Shah Rukh Khan Does Chammak Challo at Yale University

While Houston was creating history by unveiling the spectacular $48.4 million dollar Asia Society Texas Center with the Tiger Ball, Yale students were elated by the presence of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan.

Bollywood actor and producer Shah Rukh Khan, is one of the world’s most popular movie stars with a fan following in the billions, visited Yale University, where he was honored as a Chubb Fellow on Thursday, April 12. In an email conversation, Vineet Handa who was handling the media communications of this event informed that Khan spoke to an audience of nearly 1,700 during the event held at the Shubert Theater. “A crowd gathered outside the theater early in the afternoon and as the day went on the line snaked around the corner. Fans traveled from as far as Alabama and California to join with members of the New Haven and Yale community to hear Khan speak,” informed Handa.

According to the source the crowd roared with delight when the ‘King of Bollywood’ appeared on stage. Khan charmed the crowd with his heart-felt words about success and failure and how to live life to the fullest. He encouraged young people to find fulfillment in creativity, to learn to laugh at themselves, and to never become cynical about their lives. He noted that, “Failure is a fiendish friend that can lead to success by teaching one to be pragmatic, to work harder, and to be true to oneself.” He added that the true strength of one’s friendships is tested in the face of strong adversity.

Shah Rukh Khan emphasized the importance of young people appreciating and cherishing their parents’ love, “Whatever you do, whichever mistakes you make, your parents are your best friends,” he said. “If you want to survive in life, it is best to begin to respect the gift of love right now,” said Khan.

The superstar also said that one has to know and learn that life is not just a check list of acquisition, attainments, and fulfillment’s. “Your qualifications and C.V’s don’t really matter. Instead life is difficult and complicated… and beyond anyone’s control. The humility to know this will help you survive its vicissitudes.” explained Shah Rukh Khan.

This serious motivating lecture took a fun light-hearted turn when Khan danced his signature ‘Chammak Challo’ moves with Yale student Natalia Khosla. The festivities ended with a reception dinner with actor Shah Rukh Khan at Timothy Dwight College with over 120 Yale students including members of the South Asian Society at Yale, fellows of Timothy Dwight, and other members of the Yale community.

Photos by Michael Marsland / Yale University

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