The battle of the three Khans — Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir — is Bollywood’s most iconic and long-running showdown, playing out not just on the big screen, but at the box office and in the hearts of millions.
For decades, their rivalry has fueled fan wars, headlines, and a cultural obsession over who truly reigns supreme.
The Khans, in a way, became more than just actors – inspiring the kind of lifelong loyalty usually reserved for cricket teams in India. And in this ongoing battle, everyone claims their Khan is king.
But, coming to the ultimate showdown, which Khan truly won his 60s? The film critics who have followed their journey have a unanimous opinion — “SRK is miles ahead.”
“Shah Rukh has evolved with the times. He is equally relevant to the Gen Zs as he is to the millennials, Gen X, and boomers,” said film critic Ramesh Bala.
SRK reigns supreme
When Shah Rukh Khan made his 2025 Met Gala debut in an all-black Sabyasachi ensemble, the internet broke.
Laden with statement chains and a glitzy ‘K’ pendant — a nod to his ‘King Khan’ title — the look instantly became a viral sensation, ruling headlines and social media timelines.
“This is just another example of how Shah Rukh consistently pushes creative boundaries to remain relevant, not just in India but globally,” said Ramesh Bala, who describes Shah Rukh Khan as someone “deeply committed to his craft.”
Film critic Amit Bhatia called SRK’s recent resurgence — marked by the 2023 blockbusters Pathaan and Jawan — the “biggest comeback” in Bollywood history.
Both films soared past the Rs 1,000 crore mark at the box office.
“People were hungry to see him on the big screen again. Even though the films were average in terms of content, they succeeded purely on the strength of SRK’s charisma,” Bhatia explained.
Both Bala and Bhatia agree: the mania surrounding SRK’s upcoming film, King, is unmatched and truly phenomenal.
“The collective anticipation around both Salman and Aamir’s films is beaten by SRK’s single project – King,” Bala said.
There’s a reason why SRK’s presence is so magnetic, explained Bhatia. “He has created his scarcity. Therefore, every appearance feels like an event.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s experimental fashion has also kept him relevant.
“He has ditched the boyish charm and is embracing the macho look,” said Bhatia.
Also read: Aamir Khan was the OG method actor. Problem started when he turned to comedy
Salman’s journey
Salman Khan seems to be navigating a rough patch.
His latest release, Sikandar, was panned by critics, with Bhatia describing it as “outrightly bad.”
Salman, he said, looked unfit, and the film gave the impression that he was taking his audience for granted.
Interestingly, the actor himself joked about Sikandar’s failure on The Great Indian Kapil Show. In a moment of self-deprecating humour, Salman asked comedian Sunil Grover (who was mimicking him): “Is your work going well? Did Sikandar hurt your wallet?”
“He knows he messed up,” said Bhatia. That said, Salman’s star power remains largely intact. Sikandar made money despite “being a poor film”, stressed Bhatia, earning Rs 184.6 crore in worldwide box office collections.
Salman’s upcoming films include Kick 2, Tiger vs Pathaan, an untitled project with Atlee, and Mission Chulbul Singham with Rohit Shetty. But Bala finds little excitement in these choices. “The formula of masala 1990s and 2000 genres won’t work nowadays. The audience wants new and exciting content. He has to do something like Jawan or KGF,” he said.
According to Bala, Salman should collaborate with a pan-India star cast and be careful in terms of story selection.
“He has to do something grand — grand in story, emotions, director, heroine.”
Also read: Marvel Avengers need the Shah Rukh Khan magic. He can easily be the next Iron Man
Failed Midas touch
Unlike Shah Rukh and Salman Khan, who are known for their mainstream commercial entertainers, Aamir has always prioritised content in his films.
And with movies such as 3 Idiots (2009), PK (2014), and Dangal (2016) — he earned the tag of Mr. Perfectionist.
But the actor seems to have lost his Midas touch now, said Bhatia. “He is not in his peak as he is reaching his 60s.”
That said, Aamir’s recently released Sitaare Zameen Par is enjoying a decent run at the box office, making Rs 259 crore worldwide on day 27 of its release.
Directed by RS Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par marks Aamir Khan’s return to the theatres nearly three years after Laal Singh Chaddha, which had failed to perform at the box office.
Critics, however, aren’t impressed with Aamir’s recent success.
“Sitaare Zameen Par is good, but it’s not Taare Zameen Par (2007),” Bhatia said. According to him, Laal Singh Chaddha was also along similar lines.
“People don’t expect a remake from Aamir. And, no matter how much you adapt, the word ‘remake’ gets imprinted on the minds of the viewers,” he explained.
As far as the actor’s upcoming projects are concerned, Bala is neither dismissing them nor has high expectations.
“Aamir is doing a cameo in Coolie, but it’s just a cameo. I also heard about 1947 Lahore, but I don’t know what the film is about, so can’t say anything as of now,” he said.
“But still, I would give him a number two spot, right after Shah Rukh Khan.”
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)