Superstars of Tomorrow?

By: Arya Aiyappan
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
New age actors are proving their mettle in Hindi film industry, giving a stiff competition to veterans, the super stars who had consolidated their position, the star status. With newcomers venturing into the industry, the options are innumerable. While for a couple of years ago the Khans (Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan) dictated the norms of the industry, of late the trend is in for a change with Ajay Devgan, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Emraan Hashmi and the Bachchans (Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan) slowly usurping the position. Versatility is the buzzword in Bollywood as against star image, which earlier dictated the norms.

Even when the Khans have their say, the winds of change are slowly making way for Abhishek Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan to prove their innate talent. Abhishek Bachchan, popularly known as Junior B is slowly edging his way to the top. Though his initial movies Refugee, Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya, Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost, etc failed to elicit much response at the box office, as actor he has matured with every movie, learning from his mistakes. With his unconventional guise and stature but sharp sense of humour thorough professionalism and unassuming nature the Junior B is set to stay in the industry.

Slowly but steadily he is climbing up the ladder with films like Dhoom, Yuva, Sarkar, Bluffmaster, Dus, Dhoom 2, Guru, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Bunty Aur Babli to his credit. Sarkar unearthed the sobriety in him, Dhoom and Dus the action hero image, Bunty Aur Babli the comic strain, and Yuva highlighted his ease and flexibility to portray the ruffian mentality. Proving his flexibility through comedies, dramas, thrillers and serious movies, he clearly managed to establish himself as a dependable actor of the age. Nevertheless there have been some flops as well though the hits far outweigh them. Emerging from his father's shadow to establish himself as an actor with a flair for acting he is popular among his co-stars for his cheerful temperament and ease.

Hrithik Roshan who became a phenomena with his first film Kaho Na Pyaar Hai, failed to sustain the charisma through his next films. Excellent physique and adorable appearance personifying the macho image, he is one star who is sure to be a contender for Abhishek. Some of his later movies like Mujhse Dosti Karoge, Na Tum Jano Na Hum failed to click at the box office. He is severely criticized for under performing in films other than those directed by his father. In 2006 his movies Dhoom 2 and Krrish reaped success at the box office to bring him back to the center stage again. Dhoom 2 brought to light his ability to maintain a sober attitude along with his dancing skills.

Abhishek is slowly edging his way up to the top rung, with Hrithik also vying for the same, though the flexibility and ease that Abhishek exudes on to the screen is immense. Hardworking as they are and the humility they embody is indeed worth appreciating. Box office data, audience response and the films are to decide their destiny. andTime would testify if Abhsihek who is at a winning edge or Hrithik who is up-and-coming would strike the bull's eye years down the lane.