Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan recently addressed the long-standing “insider vs outsider” debate during a powerful and thought-provoking panel at the WAVES 2025 Summit in Mumbai. Known for his charm and wit, Shah Rukh delivered a speech that was both reflective and insightful, urging people to move beyond labels and focus on what truly matters in one’s journey to success.
The summit, officially known as the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, played host to some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. On Thursday, May 1, Shah Rukh Khan took the stage for a session titled The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler. Joining him were fellow actor Deepika Padukone and filmmaker Karan Johar, who moderated the conversation. The trio spoke candidly about their experiences in the film industry, challenges faced, and the role of resilience in achieving long-term success.
Shah Rukh Khan, often celebrated as one of Indian cinema's most successful actors despite having no family ties in the film industry, used the platform to address the ongoing debate that has divided fans and insiders for years. Speaking with his trademark humility and sharp clarity, Khan dismissed the importance of the “insider vs outsider” narrative, emphasizing that it should not determine a person’s worth or future.
“I want to clarify something: terms like hunger, ambition, and hard work often get romanticised,” Shah Rukh said. “People say, ‘Main bahut bhookha tha, bahut mehnat ki (I was very hungry and I worked very hard),’ but these are lofty words. What really matters is not where you come from but how you hold your ground in the world you want to enter.”
He continued, “I also have a problem with the distinction between insider and outsider. I think they’re just not important. It's not important where you come from. What truly matters is how you work, how you persevere, and how you stay grounded in your journey — whether it is in acting, politics, or business.”
Khan's comments were met with applause from the audience, many of whom viewed his words as a much-needed reminder of the importance of merit over background. His statement is particularly significant in the context of the larger debate around nepotism and access in Bollywood — a conversation that has dominated the industry in recent years.
Deepika Padukone, who also started her acting career without any film industry connections, echoed Shah Rukh’s sentiments. She reflected on her own journey and shared how she faced doubts, rejections, and pressures early in her career. “When I began, there were many who questioned whether I had what it takes. But I learned that consistency, professionalism, and believing in yourself make all the difference,” she said.
Karan Johar, known for launching several new faces in Bollywood, offered his perspective as well. While acknowledging that some level of access can be easier for industry kids, he stressed that staying relevant and successful requires much more than just a familiar surname. “Talent will always shine through,” Johar said. “Eventually, it’s about the work. Audiences are the final judge.”
During the session, Shah Rukh also touched on the topic of acceptance in the film industry. Contrary to the belief that outsiders face systematic rejection, he spoke about how warmly he was welcomed when he entered the industry decades ago. “The film industry embraced me with open arms. I never felt like an outsider,” he said. “From the very beginning, I believed this is my world and the industry.”
He further added, “I didn’t try to belong, I just did my work. I kept showing up. I had no godfather, no legacy, but I had belief. And that’s enough.”
The WAVES 2025 Summit provided an ideal backdrop for such conversations, bringing together voices from across the entertainment spectrum. The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to promote discussions around storytelling, digital evolution, and the future of global entertainment. It also serves as a platform to address the social and cultural dynamics that shape the industry.
Shah Rukh Khan’s remarks resonated deeply not just with aspiring actors but with anyone navigating competitive spaces. His emphasis on personal effort, vision, and integrity struck a chord with the audience, many of whom see him as a symbol of what’s possible when hard work meets opportunity.
Over the years, Khan’s story has been a source of inspiration for millions. From starting his career in television with shows like Fauji and Circus to becoming the face of global Bollywood through films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, My Name is Khan, and Pathaan, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary. But more than his star power, it’s his groundedness and ability to speak truth to power that continues to endear him to fans across generations.
As the debate around insiders and outsiders continues to unfold, voices like Shah Rukh Khan’s bring balance and perspective to the discourse. His reminder that identity should not be defined by origin but by one’s actions, choices, and perseverance is both timely and universal.