The last three decades – the 90s, 2000s and now the 2010s – has been dominated by the three Khans of Bollywood. It’s unusual for stars to command fan-following that stretches to nearly three decades and the incredible fact remains that two of them are taking film business to an altogether different level, while the third retains his insane-popularity and is probably just one good film away from doing justice to his stardom.
What explains the fan-following that the three top stars in the industry command? Aamir himself, who yet again delivered the industry’s highest grosser, says he has no ‘logical explanation’.
All three of us are distinct in our philosophy of work and the work we choose. All three of us have been going strong for 25 years… Shah Rukh ka alag style hai aur raasta hai, mera alag style aur raasta hai, Salman ka alag raasta hai (we all have our different style and ways). There’s no logic. You can’t pinpoint why we’re still there”
Aamir, who is the senior-most Khan both in terms of age and experience (Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak released in 1988), will complete 30 years in the industry next year. Rising stars in the industry today weren’t even born when Aamir made his debut.
When asked to explain his longevity, Aamir said “I guess somebody up there is looking out. Usually, stardom lasts for about 7-8 years. 10 years is a long time, 15 years a very long time. But 25 years is unusual. I can’t explain it. There’s no logical explanation for this”
Aamir turns 52 in exactly a week from today.`