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Karan Johar, in a recent interaction, opened up on how Hindi cinema’s biggest actors tend to shy away from experimenting with roles. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Karan placed some of the blame on the audience, explaining that they haven’t been receptive to Shah Rukh Khan’s more experimental roles in films like Paheli and Asoka. He shared that the pressure of maintaining a superstar image often prevents actors like Shah Rukh from taking on offbeat characters. Karan also lauded Aamir Khan, calling him a “game changer” for consistently choosing diverse roles in films such as Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, Rang De Basanti, and Dil Chahta Hai.
He elaborated, saying, “I think Aamir would do. Lagaan is one of those films that will go down in Hindi cinema’s history. In that same year there was Gadar, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Dil Chahta Hai, so that year was very iconic for Hindi cinema. There was Chandni Bar as well. But the business was Gadar. It was mainstream film and it did maximum business that year. Lagaan won a nomination at the Academy Award, so Aamir still did films like Taare Zameen Par, Rang De Basanti and Dil Chahta Hai. He changed the texture. He also did Ghajini, which actually brought back the culture of remake in Hindi cinema. I think he is real game changer.”
Defending Shah Rukh Khan, Karan pointed out that the megastar did attempt to experiment with his roles, saying, “It’s not that Shah Rukh didn’t try. He did Paheli, Asoka. Shah Rukh comes from the mindset to do different things and to make a difference. When he started he worked with Kundan Shah, Ketan Mehta, Mani Kaul.”
Karan also discussed how Shah Rukh’s career trajectory shifted over time, “He never wanted to be the mainstream guy but then Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge happened and we all made love stories with him there after. He wanted to be that quirky, mainstream star who would change the cinema. Now no one will allow it. When say Shah Rukh Khan now, the names comes with an expectation. He might play a mellow character in the future, I hope he does, but there is an expectation that comes with him and it won’t allow a certain kind of film to be made and it is sad because he is an actor first and a star after that. He began in theatre.”
In 2023, Shah Rukh Khan delivered two mega-blockbusters, Jawan and Pathaan. The actor is now preparing to star in Sujoy Ghosh’s The King, which will also feature his daughter Suhana Khan. On the other hand, Aamir Khan’s last film, Laal Singh Chaddha, was a box office disappointment. However, Aamir is set to return to the screen in Sitaare Zameen Par. Additionally, Aamir’s production Laapata Ladies has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025.
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