“I Act to Avoid Depression” — Shah Rukh Khan Opens Up on How Tragedy Shaped His Life

Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan has opened up about the deep personal pain behind his public persona, revealing that acting has been his way of coping with depression.

In a heartfelt interview with Tehelka TV, the actor spoke candidly about losing both of his parents at a young age and how those tragedies left lasting scars on him and his sister, Shehnaz Lalarukh Khan.

“She didn’t cry, she didn’t speak, she just kept looking into space, and it just changed her world,” Khan recalled, describing his sister’s reaction after their father’s death. “Mashallah, now she’s better. She’s got some deficiencies… but she never really recovered from the loss of our father.”

The Pathaan star revealed that Shehnaz’s condition worsened when their mother died ten years later. He added that despite being intelligent and highly educated, her grief took a severe toll on her mental health.

“She was highly qualified, she’s done MA LLB, very intelligent — just like my parents wanted her to be. But she couldn’t face the reality of losing them,” he said. “We are what, in Islam, is called yateem — fatherless and motherless.”

Khan went on to admit that his flamboyant public image often masks his pain. According to him, his humor, charisma, and tireless work ethic are shields he developed to keep sadness and depression at bay.

“I somehow developed this sense of detachment — this false bravado which I show in public, a sense of humor, and a lot of things people think are flamboyant or very Bollywood-like, to cover up the sadness affecting my life,” he explained.
“If I didn’t act, I think I would be a very depressed man.”

Despite everything, Khan spoke fondly of his sister, calling her “a child of God — naïve, innocent, and much better than I can ever be.” He added that his children adore her and that her presence remains an important part of their family.

Fans have since praised the superstar for his vulnerability and emotional honesty, with many calling his words a reminder that even those who seem to have it all are often fighting unseen battles.