Shah Rukh Khan commanded the global spotlight at the Joy Awards 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 17, 2026. Making his debut at the prestigious ceremony, the Bollywood icon was celebrated as the “toast of the evening,” captivating both the international press and fellow global stars on the lavender carpet.
The Red Carpet Look
Shah Rukh Khan’s ensemble was a masterclass in “quiet luxury,” blending classic silhouettes with edgy, modern accessories:
- Outfit: An all-black layered look featuring a sharp blazer over a zip-up jacket, a simple black T-shirt, and tailored trousers.
- Accessories: The standout piece was a metallic black-and-silver ear cuff. He complemented this with a chunky silver chain, stacked silver bracelets, and a luxury wristwatch.
- Grooming: He sported neatly styled brown hair and a well-groomed beard.
Heartfelt Tribute to Saudi Arabia
During his interactions on the lavender carpet, Khan expressed deep appreciation for the Kingdom:
- On Fans: He praised the “dignity,” “warmth,” and “hospitality” of his Saudi fans, noting that it felt special to see his work so deeply loved in the region.
- On Filming Dunki: Recalling his experience shooting his film Dunki in Saudi Arabia, he described the people, food, and culture as “lovely” and unique.
- Leisure Plans: He mentioned a desire to return to the region purely for leisure—without cameras or work—to further explore its vibrant culture and locations.
A Star-Studded Night
The Joy Awards 2026 brought together a diverse group of Arab, Bollywood, and Hollywood icons:
- Global Attendees: Katy Perry (who opened the night with a performance), Millie Bobby Brown (who won “Personality of the Year”), Jeremy Renner, and Forest Whitaker (who was honored for his contributions to cinema).
- Regional Admiration: Several Arab actors, including Tunisian star Hend Sabry and Amal Arafa, shared their long-standing admiration for Khan, with Sabry specifically praising his performance in Jawan.
- Viral Moments: Turkish actress Hande Erçel went viral after being caught on camera filming Khan’s speech on her phone, a moment fans dubbed “pure fangirl energy.”
What’s Next for Shah Rukh Khan?
Following the international event, Khan is reportedly shifting focus back to his upcoming projects:
- ‘King’: Prepping for his highly anticipated spy thriller King, which reportedly features Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Abhishek Bachchan. The film is eyeing a September 2026 release.
- Production: His production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, continues to develop multiple projects for the 2026–27 slate.