Who Is Hande Erçel? Turkish Actress Goes Viral for Calling Shah Rukh Khan ‘Uncle’

Turkish actress and model Hande Erçel has found herself at the center of online controversy after an alleged remark involving Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan surfaced on social media. The incident reportedly occurred during a recent international awards ceremony held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Shah Rukh Khan was in attendance.

The debate began after videos and images from the event went viral, showing Hande Erçel recording the stage while Shah Rukh Khan and Egyptian actress Amina Khalil were presenting an award. Many fans initially described Hande as a “fangirl,” praising her visible excitement at seeing the Jawan star in person.

However, the narrative shifted when screenshots began circulating online, claiming that Hande had shared an Instagram story clarifying the situation. According to these posts, she stated, “I was merely filming my friend; I am not his fan. Please refrain from spreading misinformation.” An arrow allegedly pointed toward Shah Rukh Khan, accompanied by the remark, “Who is this uncle?”

The alleged comment sparked backlash among Indian fans, with many questioning the authenticity of the post and criticizing the actress. Soon after, supporters of Hande Erçel argued that the image was fabricated, sharing screenshots of her verified account and insisting she never made such a statement. Hande Erçel has not publicly confirmed or denied the remark, further fueling speculation about whether the viral content is real or fake.

Social media platforms remain divided, with some users condemning the spread of unverified content and others demanding clarity from the actress.

Hande Erçel, 32, is one of Turkey’s most prominent television stars, known for hit dramas such as Güneşin Kızları, Aşk Laftan Anlamaz, Sen Çal Kapımı, and Bambaşka Biri. She has also appeared in films like Intoxicated by Love and Chasing the Wind. With a massive international following and numerous brand endorsements, Erçel remains a highly influential figure across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.