Imran Khan Says Shah Rukh, Salman & Aamir Can’t Keep Playing Young Leads at 60, Sparks Bollywood Debate

The actor feels changing audience tastes and age-appropriate storytelling are pushing Bollywood towards a generational shift.

Actor Imran Khan has stirred a fresh debate in Bollywood after candidly sharing his thoughts on the future of the industry’s biggest superstars — Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. In a recent interview, Imran suggested that while the three Khans remain massive cultural icons, playing traditional lead roles well into their 60s may no longer connect with today’s younger audience.

Imran explained that cinema, like society, evolves with time, and so do audience expectations. According to him, younger viewers increasingly prefer stories and characters that feel relatable to their own age group and lived experiences. He pointed out that there comes a phase in every actor’s career when continuing to portray youthful romantic heroes starts to feel disconnected from reality, regardless of stardom.

The timing of Imran’s comments is significant, as all three Khans are navigating a changing box-office landscape. Shah Rukh Khan saw a massive resurgence with action-driven films that leaned more on scale and spectacle, while other projects have received mixed responses. Aamir Khan has been selective after setbacks in recent years, and Salman Khan, too, has faced fluctuating audience reactions despite his loyal fan base. These trends reflect how star power alone may no longer guarantee universal appeal.

Industry insiders often cite Amitabh Bachchan as an example of graceful reinvention — transitioning from romantic leads to powerful, age-appropriate roles without losing relevance. Imran’s remarks echo a broader industry conversation: longevity today depends not just on fame, but on adapting to changing narratives and embracing roles that align with an actor’s age and screen persona.

Unsurprisingly, Imran’s statement has divided opinions. While some fans believe the Khans’ charisma transcends age, others agree that Bollywood is witnessing a generational shift where storytelling, realism, and character depth matter more than ever. Whether or not the superstars choose to reinvent themselves, one thing is clear — the conversation around age, stardom, and evolving audience tastes in Hindi cinema is far from over.