Posted:
Idk. I got inspired with my long essay in the other thread claiming that his star power is declining. 😆 This thread is about how is star power IS NOT declining and how it will never decline. (If mods feel this thread to be a duplicate, which in my opinion is not, please feel free to close it).
Note: Please keep the discussion healthy. No bashing.
Our industry has seen the likes of such amazing superstars and actors. The top renowned ones are Dilip ji, Amit ji, & Shahrukh Khan. Because of the generation I'm from, I've grown up in Shahrukh's era. My dad is all about Dilip ji and Amit ji. He constantly is telling me how great legends they were and how they are above and beyond anything Shahrukh is. And I would constantly go back and forth on how Shahrukh was above them all. There more I got exposed to Amit ji movies, I started to learn that he indeed is an actor who has excelled so much more than Shahrukh. Shahrukh is NOTHING in comparison to Amit ji. Unfortunately, I can't say much about Dilip ji as I haven't seen many of his movies. But I do know one thing that he is a legend! It is obvious that I'll be more about praising Shahrukh since I've seen the most of his movies.
Every non Indian that I have come upon so far knows of the name Shahrukh Khan. They don't necessarily know his movies or what not, but the name is familiar grounds for them. That speaks volumes. Not every non Indian will know Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar ji . .. But they will know of Shahrukh Khan . . . That's star power right there,
I agree that Shahrukh had better and stronger roles in the 90s and early 2000s compared to now. But his star power has not started decreasing at all by any means. Even today people are all about Shahrukh. Fans worldwide still chant 'Shahrukh' everywhere they go. Even in movie theaters every fan girl will be wanting to take pictures near Shahrukh posters etc etc. I've seen it. I've seen the crazy here in America. I do not know how well his star power is in India. Maybe its less than overseas. But I see such star power here in the States. Every fan girl is die hard crazy after him. I don't see that craze for any other actor in this generation.
I do not believe it is all about movies and being in the 100+ crore club. Yes, movies have to do with star power and popularity, but there are so many more factors than just that. A lot of people tend to complain that Shahrukh does the same role over and over again, but if you look at his career history in depth you will learn that most of his roles are different from the other. Also, we must not forget that he doesn't come from a filmy background like most of our current actors do. He made his way from struggle and a lot of obstacles. And I know a lot of actors, regardless of whether they have a filmy background or not, have faced a lot of struggle and obstacles to get to where they are. But it makes a huge difference when you go through so much on your own.
I've had close family members who have met Shahrukh personally on a couple of occasions. They would always tell me how he doesn't look anything like an actor or India's biggest superstar at all. Rather he looks like an ordinary person, just like any one of us. But one thing that they said I'll always remember: his personality was amazing. He was dead tired but at the request of a pic, he didn't refuse at all and even stayed back to chat with my family members. They fell in love with his personality. I don't remember ever reading that many negative fan meetings with Shahrukh. My relatives only complain was that he smoked so much. They had nothing else negative to say about it.
Star power is about acting skills, movies, personality, interactions with media/fans, and even a bit of personal life and how a star can carry themselves. I don't think there is any other star in Bollywood that has all of these traits and still carries themselves so effortlessly like Shahrukh does. His love for his family shows. He is a family man. Yes, I know recently he's been in the buzz for some controversial things. But not for one second have I believed it because he truly is a family guy. His interviews are so down to earth and you can see his love for his family.
I think Shahrukh has made a huge difference in the film industry that no other actor has ever made (besides the two other legends). Every actor has their time of super fame and glorious hits. But as time goes by, the generation changes and new stars emerge at the top. That's just the way of life. I don't think his star power will ever fade out. Years from now the industry will remember the one and only, King Khan. No matter how many actors come and go, Shahrukh will always be one of the 'jaans' of the industry. He's just made a place for himself by his hard work, dedication, and talent. No one can ever take that place away from him. He had made a difference no other actor has made. He holds a place in every fan's heart. And he is here to stay, forever and forever...jab tak hain jaan and beyond!
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