As Bollywood’s biggest stars — Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan — approach their 60th birthdays this year, discussions about the future of their stardom have reignited across the industry. For decades, these three Khans have dominated Indian cinema, shaping the landscape of Bollywood with their blockbuster hits, massive fan followings, and unmatched influence. However, as they step into their sixties, will their popularity fade, or will they continue to be the reigning kings of Bollywood?
Film analysts and industry insiders offer varying perspectives on this hot topic, shedding light on the factors that could determine whether the Khans’ stardom will diminish or evolve in the coming years.
The Timeless Appeal of the Three Khans
Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan have been household names since the early 1990s. Over the past three decades, they’ve delivered numerous iconic films, creating unforgettable on-screen characters and memorable dialogues that have become part of Bollywood’s cultural fabric. Despite the industry evolving with new stars and changing audience preferences, the Khans have maintained their superstar status.
Bollywood trade analyst Rajesh Kumar believes that age will not impact their popularity in the near future. “These actors have become institutions. People don’t just watch their films; they follow their lives, their philosophies, and their journeys. Age is just a number when it comes to the Khans because their emotional connection with the audience goes beyond the screen,” he says.
According to him, the Khans have adapted over time, making themselves relevant even to younger generations. “It’s rare to see actors sustain stardom for such a long period. They’ve done it through reinvention and careful selection of scripts.”
Age and Stardom: Does It Really Matter?
The entertainment world often believes that as actors age, their popularity decreases. This notion is particularly true for female actors in Bollywood, who often struggle to get lead roles after a certain age. However, the Khans seem to be an exception.
One film business expert points out that aging male actors, especially in Bollywood, can continue to dominate if they successfully transition into more mature roles. “We’ve seen it with Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, and Rajesh Khanna. They started doing character roles as they aged, yet they remained relevant. The same thing will happen with the Khans if they choose their roles wisely,” he says.
Aging doesn’t necessarily mean a decline in popularity, but it does mean a shift in the type of roles they take on.
The Khans’ Recent Box Office Success
The trio’s recent performances at the box office indicate that their stardom is far from fading.
- Shah Rukh Khan: After a four-year hiatus, Shah Rukh Khan made a grand comeback in 2023 with Pathaan and Jawan, both of which shattered box office records. Pathaan grossed over ₹1,000 crore globally, becoming one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films. Jawan further cemented his status as Bollywood’s “King” with its powerful storyline and action-packed sequences.
- Salman Khan: Salman Khan, popularly known as “Bhai” by his fans, is gearing up for his next big release, Sikandar. The film’s teaser, showcasing Salman in an intense action avatar, has already created a buzz. Despite recent box office setbacks, his loyal fan base ensures his films remain highly anticipated events.
- Aamir Khan: Known as the “Perfectionist” of Bollywood, Aamir Khan has been more selective with his projects. His upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, a sequel to his acclaimed Taare Zameen Par, is expected to touch on sensitive social issues. Additionally, he will be making a cameo appearance in Lahore: 1947, a period drama produced under his banner.
The success of these films proves that the Khans’ star power is still strong, despite their age.
Comparisons with South Indian Superstars
Many experts draw parallels between the Khans and South Indian superstars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
Rajinikanth, at 72, remains a massive box office draw in Tamil cinema. His recent films continue to perform well, proving that aging doesn’t diminish a star’s appeal if they choose the right scripts. Similarly, Kamal Haasan’s Vikram was a blockbuster hit in 2022, even though he’s now 70 years old.
“Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are prime examples that age is not a limiting factor if the content resonates with the audience. The Khans can take inspiration from this,” says a film critic.
The Role of Script Selection
Experts agree that the Khans’ future stardom largely depends on the types of films they choose to do. As they age, they may need to move away from romantic hero roles and embrace more mature, character-driven scripts.
“Audiences have evolved. They want stories with depth and realism. If the Khans adapt to this trend and choose meaningful scripts, they will remain relevant for years to come,” says film analyst Neha Joshi.
Shah Rukh’s recent roles in Jawan and Pathaan are prime examples of this transition. He played action-packed, layered characters that appealed to both his loyal fans and younger audiences.
Ranbir Kapoor: The Potential Challenger?
While no actor has yet matched the Khans’ legacy, Ranbir Kapoor is seen as a potential challenger to their reign.
His recent film Animal has been highly anticipated, and experts believe it could mark the beginning of his rise as Bollywood’s next big superstar.
However, trade analysts caution that while Ranbir has delivered some successful films, he still has a long way to go to match the Khans’ three-decade-long dominance. “Ranbir is talented and popular, but the Khans are in a league of their own. It will take consistent success for him to pose a real challenge,” says a film expert.
The Road Ahead for the Khans
Here’s a look at the upcoming projects of the three Khans:
- Shah Rukh Khan: King, his next big release, is expected to continue his winning streak at the box office.
- Salman Khan: Sikandar is slated for an Eid release and promises to be another action-packed entertainer.
- Aamir Khan: Apart from Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir is also producing Lahore: 1947, in which he will make a cameo appearance.
These films will be crucial in determining whether the Khans can maintain their dominance in the industry.
Final Verdict: Will Their Popularity Decline?
The future of the three Khans seems bright, according to most experts. Their ability to adapt, evolve, and remain connected to their audience will be key to sustaining their stardom.
The notion that aging diminishes a star’s appeal doesn’t seem to apply to the Khans. Their fans remain fiercely loyal, and as long as they continue to choose impactful roles, their legacy will endure.
For now, Bollywood’s ruling trio shows no signs of fading into the background. The Khans’ era is far from over — it may just be entering a new phase of maturity and evolution.
The three Khans — Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir — have defied the conventional norms of aging in Bollywood. Their star power continues to shine bright, and with the right choices, they are likely to remain cultural icons for years to come. While younger actors like Ranbir Kapoor may challenge their dominance, the Khans’ legacy remains unparalleled in Bollywood history.
