Copyright newskarnataka
Thousands of Shah Rukh Khan fans thronged Bandstand on Saturday evening to celebrate the superstar’s 60th birthday, turning the area around his iconic residence, Mannat, into a sea of excitement. However, celebrations took a cautious turn as Mumbai Police enforced crowd-control measures to manage the swelling number of fans gathered outside the bungalow. Every year, SRK loyalists from across India gather outside Mannat to catch a glimpse of the actor during his customary midnight appearance. This year, however, fans were met with barricades and police instructions limiting access directly in front of the residence. According to reports, the police cordoned off the area to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety, following growing concerns about large gatherings on the narrow stretch along Bandstand. Fans disappointed but undeterred Despite the restrictions, fans arrived with banners, posters, and cakes to celebrate their idol’s milestone birthday. Many took to social media to express disappointment over the new measures. One user posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Police have restricted fans from entering Bandstand #Mannat,” along with a picture showing police barricades near the residence. Another fan wrote, “Fans who are reaching Mannat can gather on the sea-facing wall side. Police have moved the fans away from the front of Mannat’s gate.” Still, the spirit of celebration remained high. Groups of fans gathered near the waterfront, singing “Happy Birthday” for the actor, waving flags, and even releasing crown-shaped balloons into the night sky. Hashtags such as #HappyBirthdaySRK and #KingKhanAt60 dominated social media platforms, turning the event into a global online celebration. SRK skips midnight appearance While fans eagerly awaited Shah Rukh Khan’s appearance on the Mannat balcony—a ritual he follows almost every year—the actor did not make a midnight appearance this time. Reports suggested that SRK was in Alibaug, hosting a private birthday celebration with close friends and family. Filmmaker Farah Khan hinted at the low-key gathering with an Instagram post, suggesting the star would later return to Mumbai to greet fans. The decision to celebrate away from the usual public glare was reportedly made to maintain safety and crowd discipline amid ongoing police advisories. Crowd management by Mumbai Police Mumbai Police, anticipating large crowds ahead of SRK’s 60th birthday, had deployed additional personnel at Bandstand and along the stretch leading to Mannat. Officers were seen managing traffic and urging fans to stay within designated areas. According to officials, the crowd-control steps were precautionary and aimed at ensuring the safety of both fans and local residents. “Every year, we see large gatherings outside Mannat. This time, we wanted to avoid congestion and ensure public safety,” a police official was quoted as saying. Celebrations move online Even though the superstar’s fans were unable to see him in person, the internet was abuzz with birthday wishes, fan-made videos, and tributes. Major fan clubs, including SRK Universe and Team SRK Warriors, organised online campaigns, charity drives, and digital screenings of the actor’s films. Fans across the globe—from Dubai and London to Kolkata and Chennai—shared videos lighting candles, cutting cakes, and holding watch parties to commemorate the occasion. The Alibaug celebration and King teaser buzz Meanwhile, in Alibaug, Shah Rukh Khan reportedly celebrated with his family and a few close industry friends. The celebration was said to be intimate but lively, marking six decades of one of Bollywood’s most beloved icons. Adding to the excitement, director Siddharth Anand unveiled the first look of SRK’s upcoming film King, a stylish action thriller that also stars Suhana Khan and Deepika Padukone. The teaser release was the highlight of the actor’s birthday celebrations, leaving fans across the world thrilled. A quiet celebration, a loud legacy Even in his absence from Mannat’s balcony, the sight of thousands of devoted fans underlines Shah Rukh Khan’s unmatched stardom and emotional bond with his audience. His birthday remains one of the most celebrated days in Indian entertainment, symbolising his enduring reign as Bollywood’s “King”.
