The Khans - A Case Of Glittering Co-Existence

They had quite similar breaks. One started from theater, one started with art-house cinema, the last one started with a family-oriented movie. None of them had a resounding debut. Their first films were not reviewed by multiple film journalists. Their profile pictures were not splashed across various newspapers. There were no social media or online forums during those days.

As a matter of coincidence, all three were born in the year 1965. Aamir Khan's debut film "Holi" was released in 1984, Salman Khan's first movie "Biwi Ho To Aisi" was released in 1988 and Shahrukh Khan's debut film "Deewana" was released in 1992. Their respective arrivals into the Indian film industry were thus separated by exactly 4 years.

All of them had quite distinguished family background. Aamir Khan is the nephew of the eminent Producer-Director Nasir Hussein. Salman Khan is the eldest son of the legendary script writer Salim Khan and Shahrukh Khan's father was a freedom-fighter.
             
From the introduction over to the struggling years. Aamir tasted massive success with his home production "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak". This was however followed by a major slump when none of his films could succeed at the box office. Except for the lone hit film "Dil", it was quite an ordinary phase for the young, handsome and talented actor.

Salman Khan struggled hard to get work. He did an excellent role in "Biwi Ho To Aisi" which went rather unnoticed. In his very next film he tasted blockbuster success through "Maine Pyar Kiya". But he struggled to score big in the years between 1992-93.


For Shahrukh, "Deewana" was a supporting act. "Baazigar", "Anjaam" and "Darr" had negative shades. Every time he went out to act, he was considered an antihero. He was type casted and labeled – something very common in the film industry.

After those struggling years and bumpy roads, came the period of consolidation and recognition. "Hum Aapke Hai Koun" defined romance in beautiful way. Salman established himself as a romantic lead. "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar" established the actor Aamir and "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge" redefined romance in the form of an energetic, passionate and lively Shahrukh.

Society affects movies and not the other way around. Being born in the 90's, I would like to challenge this. The confidence and determination showed by these three Khans had immense influence on a growing and aspiring society. The characters they played on-screen reached our minds and hearts and influenced us deeply. Their individual presence had a lot of impact on the way the youth perceived the world. Their style, their mannerisms and their energy became the source of inspiration for the youth. Though they had separate fanbase they had no problems to successfully co-exist.


Then came the years of increasing maturity. The new millennium showed us what these actors were capable of. "Hum Dil Chuke Sanam" released first, and so did "Lagaan" and "Swades" and the circle was complete. The legend of three actors dominating the industry was not uncommon - Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar had done that in the past years. However, there was a difference this time - the society was changing, open-market was a reality, and a new wave of self-confidence and belief was needed to be instilled in the Indian population. These three stars who had become greats by now took up the responsibility. No comparisons here with the past. But, it must be said, they did an extraordinary job by continuing to inspire and shape a new and resurgent India free from several obstacles from the past and willing to reach out to the rest of the world. Of course, they continued to co-exist in the same vigor which continued for many years to come.

The scene of Indian film industry has changed a lot. There are so many young and talented actors. Many more are waiting in the wings. Even more are going to the gym or to the acting schools. However, sustainability, longevity, and the art of co-existence cannot be taught. Those come from within. Those can be learnt from the predecessors. Be it a "Dhoom3" or a "Chennai Express" or a "Kick", the unifying elements are only two – co-existing in the so-called "Hundred Crores Club" and co-existing in an air of positivism and healthy competition! To the Mega-Star Khans - "Every time each one of you are a performer, we shall remain your committed patrons."

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