Karan Johar Reveals How Superstardom Limits Shah Rukh Khan While Praising Aamir Khan as Bollywood’s “Game Changer”
Filmmaker opens up about the double-edged sword of fame and its impact on creative choices
September 24, 2024
Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar has shed light on one of Bollywood’s most intriguing paradoxes: how superstardom can become an actor’s greatest creative constraint. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, the director explored how Shah Rukh Khan’s massive success has inadvertently limited his artistic choices while positioning Aamir Khan as the industry’s most successful risk-taker.
The Price of Being Shah Rukh Khan
According to Johar, Shah Rukh Khan’s meteoric rise to fame following the blockbuster success of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge created a template that the actor has found difficult to escape. “The name Shah Rukh Khan carries certain expectations that limit his ability to take on different roles,” Johar explained, highlighting the burden of audience expectations that comes with superstar status.
The director acknowledged Khan’s attempts to break free from his romantic hero image through films like Paheli and Asoka, but noted that these ventures didn’t achieve the commercial success needed to permanently shift audience perceptions. Despite his current limitations, Johar emphasized that “at his core, Shah Rukh is an actor first and a star second,” referencing the superstar’s theatrical background as evidence of his versatility.
“Shah Rukh never wanted to be a quintessential mainstream hero,” Johar revealed. “He aspired to be a unique actor capable of revolutionizing cinema. However, the immense expectations tied to his name have often restricted his choices.”
Aamir Khan: The Master of Reinvention
In stark contrast, Johar praised Aamir Khan as Bollywood’s “real game changer,” commending his ability to consistently choose diverse and challenging roles throughout his career. The director specifically highlighted the transformative impact of Lagaan, which not only achieved critical acclaim but also earned India an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
Johar recalled 2001 as a pivotal year for Bollywood, when Lagaan was released alongside commercial juggernauts like Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and his own Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. While acknowledging the commercial success of Gadar, he emphasized that Lagaan stood out for its artistic achievement and international recognition.
“Aamir consistently chose a variety of roles in films,” Johar observed. “He continued to push boundaries with projects like Taare Zameen Par and Rang De Basanti, which helped reshape the industry’s landscape.”
The Future of Star-Driven Cinema
Johar’s observations raise important questions about the evolution of Bollywood and the relationship between commercial success and creative freedom. While expressing hope that Shah Rukh Khan might explore more diverse characters in the future, the director acknowledged the ongoing challenge of balancing star power with artistic ambition.
The filmmaker’s insights offer a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how the business of Bollywood can sometimes work against the very creativity that drives the industry forward, while also celebrating those who manage to transcend these limitations.
This story was originally reported by Bollywood Hungama News Network
