Australian Minister Expresses Love for Shah Rukh Khan and His Films

Tony Burke, Australia's Home Affairs Minister, has openly expressed his admiration for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. In a recent podcast, he revealed that 'Om Shanti Om' is his all-time favorite film and shared his fondness for other Bollywood classics like 'Chak De! India.' Burke's enthusiasm for Indian cinema highlights the global appeal of Shah Rukh Khan, whose films resonate with audiences worldwide. He humorously discussed his connections to the films and his support for Australia during the matches depicted in them. As Shah Rukh Khan prepares for the release of his upcoming film 'King,' Burke's comments reflect the superstar's enduring popularity beyond Indian borders.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 30, 2026, 03:07 IST

Shah Rukh Khan's Global Appeal

Shah Rukh Khan is among the few Bollywood stars who enjoy immense popularity worldwide. He has millions of fans outside India who adore his films. Recently, an Australian minister publicly declared his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan. Not only that, but he also shared his favorite Bollywood film featuring the superstar and recounted a memorable dialogue from it. Tony Burke, the Minister for Home Affairs in Australia, recently revealed that he is a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan and named 'Om Shanti Om' as his all-time favorite movie.

Tony Burke's Bollywood Enthusiasm

During a conversation on the Indian Link podcast with Pawan Luthra, Burke expressed his passion for Bollywood and his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan. He stated, 'I am a big fan of Shah Rukh Khan, so let's start from there. I also really enjoy A.R. Rahman's music.' When asked about his favorite Hindi films, Burke mentioned 'Chak De! India,' explaining his personal connection to the film due to its shooting locations across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. He humorously added, 'I might be a bit biased; I would choose 'Chak De! India' because it was filmed here.' When questioned if he supported India in the final match of the film, he laughed and replied, 'No, no, although I did support India in 'Lagaan.' But I was still supporting Australia.'

Admiration for Jodhaa Akbar

Tony Burke also praised the film 'Jodhaa Akbar,' starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan, calling it an extraordinary film. However, he emphasized that 'Om Shanti Om' holds a special place in his heart. He remarked, 'The last film I want to mention is not just my favorite Bollywood film, but truly my all-time favorite, which is 'Om Shanti Om.' I believe there is a real beauty in the story. There is a line that is used twice, which I think is one of the simplest and most beautiful lines, and Shah Rukh Khan uses it every time… it’s a simple happy ending; if it’s not happy, then it’s not the end; the story isn’t over yet.' It’s worth noting that Shah Rukh Khan reigns in the hearts of people worldwide, and his films continue to perform well internationally. He is currently awaiting the release of his upcoming film 'King.'