Annu Kapoor Disagrees That Shah Rukh Khan Is ‘The Last of the Stars’ – Here’s Why

Bollywood's enduring debate over 'superstardom' has been reignited, with veteran actor Annu Kapoor openly disputing Shah Rukh Khan's famous declaration of being "the last of the stars." Kapoor, in a candid recent interview, expressed scepticism about the longevity of any single actor's absolute dominance, particularly looking two decades into the future. ‘King’ Becomes Shah Rukh Khan’s Most Expensive Film With INR 450 Crore Budget? Director Siddharth Anand Reacts With Cryptic Post.

Annu Kapoor Doesn't Believe Shah Rukh Khan is the 'Last Superstar'

Annu Kapoor's comments came during an interaction with Hindi Rush, where he directly addressed Shah Rukh Khan's statement made over a decade ago on Anupam Kher's talk show, Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, where SRK had said, "Main modest hoon, but I'll tell you honestly? I am the last of the stars."

Challenging this notion, Kapoor stated, "I don't think so." He elaborated on his perspective, suggesting that the media often creates such narratives, referencing similar claims made during the era of late superstar 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," Kapoor explained. "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."

Without directly naming Shah Rukh Khan in this specific comparison, Kapoor drew a statistical parallel to veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan's career. "The actor you're referring to started around 1992. That makes it about 34 years," Kapoor stated. "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."

Despite his scepticism regarding the 'last superstar' tag, Annu Kapoor was quick to acknowledge Shah Rukh Khan's immense global success, adding, "But nobody can take away the fact that Shah Rukh Khan is the second-richest actor in the world."

Annu Kapoor on Working with Shah Rukh Khan

The conversation also veered into Annu Kapoor's past professional association with Shah Rukh Khan. When asked about working with SRK, Kapoor initially claimed he didn't remember their collaboration. However, upon being reminded, he recalled their shared screen space in Yash Chopra's 1993 psychological thriller Darr.

"I don't remember," Kapoor admitted. "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." He clarified that his involvement in Darr was minimal, stating, "I had just three days of shooting and wasn't involved much. I have nothing to do with Shah Rukh Khan. And when I have nothing to do with someone, all I have for them are blessings and prayers."

Beyond their professional encounter, Kapoor offered high praise for Shah Rukh Khan's personal attributes. "I have definitely heard that he is a very good father, 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 concluded. Which Was Deepika Padukone's Debut Film? Here's How Shah Rukh Khan Reacted to Its Box Office Success.

Watch Annu Kapoor's Interview:

On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan will be next seen in Siddharth Anand's stars-studded action thriller King, co-starring Deepika Padukone and Suhana Khan.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2026 10:32 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).