Confirmed: Jaideep Ahlawat to star in Shah Rukh Khan's King, thanks to the superstar himself
Shah Rukh Khan personally offered Jaideep Ahlawat a role in King despite Siddharth Anand's hesitation. The film also marks Suhana Khan’s big-screen debut and continues to generate buzz.
Last Updated: 05.10 PM, Jun 22, 2025
Jaideep Ahlawat's casting in Siddharth Anand's King—which stars Shah Rukh Khan—has been officially announced. Remember the actor from the Anand-produced Jewel Thief? He stunned people with his glamorous avatar then, and this is just the evolution of his impressive resume.
Shah Rukh Khan stepped in to offer Jaideep Ahlawat the role
It was SRK who offered Ahlawat the role in King after Anand was hesitant to cast him because of the relatively tiny part, according to a recent interview with Lallantop.
Ahlawat mentioned, "SRK sir kaafi time se soch rahe the iss cheez ko, jaisa mujhe pata laga hai, but Siddharth bhai thoda hichak rahe honge ki chota part hai to offer after Jewel Thief. But Khan Saab, being Khan Saab, said, I’ll talk to him. Ab unki baat kaun nakarega?" (SRK sir had been thinking about this for quite some time, as far as I know. But Siddharth Bhai was a bit hesitant to offer the role since it was a small part, especially after Jewel Thief. But Khan Saab, being Khan Saab, said, “I’ll talk to him.” And well, who can refuse him?)
Jaideep Ahlawat on Shah Rukh Khan’s warmth
Ahlawat praised both the offer and Shah Rukh's treatment of the actor over the years. The scenes they shared on the set of Raees were particularly vivid in his memory of his interactions with Khan in the past.
Ahlawat remarked, "I really like him. In all my interactions with him — in the five to seven times we’ve met — starting from Raees, where I shot with him for four to five days, and even after that, whenever we met, he always made me feel like I was the closest person to him. He’s a wonderful human being. He has some amazing qualities. Every time I’ve met him, he’s made me feel important."
Suhana Khan to make her big-screen debut in King
Promoted as a high-stakes action drama, King also stars Suhana Khan and Saurabh Shukla. After making her OTT debut in The Archies (2023), SRK's daughter is now making her theatrical debut with this film. Still shrouded in mystery, the casting of Jaideep Ahlawat—following his critically acclaimed turn in Jewel Thief—has piqued interest even further.
King is still making waves, thanks to its talented ensemble and the interesting dynamics at work behind the scenes, thanks to Shah Rukh Khan's support for the casting decision and his personal outreach to Ahlawat.