Commemorating the legacy of the Indian film industry’s original superstars, Bollywood actor Salman Khan has reignited discussions on the true magnitude of stardom once enjoyed by film legends such as Rajesh Khanna and Dilip Kumar. On the occasion marking Rajesh Khanna’s birth anniversary in 2023, Salman paid homage to the stardom that these icons commanded, a level that he believes remains unbeatable and one that contemporary actors have yet to match.
Salman Khan, along with Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan—collectively known as the Khan trio—have been the reigning superstars in Bollywood for the past two decades, captivating audiences worldwide. However, despite their considerable fame, Salman humbly downplays their stardom compared to the giants of yesteryear. “I don’t think anyone is bigger than Dilip Kumar,” Salman states, noting Amitabh Bachchan’s remarkable career trajectory, one that sees him active and influential even today.
Salman’s perspective on stardom shifts when reminiscing about Rajesh Khanna, who is often referred to as the first superstar of Hindi cinema, and acknowledges the astonishing stardom of Kumar Gaurav, best known for his film ‘Love Story’. Salman, having personally witnessed their stardom, claims that the current generation of actors doesn’t even possess 10 percent of their celebrity appeal. Rajesh Khanna’s unbroken record of delivering 15 consecutive solo super-hits between 1969 and 1972 stands as a testament to his unprecedented popularity.
In an era dominated by social media and 24/7 celebrity coverage, Salman Khan’s take on his career is refreshingly grounded. To him, acting is simply a job, and any over-serious approach might lead to ego and complacency. Salman lives his life in the present, tackling each moment and role with dedication and not allowing the superstar tag to influence his work ethic or life philosophy.
Salman strongly advises actors to avoid becoming complacent with successes. He believes in maintaining the zeal and sincerity one has during their debut performance throughout their career. Each role brings with it an opportunity to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the craft of acting, a lesson Salman reminds the industry and its actors of through his own approach.
As Salman Khan denounces complacency and encourages a state of continual self-improvement, his own demeanor and message to fellow actors ring clear. Echoing the ethos of these cinema veterans, he indicates through the personal anecdote shared on social media—a tweet about lifting a metaphorical five-kilo dumbbell to escape the weight of the world’s problems—that the attitude of perseverance and sincerity endures as the cornerstone of true stardom.
Thus, Salman Khan’s introspection on the stardom of the past invites not only a nostalgic appreciation for industry veterans like Rajesh Khanna and Dilip Kumar but also serves as a critical reminder of the values that define a superstar, and a call to action for current and future generations of actors to cultivate their craft with the same sincerity and dedication.
