Shah Rukh Khan @ 50: From DDLJ to Chak De – a look at his top 10 roles

He's called King Khan for a reason and that is owning to the volley of incredible work that Shah Rukh Khan has done during his illustrious and successful film career. The actor has made a name for himself, ruling Indian cinema and winning hearts with his romantic portrayals onscreen, but what makes Shah Rukh Khan an amazing story is that the actor built his career from the ground up, sans a godfather in the industry. As he celebrates his 50th birthday today, we take a look back at some of his best onscreen work.

Chak De India: In 2007, Shah Rukh Khan played the role of Kabir Khan, a disgraced hockey player who after ruining his own career, takes it upon himself to coach a woman's team. The actor won much praise for his performance and what helped incredibly was that SRK had played the sport during his days at Delhi University. 'Chak De! India' went on to win National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Shah Rukh took home most of the Best Actor Awards that year. And till date many call it his best role.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: This Aditya Chopra film is one of the popular works of Shah Rukh Khan, which actually cemented him as an ultimate romantic hero of Bollywood. His chemistry opposite Kajol worked considerably well for audiences that the couple are reuniting for another onscreen outing this year as well. 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' was a typical romance in the Swiss mountain tops that had all the makings of a beautiful love story including the disapproval of the girl's father. The film is one of the most successful films of all time in India, winning 10 Filmfare Awards, and a National Film Award.

Kal Ho Naa Ho: 2003 saw Shah Rukh Khan join Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta onscreen for Nikhil Advani's love story where a girl falls in love with her neighbour, a terminally ill man played by Shah Rukh Khan. Selfless love was the key in this plot as he played matchmaker between Saif and Preity's characters. 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' was declared a major blockbuster at the box office. It emerged as the second highest grossing film domestically and the highest grossing film in overseas and worldwide that year.

My Name is Khan: Shah Rukh Khan reunited with his most successful pairing - Kajol for the sixth time in 'My Name is Khan'. Based on a true story, he played the role of a Muslim man suffering from mild Asperger syndrome who travels across America to meet the country's president in light of the September 11 attacks. It focused on the unfair perception that people had of Islam after the attacks. 'My Name is Khan became one of the highest grossing Bollywood films of all time outside India and Shah Rukh earned his eighth Filmfare award. SRK was praised for playing the role with such ease.

Om Shanti Om: Shah Rukh Khan then played a 70s junior artiste who is reborn as a 2000s era superstar. The Farah Khan-directed film was inspired from Rishi Kapoor's 1980 Hindi film 'Karz'. It opened to positive reviews, making record-breaking business and went on to become the highest-grossing film at the time.

Veer-Zaara: Shah Rukh's role as Veer Pratap Singh, an Indian Air Force pilot who falls in love with a Pakistani woman (Preity Zinta), from a politically affluent family only to be jailed for the next 22 years, made his audiences sob with great intensity. Directed by Yash Chopra, the beautiful love story won several awards in major Indian film award ceremonies, including the Most Popular Film award at theNational Film Awards.

Devdas: In 2002, Shah Rukh Khan played a love sick alcoholic in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Devdas'. The story of unrequited love moved audiences deeply and went on to nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was also India's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. 'Devdas' won five National Awards and a further Filmfare Awards.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...: In 2010, Shah Rukh Khan appeared in Karan Johar's multi-starrer, 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' along with Kajol, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor. The family drama was widely successful, winning several awards at popular award ceremonies the following year, including five Filmfare Awards.

Dil To Pagal Hai: Another popular and well-love film of Shah Rukh's is Yash Chopra-directed, 'Dil To Pagal' Hai. Revolving around a love triangle, the film not only had Shah Rukh showing off his acting skills but also his ability to dance. It won three National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards.