For decades, the Indian film industry has witnessed the rise of megastars whose influence extends far beyond cinema. Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan have not only ruled the box office but have also embedded themselves into the fabric of Indian culture. These icons represent an era of superstardom that seems almost impossible to replicate in today’s rapidly changing entertainment landscape. Their fans, whose devotion transcends the silver screen, continue to gather in large numbers outside their homes, from Jalsa to Mannat to Galaxy Apartments, hoping for a glimpse of their beloved idols.
Yet, as the years pass, the question on many minds is: Will we ever see the rise of another star capable of matching the legendary status of these four?
What made them megastars?
Amitabh Bachchan’s transformation into the ‘angry young man’ of the 1970s and 80s redefined heroism in Indian cinema. His towering presence in films like Sholay, Deewar and Zanjeer gave him the voice of the common man, speaking directly to the masses. In an era where social issues and the struggles of the everyday person were prominent themes, Bachchan’s performances resonated deeply with audiences. His rise to superstardom wasn’t just based on his acting skills, it was his ability to become a symbol of hope and resilience for millions.
Shah Rukh Khan’s meteoric rise from television to the ‘King of Romance’ of the 1990s was a phenomenon of its own. With Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and countless others, SRK became the face of love, charm, and relatability. His journey wasn’t just about his box-office triumphs, but his genuine connection with his audience. Fans didn’t just watch his movies, they believed in his persona. His stardom wasn’t crafted overnight, it grew through years of hard work, consistent success, and an uncanny ability to remain relevant.
Salman Khan carved out his own niche, blending charisma with machismo. From Maine Pyar Kiya to Wanted and the Dabangg series, Salman became synonymous with mass appeal. He managed to connect with audiences across all strata of society. His films were often the quintessential Bollywood blockbuster, filled with high-octane action, romance, and drama. But it was his natural ability to stay grounded, despite his larger-than-life screen presence, that endeared him to millions.
Aamir Khan, the ‘perfectionist,’ redefined what it meant to be a superstar. Known for his dedication to each role and his commitment to innovative storytelling, Aamir earned a reputation for pushing boundaries. With films like Lagaan, 3 Idiots and Dangal, Aamir brought a new wave of socially-conscious cinema to Bollywood, becoming not just a star, but a brand in himself. His choice of films always sparked conversation, and his influence extended beyond cinema into social issues, making him an impactful figure both on and off the screen.
The current generation: What are they lacking?
Film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh voiced a sentiment many share: “We are looking at a significant shift in stardom, with the fear of losing iconic superstars looming.” The shift, he argues, is partly due to the evolving entertainment landscape. “Before social media, OTT platforms, and the proliferation of television, stars could dominate with their presence. Now, there are so many outlets for content that becoming a megastar is more difficult than ever.”
As much as we admire the star power of actors like Kartik Aaryan, Abhishek Bachchan and even the potential of Allu Arjun in the Hindi market, they still fall short when compared to the lasting influence of their predecessors. “Consistency is key,” Adarsh continues. “These actors started in the 90s, and even after 20-25 years, they remain relevant. It’s their dedication and body of work that has kept them in the public consciousness.” But the industry needs new stars to emerge, and as Adarsh points out, “Ranbir Kapoor is among the very few who have the potential to step into the superstar league.”
The task, however, is daunting. New stars need not only talent but also a body of work that guarantees longevity. “Look at Allu Arjun,” says Adarsh. “His Hindi-dubbed films have made more money than the original versions in the South. But it is his consistency, his dedication to his craft, and his strong fan base that have helped him achieve this.”
Veteran producer Ratan Jain, who is known for various films like Baazigar, Dhadkan and Humraaz, offers his thoughts on the phenomenon of stardom. “The last of the superstars,” he says, “started with Dilip Kumar, followed by Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and of course, Salman and Aamir. These men have redefined what it means to be a superstar. And yet, as things stand, we may not see another superstar emerge in the same way.”
Jain attributes the decline of traditional stardom to the digital age: “Now, there are various routes to entertainment. Social media, OTT platforms, and television have created a vastly different landscape for stardom. It’s difficult to imagine anyone reaching the same level of superstardom that Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan once did, especially with the rise of fan clubs in the South, which creates a very different ecosystem.”
The expansion of entertainment platforms and a more fragmented audience have made it harder for stars to hold the kind of universal appeal that the likes of Bachchan or Khan once did. However, as Jain reflects, “Perhaps Ranbir Kapoor has the potential to be the last of the superstars, but he needs to maintain consistency.”
Film trade analyst Komal Nahta believes that the essence of a true superstar lies in their ability to deliver hit after hit. “A superstar means one blockbuster, second blockbuster, third blockbuster, and so on,” he says. “This was true for Aamir, Salman, and Shah Rukh. But today, we no longer see that consistency.”
Nahta’s analysis highlights the dilemma facing today’s actors: “One superhit, then a flop, followed by a superhit – that’s no longer good enough for someone to be called a superstar.” The pressure to maintain a flawless track record is more intense than ever, and even established stars like Hrithik Roshan or Akshay Kumar have not consistently delivered the kind of results that would allow them to enter the pantheon of true megastars.
The decline in quality music – which was once a major factor in an actor’s popularity – is also seen as a contributing factor. “Music used to play a huge role in an actor’s image,” Nahta observes. “But now, the lack of iconic soundtracks has made it harder for stars to leave a lasting impact.”
Despite these challenges, Nahta agrees with others that Ranbir Kapoor has the potential to carry the torch forward, but only if he continues to diversify his work and avoid long gaps between projects.
The road ahead
While the era of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan may seem irreplaceable, the future of stardom is not entirely bleak. The next wave of megastars will likely have to adapt to the rapidly changing dynamics of the entertainment industry. Filmmakers and actors will need to tap into new mediums and find fresh ways to engage their audiences, perhaps by creating content that transcends platforms and language barriers.
The age of digitalization and global access has made it possible for stars to connect with audiences worldwide, irrespective of geographical boundaries. South Indian stars like Allu Arjun have already demonstrated the power of pan-India stardom, and the potential for others to follow in their footsteps is real.
However, as Jain and Nahta suggest, the qualities that defined the superstars of yesteryear – consistency, emotional connection and a deep-rooted bond with their fans – may not be easily replicated in this age of instant gratification and rapid content consumption.
For now, though, the legacy of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan stands unchallenged.
