Watch: Australian Minister Tony Burke Declares Himself “Massive Shah Rukh Khan Fan”, Names ‘Om Shanti Om’ His All-Time Favourite
Australian minister Tony Burke opened up about his love for Shah Rukh Khan and Bollywood films, calling ‘Om Shanti Om’ his favourite ever.
Bollywood’s global footprint is no secret, but it isn’t every day that a senior international politician openly declares their love for ‘King of Romance’. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has done exactly that, winning over the internet by revealing his admiration for Shah Rukh Khan and the vibrant world of Indian cinema. During a candid appearance on the Indian Link podcast with host Pawan Luthra, Burke didn't waste any time getting to the heart of his cinematic preferences.
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When the conversation turned to entertainment, he set the tone immediately, stating, “I am a big Shah Rukh Khan fan, so let me start with that.”
The Minister’s appreciation for the industry extended far beyond casual viewing. While discussing his favourite soundtracks, he highlighted the work of Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, noting that the maestro’s music remains among his top choices. However, when it came to the films that have truly left a mark on him, Burke’s list was a testament to the golden age of the mid-2000s.
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Among his top picks was the 2007 sports drama ‘Chak De! India’. Tony Burke noted that the film holds a special significance for him as a resident of Australia, given that large portions of the movie were shot across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In a light-hearted moment during the podcast, Pawan Luthra playfully asked the Minister which team he supported during the film’s climactic hockey match between India and Australia. Tony Burke responded with a laugh, “No, no, no… although I did cheer for India in Lagaan,” referring to Aamir Khan’s 2001 Academy Award-nominated epic.
Tony Burke also reserved high praise for Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, describing the historical drama as “a beautiful epic” and “a phenomenal film.”
Yet, the crown jewel of his Bollywood collection is undoubtedly Farah Khan’s reincarnation saga, ‘Om Shanti Om’. Marking the debut of Deepika Padukone, the film remains Tony Burke’s “favourite film of all time.” He specifically pointed to the film’s philosophical depth, citing one of its most iconic dialogues as a source of personal inspiration.
Reflecting on the famous line, Tony Burke said: “Simple happy endings… if it’s not happy, it’s not the end, the story is not over yet.” He further added that this particular sentiment feels especially relevant in today’s world, offering a message of hope during difficult times.
The Minister’s revelations underscore the immense "soft power" of Bollywood. From the streets of Mumbai to the halls of the Australian Parliament, the charisma of Shah Rukh Khan and the storytelling of Indian filmmakers continue to bridge cultural divides. As Tony Burke’s comments go viral, they serve as a reminder that great cinema – much like a classic SRK happy ending – knows no borders.
