Shah Rukh Khan wasn’t ‘allowed’ to be ‘mainstream star’, says Karan Johar; calls Aamir Khan ‘real game changer’ for THIS reason

Shah Rukh Khan wasn't 'allowed' to be ‘mainstream star’, says Karan Johar; calls Aamir Khan ‘real game changer’ for THIS reason

As a die-hard fan who has grown up watching Shah Rukh Khan‘s enchanting performances, I can’t help but feel a tinge of melancholy when I hear Karan Johar’s words about the constraints that have limited SRK’s potential to experiment and revolutionize cinema. The ‘King of Romance’ has undeniably left an indelible mark on our hearts with his timeless love stories, but it’s heartbreaking to think that he yearned to be more than just a mainstream hero.


Bollywood heartthrob Shah Rukh Khan, affectionately known as the “King of Romance,” has captivated audiences for more than a decade with his movies. During a recent conversation, filmmaker Karan Johar explained why Shah Rukh wasn’t able to fully realize his potential as a mainstream star, stating, “He aspired to be an unusual, mainstream actor who would revolutionize cinema. Unfortunately, no one permits that nowadays. When you mention Shah Rukh Khan today, there is a certain expectation attached.” Additionally, Johar commended Aamir Khan for being a genuine trailblazer by consistently accepting a variety of roles.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Karan pointed out that the demand to maintain a superstar persona can limit actors such as Shah Rukh Khan from venturing into unusual roles. He highlighted that despite this, SRK has endeavored to break free from conventions in movies like Paheli and Asoka. Moreover, Karan emphasized that Shah Rukh’s ambition to innovate and make a mark has been evident since the early stages of his career, as demonstrated by his collaborations with directors like Kundan Shah, Ketan Mehta, and Mani Kaul.

Karan Johar clarified that Shah Rukh Khan didn’t aim to become the classic mainstream lead; instead, the massive success of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge shaped him into that role. This resulted in a string of romantic films that ensued. Karan emphasized that Shah Rukh always aspired to be a distinctive, trailblazing actor who would transform cinema as we know it.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express my concern over the burden that the title “Shah Rukh Khan” carries today. It seems that certain expectations are placed upon him which restrict his versatility in choosing roles. I yearn for the day when he might embrace a more subdued character, yet it appears these expectations won’t permit such a film to be made, and that’s unfortunate because he is an actor first and foremost, a star second – a fact that was evident even in his early days on the stage.

Karan Johar praised Aamir Khan, stating that he’s revolutionized the film industry by taking on diverse roles in movies. He pointed out that Lagaan is a groundbreaking achievement in Hindi cinema. Looking back at the year Lagaan was released, Karan remarked that it was an influential period for Bollywood, with Gadar, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Dil Chahta Hai, and Chandni Bar also finding success.

In contrast to Gadar’s box office dominance that year, Lagaan earned an Academy Award nomination. Although Lagaan garnered success, Aamir selected films such as Taare Zameen Par and Rang De Basanti, which significantly influenced the film industry. Furthermore, Karan acknowledged Aamir’s role in Ghajini by stating that it revitalized the remake trend in Bollywood, positioning him as a trailblazer.

Recently, TopMob exclusively reported that Karan Johar is preparing to make his OTT debut with a high-budget web series for Netflix. Sources familiar with the project have revealed that the series is a passion project for Karan and will feature some of the most celebrated female stars in Indian cinema. “After collaborating with Sanjay Leela Bhansali on HeeraMandi, this Karan Johar directorial is the next marquee project in Netflix’s repertoire. Karan will be the showrunner for this yet untitled web-series. The script is locked and the vision is to take it on floor in the first quarter of 2025,” said the source.

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2024-09-24 11:09