Karan Johar reflects on the pressures faced by Bollywood’s biggest stars, revealing the limits they encounter in their craft.
In a revealing interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, filmmaker Karan Johar discussed the challenges faced by Shah Rukh Khan, often celebrated as the ‘King of Romance’ in Bollywood. Karan pointed out that the immense pressure to maintain a superstar image has limited Shah Rukh’s ability to fully explore unconventional roles. He stated, “He wanted to be that quirky, mainstream star who would change cinema. Now no one will allow it. When you say Shah Rukh Khan now, the name comes with an expectation.”
Karan elaborated on how the iconic success of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge set Shah Rukh on a path dominated by romantic roles, significantly reducing opportunities for diverse choices. While acknowledging Shah Rukh’s attempts to break away with films like Paheli and Asoka, Karan expressed regret over the constraints that now accompany the actor’s name. He emphasized, “It is sad because he is an actor first and a star after that. He began in theater.”
In contrast, Karan praised Aamir Khan as a “real game changer” for his remarkable ability to embrace diverse roles that have significantly impacted Hindi cinema. He highlighted Lagaan as a landmark film that not only garnered critical acclaim but also received an Academy Award nomination. Karan noted that Aamir’s commitment to varied roles in films like Taare Zameen Par and Rang De Basanti demonstrates his dedication to reshaping Bollywood norms. He remarked, “He also did Ghajini, which actually brought back the culture of remakes in Hindi cinema. I think he is a real game changer.”
In exciting developments, Karan Johar is preparing for his OTT debut with a high-budget web series for Netflix, featuring some of the most celebrated female stars in Indian cinema. This project is set to begin filming in early 2025 and promises to be another significant milestone in Karan’s illustrious career.
With Karan’s insights shedding light on the complexities faced by major Bollywood stars, fans are left pondering what the future holds for Shah Rukh Khan and the evolving landscape of the Indian film industry.
Keywords: Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Aamir Khan, Bollywood, mainstream star, Lagaan, actor roles, Hindi cinema, OTT debut, Netflix series.