A Bollywood star’s quest to redefine identity through the lens of Asperger’s syndrome.

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the 2010 drama My Name Is Khan, a man with Asperger’s syndrome embarks on a cross-country journey to tell the American President he is not a terrorist. This ambitious project marked a departure for director Karan Johar, blending intense social commentary with the emotional depth of a global cinematic production.

Director Karan Johar initiated the project in 2007, seeking to move beyond his established reputation for romantic dramas. He aimed to address international misconceptions about Islam, choosing to center the narrative on Rizvan Khan, an Indian Muslim with Asperger’s syndrome living in the United States. The screenplay, written by Shibani Bathija, was developed through extensive research into autism, including consultations with experts and individuals living with the condition. Shah Rukh Khan, who played the lead, underwent rigorous preparation, studying literature about the syndrome and interacting with autistic individuals to authentically portray his character’s unique perspective.

The production was a significant collaboration between Indian and American entities, including Dharma Productions, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Fox Searchlight Pictures. Filming spanned multiple locations, including Los Angeles, Mumbai, and San Francisco, with a budget estimated at ₹550 million. The shoot was physically demanding for the lead actor, who suffered shoulder injuries and migraines caused by the specific posture and facial expressions required for his role. The film’s technical scale was notable, particularly a complex hurricane sequence filmed in Film City that utilized a massive water tank and thousands of liters of water.

Upon its global release in February 2010, the film achieved significant commercial success, grossing ₹223 crore worldwide. Beyond its financial performance, it became a subject of scholarly interest for its exploration of Islamophobia and neurodiversity. The film’s marketing was equally groundbreaking, utilizing techniques like roadblock advertising and becoming the first Indian production to have its stars ring the opening bell at the NASDAQ. By the time it concluded its run, the project had secured its place as a landmark in Indian cinema, successfully bridging the gap between mainstream entertainment and socially conscious storytelling.

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