Shah Rukh Khan’s well-known statement calling himself “the last of the stars” has repeatedly fueled debate over whether old-school Bollywood stardom can hold up against streaming platforms and shifting viewer tastes. Veteran actor Annu Kapoor, weighed in on the subject. Having shared screen space with Shah Rukh in the 1993 psychological thriller ‘Darr’, Annu pushed back on the notion that any single actor could be crowned the industry’s last superstar. He pointed out that similar tags had been attached to stars before, Rajesh Khanna being one example, yet cinema kept moving forward and throwing up fresh faces.
Annu Kapoor on Shah Rukh’s relevance by 2045
In a conversation with Hindi Rush, Annu pointed out that very few Indian artistes have managed to stay relevant across several decades, naming Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar, and Asha Bhosle as examples of performers with remarkably long careers. Without directly naming Shah Rukh repeatedly, he noted that the actor’s career started around 1992, putting him at roughly 34 years in the industry. Drawing a comparison to Amitabh Bachchan’s staying power, Annu questioned whether Shah Rukh could maintain that same relevance two decades from now. “Will he still be relevant in 2045? I don’t think so,” he said.
Annu Kapoor recalls working with SRK in ‘Darr’
However, Annu didn’t dismiss Shah Rukh’s remarkable financial success and worldwide fan following, admitting his wealth and stature simply couldn’t be overlooked. Questioned about their time together on ‘Darr’, Annu first claimed that he had never worked with Shah Rukh at all. Once reminded of the film, he admitted the memory was hazy since Shah Rukh was still a newcomer back then. He went on to reveal that director Yash Chopra had brought him on for just a three-day shoot, keeping him largely disconnected from the rest of the production. “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,” he said.
Annu Kapoor’s praise for SRK’s personal life
Even while disputing the “last superstar” tag, Annu had kind words for Shah Rukh as a person. He mentioned having heard that the actor was a devoted father, husband, and brother, adding that these roles mattered more than professional fame ever could. “Superstars come and go,” Annu remarked, hinting that Shah Rukh’s dedication to his family might, in the end, be regarded as his true legacy.
Origin of the ‘last of the stars’ remark
Shah Rukh first made the “last of the stars” remark back in 2014, during his appearance on Anupam Kher’s talk show ‘Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai’. That comment has continued to spark conversations about fame, staying power, and how the meaning of superstardom keeps evolving. Go to Source

