As Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan each turn 60 this year, they are challenging established norms and redefining what it means to have a long and successful career in the Hindi film industry. The Khans have enjoyed over thirty years of superstardom, beginning in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Traditionally, Bollywood actors faced a career decline around the age of 60, with actresses often facing this decline much earlier. Many stars from previous generations transitioned into character roles or struggled to stay relevant. Amitabh Bachchan, despite being a huge star in the 1970s and early 1980s, experienced a decline before he turned 50.
The Khans have demonstrated an ability to adapt, a deep understanding of their audiences, and a knack for reinventing their characters on screen, allowing them to defy Bollywood's conventional aging process. While younger stars struggle to achieve similar levels of success, the trio continues to enjoy widespread popularity and commercial success.
Each of the Khans has navigated the changing demands of the film industry in their own way. Aamir Khan shifted his focus to quality over quantity, choosing fewer films with stronger scripts, which led to successes like Lagaan. After a quiet period in the early 2000s, Salman Khan rebranded himself as a mass action hero, delivering blockbusters such as Wanted, Dabangg, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Shah Rukh Khan took a break after a string of setbacks after 2015 and then returned with action films like Pathaan and Jawan, reaffirming his box-office dominance.
Salman Khan's career began with Biwi Ho Toh Aisi (1988), but he shot to stardom with Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). Despite facing career lulls, Salman has maintained a strong connection with his audience. His ability to connect with both small towns and big cities has allowed him to appeal to different generations. Over time, Salman Khan has evolved into a brand, with his films becoming large-scale events.
The Khans' continued success can be attributed to their hard work, dedication, and desire to excel in every film. They have also demonstrated an ability to strategize and adapt to the changing times.
The Khans remain highly popular, attracting significant attention. Their residences are popular tourist destinations, and fans gather in large numbers on their birthdays.
The Khans' enduring success demonstrates that age is not a barrier to stardom in Bollywood. Their reinvention and willingness to take on challenging roles have cemented their place as leading figures in the industry. They prove that with passion, discipline, and self-belief, growing older can mean growing better.
