One of the things that separate the present generation from the Khans is that unlike them the new kids don’t even guarantee a return on investment. Between the three Khans it’s only Salman who really doesn’t have either career defining box-office hits or critically acclaimed films in the early part of his career. In his first five years it’s only Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994) that would enjoy a rerun today. In his first ten years barring the two his solo standout films include Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), Judwaa (1997) and Biwi No. 1 (1999). His other big films from this period had Aamir or Shah Rukh as costars in Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Karan Arjun (1995) and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). In his decade long career Shahid Kapur’s Vivah (2006), Jab We Met (2007) and Kaminey (2009) are the only films worth mentioning. Some might argue that three films in a decade is not a bad average but this becomes abysmal when equated with Amitabh Bachchan’s first decade as an actor. Between 1969 and 1979 Bachchan’s body of work includes the likes of Parwana, Anand, Bombay To Goa, Zanjeer, Abhimaan, Namak Haraam, Majboor, Mili Deewar, Chupke Chupke, Sholay, Kabhie Kabhie, Hera Pheri, Amar Akbar Anthoy, Khoon Pasina, Parvaarish, Don, Trishul, Mukadar Ka Sikandar, Mr. Natwarlal, Kaala Pathar, Suhaag!

The times may have changed and Bollywood might have come a long way. Today star power is decided by the actor’s marketability in the first three days while in the olden days it could mean three weeks of even three months! So in one sense it’d be unfair to compare actors across decades but didn’t they say that a star is a star, is a star! Thus, the summation these actors’ at half a decade and a decade does make interesting argument. The older generation comes across as a blend of potential and courage while barring Ranbir Kapoor the present comes across as running on goodwill. This potential has been given far too many opportunities and the question that stares them in their faces is that even with such star power if Shahid Kapur can’t make a Mausum (2011) or Teri Meri Kahaani (2012) work is he worth the price-tag? It’s not like these stars are showing enough courage and taking risks; it’s rumored that Ranbir Kapoor repeatedly refused Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Imran Khan passed over Dibakar Banerjee’s Shanghai. Somewhere in between playing it safe everyone from Amitabh Bachchan to Aamir Khan took risks as actors in films like Saudagar or 1947 Earth but save Ranbir Kapoor in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year neither Shahid or Imran really tried to do something out of the ordinary. Neither are the three delivering regular hits like Salman Khan in the earlier part of his career to justify the spotlight.

Somewhere Bollywood’s new breed needs to realise that they don’t need to fold their hand just because fate didn’t deal them a particular set of cards. Sometimes they need to risk the cards to their full potential. Shah Rukh Khan’s immense potential and a entire career would have gone unnoticed had it not been for risks called Darr, Baazigar or even Kabhi Haan, Kabhie Naa.

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