December 3, 2024: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has lent his voice to the iconic character of Mufasa in the Hindi version of Disney’s highly anticipated film Mufasa: The Lion King. SRK’s involvement in the project was officially unveiled on Tuesday, alongside a new poster for the film, sparking excitement among fans. In a playful twist, SRK drew a connection between his famous Jawan dialogue, “Bete ko haath lagane se pehle, baap se baat kar” (Before laying a hand on my son, talk to the father), and the deep father-son bond between Mufasa and Simba, a central theme in The Lion King.
In a promo released the same day, SRK expressed his enthusiasm about voicing the legendary Disney character, revealing that he felt a strong personal connection to Mufasa. The actor humorously noted that he saw a resemblance between his own hair and Mufasa’s majestic mane, which added to his decision to take on the role. The Jawan reference was a fun nod to his own iconic character’s protective and authoritative nature, mirroring Mufasa’s fatherly wisdom and leadership.
The trailer of Mufasa: The Lion King, which was also unveiled recently, offers a glimpse into the lush jungle world where Mufasa’s story unfolds. The trailer highlights a stellar voice cast that has captured the attention of audiences. Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, voices the character of Simba, while SRK’s youngest son, AbRam, brings a youthful touch to the role of young Mufasa.
The film also features Sanjay Mishra as Pumbaa, Shreyas Talpade as Timon, and Meiyang Chang as Taka. The trailer opens with Timon and Pumbaa, who share a humorous moment with other jungle characters. However, it also introduces a younger, troubled Mufasa, who is initially upset and misunderstood. He encounters Taka, a cub whose father warns him to avoid the “awara” (wanderer) Mufasa. Mufasa, defending himself, says, “Mai awara nahi, mai to bas kho gaya hu” (“I am not a wanderer; I am just lost”).
The trailer beautifully captures the growing bond between Mufasa and Taka, and as the jungle animals unite for a greater mission, it sets the stage for Mufasa to embrace his destiny. The emotional depth of the story promises to resonate with audiences, as Mufasa’s legacy and wisdom take center stage.
In an official statement, Shah Rukh Khan spoke about his deep connection to the character. “Mufasa has an incredible legacy and stands as the ultimate king of the jungle, imparting his wisdom to his son, Simba. I deeply relate to him as a father and also resonate with Mufasa’s journey in the film,” SRK shared, emphasizing the importance of the father-son relationship at the heart of The Lion King.
Mufasa: The Lion King is set to release in cinemas on December 20, 2024, in English, Hindi, and Tamil. With a powerful cast and SRK’s iconic voice bringing Mufasa to life, the film is already generating significant buzz, and fans are eagerly awaiting this new chapter in the Lion King saga.