‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ set to return with Season 16

2025 is a landmark year for Bollywood: the three Khans - Aamir, Shah Rukh, and Salman — are all turning 60. Aamir celebrated his milestone in March, Shah Rukh in November, and Salman will follow in December. All three have dominated Hindi cinema for over three decades, delivering blockbusters and cultivating fan followings that span generations. Yet, as social media erupted in celebrations for Shah Rukh Khan’s recent milestone, with fans worldwide trending hashtags and creating virtual fanfare, it became evident: in the long-standing “battle of the Khans,” SRK emerges as the true winner.

Three paths to stardom: Insider advantage vs. outsider’s triumph

All three Khans share a rare distinction — over 30 years at the pinnacle of Bollywood. Yet their paths to stardom couldn’t be more different. Aamir Khan and Salman Khan had early advantages through family connections. Salman is the son of legendary screenwriter Salim Khan, while Aamir was launched by his powerful filmmaker uncle Nasir Hussain with the blockbuster Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Both found stardom first, navigating the film industry’s complex networks with relative ease.