Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan have dominated Bollywood for over three decades, shaping generations of cinema lovers and delivering countless blockbusters. However, actor Imran Khan believes the industry’s most iconic trio may need to reassess the kind of roles they choose going forward. In a candid conversation with SHOWSHA, Imran suggested that the three Khans should consider transitioning into more age-appropriate characters instead of continuing as traditional leading men.
Imran, who has recently made his long-awaited return to the entertainment industry with Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, spoke openly about how changing audience sensibilities demand more relatable storytelling. The project, produced under his banner, also features a cameo by his maternal uncle, Aamir Khan. Reflecting on longevity in cinema, Imran said that leading-man roles often come with a natural expiry date.
“As a leading man, actors also start to age out,” Imran explained. “There are certain years where you can work as a leading man, and then there comes an age where you are not able to play those roles.” He added that after enjoying nearly 30 years of stardom and entering their 60s, actors like Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir might benefit from evolving the characters they portray.
According to Imran, the audience today looks for stories that reflect their own lives and experiences. “There is a whole new younger generation that begins to attach itself to people closer to them in age and experience,” he said. “When we watch films or shows, first and foremost, we are trying to see ourselves in those stories and characters.”
He further pointed out that relatability plays a huge role in modern storytelling. “The younger generation might not want to watch the story of a 70-year-old man,” Imran remarked, suggesting that casting choices and narratives need to align more closely with audience expectations.
Despite his observations, Imran acknowledged the massive fan bases the three Khans continue to command. In recent years, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan have all seen a mix of box-office hits and misses, yet their stardom remains largely intact. Their films continue to generate intense curiosity and discussion, proving their enduring influence on Hindi cinema.
Imran’s comments have sparked debate online, with many agreeing that reinvention is key to longevity, while others feel the Khans still have the star power to headline big films. Whether or not the trio chooses to transition into different kinds of roles, one thing is certain—the conversation around age, relatability and evolving stardom in Bollywood is louder than ever.