Long before Shah Rukh Khan became one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, he was a Delhi schoolboy known for his competitive spirit, speed on the sports field and, by his own admission, his mischievous streak. The actor studied at St. Columba’s School in New Delhi, where he excelled in academics as well as sports. Years later, after moving to Mumbai and building a celebrated career in Hindi cinema, SRK revisited his alma mater and reminisced about his school days.In the documentary The Inner World Of Shah Rukh Khan, the actor returned to the school and took viewers around the premises while meeting some familiar faces. During one interaction, an old acquaintance brought up a rather unusual memory from his student days.“Yaad hai Modern school walo ke daant tod diye the?” the man asked SRK, reminding him about an alleged incident involving students from Modern School. Shah Rukh burst out laughing at the recollection.During his visit, the actor was also seen interacting with a member of the school management. SRK assured him that he would return to the school and bring his son, Aryan Khan, with him.

When Shah Rukh Khan was called as ‘Mail Gaadi’

Shah Rukh has often spoken about his school years and the nickname he earned during that time. In several interviews, the actor revealed that his classmates called him ‘Mail Gaadi.’Explaining the unusual nickname, SRK said it was because he used to run very fast, “like an express train.” He also joked that his hairstyle contributed to the name because his hair used to stand out in front.The actor also recalled being quite the troublemaker in school. He admitted to playing pranks on his teachers and even described some of the elaborate tricks he would pull to get out of situations.One of his stories involved his chemistry teacher, whom he said he once convinced to give him good marks by telling her that he was like her son.

SRK’s bizarre classroom prank

Shah Rukh also recalled pretending to suffer from epilepsy in class. According to the actor, he would fake fainting, prompting teachers to try various ways to revive him.He recounted one particularly elaborate prank involving a new teacher. SRK said he pretended to faint, following which his classmates convinced the teacher that he needed to hand over the suede shoes he was wearing or the actor would die. The teacher eventually gave in and, according to SRK’s recollection, had to spend the rest of the day walking barefoot.While the stories reveal his mischievous side, SRK was also known for his achievements outside the classroom.

Shah Rukh Khan returns to his school

SRK continued to maintain a connection with his alma mater even after achieving superstardom. In 2019, he visited St. Columba’s for a special video interview and met 18 students from the school’s theatre society, according to ANI.Photographs of the actor posing with the students quickly drew attention online, offering fans a glimpse of the superstar reconnecting with the institution where his journey began.For Shah Rukh, Delhi remains closely connected to his personal history. Although Mumbai became his home and the center of his film career, his memories of growing up in the capital, playing sports, pulling pranks, and making friends at St. Columba’s continue to be an important part of his story.

On the work front

Shah Rukh Khan is currently gearing up for his upcoming action entertainer ‘King’, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film marks their second collaboration after ‘Pathaan’ and is expected to present SRK in a stylish, action-oriented avatar.The film features an ensemble cast including daughter Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhay Verma, and Arshad Warsi. ‘King’ is slated to release in theaters on December 24, 2026.