The Three Khans and Amitabh Bachchan

When Amitabh Bachchan (AB or Big B) stormed Indian cinema in the early seventies by doing roles of 'angry young men' the three Khans were little children. By the time the three Khans became megastars Big B was a legend. So, the first feeling towards Big B from the Khans is of great respect.

He was Aamir Khan's icon, Salman Khan's all time favorite hero and Shahrukh Khan's inspiration. Competition and the No. 1 controversies, if any for any, were always skillfully hidden in the normal layer of superlatives and reverence. From his side, Amitabh Bachchan always recognized their talent and megastar status.

Aamir Khan often acknowledged Amitabh Bachchan as the unconditional No. 1 corroborating the fact that competition was not just possible with a legend.

They have never acted in a movie together so far and their meetings are also very rare thanks to idealist Aamir's unwillingness to waste time at film parties or award ceremonies. Some recent meetings included that on Aamir's father's death and on the launch of his wicked comedy Delhi Belly. In fact, they were on a business confrontation in 2011 when Big B's comeback project Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap (Oldie Would be Thy Dad! ) and Aamir's Delhi Belly were released on the same date. There were reports of unhappiness and grumblings and blogging. But the two fine actors surpassed this episode in characteristic dignity and etiquette.

Salman Khan acted with his favorite hero in a few movies, the most memorable one being Baghban (Gardener, 2003) where Salman played the role of Amitabh's adopted son, though only in a brief appearance.

Salman is never reported to have uttered anything about competing with the legend except for hosting one television reality show called Big Boss. Rana Pratap Singh KBC While Big B hosted the launch show, Salman hosted two more seasons including that in 2011. They meet frequently in award shows, television shows and so on, and there seems to be no painful kickbacks of Salman's most widely publicized affair with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the late nineties.

Shahrukh Khan, compared to the classic hero Dilip Kumar in intensity, has been having the most exciting and eventful on-and-off-screen relationship with Amitabh Bachchan. The sentiments of respect adulation spirit competition and comparisons have all mixed up into a unique wholesome as far as the two are concerned. Shahrukh, of course, is known to have made noises about being No. 1 on different occasions.

Shahrukh Khan became a superstar in mid-nineties by which time Amitabh Bachchan was caught in a dilemma of playing a hero still or switching to character roles. Aamir Khan too was in some sort of wilderness. So, very soon Sharrukh was crowned as King Khan of Bollywood. But the television game show Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2000 changed everything. The show established popularity standards unheard of for any star in history.

Big B came roaring back for contesting No. 1 position again doing strong protagonist roles that were tailor made for his versatility and age. Comparisons with King Khan became the order of the day. Shahrukh hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2007 and did the hero in remakes of Amitabh classics like Don and Don-2 (original film in 1978 and remakes in 2006 and in 2011). The two overtly friendly superstars continued to meet and interact very frequently in award ceremonies, launch parties, television shows and even cricket events. The most recent and memorable meeting between the two was on the sets of Amitabh Bachchan's game show in 2011.

They have acted together in about three movies-the mega hit among them was Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham (Happiness Sometimes, Sadness Sometimes, 2001).

Most movie fans believe that any comparison with a legend is not possible and not justified too. They love all the worthy superstars for their worthy performances and whenever Big B is concerned they bow down with tremendous respect.

Chinmay Chakravarty is a professional specialized in the creative field with over two decades of experience in journalistic writing, media co-ordination, film script writing, film dubbing, film & video making, management of international film festivals and editing of books & journals. Proficient in providing professional services in these related fields. Presently working in Mumbai Doordarshan as a News Editor.