Posted on April 6, 2014 at 5:26 am

Bollywood Featured What's Happenin'

One Award Show, One Roof, Will all the Khans be at IIFA?

Khans, Kapoors, Bacchans, Roshans, Kumars and Chopras are a majority of the surnames in the Bollywood industry. Some of them are related, some wish they were, and well others prefer not to be associated with their surname counterparts.

Let’s start with the Khans, you have Shahrukh, Salman, Amir, and Saif. These Bollywood heart-throbs are some of the reigning kings of Bollywood. This year Forbes listed Shahrukh and Salman as the top two grossing Bollywood stars for 2013. The Khans have been infamous with stardom since the early ’90s. If you are new to Bollywood and want to know which Bollywood movies you might be interested, here is a quick guide:

Shahrukh was not born into the Bollywood industry but started from humble beginnings in New Delhi. He was known for his diversity; from playing an obsessed lover in Baazingar, Darr, and Anjam, to a son that any mother would want in Karan Arjun. He slowly became one of the most bankable actors in Bollywood. As his years in the industry continued, Shahrukh continued to play various roles like a student falling in love in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge, to a father in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to an innocent prisoner in Pakistan in Veer Zara, and to a superhero in Ra. One. When you watch his first debut film in 1992 to his commercial success Chennai Express in 2013, you will realize that Shahrukh Khan can play it all. He has now added to his resume producer, owner of a cricket league, and various product’s brand ambassador.

 

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Where do I start with Salman Khan– he is the epitome of bad boy turned good in the Indian film industry. Unlike, Shahrukh Khan, Salman is the son of famous writer Salim Khan (who co-wrote Sholay with Javed Akhtar). His initial commercial successes were due to his canny ability to play a dreamy young lover in films like Maine Pyaar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun. He also became synonymous with the name Prem, his name in 14 films. Salman had previously struggled throughout his initial years in the film industry, written off by many critics for lacking acting finesse and dancing skills, but that never stopped him from reaching the top. If one ever wanders down Bandstand in Mumbai, they can be sure to see a crowd at his Galaxy Apartment complex. Since 2010, he has been known as having the Midas touch to any Bollywood film he signs with. He has four out of the 10 top-grossing Bollywood films of all time: Dabangg, Bodyguard, Ek Tha Tiger, and Dabangg 2. If anybody reading this article is also wanting to enter the film industry, Salman Khan is also known as giving any newcomer a chance. He is one to not shy away from the norm, and make an identity for himself.

When someone hears a perfectionist in Bollywood, they think of Mr. Aamir Khan. Don’t get me wrong, Aamir has had his share of flop films, but since 2001 has chosen his films very carefully. He is known to only crank out 1 film every 1 to 2 years. For Aamir, quality is definitely more important than quantity. His movies not only bring fans for its entertainment value, but also for its social message. He played a poor villager fighting the British for high taxes in Lagaan (which also got a Oscar nomination) to a teacher helping a young child batter dyslexia in Taare Zameen Par. Recently, Aamir has also added television host to his roles by hosting Satyamev Jayate, a television show highlighting social issues throughout India. Many times on the show, you can witness the actor tearing up over issues like dowry, fetocide, and injustice toward those who are physically or mentally handicapped.

Finally, the Royalty himself Saif Ali Khan. For many that don’t know, Saif is a prince in real life, his father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was not only a famous Indian cricketer but also Nawab (Prince) of Pataudi. His mother, Sharmila Tagore, was a famous actress of the 1960’s and 1970’s, she even starred in American movie called Mississippi Masala starring Denzel Washington. So as you can see, Saif was destined for the spot light. He, like Salman, had a tough time at the initial stages of his career, but certainly has risen to the ranks and shown the film industry, that he too can hold his own at the box office. Saif propelled into the limelight after the commercial success of Dil Chaate Hai, a story of 3 friends trying to find themselves after college. After this, Saif was signed as the lead for many commercial successes Ek Hasina Thi, Hum Tum, and Parineeta. His versatility is evident through these films, which culminated in his best performance to date, as a negative character in Omkara. His private life has also garnered much attention in the past few years by marrying Kareena Kapoor, daughter of Randhir Kapoor & Babita. So Saif has it all; a highly satisfying career, impeccable comic timing, and a beautiful wife.

Stay tuned for my next installment……
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