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50 and fabulous: How Bollywood's Khans still reign supreme after over two decades

50 and fabulous: How Bollywood's Khans still reign supreme after over two decades

We try to find out why it’s difficult to knock them off their pedestal
17 Apr, 2017

What is it that makes the three Khans of Bollywood — Shah Rukh (SRK), Aamir and Salman — so popular and charming? Ever since their arrival in the Indian film industry, their popularity has gone from strength to strength.

Last year, they ranked first, second and fourteenth, respectively, in the Forbes India list of celebrities. Together, they hold the record of nine out of 10 highest-grossing movies in the history of Hindi cinema. And, here’s the most pleasantly surprising part: they have crossed the half-century mark, age-wise.

After more than two decades in Bollywood, the Khans’ hold on the industry is just as firm as it was in the 1990s. In fact, they are so famous that the first thing that a majority of tourists coming to Mumbai want to do after landing in the city is to see ‘Mannat’ and ‘Galaxy’, the residences of SRK and Salman Khan. Before, it used to be ‘Pratiksha’ and ‘Jalsa’, the two big bungalows of Amitabh Bachchan. If you visit the Bandstand in Bandra, an upscale suburb of Mumbai, you will see scores of people clicking selfies in front of ‘Mannat’ and ‘Galaxy’. This happens all year round. The number of visitors or fans goes up to the thousands at the time of the stars’ birthdays.

What is the secret of their success? They still rule the roost with the same aplomb that they used to in the 1990s. Even the combined forces of the young brigade of Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Sushant Singh Rajput, Varun Dhawan, Shahid Kapoor and the slightly older Hrithik Roshan have not been able to dethrone the Khans.

Just plain old professionalism?

“It is their hard work, sincerity and eagerness to do the best in every film they do. That’s why they are ruling today,” says Ramesh Taurani, Managing Director of Tips Films Ltd, Tips industries Ltd.

In fact, Tips, a company that’s into music production since the 1990s, produced two of their earliest films Auzaar (1997) and Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1998) with Salman Khan. Taurani adds, “The Khans are superstars because they choose their films very carefully. They have become very selective. In the last 10 years, they have given many blockbusters and that’s why their popularity has grown to this level.”

"The Khans did not become superstars overnight. They have struggled, faced flops and received flak from the industry and their fans. It has taken them time, real hard work, perfect strategising and great adaptation to the changing times.’’ — Shyam Shroff of Shringar Films

Adaptability to the changing nature of the film industry has made the Khans invincible, says filmmaker and founder/director of Shringar Films, Shyam Shroff. Shringar Films is a big name in the film distribution business, on-screen programming and film marketing. It was among a handful of organisations which laid the foundation for the multiplex chain of Fame Cinema.

“The trio’s films get a bumper opening. What more does a film distributor want?” says Shroff. “But one has to understand that the Khans did not become superstars overnight. They have struggled, faced flops and received flak from the industry and their fans. It has taken them time, real hard work, perfect strategising and great adaptation to the changing times.’’

A strategy of selection

Strategising is something that the Khans have mastered over the years. For Aamir Khan, it was an innocuous dialogue in the Farhan Akhtar’s debut directorial venture Dil Chahta Hai: “Perfectionist ko improve karna mushkil hota hai [it’s difficult for a perfectionist to improve upon his work]”. The film hit the cinema screens in 2001. Ever since, that line, and the image of Mr Perfectionist and Aamir Khan have become synonymous. So much so that even his co-stars address him as such. In a recent interview given to one of the newspapers in Mumbai, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui said, “Aamir Khan is a perfectionist. To work with him one has to be a perfectionist too!”

“The Khans are superstars because they choose their films very carefully. In the last 10 years, they have given many blockbusters and that’s why their popularity has grown to this level.” — Ramesh Taurani, Managing Director of Tips Films

Aamir has been super-selective while picking his scripts, which is why he has been making very emotional and relevant films. He came into international prominence when Lagaan — Once Upon a Time (2001) — a film that he produced and acted in — was nominated for an Academy award in the Best Foreign Language Film category. After winning the Indian civilian awards of Padma Shri (2003) and Padma Bhushan (2010), he switched from rom-coms to theme-based films such as Fanaa (2006), Rang De Basanti (2006) Taare Zameen Par (2007), Ghajini (2008), PK (2014) and the latest Dangal (2016) which has become an all time super-hit film. His reputation got an unprecedented boost when he made and anchored a TV talk show Satyamev Jayate on Star Plus. After that show, for his fans ‘Aamir can do no wrong!’

Unless age takes its toll on the three superstars, it seems unlikely that someone will replace them any time soon
Unless age takes its toll on the three superstars, it seems unlikely that someone will replace them any time soon

“One needs to be observant to see that the three Khans not only select stories which are considered safe but are unwilling to take projects that can be risky for the production houses,’’ says well-known trade expert Amar Solanki who has been analysing films for over four decades. “They opt for big production houses that spend lavishly on making good-looking films and are also generous when it comes to promoting and marketing them. These films get spoken and written about so much by the media before their release that fans, and even those who are not fans, feel denied if they don’t watch the film.’’

When it comes to fan-following, no one can beat Salman Khan. Though embroiled in legal battles with the intelligentsia crying hoarse over the favourable judgment he received in a case which had dragged on for over a decade, the man’s aura does not seem to diminishing. Each one of his Friday releases get huge openings all over the world. A profit of 100 crore rupees per film is normal for this actor. His last film Sultan earned six billion rupees at the box office and is still raking in moolha. The hero who thinks his acting skills are nothing to write home about continues to be a charmer when it comes to box office returns. He says, “With every film I try and give the audiences a little more than the previous film in terms of comedy, action, drama and so on.’’

In 2007 Salman started an NGO ‘Being Human’ which works for the education and healthcare of the underprivileged. His fans feel he genuinely helps the needy.

A change in script

Another reason for the Khans’ success is the change in the films’ storylines. The scripts in periods in which Rishi Kapoor, Govinda and even Amitabh Bachchan reigned supreme used to have a typical romantic storyline — the boy falls in love with the girl, sings around trees five to six times, beats up the villain and ends up living happily with the girl of his choice. Rishi Kapoor, taking a break from films at the time, had said, “I got tired of flaunting colourful cardigans and singing duets in the Alps.” The audience too got tired of those themes.

SRK revolutionised the concept of a lead role in early films like Darr
SRK revolutionised the concept of a lead role in early films like Darr

Then came Baazigar and Darr (1993), and Anjaam (1994). In these three films a villain, SRK, was the lead actor. After their release, filmmakers began to entertain the thought of having off-beat plots. It took some time for the industry to change the ways of narrating stories on-screen by selecting different themes. Ten years ago, no one would have thought of making films such as Dangal, Fan, Bajrangi Bhaijaan or even Rockstar, Philuari, Lunchbox, Pink, and Kapoor & Sons. In fact, it’s new kind of cinema that has enabled Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan experiment with their roles which they could never do in their heyday.

Earlier on in his career, SRK too blossomed as a typical romantic hero, becoming famous for wooing women. But he was the one who brought a different attitude to the industry. His wit, his charm, respect for women and love for his family came as a breath of fresh air to those who had misplaced impressions of the industry big shots.

A silver-tongued Shah Rukh

SRK also personifies intelligence. In his tongue-in-cheek interviews he will say the same things over and over again, but in such a way that you end up reading, or listening to, the whole interview. He is active on social media and displayed his business acumen by starting his own film company Red Chilies. The net worth of his earnings is estimated to be more than 600 million dollars, which is why he is considered to be one of the richest actors in the world. To top it all off, he is known for his acting skills — 14 Filmfare Awards, tying up with the legendary Dilip Kumar, with eight best actor awards. He is also the recipient of the Padma Shri and Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the Legion d’honneur given to him by the Government of France.

At present, it’s nearly impossible to dislodge the three Khans from the top [of Bollywood]. Though Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan and Hrithik Roshan are doing really well, they have not been able to match the Khans’ stature — and now it’s too late for them to do that, anyway. The younger actors are very good as well, but unless age takes its toll on the three superstars, no one can replace them.


Originally published in Dawn, ICON, April 16th, 2017

Comments

Swen Liam Apr 17, 2017 11:39am
You forgot to mention our Khalnayak Munna Bhai. I believe he isn't any less popular than the Khans.
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waleed fakhar Apr 17, 2017 12:04pm
Yes agree...But i consider amir the genuine artist of the world not only in Bollywood.His imagination and versatility are thousand times better than Sharukh and Salman ...Shahrukh does almost same sort of love stories from different angles. Amir Khan's movies can be watched even after many decades which will be fresh .
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NURUL HUDA Apr 17, 2017 12:13pm
One has to accept this.
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Mustafa Apr 17, 2017 12:50pm
@Swen Liam Although, he is a 'khalnayak' in every sense, he is not a Khan, so it does not matter.
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Satya Apr 17, 2017 01:09pm
Naa. The write is very wrong when he says its because of the script they choose. I think when it comes to Salman and Saharukh, their hits don't have to do anything with the script. Most of their movies have bad scripts. Its just their popularity and the huge number of fans that make their movies the blockbusters . Amir at the other hand is very selective and his movies are genuinely good.
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Sunil k Apr 17, 2017 01:14pm
This is possible because of the plurality of India. Try finding this in any other country in the world, including the US.
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Muhammad Iqbal Apr 17, 2017 01:37pm
There is still no replacement for the three khans in a country having second largest population on earth
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ind bihari Apr 17, 2017 02:11pm
This is beauti of india where we love minority this much
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wellwisher Apr 17, 2017 02:24pm
Industry has always been ruled by trio.Dilip,Dev and Raj , then Rajesh, Dhram and Jeetendra. Rajesh was replaced by Amitabh but trio remained. Even next to Khans is again a trio Akshay,Ajay and Hritik.
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Hindu Apr 17, 2017 02:55pm
The real stars are Irfan Khan, Manoj Bajpai, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The author hasn't moved on with times and has failed to understand the trend. 3 Khans are now the past.
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An Indian Apr 17, 2017 02:58pm
I love you Amir Khan, you are the real gem and kohinoor, after Amitabh and Rajesh Khanna
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javed Apr 17, 2017 03:15pm
Well, there is one phenomenon which even the Hindi film stars aspire too, he is called "Rajanikant". In a typical north mindset, the author has forgotten this name, also shows how vast India is.
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Hk Apr 17, 2017 04:46pm
@Hindu true
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Tabish Ahmed Apr 17, 2017 06:11pm
Agree with Satya. Most of their films had bad script but people liked them. Hum Apke Hain Kon, Andaz Apna Apna, Guddu are one of the films that one feels awkward watching trio Khans from different angles. I heard Karan Johar in a tv show saying that when there is no good script, no good music, no good cast then put Salman Khan in, it will hit the success. Comparing their 90s films with todays one can observes that trio Khans have evolved themselves with the passage of time.
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venkob Apr 17, 2017 08:35pm
This article might have made a little sense if written 15 years back. The fact is the fame they got due to movies they were in their 20s are gone. Can you imagine Aamir acting in another or salman acting in another andaaz apna apna or Shahruck in Yes Boss. It's better at least one realized they have to become actors than trying to remain as heroes. This is true for all non-khans as well that are in their 50s
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Gunjan Apr 17, 2017 09:29pm
Its underworld financing believe it or not. The screens are bought in blocks as distributors are pressurised. That gets you the 100 crore, 200 crore and 500 crore numbers as the weekend audience will buy tickets for anything worthless too as thats their only choice. Many films like Sultan, Raees, Fan, Chennai Express, Happy New Year ran on the same pattern. Vanished without a trace after 1 week but made their X 100 crores (or so we are told)
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BHUSHAN Apr 17, 2017 09:46pm
@wellwisher Agree with you totally...
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wasim Apr 17, 2017 10:11pm
thanks too
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a Apr 17, 2017 11:08pm
@waleed fakhar Salman is the poor man's Robinhood . SRK the presenter of all things affluent and larger than life. Only Amir is the one who makes movies that move one to the heart. Taare Zameen Par is an absolute classic. Sanju Baba the eternal baddie with a good heart.
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rana Apr 17, 2017 11:30pm
In a country of 1.3bn people even 1cr I.e. less than 1%of population watch buying an average 300INR ticket it will collect 300cr. and film will be super hit.its not a big deal.who care about scripts. Anyway they are not competing with international movies or audience.
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Shakeel Ahmad Apr 18, 2017 01:06am
It all started with Yousaf Khan aka Dilip Kumar
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Nishanth Apr 18, 2017 01:48am
Haha pleasing article for Pakistan. But seriously except Amir other two are garbage.
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Maria Apr 18, 2017 03:53am
They epitomise the Pathan blood: unmatched willpower, spine and dashing looks - so it had to be Khans even in the country of 1.3 billion people. Good to see our ethnic bradri ruling the silver screen for so long. No one over, no one beside, that's our Khans! Love from Pakistan.
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Jinx Apr 18, 2017 04:38am
@Sunil k Let's not compare bollywood to Hollywood. The latter is miles ahead in creativity and novel scripts.
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Khany Apr 18, 2017 07:29am
@Sunil k Dont understand what you mean but people of India and Pakistan love the three Khans, Amitabh Bachan and Dilip Kumar. These actors are legands in film making.
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zebraline Apr 18, 2017 08:12am
"Though embroiled in legal battles with the intelligentsia crying hoarse over the favorable judgment he received in a case which had dragged on for over a decade, the man’s aura does not seem to diminishing." Keep focused to the acting ability of Khans than fighting illegal battles for Khans. Intelligentsia is an area where a culture with character is built.
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riz Apr 18, 2017 10:03am
well written,, a learning for all youngsters especially for pak industry,, also specially srk and amir they are very polite and well spoken personalities and this ads as well,,
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riz Apr 18, 2017 10:05am
@Hindu yes yes they are brilliant artist but sorry they don't rule Bollywood,,
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Suresh Apr 18, 2017 11:59am
IT is cause of friendships irrespective of religion...Love India
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Amir iqbal Apr 19, 2017 05:52pm
Aamir Khan...the KING of all kings.
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Jayw Apr 19, 2017 06:50pm
@Gunjan Ever heard of production houses?
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PIYarelaaloo Apr 21, 2017 01:34am
@ind bihari jull agaan
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