I think there are people who are reigning box office kings/queens and then there are those who are popular and survive on the basis of star quality/talent.
Shahid is not a superstar, but he survives because people seem to have some belief in his acting abilities and maybe he is well-connected.
People like AB Jr get work because they're star kids, not for any other reason.
There are people like Aish who have a timeless star quality to them that holds the public's attention.
Then there are the Khans/Akshay who are not only box office stars but much loved and well-regarded by the public.
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