Shah Rukh Khan's often-repeated assertion that he is "the last of the stars" has long sparked debate about the fate of traditional Bollywood superstardom in an era dominated by streaming platforms and evolving audience tastes. Recently, veteran actor Annu Kapoor, who shared screen space with Khan in the 1993 psychological thriller 'Darr', weighed in on the issue, directly challenging the notion that any single actor could be crowned the industry's final megastar.

In an interview with Hindi Rush, Kapoor pointed out that similar tags had been attached to earlier icons, such as Rajesh Khanna, yet cinema continued to evolve and produce new faces. He emphasized that the film industry is cyclical, with each generation believing its biggest star is irreplaceable, only to see fresh talent emerge later.

The Core of Kapoor's Argument

Kapoor specifically questioned whether Shah Rukh Khan's stardom would remain relevant by the year 2045. He noted that very few Indian artists have maintained relevance across multiple decades, citing Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar, and Asha Bhosle as rare examples of performers with remarkably long careers. Without repeatedly mentioning Khan by name, Kapoor pointed out that the actor's career began around 1992 with films like 'Deewana', giving him roughly 34 years in the industry as of now.

Drawing a direct comparison, Kapoor referenced Amitabh Bachchan's unparalleled staying power, which has spanned over five decades and multiple phases of reinvention. "Will he still be relevant in 2045? I don't think so," Kapoor stated bluntly. This remark underscores a broader skepticism about the longevity of contemporary superstardom, especially as younger audiences gravitate toward digital content and regional cinema.

Kapoor's Personal Experience with Shah Rukh Khan

When asked about working with Shah Rukh Khan on 'Darr', Kapoor initially denied ever collaborating with him, only to correct himself after being reminded of the film. He described his memory of the shoot as hazy, since Khan was still a newcomer at the time. Kapoor revealed that director Yash Chopra had hired him for just a three-day shoot, keeping him largely separate from the rest of the cast and crew. "I have nothing to do with Shah Rukh Khan. And when I have nothing to do with someone, all I have for them are blessings and prayers," he said, expressing a neutral yet respectful stance.

Respect for Khan's Personal Life

Despite his skepticism about the 'last superstar' label, Kapoor had warm words for Shah Rukh Khan as a family man. He mentioned hearing about the actor's devotion as a father, husband, and brother, adding that these roles are ultimately more important than professional fame. "Superstars come and go," Kapoor remarked, hinting that Khan's dedication to his family might be his true legacy, overshadowing any cinematic accolades.

The Origin of the 'Last of the Stars' Remark

Shah Rukh Khan first made the "last of the stars" comment in 2014 during an appearance on Anupam Kher's talk show 'Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai'. The statement has since become a touchstone for debates about the nature of fame in Indian cinema. At the time, Khan argued that the kind of unprecedented adulation and mass hysteria he enjoyed was fading, partly due to the fragmentation of audiences across multiple platforms and languages.

However, critics and industry observers have often challenged this narrative, pointing to the rise of new stars like Ranveer Singh, Allu Arjun, and Yash, who command massive fan followings. The conversation also touches on the shift from single-screen blockbusters to multiplex and OTT releases, questioning whether any actor can replicate the pan-India dominance of the 1990s and 2000s.

Bollywood's Evolving Landscape

To understand Kapoor's point of view, it is essential to examine the changing dynamics of Bollywood stardom. The golden era of the 1970s and 1980s was defined by larger-than-life figures like Amitabh Bachchan, who enjoyed a near-monopoly on mainstream success. The 1990s saw the emergence of the "Khan" triumvirate—Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir—each carving a distinct niche. However, the rapid growth of digital streaming, combined with the increasing popularity of regional cinemas, has fragmented the audience like never before.

Annu Kapoor, who himself is known for his versatile roles in films like 'Mrigayaa' and 'Vicky Donor', belongs to an older generation of actors who prioritize craft over commercial visibility. His comments reflect a belief that true staying power requires continuous reinvention and a deep connection with the audience beyond mere box office figures.

Comparisons to Other Long-Lasting Stars

Kapoor's reference to Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle is particularly telling. Both playback singers enjoyed careers spanning over seven decades, adapting to changing musical tastes and technology. In the acting sphere, Amitabh Bachchan's resilience stands as a benchmark. After a career-threatening illness in the 1980s, Bachchan reinvented himself as a television host and character actor, remaining relevant well into his 70s. Similarly, actors like Dharmendra and Jaya Bachchan have transitioned to supporting roles, maintaining public affection.

Shah Rukh Khan, however, has largely stuck to leading man roles, with occasional forays into negative or quirky characters. His recent return to form with the blockbuster 'Pathaan' in 2023 proved his enduring appeal, but Kapoor questions whether that can last another two decades without fundamental changes in the industry.

Historical Precedents

The idea of a "last superstar" is not unique to Bollywood. Hollywood witnessed a similar conversation when Marlon Brando or James Dean were labeled as the last of their kind. In Indian cinema, Rajesh Khanna was famously called the "first superstar" and his sudden decline in the 1980s served as a cautionary tale. Kapoor seems to imply that the very concept of a permanent superstar is a myth, sustained by short-term memory and media hype.

The film industry's history is filled with examples of actors who vanished from the limelight after a few years, while others reinvented themselves multiple times. Dharmendra, for instance, shifted from romantic leads to action heroes and later to father figures. Such adaptability may be the key to longevity, rather than relying on a single period of peak popularity.

Kapoor's remarks also highlight the generational gap in perceptions of stardom. Younger audiences may not have the same emotional investment in Shah Rukh Khan's persona as those who grew up in the 1990s. For Gen Z, the concept of a single all-encompassing star is less relevant, as they follow actors, directors, and content creators across multiple platforms.

Industry Reactions and Future Outlook

While Annu Kapoor's comments are pointed, they also reflect a broader conversation within the film fraternity. Several industry veterans have expressed similar doubts about the sustainability of traditional stardom. However, Shah Rukh Khan's loyal fan base remains fiercely protective, and his recent successes suggest that he still commands a massive following. The question, much like Kapoor's rhetorical one, remains open-ended.

As OTT platforms continue to grow, the definition of superstardom may shift from box office collections to streaming numbers and social media influence. Actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Manoj Bajpayee have achieved a different kind of fame without being conventional superstars. In this context, Kapoor's skepticism about 2045 may be less about Shah Rukh Khan specifically and more about the transient nature of all celebrity.

Kapoor's final words on the matter were gracious: he wished SRK well and emphasized that his personal virtues outweigh any professional label. This balanced approach—criticizing the 'last superstar' claim while respecting the man—characterizes his stance. The debate will undoubtedly continue as long as Shah Rukh Khan remains active in the industry.

Source: MSN News