Riyadh Joy Awards 2026: Shah Rukh Khan’s fans spark online buzz over Turkish actress’s comment

RIYADH: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s fans flooded social media after a post allegedly attributed to Turkish actress Hande Erçel sparked controversy during the Joy Awards 2026 in Riyadh.

Both celebrities attended the awards ceremony on January 17, where Shah Rukh Khan, popularly known as SRK, appeared as a presenter. Shortly after the event, screenshots of an Instagram story circulated online showing the caption, “Who is this uncle?”, which many fans believed was directed at Khan.

The post triggered a wave of reactions from SRK’s global fanbase. While some users responded with memes and jokes, others criticised the actress, calling the remark disrespectful toward one of India’s most celebrated film stars. Several comments questioned the actress’s intent, with one user writing, “She just trolled herself,” while another asked, “Also, who is this woman?”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nukta Dubai (@nuktadubai)

Some fans expressed strong emotional attachment to the actor, stating that the comment appeared unnecessary and provocative. One widely shared response read, “The way she was looking at him and even taking pictures suggests otherwise. She probably said those things to gain fame. I wasn’t even aware of her existence before this.”

The online backlash soon overshadowed discussions around the awards ceremony itself, shifting global entertainment attention toward the controversy.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hande Erçel (@handemiyy)

However, Hande Erçel later addressed the issue, dismissing the viral post as fake. Taking to Instagram, the actress clarified that she never referred to Shah Rukh Khan as “uncle” and denied making any such comment.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gulf News (@gulfnews)

 “There is no truth in the viral post. I never called Shah Rukh Khan ‘uncle,’” she stated, putting an end to the speculation.