Beyond the lights, cameras and blockbuster films, Shah Rukh Khan has often revealed another side of himself: a curious reader who turns to books for ideas, imagination and inspiration. Over the years, the Bollywood superstar has spoken about novels that stayed with him, shared recommendations with fans and even used books to prepare for challenging roles. From fantasy adventures to psychological stories and biographies, SRK’s reading list reflects his wide-ranging interests.The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark HaddonWhile preparing for his role as Rizvan Khan in My Name Is Khan, where he portrayed a character with Asperger’s syndrome, Shah Rukh Khan explored the world of autism through extensive research. According to reports by Indian Express, SRK revealed in an interview that he read several books during his preparation, including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which he revisited multiple times. He also watched videos and met people with Asperger’s to understand the character better.The novel follows Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy with autism who investigates the mysterious death of his neighbour’s dog. Told from Christopher’s perspective, the story explores his unique way of understanding the world, his logical thinking, fears and challenges. It is a story about independence, family relationships and seeing life from a different perspective.Steve Jobs by Walter IsaacsonWalter Isaacson’s biography of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs is another book associated with Shah Rukh Khan’s reading interests. The book explores Jobs’ life, creativity, leadership style and the journey behind building one of the world’s most influential technology companies.You Might Also Like:This biography chronicles the life of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, from his childhood and early experiments with technology to building Apple into one of the world’s most influential companies. Based on extensive interviews with Jobs and people around him, the book explores his creativity, obsession with design, leadership style, perfectionism and the difficult choices that shaped his career.The Fountainhead by Ayn RandAyn Rand’s The Fountainhead has long been a widely discussed novel, and it has also been part of Shah Rukh Khan’s reading list. The novel follows Howard Roark, an unconventional architect who refuses to compromise his artistic vision for society’s expectations. The story explores themes of individualism, ambition, creativity and the struggle between staying true to oneself and seeking approval from others. Through Roark’s journey, the book questions whether original thinkers should adapt to the world or challenge it.The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsSRK has also shown interest in Douglas Adams’ science fiction classic The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Known for its humour, imagination and philosophical take on life, the book blends comedy with questions about existence and the universe.This science fiction comedy begins when Arthur Dent discovers that Earth is about to be destroyed to make way for an intergalactic highway. He escapes with alien friend Ford Prefect and begins a bizarre journey across the universe. The book humorously explores life, humanity, technology and the absurdity of existence while mixing satire with imaginative storytelling.You Might Also Like:Harry Potter series by J.K. RowlingThe magical world of Harry Potter found a place in SRK’s recommendations as well. During a special Q&A session on X, formerly known as Twitter, a fan asked him for a book recommendation to stay occupied during lockdown. The Pathaan actor suggested restarting the Harry Potter series.The series follows Harry Potter, a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and joins Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Across seven books, Harry and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley face magical challenges, uncover secrets about the past and battle the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. Beyond fantasy, the series explores friendship, courage, sacrifice, love and growing up.Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick RiordanShah Rukh Khan has also expressed interest in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series. In 2014, he shared a line from The Lightning Thief on X, reflecting on how humans often create their own versions of reality.Published in 2005, The Lightning Thief draws from Greek mythology and is the first young adult novel in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The book was later adapted into a film. The book follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers his father is a Greek god. After being accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, Percy goes on a quest with his friends to clear his name and prevent a war among the gods. The story blends Greek mythology with modern life, adventure and humour.The Da Vinci Code by Dan BrownDan Brown’s bestselling thriller The Da Vinci Code also caught SRK’s attention. Taking to his X handle, the actor expressed his liking for the book and described it as good fiction.This thriller follows symbologist Robert Langdon, who investigates a murder inside the Louvre Museum in Paris. Along with cryptologist Sophie Neveu, he uncovers hidden clues, secret societies and mysteries connected to art, history and religion. The fast-paced story combines puzzles, conspiracy theories and historical references.Artemis Fowl by Eoin ColferShah Rukh Khan’s reading choices also include fantasy fiction like Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. In 2010, SRK shared through his X handle that he was reading the book.The book follows Artemis Fowl, a young criminal mastermind who discovers the existence of a hidden fairy civilisation. He kidnaps a fairy officer to gain access to their technology and magic, but the plan becomes complicated when he encounters a world far more powerful than he expected. The series mixes fantasy, adventure, humour and clever problem-solving.From fantasy worlds and gripping mysteries to biographies and thought-provoking fiction, Shah Rukh Khan’s book choices reveal a reader who enjoys stories that challenge imagination and offer new perspectives.