Shah Rukh Khan has revealed that he was initially reluctant to pursue a career in cinema, describing his past stance to a 1991 Deccan Herald interview as deeply averse to the film industry and its methods. However, the death of his mother, Lateef Fatima Khan, in early 1991 transformed his perspective entirely. Khan explained that his mother had long harboured a desire to see him perform on screen, and after her passing, he decided to pursue acting to honour her memory.

The actor also described his decision to relocate from Delhi to Mumbai, citing that living in the family home had become emotionally unbearable due to reminders of his mother everywhere. He framed the move as an opportunity to immerse himself in work and create distance from his grief.

On his approach to learning the craft, Khan expressed unconventional views, rejecting the notion that formal acting instruction was essential. He stated his belief that acting must be an inherent quality and cannot be taught, though he acknowledged that practice and learning from mistakes play a role in improvement. He credited his development to observing performers and identifying their shortcomings rather than attending formal acting classes.

Khan began his entertainment career in television, achieving recognition through the series Fauji, before transitioning to Hindi cinema with his 1992 film debut in Deewana—a year after his mother's death. His subsequent career established him as one of Indian cinema's most prominent figures.