Veteran actor Annu Kapoor is known to be one of the most outspoken actors in Indian cinema. In a recent interaction, Annu Kapoor commented on the popular ‘last of the stars’ remake made by Shah Rukh Khan many years ago.
Speaking to Hindi Rush, Annu Kapoor was talking about the long-lasting relevance of big stars, and how very few stars manage to achieve it. In the same line of thought, he added, “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? Will he still be relevant in 2045? I don't think so.”
The actor also named legendary film artists like Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, asserting that nobody has come close to having such longevity apart from these figures. “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, it has become very difficult for anyone to sustain such a long career,” he said.
At the same time, Annu Kapoor praised Shah Rukh for being a loving family man, adding, “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.
Recalling the times when they worked together in the 1993 film Darr, Annu Kapoor said, “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.”
It is to be noted that Shah Rukh Khan made the said ‘Last star’ remark in 2014 during an appearance on Anupam Kher's chat show Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai.