Happy birthday King Khan: 5 underrated films of Shah Rukh Khan

As the actor celebrates his 53rd birthday, here are some of his best performances that many don't know about

It's no surprise that superstar Shah Rukh Khan rules Bollywood like the true King of Romance that he is. But things were not always easy for him. The actor made his film debut in 1992 with Deewana after making several appearances on television. While he is now known for his blockbusters such as Kal Ho Naa Ho, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai amongst many others, Shah Rukh has also starred in many films that didn't fare so well at the box office.

As the actor celebrates his 53rd birthday today, here is a list of five of Shah Rukh's underrated films that you should watch, as compiled from First Post.

1. 'Josh'

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Starring Shah Rukh and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in lead roles this 2000 was a remake of Hollywood's West Side Story. The rivalry between the Bicchu and Eagle gangs set up in the background of Goa, featured the King of Romance in a bad boy avatar called Max.

2. 'Koyla'

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A typical action movie, Koyla showed Shah Rukh as the ace actor that he is. The actor delivered a powerful performance and let his eyes do the talking without having many dialogues. His stunts in the 1997 film were packed with a lot of energy and had everyone grinding their teeth. Koyla also featured Madhuri Dixit and Amrish Puri.

3. 'Dil Se'

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This 1998 film helmed by acclaimed director Mani Ratnam was one of the most poetic movies. Shah Rukh showed the many different faces of love he feels for a stranger: infatuation, hatred, longing, obsession, and veneration. He makes sure that the audience goes through these emotions with him. Manisha Koirala stars as his love interest in the film.

4. 'Anjaam'

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Whenever one speaks of Shah Rukh essaying the role of an obsessive love, Darr is one of the films that usually come up. However, many forget that he played a psychopath in 1994's Anjaam as well. It was also the first time he worked with Madhuri and the two displayed perfect on-screen chemistry.

5. 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman'

PHOTO: FILMI BEAT

The film showed Shah Rukh as Raj Mathur who travels to Bombay to earn a name for himself - much like the actor's own life. The story revolves around him, struggling to make ends meet and how while finding work, he stumbles upon the love of his life essayed by Juhi Chawla. Released in 1992, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman is still a must watch for all of Shah Rukh's fans.

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