Shah Rukh Khan Defies Health Battles With Relentless 24-Hour Work Ethic

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan continues to astound his peers with an extraordinary work ethic, even as he battles serious health challenges. Veteran actor Govind Namdev recently opened up about King Khan’s relentless dedication on The Lallantop, revealing that the megastar operates on just three to four hours of sleep each night.

Namdev, who starred alongside SRK in the 2000 film Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, expressed genuine awe at Khan’s stamina. Despite suffering from chronic back problems and spinal issues, Shah Rukh manages to pack gym sessions, dialogue memorization, public appearances, and performances into a single day — all while barely resting.

A Sleep Schedule Unlike Any Other

In a candid interview with The Guardian, Shah Rukh himself confirmed his unconventional routine. He typically goes to bed around 5 AM and wakes by 9 or 10 AM on shoot days, still managing to fit in a workout before rest. For most people, such a schedule would be unsustainable — for SRK, it is simply Tuesday.

Health Struggles Behind the Glamour

Namdev did not hold back when describing Khan’s physical condition, noting severe backbone and spinal problems that would sideline most performers. Yet, as the veteran actor observed, Shah Rukh never allows his suffering to surface publicly — a quiet resilience that has inspired those who work alongside him.

Looking ahead, the 59-year-old is gearing up for King, directed by Siddharth Anand, co-starring his daughter Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone. The film is scheduled for release on December 24, 2026 — and if his track record holds, Khan will arrive on set well-prepared, well-trained, and on very little sleep.