The global influence of the “King of Bollywood” has found its way into the corridors of Australian power. On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke made headlines after declaring his deep admiration for Shah Rukh Khan.
In a candid conversation, the senior politician didn’t just call himself a casual viewer but a “massive fan” of the superstar, proving once again that SRK’s charm transcends both borders and cultures.
From Chak De! India to Lagaan: A Love for Bollywood Classics
During the interview, Minister Burke highlighted his personal connection to several Hindi film classics. He expressed a particular fondness for Chak De! India, noting that he is “biased” toward the film because large portions of it were filmed across Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. While he laughingly admitted that he still rooted for the Australian team during the film’s tense hockey finale, he confessed to cheering for India while watching Aamir Khan’s Lagaan. The Minister also showered praise on the Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Jodhaa Akbar, describing it as a “phenomenal film” with breathtaking scale.
The Magic of Om Shanti Om: A Life Philosophy
Despite his love for various blockbusters, Burke revealed that Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om (2007) holds the top spot in his heart—not just as his favorite Bollywood movie, but as his favorite film of all time. He spoke specifically about the emotional depth of the story and the iconic dialogue delivered by Shah Rukh Khan: “Agar happy ending nahi hai, toh picture abhi baaki hai mere dost” (If it’s not a happy ending, then the story isn’t over yet). The Minister noted that there is a “real beauty” in this simple philosophy, which has resonated with him more than any other cinematic line.
Strengthening Cultural Ties Through Cinema
Tony Burke’s revelation comes at a time when cultural exchange between India and Australia is at an all-time high. By citing his love for AR Rahman’s soundtracks and the debut performance of Deepika Padukone, the Minister highlighted how Bollywood serves as a powerful bridge for the Indian diaspora in Australia. His comments have sparked joy among SRK fans worldwide, further cementing the actor’s status as a global cultural icon. As the news went viral, fans took to social media to celebrate the fact that even international leaders find inspiration in the “King Khan” philosophy of hope and happy endings.