Veteran actor Annu Kapoor has questioned the claim in which Shahrukh Khan was called the ‘last superstar’. He started a new debate by giving the example of changing times.
The debate about ‘last superstar’ in Bollywood has once again intensified. This time, veteran actor Annu Kapoor has raised questions on Shahrukh Khan’s famous statement in which he called himself the last superstar. Annu Kapoor believes that cinema keeps changing and it would not be right to call any one actor the last superstar forever. He gave his opinion on the real test of stardom by citing the example of long careers of stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. However, he also openly praised Shahrukh’s success and his personality.
What did Annu Kapoor say on the claim of ‘last superstar’?
While talking to Hindi Rush, Annu Kapoor said that it is not fair to call any one actor as the ‘last superstar’ of the industry. According to him, such claims were made for many artists earlier also, but with time new stars kept emerging. He said that the media had said similar things earlier also during the era of Rajesh Khanna, but the journey of Indian cinema did not stop there. He said that the real identity of an artist is that he can maintain his work and popularity for many decades. Without taking the name of Shahrukh Khan, Annu Kapoor said,
This actor started his career around 1992 and has completed almost 34 years in the industry. If compared with Amitabh Bachchan’s career, will this actor be able to maintain his same importance for the next 19 years? Will it have the same identity in 2045? I don’t think so.
Also read: Neither wife, nor children, nor parents, this one picture always remained in Shahrukh Khan’s pocket!
Which artists did Annu Kapoor give example of?
Apart from Amitabh Bachchan, Annu Kapoor gave examples of nightingale Lata Mangeshkar and veteran singer Asha Bhosle and said that there are very few artists who remain relevant continuously for many decades. According to him, the real achievement is to maintain a place in people’s hearts for a long time. Annu Kapoor clarified that he has no personal grudge against Shahrukh Khan. He said, “I have nothing to do with Shahrukh Khan and when I have nothing to do with anyone, I only wish them blessings.” He also admitted that Shahrukh’s global popularity and financial success cannot be ignored.
What did Annu Kapoor say about Shahrukh Khan as a family man?
Annu Kapoor also praised Shahrukh Khan’s personal life. He said that he has always heard that Shahrukh is a devoted father, good husband and responsible brother. In his words, “Superstars come and go.” He said that these qualities of a human being are more important than any stardom.
Also read: When Shahrukh Khan did not have money to pay EMI, the bank towed his car.
When did Shahrukh Khan say ‘Aakhri Superstar’?
Shahrukh Khan had called himself the ‘last star’ during Anupam Kher’s talk show ‘Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai’ in 2014. Since then, this statement has become a topic of discussion from time to time. Talking about the work front, after giving successful films like ‘Pathan’, ‘Jawaan’ and ‘Dinky’ in the year 2023, Shahrukh Khan is now busy preparing for ‘King’. In this film directed by Siddharth Anand, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Anil Kapoor will also be seen in important roles. The film will be released on 24 December 2026.