Actor Annu Kapoor has questioned Shah Rukh Khan's claim of being the "last of the stars", saying that very few artistes have managed to remain relevant across generations. Referring to the actor's career, Kapoor said it would be difficult to predict whether Shah Rukh could sustain the same level of relevance for another two decades.
His comments came more than a decade after Shah Rukh, during an appearance on Anupam Kher's chat show Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai in 2014, described himself as "the last of the stars".
In an interview with Hindi Rush, Annu Kapoor argued that the media has long shaped narratives around stardom, recalling how similar claims were once made about the late Rajesh Khanna.
"For years, the media has been creating this narrative that a particular person is the last superstar. Similar things were said during Rajesh Khanna's time. Looking back, nobody in this industry has come close to matching the kind of innings Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle have had. It has become very difficult for anyone to sustain such a long career," he said.
Kapoor then compared Shah Rukh Khan's career with veteran star Amitabh Bachchan's longevity.
"The actor you are referring to started around 1992. That makes it about 34 years. If you subtract 34 from Amitabh Bachchan's 53-year career, there are still 19 years left. Do you think it is possible for Shah Rukh Khan to remain equally relevant for another 19 years? I'm not taking his name on purpose. Will he still be relevant in 2045? I don't think so," he said.
However, Kapoor clarified that his remarks were not intended to diminish Shah Rukh's achievements.
"But nobody can take away the fact that Shah Rukh Khan is the second-richest actor in the world," he added.
Recalling his experience of working with Shah Rukh in Yash Chopra's Darr, Kapoor initially said they had never worked together. After being reminded that they shared screen space in the 1993 psychological thriller, he responded, "I don't remember. He was extremely new then. I don't remember what we spoke about. You should ask him if he remembers working with me and whether he learnt something from me."
Despite disagreeing with the "last superstar" label, Kapoor praised Shah Rukh for his personal values.
"I have definitely heard that he is a very good father and husband and an excellent brother. That is what should be remembered. Superstars come and go, but a man who cares for his sister and his family, that is his biggest achievement," he said.
On the film front, Shah Rukh Khan is preparing for his next, King, with director Siddharth Anand. The film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and his daughter Suhana Khan.
- Ends
Published On:
Jul 21, 2026 20:37 IST