JOIN USAt 50, they have no threat in sight! The Trinity of Khans — Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan (in order of seniority) have ruled — unthreatened, unambiguous, undisturbed at the top — since they came in.
Their success has transcended three generations of viewers and associates (filmmakers, writers, co-stars, composers and singers) who had to call it a day as the Khans raged on. Clearly, they rule the fantasies of not just the Indian populace here, but also the NRIs — and their films do well even in non-traditional foreign markets. Obviously, these gentlemen have a huge following in Pakistan too. Again, clearly, they are the global ambassadors of India and Indian cinema, like Lata Mangeshkar and Amitabh Bachchan before them.
The early years
The formative five years of the Khans saw them rise above the work they got. In this phase, with exceptions like Aamir’s Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Dil, Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Salman’s Maine Pyar Kiya and Saajan and Shah Rukh’s Baazigar, Karan-Arjun and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, they starred in many mediocre movies and could have slumped professionally, for a while or forever.
But with a charismatic mix of innocence and magnetism that did the trick, helped then by some powerful music, as they largely did romantic films and feel-good family dramas, the trio zoomed through. Appealing to women of all ages and kids is always a powerful contributor to a star’s enduring appeal, and the Khans had that quality in the proverbial sackfuls — much more than biggest competitors Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and later perceived threats like Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor.
No contemporaries or juniors — some action heroes, or confused stars without set career plans, or actors high on talent but low on everything else, and maybe a couple of unprofessional ones as well — could counter the Khan blitzkreig. By the beginning of the millennium, without really seeming to strategise, the Khans were securely perched at the top, a trio of Muslim superstars loved by what Aamir termed “a predominantly Hindu populace”.
High rise
Today, a clear-cut chasm exists between the Khans and the “non-Khans”, to coin a term. The rise of a young crop of successful actors led by Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh has failed to affect them despite the youth-centric era, and in fact the youngsters are in awe of them, revere them and are inspired by them, as all hope to reach the ‘Khanosphere’ level.
From the millennium, when economics became tighter and films had a paradigm change in ethos, structure and marketing models, the Khans have become even more decisive rulers. Incredibly, since no one can go beyond Numero Uno, they have raised the benchmarks of that term, setting standards that the trade is convinced no present or future actor can ever hope to match.
We earlier mentioned the word “fantasies”. Between them, just like Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar in the past who had a comparable reign, the trio together completes the aspirations of the people — Aamir, the idealistic conscience-keeper, the meticulous perfectionist, is the man who reinvents constantly and dares to go where others would not imagine — or dare — to venture. Like his character in 3 Idiots, it is a pursuit of excellence that must beget success.
Salman and Shah Rukh personify acceptance of themselves in their carefully developed images — Salman the larger-than-life rock-star who is an effortless Nemesis to evil and lovable protector of the good, and SRK the epitome of romance, irresistibly appealing, yet known for his focused determination to achieve what he wants despite all odds.
Aamir and Salman are particular about concealing or not highlighting habits that may set bad examples, like smoking, though Salman has had multiple spats with the law because of his impulsive nature. Aamir has been a social icon all through, even more after his path-breaking television show, Satyamev Jayate, and a crusader also through movies, like Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots and PK.
Salman’s Being Human Foundation works tirelessly for the welfare of children and healthcare and the actor himself is a major but anonymous do-gooder. His television show 10 Ka Dum was a hit in some seasons, but the actor dazzled as the Bigg Boss anchor.
Shah Rukh has not been successful in his television forays, but he has been the most honoured of the three globally in a personal capacity.
The Khans are cordial to each other (Aamir and Salman are close). Their only significant co-starring vehicles are the cult 1994 comedy Andaz Apna Apna (Aamir-Salman) and the 1995 Karan-Arjun. Aamir and SRK merely did a scene in Pehla Nasha. And the nearest they all came together in a film was when Aamir’s cousin Mansoor Khan dreamt of casting them together in Josh. But Salman could not manage the dates and Aamir turned down his role, so the final star-cast was SRK with Chandrachur Singh and Sharad Kapoor!
And while common heroines from Rani Mukerji to Katrina Kaif as well as the industry and trade rave about their mystique and dedication, Aamir has the final word: “We three have stopped aging after 20. I don’t think any of us looks 50. In the next two to three years, we’ll cross 25!”