couldn’t perform well at the box office.
The other popular films RCE has produced or co-produced are Ra.One, Student of the Year, Badla, Kaamyaab, Happy New Year, Dear Zindegi, Dilwale, Raees, Zero, Ittefaq, among others.
In 2019, Red Chillies Entertainment collaborated with Netflix India for the first time to produce “Bard of Blood,” an espionage thriller based on the 2015 novel of the same name by Bilal Siddiqi. The series starred Emraan Hashmi in the lead role as a former spy who is called back to action to prevent a terrorist attack on his country. Other notable cast members included Kirti Kulhari, Vineet Kumar Singh, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sobhita Dhulipala. Later on, it produced/coproduced films like Class of ’83 and Darlings for Netflix. Red Chillies Entertainment also produced or co-produced two films for the video streaming platform Zee5: Bob Biswas and Love Hostel.
Shahrukh Khan with his wife Gauri
VFX Studio and Film Equipment Rental Business
The company also established one of the industry’s popular VFX and animation studio, and has worked on several international projects. It has won numerous awards for its innovative work in the entertainment industry.
However, one of Shahrukh Khan’s most unique ventures is his foray into the film equipment rental business. Red Chillies VFX, a division of Red Chillies Entertainment, was launched in 2005 with a focus on providing high-quality visual effects for Indian films. However, the company later expanded its services to include renting out film equipment to production houses. Red Chillies VFX is equipped with the latest technology and equipment, including cameras, lighting, and sound equipment.
Shahrukh Khan’s decision to venture into the film equipment rental business was driven by his belief in the potential of the Indian film industry. He saw the need for high-quality equipment and services and decided to fill the gap. Red Chillies VFX has since become a go-to destination for many Indian production houses for their equipment rental needs.
Red Chillies VFX has provided film equipment to several blockbuster films, including “Chennai Express,” “Dilwale,” and “Zero.” The company’s reputation for providing high-quality equipment and excellent customer service has helped it become a leader in the film equipment rental business in India.
Sports Entrepreneurship
In addition to RCE, Shahrukh Khan is also the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). KKR has won the IPL twice under his ownership and has become one of the most valuable franchises in the league. Khan’s involvement in KKR goes beyond just ownership, and he is known to be actively involved in the team’s strategy and operations.
Shahrukh Khan’s entrepreneurial ventures don’t just stop at entertainment and sports. He is also the co-owner of KidZania Mumbai, an indoor theme park that provides kids with an immersive learning experience. The park has various role-playing activities that help kids understand different professions and industries. KidZania Mumbai has been a huge success and has expanded to other cities in India.
Real Estate
Another lesser-known venture of Shahrukh Khan is his stake in Mehta Group, a real estate company. The company has several projects across India and Dubai and is known for its high-end luxury properties.
Shahrukh Khan’s success as an entrepreneur can be attributed to his business acumen and his ability to spot opportunities. He has always been a risk-taker and has been willing to try his hand at different things. His passion for innovation and creativity is evident in all his ventures, and he has been able to create successful businesses by bringing together his knowledge of the entertainment industry, his love for sports, and his understanding of the real estate market.
Ultimately, Shahrukh Khan is not just a movie star but also a successful entrepreneur who has made his mark in the entertainment, sports, real estate, and film equipment rental industries. His success is a testament to his ability to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and innovate in different fields. His ventures have not only brought him financial success but have also created employment opportunities and contributed to the growth of various industries in India. Shahrukh Khan’s entrepreneurial journey is an inspiration to many and shows that with hard work and determination, one can achieve success in any field.