SRK Lookalike Ibrahim Qadri From Wall Painter to King of the World

From Wall Painter to King of the World: The Story of SRK Lookalike Ibrahim Qadri

The world of celebrity lookalikes is vast, but few have a story as compelling and personal as Ibrahim Qadri. While many seek fame by mimicking a star, Qadri’s journey is one of accidental recognition, reluctant acceptance, and a deep, philosophical bond with the man he resembles: Shah Rukh Khan. In a candid interview, the self-proclaimed SRK doppelgänger from Junagadh, Gujarat, reveals his incredible journey from struggling wall painter to a full-time performer.

The Accidental Rise to Fame: A ‘Raees’ Moment

For years, Qadri’s friends and family would point out his resemblance to the Bollywood superstar, but he never took it seriously. He was busy working odd jobs, painting signboards and doing wall art just to make ends meet. He even tried to change his look and hairstyle to avoid the constant comparisons.

Everything changed in 2017 with the release of the film Raees.

Shah Rukh Khan, who sported a beard for the first time on-screen, suddenly looked just like Ibrahim, who had been growing one to look different. The transformation was complete. The final turning point came during a cricket match in Rajkot where the crowd went wild, surrounding him and shouting, “Are you Shah Rukh Khan?” He recounts, “People were falling and stumbling… I got a little scared.” After that day, he decided to embrace his destiny. “I said, ‘Now, I will not let go. Now, I will become Shah Rukh Khan.'”

The Business of Being a Lookalike: From No Pay to a King’s Ransom

Being a lookalike isn’t just about looking the part—it’s about acting it, dancing it, and performing it. For Qadri, who had no prior experience, this meant a year of intense training. “It’s very difficult to copy someone. It’s a very difficult job,” he explains. He believes that true acting is living someone else’s life, and a lookalike’s job is a form of that.

The hard work paid off. While he admits to not being paid for his first few events, his rates have skyrocketed. Today, he charges anywhere from 1.5 lakhs to 5 lakhs for an event, a testament to his success in the booming lookalike industry. He even believes he charges more than any other SRK lookalike in the business, which he says, “helps other lookalikes, too. The ones who can’t afford me go to them, and their work runs.”

A Philosophical Stance: Why He Doesn’t Want to Meet SRK

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Ibrahim Qadri’s story is his refusal to meet Shah Rukh Khan. When asked, he firmly states, “No, never.” He has a simple yet profound reason: he doesn’t want the dream to end.

“I don’t want to meet him because I am afraid that my dream will come to an end,” he says. He uses an analogy: people dream of owning a Ferrari, but once they get it, it sits in the garage, and they drive a smaller car. For him, meeting SRK would feel like achieving his ultimate goal, and he fears it would extinguish the very passion that drives him. It’s a testament to a true fan’s devotion, where the pursuit is more meaningful than the final encounter.

A Glimpse into the Man Behind the Star

Beyond the stage and the events, Ibrahim Qadri is a simple man. He lives in his hometown of Junagadh and spends his free time pursuing his original passion: painting. He admits that he is a die-hard fan of Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. And when he’s at home, he asks his friends and family to treat him as Ibrahim, not as the global superstar he portrays on stage.

His journey is more than just a resemblance. It’s a story of transforming a unique physical trait into a livelihood, all while holding on to a deep, personal respect for the person who made it possible. Ibrahim Qadri is not just a lookalike; he is a testament to the power of a dream, however big or small.

The Final Scene: A Story That’s Still Unfolding

Ultimately, Ibrahim Qadri’s story isn’t just about mimicry; it’s a living testament to a cinematic dream. It’s a real-life script where a simple man becomes a hero, not by luck, but by sheer will and a deep love for his idol. He may not have a “happily ever after” with the real King Khan, but by choosing to live in this beautiful, unfulfilled moment, he keeps the magic alive—not just for himself, but for every fan who watches him and believes that somewhere out there, the dream is still alive.