Even as Shah Rukh Khan turned 60 yesterday — a milestone birthday that would make most superstars slow down — the makers of his film ‘King’ stated on his birthday that the film would get a 2026 release.

According to various PTI reports, as King Khan partied on birthday eve with friends and family at Alibaugh, near Mumbai, wishes from far and wide from industry pals, colleagues and admirers poured in.

On the big screen, he captivated audiences two years ago with a hat-trick of films — ‘Pathaan’, ‘Jawan’ and ‘Dunki’. Even without a new release this year, Shah Rukh has remained firmly in the spotlight, his life marked by personal triumphs, public adoration, and professional milestones that only strengthened his position as the undisputed king of Hindi cinema.

Thousands of admirers from across the world have descended on Mumbai this week to celebrate the milestone birthday of the man who, for them, is the definition of cinema romance.

He celebrated his 60th birthday in the company of family and close friends like Karan Johar and Rani Mukerji from the movie industry. The bash was held last night at Shah Rukh’s lavish farmhouse in Alibaug, which is over two hours’ drive from Mumbai.

As the party unfolded, Johar shared a picture on his Instagram story, a cheerful selfie that featured him posing alongside Rani, while Ananya Panday posed in the background. “Guess the photo bomber,” he wrote in the caption.

Friends and industry colleagues including Kajol and Akshay Kumar wished SRK, calling the superstar the “true king of hearts”, “a magical man” and “an inspiration”.

Kajol, who co-starred with Shah Rukh in films such as ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Ha’, ‘My Name is Khan’ and cult-classic ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, shared pictures alongside the actor on her Instagram handle.

“Happy happy 60th to a life well lived .. advice for the day ! Don’t count the candles…. Here’s to turning 29 again. Wish all and only good things for you and yours! Happy Birthday @iamsrk #happy60th,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, ‘King’, headlined by the Bollywood superstar, is set to release in 2026, the makers announced yesterday.

Directed by Siddharth Anand, who has previously collaborated with Shah Rukh in 2023’s ‘Pathaan’, which went on to emerge as a hit at the box office, the upcoming film is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures.

The announcement was made on the occasion of Shah Rukh’s 60th birthday, along with the title reveal video, featuring the actor in a new avatar sporting a silver-haircut. It also had glimpses of him performing the action sequences.

(Image of SRK is a file photo)