He could’ve jumped from the balcony: Shah Rukh Khan, KKR’s tumultuous journey, and the night Kolkata danced again
There are many wild stories in the IPL's colourful history. But few can match the drama that unfolded on a hot May night in 2012. Kolkata Knight Riders had just clinched their maiden title. Eden Gardens wasn’t the venue, but the hearts of millions in Kolkata had already burst into celebration. Meanwhile, something equally explosive happened in the stadium's VIP stands. Shah Rukh Khan, the team’s Bollywood boss, nearly took off — quite literally — from the balcony!
KKR weren’t exactly fan favourites in their early years. They were the IPL’s resident soap opera — full of stars, drama, and chaos. For four seasons, the team lurched from disaster to disappointment. The 2009 campaign, in particular, was a Shakespearean tragedy. Infighting, captaincy confusion, and a last-place finish left fans and owners frustrated. But through all the lows, SRK stood firm. He danced, smiled, and gave interviews that made no sense — but he never sold the team.
SRK’s connection to Kolkata wasn’t obvious in 2008. But he adopted the city like a long-lost sibling. He wooed Bengal’s politicians, learned the quirks of its cricket culture, and even became the state’s brand ambassador. More than a cheque-signing owner, he was the franchise’s soul. The fans saw him cheering in the scorching sun, waving flags, hugging players, and turning every game into a film premiere. He wasn’t just investing rupees but putting his reputation and heart on the line.
Then came 2012: a new captain, a new coach, and a brand-new spirit. The final against CSK was nerve-wracking. But KKR pulled off a heist. As the winning runs were hit, cameras panned to a balcony where SRK was losing his mind. Arms flailing, eyes wide, he looked like a man ready to fly. And he almost did. Shah Rukh nearly jumped over the railing in a hilarious yet terrifying moment. If not for his daughter Suhana and a few others pulling him back, we might’ve had the most dramatic post-match dive in cricket history.
Even tough guys were rattled. Wasim Akram, the bowling coach then, later admitted he feared for SRK’s life. “I thought he would jump,” he laughed, recalling the madness. But it wasn’t just hysteria. For SRK, that trophy wasn’t just a win — it was redemption. Four years of memes, mockery, and criticism had been erased in one glorious night. For a man who believes in fairy tales — and has acted in plenty — this was a Bollywood ending like no other.
Interestingly, for all his flair, SRK never played the coach—no Chak De-style monologues. There are no locker room dramatics. “I’ve been a sportsman at a very small level,” he said, “so I don’t do that.” Instead, he believed in his team quietly. He left the cricket to the cricketers. When Gambhir came on board, SRK simply told him, “This is your make or break moment. I won’t interfere.” That space to lead gave KKR the freedom they desperately needed — and it showed.
Sadly, Wasim had to skip the team’s parade in Kolkata. The team toured the city in an open bus as hundreds of thousands lined the streets. But even in absence, the memory lingered. The prize money was divided equally — a gesture SRK insisted on. Whether you were Gautam Gambhir or the guy handling the kits, you got your share. This culture — of heart, not just hustle — redefined KKR. And at the heart of it all was a superstar who almost flew that night — stopped only by the love of a daughter and a strong grip on his kurta.
