This Is Fake: Hande Ercel Denies Calling Shah Rukh Khan ‘Uncle’ After Viral Rumour

Turkish star Hande Ercel has firmly shut down viral rumours claiming that she referred to Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan as “uncle” during the Joy Awards held in Riyadh earlier this month. The actor publicly dismissed the claim as fake, putting an end to days of speculation across social media platforms.

The controversy began after a short video clip from the Joy Awards on January 17 started circulating online. In the footage, Ercel appeared to be recording the stage during the event, where Shah Rukh Khan was also present. The clip was quickly misinterpreted, with some users claiming she was filming SRK out of admiration, branding her a “fangirl” of the Bollywood superstar.

How the rumour spread

Soon after the clip went viral, a screenshot allegedly from Ercel’s Instagram stories began doing the rounds. The screenshot suggested that she had reacted angrily to the speculation and referred to Shah Rukh Khan as an “uncle,” while denying being his fan. The post triggered widespread debate, with some social media users accusing her of disrespect, while others questioned the authenticity of the screenshot.

The situation escalated further when an X (formerly Twitter) user shared the image along with a detailed claim that Ercel had denied even knowing Shah Rukh Khan and used the term “uncle” for him. The post gained traction rapidly, drawing reactions from fans of both actors.

Hande Ercel responds: ‘This is fake’

Putting all rumours to rest, Hande Ercel herself responded directly to the post, writing simply but decisively: “This is fake.” Her comment immediately clarified that the circulating screenshot was fabricated and that she had never made such a statement.

Following her response, fans rallied in her support, calling out the misinformation and apologising for the unnecessary controversy. Several Shah Rukh Khan fans also criticised the spread of false claims, pointing out how quickly unverified content turns into headlines online.

What actually happened at the Joy Awards

In reality, Ercel was filming her friend Amina Khalil, who was co-hosting the Joy Awards that evening. The presence of Shah Rukh Khan on stage during that moment led to confusion, which snowballed into a full-blown rumour mill.

At the 2026 Joy Awards in Riyadh, Shah Rukh Khan made a striking appearance on the lavender carpet and shared the spotlight with several global stars, including Millie Bobby Brown and Katy Perry. His presence at the event was widely celebrated, drawing massive attention from international and Indian media alike.

What’s next for Shah Rukh Khan

On the professional front, Shah Rukh Khan is set to appear next in King, directed by Siddharth Anand. The action-thriller is co-produced by Marflix Entertainment and Red Chillies Entertainment and features an ensemble cast, including Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma.

The film is expected to release theatrically on Gandhi Jayanti 2026, and is already among the most anticipated Bollywood projects.

The larger issue of viral misinformation

The episode once again highlights how quickly misinformation can spread in the age of screenshots and short clips, especially when global celebrities are involved. With a single comment, Hande Ercel managed to shut down a rumour that had crossed borders and sparked unnecessary fan wars.

For now, the actor has made her stance clear — the claim is fake, and the story ends there.