Hande Ercel Denies Calling Shah Rukh Khan Uncle, Ending Viral Rumors

Turkish actress Hande Ercel has moved to put an end to swirling online rumours after a viral post claimed she referred to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as “uncle.”

The screenshot, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, sparked widespread discussion and backlash among fans before Ercel issued a clear denial.

The controversy began following the recent Joy Awards 2026 in Riyadh, where a video clip showed Ercel filming part of the event on her phone while Shah Rukh Khan presented on stage. Many viewers assumed she was capturing footage of the Bollywood legend, leading to excited fan reactions.

However, it was later clarified that Ercel was actually filming her close friend, Egyptian actress Amina Khalil, who was co-hosting the ceremony alongside Khan, not the superstar himself.

The situation escalated when a screenshot surfaced online that purported to show Ercel’s Instagram story, allegedly reading: “Who is this uncle? I was just filming my friend @aminakhalilofficial, I am not his fan! Please stop spreading false information!!” The image quickly fuelled speculation that Ercel had dismissed the star by referring to him as “uncle”, a term some fans interpreted as disrespectful.

Addressing the issue directly on her social media account, Ercel unequivocally denied the claim. She posted, “This is fake,” confirming that the screenshot was morphed and never published by her. Her statement helped quell much of the misinformation and redirect the conversation.

Following her clarification, many of Shah Rukh Khan’s fans expressed appreciation for her response and apologised for any undue negativity that arose from the misunderstanding. The incident underscores the speed with which false narratives can spread on social media and the importance of verifying information before concluding.