Mirroring Shah Rukh Khan's style of acting and looks has become a way of life for me, says Raju Rahikwar

When Raju Rahikwar, also known as Jr SRK, released his book chronicling his journey as an impersonator of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, he was certain it would attract plenty of attention — if not for him, then for SRK. However, much to his dismay, the response was far from what he had hoped for. Undeterred, Raju decided to take matters into his own hands and took a stack of his autobiography to sell outside Mannat, SRK’s iconic home.

Raju shared his experience, saying, “It’s been months since my book launched, detailing my life as a Shah Rukh Khan impersonator. But I was surprised and disappointed to find there weren’t many buyers. Despite all my efforts to promote it, I decided to go to Bandra and sell the book outside Mannat, hoping that people who gather there to catch a glimpse of SRK might be interested in my story. Over three days, I sold around 25 books. It was my most desperate attempt to get people to know about my life, my journey, and how SRK, the global superstar, has impacted me. I truly hope he gets to see this book, which tells the story of my life where he plays such a vital role.”

His journey of impersonating SRK began in 1994. Reflecting on one pivotal moment, he recalls a meeting with SRK and his wife, Gauri, in Bandra. “When I met them, I greeted them respectfully and told SRK, ‘Bhaijaan, I imitate you. I perform your dialogues, dance moves, and acting on stage, in your style. People know me because of you. My work and even my life are all thanks to you. Today, I can tell my parents I met you, and they’ll be so happy’. SRK listened attentively and said, ‘Tell your parents I send my greetings. Come to my office sometime to meet me’. He even introduced me to Gauri, saying, ‘Gauri, this is Raju, who imitates me’. That was the meeting of my life.”

For a junior artiste, becoming a mirror image of your idol isn’t just a passion — it’s a way of life. This young performer has made it his mission to emulate the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, in every possible way, from his iconic looks to his charismatic style. Raju says, “My life revolves around Shah Rukh Khan, and it constantly evolves with him. If he changes his look, I have to change mine. If he cuts his hair, I do the same. My home is run in his name, and the love and respect I receive from people is 100 per cent pure and genuine. I try my best to be like him and to entertain the way he does.”