Karan Johar explains why Shah Rukh Khan can't play ‘mellow characters’, praises Aamir Khan's versatility

Karan Johar, a prominent filmmaker in Bollywood, recently shared his insights on two of the industry’s biggest stars: Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. Known for their iconic roles and significant contributions to Indian cinema, both actors have carved out unique paths in their careers. Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the ‘King of Bollywood,’ is celebrated for his romantic leads and charismatic performances.Aamir Khan on the other hand who is known as ‘Mr. Perfectionist’ , is renowned for his versatility and commitment to socially relevant storytelling.
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Karan Johar discussed the challenges faced by Shah Rukh Khan in taking on unconventional roles. He expressed that the audience's expectations often confine Shah rukh to a specific image, making it difficult for him to explore more diverse or "mellow" characters. Johar stated, “No one will allow Shah Rukh Khan to play mellow characters,” emphasizing the constraints placed on the actor due to his superstar status.
KJo attributed part of this issue to the audience's reluctance to accept experimental roles from SRK, citing films like Paheli and Asoka as examples where the actor attempted to step outside his comfort zone but did not receive the expected acclaim. He remarked that the pressure of maintaining a superstar image can deter actors from pursuing offbeat characters, which ultimately limits their artistic expression.
In contrast, Karan Johar praised Aamir Khan as "the real game changer" in Bollywood. He highlighted Aamir’s ability to select diverse roles that challenge societal norms and expectations. Films like Lagaan, Taare Zameen Par, Rang De Basanti, and Dil Chahta Hai exemplify Aamir's commitment to varied storytelling that resonates with audiences on multiple levels. Johar noted, “I think Aamir would do [it]. Lagaan is one of those films that will go down in Hindi cinema’s history,” showcasing how Aamir has consistently pushed boundaries within the industry.
Johar elaborated on Aamir's impact by recalling the iconic year when Lagaan was nominated for an Academy Award alongside mainstream hits like Gadar and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. He asserted that despite the commercial success of these films, Aamir chose to pursue projects that enriched Hindi cinema's narrative landscape.
On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan is currently preparing for his upcoming film, The King, which will also feature his daughter Suhana Khan. This project marks a significant moment in both their careers as they collaborate on-screen.
Meanwhile, Aamir Khan is set to return with a new project titled Sitaare Zameen Par. Additionally, Aamir's production venture, Laapata Ladies, has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025.