Shah Rukh Khan, who celebrated his 55th birthday recently, through his career spanning decades, has inspired some very talented actors. National award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao is one of the noted faces, who says that his desire to be an actor stemmed from watching King Khan on screen.

Rajkummar, who will be seen in some interesting films like Ludo and Chhalaang soon, spoke of his love for the superstar in a chat with Bombay Times. The actor said, “I love Shah Rukh sir. I am an actor because of him. While growing up in Gurgaon, I used to mimic him. I was so fond of him that when I came to Mumbai for the first time in class XI, I went to Bandra and stood outside Mannat (SRK’s home) for hours, hoping to get a glimpse of him.”

Years later, the actor’s prayers were answered when he finally met SRK. He recalled, “When I became an actor, I got a golden opportunity of meeting him at his house. Of course, I have met him several times after that. He is one of the most charming people I have ever met. He makes you feel so special and whoever has met him can vouch for that. Beyond the fact that I love him as an actor, he is also a great human being. There is so much to learn from him. He not only inspires me as an actor, but also inspires me to be a better person.”