Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan – Can these living legends be compared?

If your first reaction after reading the title was – ‘ Oh no! Not again!’ or something to that effect, we apologize. But the comparison between Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan is so interesting, we felt the site was incomplete without it. In fact, any Bollywood loving journalist will eventually come to the point when he feels like comparing these living legends simply because they have given so much to Indian cinema.

One of the favorite coffee table discussions in the Hindi film industry is – who is the greatest ‘Khan’ – is it the flamboyant Shah Rukh or intense perfectionist Aamir. Is it the suave and charming Saif Ali Khan or Salman Khan with his huge fan following?

Is it a case of jostling for position among equals or is it a case of one of them standing head and shoulders above all the others?

This discussion can only be charted out by analyzing the contributions, on-screen acting ability to churn out box office blockbusters, off screen popularity, and a general success rate as the most talked about superstar of Bollywood. Considering these five factors, one can easily shorten the list to Aamir and Shah Rukh who tower over all the others. Out of all the actors in Bollywood at the moment apart from a certain Amitabh Bachchan, only SRK and Aamir have managed to deliver films which have earned widespread success across international borders – critical and commercial.

Who is a better actor?

Aamir has acted in much fewer films, so there really cannot be a comparison made on this kind of premise. It is believed that he accepts very few films and only those where he is sure he can give a great performance. Here is a breakdown of his recent hits –

• Ghajini showcased a new Aamir – intense and full of rage. He built the physique of a fighter after three months of intensive workouts which instantly set trend of working out across gymkhana’s in India. Add to this the Ghajini buzz cut which was a rage all over the country too.
• Fanaa – Aamir was the sophisticated terrorist doubling up as a poetic guide – he charms you with witty shayari and frightens you with cold blooded looks. Though the film was badly reviewed, it was a box office hit.
• Rang De Basanti – in these days of angst and simmering discontent, he seemed to personify our desire to get rid of all the corrupt people of our society. The ‘DJ’ of RDB with his rustic accent and charming smiles won hearts across the country and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra became a critically acclaimed director.
• Dil Chahta Hai – This is one the few Hindi films with a cult fan following and here again Aamir made an indelible mark on the audience. This time, Aamir was the urban I-don’t-believe-in-love-shove boy who eventually falls badly in love.
• Lagaan – Versatility is something with which Aamir fills his appetite for success. If he could play the role of an urban super rich dude in modern India, why couldn’t he play a role a villager in Pre-Independance India when the British Raj was at it’s full glory? Play he did and not only did this periodic masala became an instant blockbuster, it was nominated to the prestigious Academy Awards America as well.
• Taare Zameen Par – Having had enough of ‘hero’ type roles, Aamir plays the teacher in this touching film which again won lots of critical awards and acclaims throughout the world. Incidentally, his role began in the second half of the film!
• 3 Idiots – Again! Aamir must have told himself – “If I can play a teacher, why can’t I play a student’s role?” And lo behold! We saw a fascinating display of genius in the role of Ranchchodas Chanchad. 3 Idiots broke nearly all records for being the highest grossing film of Bollywood ever.

These are but a few examples of his acting prowess – he has the ability to get under the skin of a role – he makes you forget that it is Aamir acting, the role is always sharply etched, and always played with a finesse that only a great performer can have.

A comparision of Shahrukh and Aamir Khan

Shah Rukh’s acting is also of a superb caliber, quite distinct from Aamir’s style. The histrionics and the emotions have always been portrayed with an unmatchable intensity. Shah Rukh, unlike no other actor has the unique ability to make us laugh or smile at the most ordinary of moments. Even today if you see ageless romcoms like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, or the more recent Devdas, you cannot help but feel happy and nice and sad and emotional, all at the same time.

However, Shah Rukh has the exclusive distinction of introducing the anti-hero in hindi films with his cult movies such as Baazigar and Darr. These were first class thrillers delivered by an actor who, so was the general consensus, specialized in romantic and mushy love movies.
In his latest film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi he plays the role of a simple small town man, with an added persona of a ‘macho’ dancer. How can you forget Chak De India – where without the addition of scantily clad heroines, he carried a great hit on his wide shoulders. Om Shanti Om – was glamor all the way, with Shahrukh in his element playing a double role.

Shah Rukh – The King Khan – has always been the producer’s and audience’s favorite with his versatile and moving roles.

If one compares their Box-office hits, Shahrukh emerges as a clear winner. Every film of his has usually been a hit – and the producers seem to be laughing all the way to the bank.

One of India’s most popular films, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge was SRK’s film and for a long time held the record of the biggest money raker in Bollywood until Ghajini surpassed it. Then came 3 Idiots and beat them them all!

Who is more versatile?

There we will have to declare a tie – both excel in light hearted films – remember Shahrukh in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Aamir in Raja Hindustani and Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Both of them can produce intense performances in heart wrenching films such as Taare Zameen Par and Devdas. Somehow we are beginning to take it for granted that their films will have superlative performances and will be very successful.

However, if you look at their last 2 films which were super hits in Bollywood, Aamir will definitely seem to be more versatile. He played the role of a teacher in Taare Zameen Par and that of a student in 3i. Of Shahrukh’s last 2 films (in which he starred in a leading role) were My Name is Khan and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi – An autistic genius and a simple man.

Who is Number One?

Now that question is subjective and the answer depends on the time period you are talking about. When Taare Zameen Par was released everyone said that Aamir is the greatest. However, a little later came Rab Ne Baba Di Jodi – and Shahrukh seemed to be waving the winner’s flag. This reversal of positions has been happening for many years.

So our humble opinion is that while Shah Rukh is a better entertainer, Aamir is the greater actor.

Conclusively, there really is no clear-cut answer to this question – they are incomparable actors quite responsible for raising the bar of Hindi movies and we are indeed blessed to be able to watch their movies during the peak of their careers.