And…. Still on TOP!!!
Remember 2000? When Hrithik had a KNPH.. then.. 2001 aamir had a Lagaan.. and Sunny had the monster Gadar? So.. even though SrK had his Mohabattein and K3G during that phase, haters were dismissing him for not having a hit in outside th YRF-Johars. But, though he had a Devdas the very next year, they still complained that it was not as big a hit as his hits YRF and Johars. And the CC/KNKN and MHN/VZ scenario sealed the deal. SrK’s hits outside his strngth genre and outside YRF/Dharma’s just don’t match up. A K3G does 45 cr but Devdas could only squeak out 33 cr, For a 34 cr grosser MHN, there was a 43 cr Veer Zaara. And the same applied for most of the 90’s as well. Now, it’s a different matter neither Dharma nor Yashraj could deliver the same hits without SrK either, and one make a convincing case that it was SrK who atleas resurrected those prod companies, if not actually set them up and took them to those hieghts to begin iwth.
But anyways, fast forward, comes 2006. There’s a romantic family drama with Dharma and an action-thriller with UTV, and though both become hits, it’s the UTV film that edges the Dharma one. Also, it’s a situation where this thiller happens to be SrK’s biggest hit and best uting in almost 3 years. Next comes 2007. and once again, we have 2 srk starrers - one with YRF (CDI) and one , under his own production company, OSO. Repeat of 2000 (PBHH, Moh) ..? or a repeat of 2003 (CC/KHNH) or 2004 (MHN/VZ)? Here’s Srk’s own film.. his own production.. his own banner… total solo.. where even the actress is a total newcomer (some complained about Devdas being a multistarrer coz it had 2 other “female” stars).. not only outinitialled any other solo in recent years (by a HUGE MARGIN) .. but also the other top star’s most bankable films under the safest of production houses… and gross-wise.. it is already the biggest worldwide grosser BY QUITE A MARGIN again.. and on is way to become the biggest grosser in India as well. So where does that put SrK? well he was always on top anyways.. I guess he’s just got a whole stratoshpehere between him and the competition now.
Competition:
Yashraj - only one of YRF’s last 5 films was a hit (or better).. and that one starred Srk. Others (Kabul Express, TRRP, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, LCMD and Aaja Nachle) were all disapointing in one or the other.
Hrithik - SrK’s solo CDI grossed as much as Kriish. That’s SrK’s “different” film vs Hrithik’s strength genre. And then there’s also SrK’s OSO, which only had one pulling factor, not outinitialled but will also outgross Hrithik’s Dhoom2, a film which, alongwith other stuffs, had a YRF production and a sequel factor going for it.
Aamir.. forget SrK. you have an Akshay at your heeels. Akshay has acululated as many hits in 2007 than Aamir has in the entire decade. ..and they’e no mickey-mouse hits either.. they match upto the greatest of Aamir hits. And with Tashan and others, Aamir’s quite in a nudge.
Akshay…. pehle Aamir ko toh gira..
Comment by rks on 11 December 2007:
“Akshay…. pehle Aamir ko toh gira..”
LOL
Comment by Street Pharmacist on 11 December 2007:
And for those who like a little “theeka”, I’ll add that SrK in 2007 is at a much stronger position than Amitabh was anytime post 83.
Though Srk took the top reigns in 1993, most people will admit that he really consolidated his position and become a superstar in 1995 with the twin-success of DDLJ-KA… so in 2007 we are talking anything between 11-15 years of reign… while Amitabh started slipping for by 85, which is only about 7 years at the top. Go figure.
Comment by flora on 11 December 2007:
i agree with you street pharmacist that amitabh started falling after 1985(he also took a 3 years break for politics,but thats no excuse) and yes srk is more stronger(he is far stronger) than amitabh at that time but the only differing factor is srk has hrithik,aamir,salman and akshay with him whereas Big b at that time had sunny?,anil?,jackie etc.
So it was the scenario of a non superstar entity between 1985-1992 that helped big b to remain at the top.And yes even though one can say that all actors at that time gave many hits etc but big b gave more hits in 7 years than srk’s 15 years.And although there is no reason one should compare these era’s everyone can raise questions(like some one from the 1970’s can say that actor’s today have the advantage of multiplex etc)
so overall i agree with you that srk’s reign has been longer and will remain the same.
This i probably the only scenario when we had 2 consistent superstar within 5 years of accending the throne of NO 1 (srk in 1995 and hrithik in 2000).The very fact that srk has competed and overcome hrithik’s danger says more than anything else.
Comment by Sameer on 11 December 2007:
“And for those who like a little “theeka”, I’ll add that SrK in 2007 is at a much stronger position than Amitabh was anytime post 83.”
As SRK says to reach the peak is nothing great but to MAINTAIN that peak is really humongous work! It’s one thing if Aamir or Hrithik has 2 success in ONE year but to keep on giving such successes all through the career is great. SRK even after 12 years of superstardom is hitting his ‘peak’ is nothing short of spectacular!
Someone can become heartthrob like Hrithik in 2000 but it’s very difficult to maintain that position. Hrithik couldn’t maintain it unless his second innings started with KMG and now 3rd innings(not really) with Krrish and D2. Similarly with Aamir and Akshay!
Comment by rks on 11 December 2007:
“Though Srk took the top reigns in 1993″
I don’t think he was considered TOP around 93. People started to call him at Top after DDLJ (end of 1995); DTPH and KKHH sealed the deal
ps: Salman had HAHK in 1994 and KA 1995, Govinda was giving # of hits.
Comment by rks on 11 December 2007:
I must add 1996 was a off year for SRK after super 1995.
1996
Comment by rks on 11 December 2007:
To further impress my above point. SRK had 7 releases in 1995. Out of which two were blockbuster and one above average. Rest of them were flops.
Compare him to Salman (who also had fair share of flops).
HAHK + KA >= DDLJ + KA
To distinguish one actor from other hit (or flop) ratio should also be considered?
Comment by Sameer on 11 December 2007:
“I don’t think he was considered TOP around 93″
What? With Sanju jailed and Amitabh retired, SRK became TOP with Baazigar and Darr. He got all the awards that year and his popularity was great. Salman was going through his bad phase and striked back in 94 with HAHK and Karan Arjun in 95. SRK. Govinda hit good standing in 95 with Coolie No 1 though he had hits before that. Even Sunny Deol was having bad patch. SRK was highest paid actor in ‘93-’95 even before DDLJ!
Comment by Sameer on 11 December 2007:
LOL, RKS is on a mission, will get to it later!
Comment by rks on 11 December 2007:
Even I am leaving office
Leaving the field for Beld,Sunny,Tango,Nitesh,Ach,Shetty.
Comment by satyam on 11 December 2007:
Street: does such fantasy take effort or does it come naturally to you? I’m just wondering.. you haven’t been around for a while.. I thought you might have been working on this!
Not sure what the debate is about though.. I thought we had agreed last time around that SRK invented the cinematic medium as we know it?
Illiteracy in a subject one writes about ought not to disqualify anyone.. after all we have a “semi-literate” leader of the free world! What’s an opinion piece on SRK?!
And of course since this ‘leader’ won elections once or twice (depending how one counts) and given that this proves that even he had his supporters such pieces also find their fans and this too shouldn’t surprise anyone!
But I am going off topic and my apologies for this.. as I said SRK invented cinema..
Comment by satyam on 11 December 2007:
By the way the title of your post is a little ambiguous. Some might start thinking Karan Johar!
Comment by beldevere on 11 December 2007:
Lol satyam, you might as well be talking about yourself!
Btw guys, at the game today and india just lost 3 wickets. Getting interesting.
Comment by shetty on 11 December 2007:
Hmmm. Every month Street comes up with 1 review, 1 post on SRK and 1 BO write up.
Agree with some of the points & disagree with some
Comment by sandy on 11 December 2007:
If there’s one person who is not a threat to Aamir, it is Akshay. Aamir is an out an out A class actor, associated with prestige projects and out-of the box scripts, which means his core audience/loyalists have nothing more than a nodding acquaintance with Akki and his brand of films. There’s no competition here at all, because as I keep reiterating, Akki can never bypass an Aamir/SRK beyond purely trade considerations unless he delivers critical hits. How do a Hey Babyy or a Bhool Bhulaiya even matter?
Yes, the success of CDI matters to Aamir because SRK has suddenly hit a century on what was formally ‘his’ home territory. But an Akshay Kumar a threat to Aamir? Not a chance
Comment by Sid on 11 December 2007:
Good thought Sandy. Agree
Comment by Achilles on 11 December 2007:
Street - m bookmarking this post
Comment by kmkm13 on 12 December 2007:
Great post Street…Yeah people are undr the wrong impression that SRK became big after DDLj 3 back(baazigar,Daar,KHKN) to back hits when others were no where near him is enough to put you in the peak….
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
Yup … I remember the top slots of Superhit Muqabula being dominated by SRK long even before DDLJ. He definitely had the biggest buzz …
Comment by shetty on 12 December 2007:
“I remember the top slots of Superhit Muqabula being dominated by SRK long even before DDLJ”
Superhit Muqabla was a countdown show on songs I believe.
SRK climbed top spot after 2 back to back superhits, Baazigar & Darr in 1993.
Comment by rks on 12 December 2007:
1992
Deewana - Hit
Chamatkar - Below Average
Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman - Below Average
Dil Aashna Hai - Flop
Hit Ratio = 25%
Biggest Hits: Beta,Deewana
1993
Maya Memsaab - Flop
King Uncle - flop
Baazigar - Hit
Darr - Hit
Hit Ratio = 50%
Biggest Hit - Aankhen,Khalnayak,Darr
1994
Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa - Average
Anjaam - Below Average
Hit Ratio = 0%
Biggest Hit - HAHK,Mohra,Krantiveer
1995
Karan Arjun - Blockbuster
Zamana Deewana - Flop
Guddu - Flop
Oh Darling! - Flop
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge - All time Blocbuster
Ram Jaane - Above Average
Trimurti - Flop
Hit Ratio = 28%
Biggest Hit - DDLJ,KA,Coolie #1
1996
English Babu Desi Mem - Flop
Chaahat - flop
Hit Ratio = 0%
Biggest Hit - Raja Hindustani,Ghatak
1997
Koyla - Flop
Yes Boss - Above Average
Pardes - Hit
DTPH - Super Hit
Hit Ratio - 50%
Biggest Hit - Border,DTPH
Comment by shetty on 12 December 2007:
Link kidhar hain?
Before 1993, Sanjaydutt & Ajaydevgan were at top. But 1993 was a bad year for Devgan. All his film flopped. Dutt had Khalnayak but was arrested in that year. SRK emerged as superstar with back to back hits at fag end of 1993
Comment by rks on 12 December 2007:
1992-1995 was period of indecisiveness as who is at top in actors. Everyone were giving random hits. Same as current heroine situation. Who is #1 presently (last two-three years)? Priyanka,Rani,Priety? I guess None.
Comment by shetty on 12 December 2007:
1994 was Suniel Shetty & Akshay kumar’s year. Sunil had Dilwale, Mohra, Anth & Gopi Kishan. Akshay scored with Mohra, MKTA & Suhaag. Soon after Nana patekar took over with Krantiveer & Agnisakshi.
But everything changed with DDLJ
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
SRK had the buzz ever since ‘Fauji’. I remember after the third or second episode my sister waited patiently for the title credits to note the name of the guy who acted as lieutenant Abhimanyu Rai.
They used to discuss the serial during lunch breaks and about this cute actor. Everytime she heard of a new serial, my sister made it a point to watch it… One of it was a boring serial called ‘Dil Dariya’. My parents used to be angry with my sis …
‘Deewana’ was a hit. ‘Aise Deewanigi’ was a huge hit as a song … Chamatkar was an unexpected hit, for its bugdet it did well.
‘Raju ban gaya gentleman’ lost some of its prints during the Bombay riots. Anyway songs including ‘Malaria hua’ and ‘I love you’ were very popular.
I was in school then. I clearly remember my sister forcing everyone in the family to get the Video cassete of ‘Darr’, ‘Baazigar’ and other SRK movies cause they were the most talked about movies in her college ….
SRK had more buzz than Govinda and Salman Khan as far I could remember. They could be people who never understood the buzz as much as I still don’t understand the buzz Abhishek created during ‘Bluff Master’… (Thats his max IMO)
I guess Darr is when the buzz showed as hits in the BO and the media started noticing SRK. And may be DDLJ started the real Superstardom.
Comment by kmkm13 on 12 December 2007:
Actress are different from actors after Dixit Rani was briefly on top now she’s nowhere…
SRK was on TOP after 93….Indecisiveness year doesn’t matter at all…To be on TOP hits are important but the projects you sign the banners backing you and the support you have…The impact (overall)is important too!
Comment by rks on 12 December 2007:
Shetty:”Link kidhar hain?”
Wiki and BOI
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
Always think DDLJ is the movie that catapulted SRK into the Top position. He secured that position with DTPH & KKHH. Because at end of 96, it wasn’t as clear since Salman (HAHK), SRK (DDLJ) & Aamir (RH) had all delivered massive blockbusters. DTPH re-instated SRK’s position as #1 and KKHH was the icing on the cake.
Pre 94, don’t really think there was a top star. It was more 3-4 vying for the position, staking a claim so to speak.
Comment by sandy on 12 December 2007:
SRK’s accent started in 1993 but to say that he was the top most star from this very year, leaving everyone behind, is a bit of an overstatement. It’s like saying Aamir Khan became numero uno after QSQT.
I would go as far as to say that things weren’t clear on SRK being numero uno till as late as 2004.
1994 was actually a bad year for SRK with Anjaam and films like those. Aamir too was going through an exceptionally bad time, with no successful film in 1994.
Which is why, both were as good as neck to neck in 1995, where each of them got a successful film. Aamir had Rangeela, SRK had DDLJ and though the latter was a much, much bigger hit, Rangeela was an incredible triumph for Aamir and the actor’s popularity soured like never before. Then, with Raja Hindustani, Aamir was the numero uno for 1996. From there on, both actors were doing well for themselves, with SRK probably having a slight edge. Come to think of it though, 1996-1999 were actually Salman’s best years in many ways, better than both Aamir and SRK.
The equation turned again in Aamir’s favour in 2001 (Lagaan DCH), a year which proved not only a milestone in the actor’s career but for the Hindi film industry itself. SRK’s emphatic supremacy was only in 2004, where Aamir had taken a sabbatical and he had three successes in a row. I’m including Swades, since it was critically hailed.
I think SRK has been at the top of his game since then and right now of course, he’s numero uno, followed closely by Aamir.
Comment by sandy on 12 December 2007:
*soared like never before
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
“1994 was Suniel Shetty & Akshay kumar’s year. Sunil had Dilwale, Mohra, Anth & Gopi Kishan. Akshay scored with Mohra, MKTA & Suhaag. Soon after Nana patekar took over with Krantiveer & Agnisakshi.”
Really? I could be completely wrong. Yet I need say… The year saw a lot of semi-action movies doing well … Between “Suniel Shetty & Akshay kumar” - Akshay had more fan following which went down gradually post 1995. Suniel was never seen as a star …
Yet, popularity totally belonged to SRK at least among the youngsters I knew … Which is why he had so many movies releasing in 1995…
I find it strange that there doesn’t seem to BO results to prove this simple fact. To me it looks as simple as saying Sridevi is more popular than Pooja Bhatt… Strange!
Am I seeing this in a very fan centric point of view??? Am I behaving exactly like how Satyam sees Abhishek buzz everywhere??
Comment by abzee on 12 December 2007:
“I would go as far as to say that things weren’t clear on SRK being numero uno till as late as 2004.”
I believe you may have stirred up a hornet’s nest!
Seriously though, these arguments are pointless and will have everyone just going round and round. I know that SRK is no. 1 star this year, just as Hrithik was last year. What matters to me is ultimately the actor, not the star. And by that yardstick, Aamir has been no.1 for quite a while. The last time I like SRK the actor was in Swades, whereas Aamir hasn’t disappointed me since 2001 now(Lagaan, DCH, MP, RDB, Fanaa and in all probability add TZP and Ghajini to that list from the looks of it!). That’s some consistency for an actor!
BTW, the top actor for me circa 1999-2001 was actually Manoj Bajpai when he churned out Satya, Kaun, Shool, Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar, Aks all in succession.
Comment by shetty on 12 December 2007:
You are right.
I was talking from BO point of view.
Comment by abzee on 12 December 2007:
Shetty- I remember the Sunil Shetty phase. Around Balwan, Dilwale, Mohra, Waqt Hamara Hai, Gopi Kishen, etc. the fellow did have a sorta following.
Comment by shetty on 12 December 2007:
My above comment is for Neethi.
Suniel shetty charged 1 crore for his guest appearance in Surakhsha (1995) SRK’s fee was around 20-30 lakhs per movie during that days
Comment by abzee on 12 December 2007:
“Ek nahin…do nahin…suraksha karo meri saaton janam! Ola Ola! Ola Ola!”
Kya Shetty bhai, kis movie ki yaad dilayi.
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
Sandy your version is closer to mine and of course is a bit more nuanced because you consider the critical success. I would say though SRK was pretty much #1 by 1997 with DTPH & KKHH re-afirmed position. Salman had a stunning 99 but not enough to topple SRK, Hrithik arrived 00, Aamir’s in 01, 02 SRK, 03 Hrithik, 04 SRK, 05 no one really, 06 Hrithik/Aamir, 07 SRK.
But in a structural sense SRK ‘domination’ is only a 2004 phenomenon. Before that he didn’t dominate. To dominate you simply have to be biggest every year and he wasn’t. 94 Salman, 96 Aamir, Salman 99, Hrithik 00, Aamir 01, Hrithik 03 all put a spanner in works for that theory. So between 94-03, 6 years had other stars really having better years so don’t see how he has dominated. Its quite a ridiculous statement. 2004 is significant since he had 3 releases and 2 were Hits. Plus the statement that ‘only sex and SRK sells’ came out then, not ANY YEAR before this.
In any case if we take this ‘biggest grosser theory, or biggest initials’ one (not my theory but lets target opposition with there own silly theories) - then Hrithik is this decades #1 star. He has more grossers in Top 10 then anyone and the biggest initials too. OSO of course is new record holder but this position will change every year practically due to economics. It took 3 years between K3G and MHN, but since then we’ve had records galore in V-Z, MP, Fanaa, Krrish, D2, OSO. Top grossers wise, don’t know why the author cannot place Hrithik above SRK. Even on rumoured salaries (something he has pointed out in the 90’s) Hrithik would stomp on SRK and so would Aamir. SRK admitted 6Cr I believe ? Note this whole paragraph is molded in such a way to the tastes and whims of author, not me
My theory is for the best part of post 05, its a top 3 and at the moment its SRK/Hrithik at top with Aamir close. But its interchangeable with every new release so really its a Top 3. There is no dominant TOP Star now…even Akshay can stake a claim to be part of this group. SRK could have dominated 04 beyond, but followed up with Paheli/KANK/Don. In that time Aamir had MP/RDB/Fanaa and Hrithik had Krrish/D2. How the heck can anyone say SRK is dominating ?!?!?!?!?!
Its like saying Tendulkar is dominating 90’s, 00’s. Flatly untrue. Lara was tooth and nail generally will with Tendulkar and they both had good years. Now Ponting post 03 has generally dominated.
In a general sense, the most significant STAR of the last 15 years is SRK. But he has NOT dominated this whole period. Salman, Aamir and Hrithik have definitely had at least 2 years each where they had far better years than SRK. No such thing as domination argument here.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
You guys are talking of BO results … a movie doing well or not as gauge to stardom. This can be inaccurate, though BO trends normally follow public expectations from a star …
There could be times when movies flop for its own reasons. Chaahat released 1996 immediately after DDLJ … It was a pathetic flop. Did that mean SRK was down.. In fact he was still cashing on DDLJ …
Domination is not about just delivering hits … Its about being the darling of massses, always having the buzz, being accepted as a star … Domination is about having the Craze.
Its something that Amitabh Bachchan’s has inspite of his movies not doing well in recent times. Did every Kajol movie do well? Yet, you know that she is more liked than Shilpa Shetty.
In spite of proofs that SRK never really dominated BO, SRK had always dominated popularity polls.
SRK has successfully created a Super star persona for himself. Something that actors like Sunny Doel who in spite of delivering hits never managed to create …
Comment by shetty on 12 December 2007:
Yeah Abzee bhai.
Surakhsha. lol
‘Dil mera bole. man dole’..:-)
Comment by ăbzee on 12 December 2007:
Nithi- I don’t like to comment on suh discussions, but I just wanted to make an observation. When a certain faction insists that Aamir is a bigger star simply cuz his hits are of a better quality aka prestige than quantity, SRK fans(I’m not implying that you’re on, you’re the best judge to know if you are or not) insist that SRK is the bigger star simply cuz he’s had more hits and over a longer period of time. Concomitantly, when BO receipts are listed, we now hear arguments that BO alone doesn’t mean much and that being a darling of the masses, having ‘buzz’ also means something. If having buzz does mean something(which I subscribe to as well), then why are such claims pooh-poohed when it comes to Aamir who I believe has always enjoyed a buzz that is incomparable. You can’t have it both ways.
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
‘Domination is not about just delivering hits … Its about being the darling of massses, always having the buzz, being accepted as a star … Domination is about having the Craze.’
Flatly disagree. Domination is about results period. You need the evidence in numbers to back the claims. Not numbers by comparing a KKHH with a Ghulam, its far more nuanced than that. But domination is a term used in sport to describe people like Schumacher or Tiger Woods or Roger Federer. And part of it is craze or aura or what not, but the foundation of alll of that is results. These guys win in sports where it is ‘not easy’ to dominate, especially Woods. They are dominant stars of their sports.
And to put your sentence ‘about being the darling of massses, always having the buzz, being accepted as a star’ … one could say generally the darling of the masses in the 90’s was Salman, the buzz is with Aamir post 01 or SRK is the most accepted as a star. Its mirky piece of analysis where so many things need to be considered. People forget banners, directors, music etc all kinds of things here.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
Even I am being pointless I guess … Wish Sunny was here. His post on a similar topic made more sense!
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
nithi sorry, I’ve mis-read your quote…you did say ‘Domination is not about just delivering hits …’.
But do thing there can never be a dominant star in any sport without some hard evidence be it trophies, personal accolades, winners medals or in filmi terms, a good box office track record. I cannot think of one anyway !
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
Abzee,
May be I am totally wrong. In a sense, Aamir who is admired for acting ability, isn’t even a star. Thats my take … Always my take … Since I have never been impressed by Aamir. Thats exactly how you see SRK…
I have never known anybody saying Aamir is my absolute favourite until the release of Lagaan and DCH. Aamir fans are people who are hardly crazy of any star. They prefer Aamir as he is a good actor as his movies have been good etc …
I have seen Salman fans. I have seen mad fans of SRK. People who exaggerate everything he does. I know its a craze. I have seen Amitabh Bachchan fans among friends who never miss an Amitabh starrer on TV.
I have even seen Govinda fans who love his dance etc … Again its very little among my friends. I mean people do enjoy his comedy but they hardly say he is my favourite etc …
Amongst all, SRK got selected as Superstar only because his roles endeared the audience… The problem is that you never got endeared. You never understood the craze.
Exactly how I respond to Aamir and his stardom.
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
So your basing stardom on crazyiness for particular star ? What if all these people are ill or sick ?
Comment by ăbzee on 12 December 2007:
“May be I am totally wrong. In a sense, Aamir who is admired for acting ability, isn’t even a star. Thats my take … Always my take … Since I have never been impressed by Aamir. Thats exactly how you see SRK…”
Nithi, you aren’t wrong at all. I’ve myself never thought of Aamir as a ’star’ in the strictest sense of the word. I’ve always liked him as an ‘actor’ and always will. In fact, I’ve pretty much said the same thing to Achilles in another thread(http://www.naachgaana.com/2007/12/11/why-hrithik-starrer-krishh-2-is-on-hold/#comment-90162) that you’ve said here.
“The problem is that you never got endeared. You never understood the craze.”
I believe I’ve conceded a million times that SRK is no1 this year and is a star of this generation, so I’m not quite sure what you’re referring to. I’ve always been concerned with acting, and on that front I’ve always believed that Aamir is in a league of his own. My previous response was made in defense of those who think of Aamir as a star(its a seperate matter whether I agree with it or not) and how their argument is just as valid as those of SRK fans.
Comment by beldevere on 12 December 2007:
this aint fair. wait till this evening and all the SRK-haters pour into this forum and then we shall see the vitriol really flow…
so i agree partially with what street has said. Yes SRK is the next big superstar after amitabh but definitely i dont believe SRK is a bigger superstar than Amitabh - at least not yet. I still remember when Amitabh got injured while filming coolie and pretty much whole of India was praying for him - that was his reach and power.
I do think though that amitabh has not handled his last 15 years that well - he has lost some of his sheen and goodwill. again before charles or ILG or satyam jump on me and accuse me of ‘demeaning’ amitabh - let me say its just my opinion..
As to whether SRK becomes a bigger star than amitabh - the next 20 years will tell
Comment by beldevere on 12 December 2007:
abz - just as a point of debate - what exactly is that great in aamir’s acting that has distinguished himself. i think you are mixing up his choice of some very good films/scripts to his acting. A DCH was a path breaking movie, so was a RDB. Lagaan had a great story and any of the top stars would have made it a huge hit. I am not saying aamir is not a good actor - but i dont see any facts to prove that he is way better than others currently. if you go purely by acting, then manoj bajpai, pankaj kapur, saif, ajay devgan all rank above aamir. i would take a ajay in L of BS over aamir’s acting in any of his movies. i have left SRK and Amitabh out just so as to not make this a my fav vs a your fav argument
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
jayshah,
You can’t compare sports with intangible things like popularity and craze.
Did you say track record? That SRK has… Coupled along with the fact that his mannerisms are loved he has a craze which manages to take to him to the top league every year.
Check the number of members in orkut fan clubs, number of fan forums etc … There is an SRK orkut fan forum with over 3 lakh members highest for an Indian actor…
I always believe that the buzz that an actor has shows only at the opening week (though hype is another factor in it.) Movie doing well is mostly related to how well the movie is made … Exceptions in movies like D2 and OSO where starpower did contribute …
Thats mainly because, movies are no longer written to exaggerate the character of the hero alone as it was done on the days of Amitabh Bachchan.
In spite of star power movies could flop too. You can see Amitabh still being a great personality, though his name no longer sells movies.
This kind of success as a loved personality is what I see as Superstardom and Domination.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
jayshah,
“So your basing stardom on crazyiness for particular star ? What if all these people are ill or sick ?”
But the topic is about stardom and craziness. I
Its just that, if you really wonder why people think SRK dominated, its because of this ill or sick kind of behavior that some of SRK’s characters seemed to have created among the audience.
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
Fair point. The first week initial is always a good barometer but it just requires far more nuance then ‘who gets the biggest initial’. No doubt SRK has a great track record. And again I would re-iterate he is the most significant star of the past 15 years and if one was to hold a gun to my head and pick the most dominant one it would be him aswell BUT that is not to say HE HAS dominated. Domination is a word that suggests he’s just murdered opposition. Thats flatly untrue. He’s dominated the overseas market for example for sure, but in India it’s different.
Sports cannot be compared like for like, but for example Tendulkar’s stardom is borne out of a foundation of a good track record. That was my point. To be dominant or to even have that word thrown at you, I think you need a solid backlog of results.
Comment by beldevere on 12 December 2007:
And to that extent I disagre with abz and nithi that aamir isn’t a star. He is a bonafide star first and that’s the main reason he draws audiences. Every star has his unique stamp and aamir brings the stamp of working in good quality movies despite a odd fanaa or MP. Easily today along with srk and hrithik, aamir is the only actor who pulls a majority of non fans into the theaters.
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
And agree with Beld. Every star has a unique quality (s) that attracts the audience. Aamir’s may not be the traditional sense one but he is a massive movie star in many ways.
For example to use good acting and good movies as the reason for Aamir’s success is a little low, can Om Puri/Naseer/Irfan attract similar audiences ? He’s most definitely an A Lister but more in the Tom Hanks mold. Certainly fans don’t go ga ga over Tom, but people turn up for his movies. Same for Aamir, but I have met crazy fans of his, but def not as many as other stars.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
jayshah,
Yes, on pure terms domination cannot be the word. But SRK will end up as the most significant Super star post Amitabh era… This is what Street called as domination, I suppose. I dunno. This is not my post.
Anyway, I do think SRK had a fair lot of buzz pre-DDLJ days no matter what the BO results show. I dunno if thats enough to being called Super Star …
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
beldevere,
Guess you are right. I tend to ignore Aamir’s stardom often. Yes, real great actors can’t guarantee an opening like Aamir Khan.
Its a strange case when “doing films that doesn’t compromise what is called as commercially saleable formula” has become an actor’s USP that became a star.
Stranger is the fact that Aamir has done his share of commercially saleable formula films and this has been overlooked by people who are hell bent on believing that Aamir believes in quality cinema just because few of his movies have been path breaking ones.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
become an actor’s USP that ‘he’ became a star.
Comment by Ravi on 12 December 2007:
Very well said Beld, let us wait another 20 years before we jump into conclusions. I agree that Bachchan did not handle the last 15 years properly and right now just looks like he might be, but the crowd pulling ability because of his poor choices is not there anymore(anyhow how many people will have it at 65 plus?). But, to have people and that too young people running to write scripts for you at this age definitely means something.
This has not been done before and we will see if it can be done again (Both SRK and Aamir have a chance to do this, but both don’t have the range of acting to continue after a certain age) but times are a changing and we will see how all of this plays off.
Long ways to go SP, for your fav star.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
” But SRK will end up as the most significant Super star post Amitabh era…”
In spite of Hrithik …
And SRK does have detractors. He shud have done more Swades and CDI like roles post 1998 …
SRK will dominate in the real sense of the word only if he manages continue hits without compromising on quality. I don’t think he has the ability to judge such scripts nor does he seem to be interested in taking such risk.
The next big star would be Hrithik. If Hrithik doesn’t do more acclaim worthy stuff, he would also end up with detractors! I guess NG members have already started with that kind of talk.
Ravi,
“but both don’t have the range of acting to continue after a certain age”
Thats something that happens with age I guess… For example, SRK is slighly more matured teacher in CDI than Mohabattien … I think SRK can. Aamir has been excellent in growing young- I mean he managed to act like a 25+ youngster in DCH and RDB! Incredible …
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
Ravi,
“but the crowd pulling ability because of his poor choices is not there anymore(anyhow how many people will have it at 65 plus?)”
To his credit, Amitabh has been able o re-invent himself as an actor better than any aging Super Star.
Yet, the Super Star with the most precise acumen about crowd pulling themes is RajiniKanth.
Even Chiranjeevi has failed to deliver consecutive Superhits, each one out doing the previous one…
In the last 15 years, Rajini failed only twice … Valli and Baba. Thats clean domination!
Reminds of me a famous Rajini song …”Super star yaarunu keeta chinna kuzhanthaiyum sollum”
(If you ask who is the Super star, even a kid will answer ….)
Comment by Ravi on 12 December 2007:
Agreed Nithya, Chiru is not to the extent of Rajini but he is still a force to reckon, he can open a movie bigger than anyone else in Telugu even now and no one other than Mahesh babu can come close to him in that aspect, but he is declining.
Bachchan with better choices which Satyam keeps harping about all the time could have been still a force but with too much exposure and too many bad movies with insignificant roles dug himself into a hole and only now he looks like he is thinking and planning a little better.
But, one thing for sure maybe he did reinvent himself but to begin with he was and is a better actor than any other star for sure, his range did not come with age he was blessed with it right from the get go and that is the difference between Bachchan and everyone else. People who grew up watching Bachchan can attest to this fact. It is difficult for a 11 year old kid to watch Mard now and accept Bachchan as a great actor with range.
Comment by ILG on 12 December 2007:
SRK has undoubtedly had a long reign at the top.His USP is discipline,hardwork,energy and street smarts.2007 has been a stupendous year for him with a critical and a commercial hit in CDI and a huge collections of OSO.Every feild has seen people like SRK where their actual talents in the field itself are marginal but by dint of hard work and smartness they make it to the very top.Personally believe the trajectory of his career from now on is headed downward as one of his main strengths i.e his physical appearance (inspite of not being good looking in a conventional sense) is beginning to desert him.Again if he is able to reinvent himself,he could prolong his reign.But Akki,Aamir,Hrithik are breathing down his neck and he has to be able to pull off a miracle to continue his supremacy.If Tashan clicks in a huge way,one has to let go of the prestige hits bit with Akki.Welcome,I am unsure of but if it clicks is not gonna hurt.If Hrithik delivers a big one with JA again the equation changes.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
“It is difficult for a 11 year old kid to watch Mard now and accept Bachchan as a great actor with range.”
If you say that including Mard performance, I am no different from that 11 year old.
I ignore all those “angry young man” roles … I find Amitabh very stiff in several films of that era. I would rather Rishi Kappoor etc … who appear more human and natural.
Comment by ILG on 12 December 2007:
Again when AB was at the top,such was his domination that he was considered one to five and the counting of the rest started from six.SRK if he is number one the next person is 1.1 and not 6.Just to put things in perspective.
Comment by FloydRulez on 12 December 2007:
Nithi, To be fair to Rajini, Valli was an off-beat film, and the loser act (that he did in the film) was funny, and whatever little acting he had, had lost its touch for such a role, and since when has Rajini’s offbeat films gone down well. To my mind, Baba, Pandian, and the dud, Nattukku Oru Nallavan are his only flops in last 15 years (I left out “Arunachalam” and “Uzhaipali” for the obvious reasons, they aren’t duds by any means) If you go by the fan base that he has amassed, it’s the most intense, passionate, and dedicated lot you’ll see around the globe today. There are talks in tamil press about his plans to enter politics. (IMO, a disastrous move if it happens)
BTW, Belated birthday wishes to Rajinikanth
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
ILG,
It doesn’t matter if SRK doesn’t dominate the BO in the coming years. He has already being considered as a great achiever and his fame with all the media support etc … will take a few years to die down totally.
It wud no longer take just another overnight star to de-throne him. If he re-invents himself, more power to him. Thats it.
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
“SRK if he is number one the next person is 1.1 and not 6″
n that 1.1 person must be abhishek ahead of Aamir n Akshay?
Comment by jeegs on 12 December 2007:
Jayshah - sports cannopt be compared here as schumacher was said to dominate F1 but did mika hakkinen not win the champiosnhip in btw or alonso in last 2 years does it mean schumacher was not a dominant force.
Even man united was said to dominate epl in 90s but arsenal ,blackburn did win the title .
Srk was top star of 93,95,97,98, 02,04,07 that makes 7 ot of possible 14 yeaars.
a top star doesnot have to be giving top most hit every year . if he is giving hits consistently in top 5 then imo he is a top star and in this time no one other than srk has done that . salman comes close in this respect followed by Hrithik and aamir in this decade . what actually goes against hrithik and aamir is the gap btw their films .
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
“If Hrithik delivers a big one with JA again the equation changes.”
Who the fuck is Hrithik btw?
Comment by ILG on 12 December 2007:
Re:n that 1.1 person must be abhishek ahead of Aamir n Akshay?
No Ach.Sorry to disappoint you.It would at this point be Hrithik or Aamir.Akki would be just another step behind.Not a mega Akki fan but you gotta hand it to this guy.Without any kind of backing this guy has just gone on and on and kept climbing up the ladder and almost at the top.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
FloydRulez,
Guess Rajini is shrewd enough to avoid politics…
“ennai nambi vandhavarai yaemaatra maattaen
yaeNiyaai naan irundhu yaemaaRa maattaen”
Comment by ILG on 12 December 2007:
Re:Who the fuck is Hrithik btw?
The best thing to come out of Bollywood in last ten years.
Comment by Ravi on 12 December 2007:
Rishi Kappor, Acting, Bachchan, better.
All in the same sentence!!! I defer from commenting on this.
Comment by ILG on 12 December 2007:
Ravi Bhai.Its very close to the truth but not quite the truth.Rishi is considereda very good actor but is still underrated.In terms of sponteneity, I dont think any body can beat him.In terms of star-actors for me he is right there,behind Amitabh.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
Ravi,
I think the ‘Angry Young man’ roles have very little to do with acting. It has a lot to do with characterization. I simply don’t like it. It has too much gravitas …
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
“Rishi Kappor, Acting, Bachchan, better.
All in the same sentence!!! I defer from commenting on this.”
personality wise no one comes in same sentence as Amitabh … but acting wise not sure if Bachchan deserves that status … acting is a very subjective term Ravi bhai
Comment by FloydRulez on 12 December 2007:
Yes, Nithi. I hope he doesn’t enter politics, because there would be no Vairamuthu to write him such lines, Karthik to sing, and Rajini to do the lip service.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
FloydRulez,
Yes. True. The man’s talent had been in chosing the lines which others write, right?
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
“The best thing to come out of Bollywood in last ten years.”
i LOVE ur sarcasm my frd … but in reality hrithik is just lucky to have been born as Rakesh Roshan’s son … KNPH was a perfect launchpad … anyone wud have made a grand debut with it … his worthless manifested in the series of outside productions which flopped … SRK ate him up in K3G … RR n FilmKraft again saved him from drowning with KMG … he acted really sad in Lakshya … which is a good movie except for Hrithik’s acting … Krrish was again a hit due to FilmKraft and RR film and the sequel factor … D2 was hit because of YRF,abhishek and bikini babes and sequel factor … Hrithik has no body of work … he cant act … etc etc
So i once again ask a simple question … in a topic where SRK is accepted as numero uno … u mention abt this guy Hrithik … hence:
Who the Fuck is Hrithik?
Comment by ILG on 12 December 2007:
Ach,
You may not choose to believe it but I wasnt being sarcastic.I personally believe he is going to go a long way and great things are destined for him.Funnily enough just watched KNPH this weekend and again was struck by the confident debut.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
Achilles,
Hrithik is def a big star. His BO draw is probably bigger than SRK … Time will show.
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
’sports cannopt be compared here as schumacher was said to dominate F1 but did mika hakkinen not win the champiosnhip in btw or alonso in last 2 years does it mean schumacher was not a dominant force.
Even man united was said to dominate epl in 90s but arsenal ,blackburn did win the title .’
Schumacher dominated for sure, but more so in 90’s. But to understand this one more, is to look at how he won a Championship with Benetton which was hardly the best car around.
I think I explained the Man Utd one. If you take the 90’s only, Man Utd dominated. For example the 80’s are considered Liverpool’s golden era yet Everton and Arsenal one titles and Aston Villa (I think). They won most of the time.
With SRK this is not the case. You take the 90’s - he won 93, 95, 97, 98.
94, 96, 99 were others’ years. 93 itself is debatable.
This decade its even less so. 02, 04 and 07.
Overall success is 50%.
Whereas Schumacher with Ferrari won 5 in a row between 2000-2004. Thats domination.
Federer has won 12 Grandslams out of a possible 19 since winning his first. He’s been in 10 straight grandslam finals too. Thats domination.
Tiger Woods has won 11-13 (cannot remember) in 10 years. In golfing terms, when practically anyone from the field can win since one cannot affect another’s game this is absolutely an amazing feat.
There is nothing in SRK’s filmography that suggests he has had a dominating ‘period’ of more than 2 years. He’s basically a boxer who has won the Heavyweight Championship mulitple times and not held it for more than 2 years in a row.
Thats why I consider him more of a fighter, who comes back as apposed to a dominating force. If he’d a ‘clear’ 5-6 years at the Top I’d say he dominated.
Could extend this analogy to other sports but won’t at the risk of sounding boring. But for snooker fans Steve Davis dominated 80’s, Stephen Hendry dominated 90’s. They won 6 and 7 respectively in the space of 8-10 years respectively.
IMO domination is too strong a word here, and its more like he’s the most significant of 3-4 very significant stars of this era.
Comment by Ravi on 12 December 2007:
Ach bhai, please look I have always saif Bachchan is the best actor among stars, I just did not say best actor period bcoz there are so many good actors and for me he is the best actor or star actor but reality is there might be lot more actors who are better than him, but I don’t think there are any stars better than him.
Who the fuck is Hrithik?
The best thing to happen to Bwood since Bachchan and right now the current superstar(maybe sharing with SRK bcoz of his films this year) and the future superstar.
Comment by FloydRulez on 12 December 2007:
Actually Nithi, I’ve tracked the lyrics.
mudivedutha piNNaaL naan thadam maara maattEn
mun veytha kaalai naan piN veyka maattEn
yeNNai nambi vandhavarai yEmaatra maattEn
verum yAEniyaay naanirundhu yEmaatra maattEn
uppitta thamizh maNNai naan marakka maattEn
By the by, it’s an ambiguous line, which sort of gives it back to the politicians who have used him up for their propaganda. If this film had become a hit, there’s a strong possibility for Rajini to have entered. Because the whole film was stuffed with direct political implications or innuendos (which was blatant in any case).
[On a related note: "Iruvar" encompasses this quality of Tamil heroes (From MGR's idea used to this day by Vijaykanth, and Rajini) who use the medium, and most importantly the songs for their propaganda.
Just a sample:
veliyE pOga chollaadhE naan veezhvEn enRu ennaadhE
thanga kaasai veesuvadhaal dharmam kaiyai AEndhaadhE
velli mazhai sindhum mazhai mEgam, vilambaram koduththaal pozhiyaadhu
makkal sakthi kaasukku valaiyaadhu..ada paNiyaadhuuu
vidhivellidhaan mulaikkumvarai irul mattum aatchiyil irukkumadaa
kizhakkumugam veluththuvittaal irulukku mudivundu engalukku vidivundu
Me thinks, Rajini would enter politics. But I hope he plans it well. He'll be eaten up if he does it now!
[Sorry about the digression, I've wanted to discuss something, somehow happened to take cue from Rajini. After all he's the birthday boy!]
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
‘Schumacher dominated for sure, but more so in 90’s’
I meant early 00’s
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
ILG - what??? u rewatched the shitty trash called KNPH? now u wont be considered an intellectual anymore i m afraid!
Comment by ILG on 12 December 2007:
Dont remind me of Schumacher.I gave up following Formula 1 after his retirement.But he was totally dominant.Would have been great to see a Senna-Schumacher match up.
Akki for me is like Damon Hill of Bollywood.
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
How come no one is talking abt how SRK is on top with Abhishek being around!!!!
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
jayshah,
Domination in the purest meaning is not going to happen in Bollywood like it did before. May be you can say the current lot of actors does not have what it takes to dominate …
Cause, its not going to be hero-centric roles as before. Unless actors with super acumen like that of Rajini are going to enter Bollywood you just can’t have domination by a single actor.
On relative terms, the only time when SRK’s popularity ever dipped seriously was during Hrithik’s launch … Ever since his popularity has hardly had any real losses, apart from that of detractors whose opinions have hardly mattered…
In terms of popularity post Amitabh era — SRK dominates! This can hardly be proved with BO results. I am talking about success of SRK as a brand…
Cause, other actors in spite of hits have lost out on other aspects like off-screen personality or media sense etc … I don’t want to say anything more.
Comment by FloydRulez on 12 December 2007:
Just for the record, I prefer Hakkinen to Schumacher.
Comment by ILG on 12 December 2007:
SRK has dominated the media wars for sure.And that again is his smart manouvering.He feigns arrogance to keep them interested, gives good quotes and panders like there is no tomorrow.So media has played a big role in playing up his success.Gotta give t to him on that score.
Again find it hard to ague with Jay that he overall has not been ‘dominating’ as such.Amd Schumacher,Federer,Stepehen Hendry (yikes!) are all good examples and the Aussie cricket dynasty.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
FloydRulez,
The best time Rajini had to enter politics was during anti-Jaya campaign… He hesitated…
Post ‘Baba’, yet another chance. He hesitated … Thats been a good decision for him. Politics will eat up money.
But ‘Sivaji’ didn’t have too many political punch lines. Didn’t you notice? Thats why I am skeptical. He wudn’t enter politics…
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
yeah me too agree with Jay abt ‘domination’ n the examples … SRK is more of a good fighter than a bollywood DOMINATING superstar … but yes he is more successful than the current lot … but he simply doesnt fulfil the criterias for Bollywood Domination.
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
‘Domination in the purest meaning is not going to happen in Bollywood like it did before.’
I never say never on such things. Life is too long to use the word never !
‘On relative terms, the only time when SRK’s popularity ever dipped seriously was during Hrithik’s launch … Ever since his popularity has hardly had any real losses’
Absolutely. But others have caught up and in terms of pure popularity its touch and go with SRK and Hrithik in India at moment. Overall SRK is still the most popular IMO.
But to put the stamp on the domination debate, 80’s generally are regarded as Bachchan’s era. I don’t ever think we’ll be talking of the 90’s as SRK’s era. Other stars had a chunk of the 90’s too. IMO 90’s have always been considered loosely as the Khan era (not in a communal sense).
Also domination in strictest sense is what SRK has had in the overseas from 95 onwards. That’s what I would term ‘domination’. Not India.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
ILG,
SRK has himself credited 99.99% of his success to the media …
Yet, SRK’s media support started since 2003…
Prior to that, I have never read a totally positive write up on SRK. His arrogance was used against him.
I mean other Stars hardly had such negative write ups other than links ups and gossips
Comment by ILG on 12 December 2007:
Nithi,
There is definitely something to what you say.He was a different kind of person earlier on.Actually,I liked quite a bit in earlier years.But then I read a stupid comment of his which was so dismissive of his fans and industry as a whole,I got turned off just like that.And havent liked him since then.I think thats the real SRK.And have always wondered that all his niceities and everything that we see now is an act.
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
“And have always wondered that all his niceities and everything that we see now is an act.”
whats there to wonder? what u say is a fact … his off-screen persona is liked only becoz its a ACT.
Comment by nithi_s on 12 December 2007:
ILG,
Could be! Even now he fluctuates between arrogance and humility. Self deprecation to pompousness …
Comment by ILG on 12 December 2007:
Ach,
You should have seen Aamir on SRGMP.Came across as so considerate,genuine and sincere in dealing with the little ones.Hard to dislike someone like that.As a fan and film follower I find it hard to separate the off screen persona from the actor.
Comment by FloydRulez on 12 December 2007:
Nithi,
Anti-Jaya campaign was one thing, but later, just the reverse happened, Rajini voiced out for BJP-coalition for Parliament Elections, the AIADMK-BJP alliance lost miserably. (all 40 seats) His decline was visible, for the lack of uniformity made him less credible. Mainly because his views on Jaya has changed over the years. Not that politicians wouldn’t do, but Rajini was seen as a Good man, who would be the “ideal politician”. (there’s no such term IMO) The PMK-Rajini deal is interesting in this respect. They actually did well when he was against ‘em, in Assembly elections too. Also to be noted, PMK cadets (’goons’) disrupted Baba screening, Rajini fans didn’t stand up against it. Thus proving the biggest goons in TN are the politicians (as against the fanatics of film stars). The ultimate propagandist was MGR, the ultimate example really. Rajini is infinitely timid and innocent when compared (hey, In “Sivaji”, we saw the weak Sivaji transform to the strong MGR-Mottai boss, didn’t we? So let’s just wait). I still believe Rajini would enter one day. But pray not now!
Comment by satyam on 12 December 2007:
ILG: Agreed on Aamir’s Saregama appearance.. I also liked Sonu Nigam’s diary bit very much.. on these shows everyone praises everyone else but Sonu Nigam was genuine because he pulled out everything he’d collected on Aamir since 1988. Of course he lost out on many SRK fans in the process by suggesting that he’d never idolized anyone as much as Bachchan and then Aamir!
Comment by jeegs on 12 December 2007:
‘I also liked Sonu Nigam’s diary bit very much.. on these shows everyone praises everyone else but Sonu Nigam was genuine because he pulled out everything he’d collected on Aamir since 1988.’
dont know why everything on reality shows looks fake to me as if it has been scripted .
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
“dont know why everything on reality shows looks fake to me as if it has been scripted.”
its always scripted my frd … what u see is just another ACT
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
ILG - Aamir’s offsreen persona is as much a manipulated ACT as is SRK’s … i find Hrithik’s and Abhi’s off screen persona more genuine … n thats the reason it doesnt register in ur mind as those of the Khans.
Comment by Ravi on 12 December 2007:
Very true IMO also Ach bhai. Same can be said about Sallu too like Abhi and HR.
Comment by beldevere on 12 December 2007:
Hmm ilg. So you prefer aamir’s off screen persona. I presume you like people who can’t stay in a marriage, who like to take credit from coworkers, etc.
Quite easily, srk is the best role model available to both people within and outside the film industry.
With respect to ilg preferring ab Jr choice of movies, well its personal choice but the reason given was silly at best. Srk did negative roles when no one did. Srk opened up the overseas market like no one did. He did movies like kabhi haan kabhi na, pbdhh before its time. Look at his last 5 movies swades, kank, don, cdi and oso. And compare it to ab Jr. Ya you hate srk and that’s your prerogative but at least make some logical arguments, at least once in a while.
Comment by Nitesh on 12 December 2007:
Some interesting comments on this thread.
Funny to know that everyone here agrees that Welcome will be a hit and are unsure about TZP even though both the film’s have their star’s main strength - Aamir (diversity), Akshay (comedy)…people on NG are still find Akshay behind Aamir.
If a star can not bring about a confidence from his own fans about his next film…is he really a star?
Akshay seems to be an underrated star when compare to less starry actor Aamir.
“If Welcome is a hit, it will not change any equation”
Nothing else to comment on but to laugh at the impartiality.
Akshay is setting a record of hits…looks set to keep doing it in 2008…what else????
IMO Akshay is the only star next to SRK now and looks set to rule 2008.
Hrithik and Aamir can fight out on the next number as for them counting now starts from 3.
Comment by Nitesh on 12 December 2007:
To me SRK and Akshay have raised the level of stardom.
Others have loads of catchup to do from now.
Hrithik’s credit is still strong and JA will test him…otherwise, Bollywood has to live with bipolar stardom led by Akshay and SRK.
Comment by Achilles on 12 December 2007:
LOL … bhojpuri comments as a desert for this thread!
Comment by jayshah on 12 December 2007:
‘Welcome will be a hit and are unsure about TZP even though both the film’s have their star’s main strength - Aamir (diversity), Akshay (comedy)…’
TZP is a risky venture. Not profitability wise but just in terms of what kind of audience it will get. It is not about insecurity but more about reality. I’m pretty sure if Ghajini was releasing intead it’d be a done deal that it would kick Welcome’s behind. Every film comes with a different profile and something like TZP is far more tricky to predict then say RDB. The latter too was risky but not as much.
‘If a star can not bring about a confidence from his own fans about his next film…is he really a star?’
I guess its a realistic approach. I am very confident the movie will be good. That is all ultimately I care about. Box office am sure will sort itself out.
Comment by Nitesh on 12 December 2007:
“It is not about insecurity but more about reality. I’m pretty sure if Ghajini was releasing intead it’d be a done deal that it would kick Welcome’s behind.”
Jay, am also sure that no Aamir or Hrithik can come in front of Akki Bhai’s comedy now.
But let’s not speculate…as it will leave lose ends.
BTW…Hrithik’s fans ki to jali padi hai…dhuan hi dhuan…
Stardom changes so quickly….achch nahin hua