Pathaan (2023)’s second-half scene with Salman Khan as Tiger saving Shah Rukh Khan’s protagonist was one of Hindi cinema’s best. Still more. Pathaan and Tiger appear in the end credits and decide to let the young blood rule. However, they realize no one can replace them. Pathaan says, “Desh ka sawaal hai, baccho pe nahin chod sakte”. The Khans play spies and talk about younger secret agents, but they also subtly say they’re irreplaceable. Aamir Khan, the third Khan, has commented on this beloved scene.
Aamir was asked about this sequence by Anupama Chopra on The Hollywood Reporter India. “I found the scene really funny. I haven’t seen the film, but Instagram clips show that scene. So I saw that scene. I find it funny.”
After Anupama described the scene, he laughed and said, “I think all the young actors must have got really upset. Shah Rukh and Salman are difficult to anger. He laughed.
Aamir Khan was asked about his, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan’s success and future. It’s not just Salman, Shah Rukh, and me who have lasted 35 years, Aamir said. Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and others have worked with us.”
He then asked, “If anyone knows what stardom is and how to get it, please tell me.” Why I became a star and not someone else is beyond me. If you make me do it again, I won’t know how.”
As the internet and social media become more prevalent, he said, stardom will change. Previously, stars were unreachable. But now they’re easily accessible. I think those of us who became stars before social media and the internet had an advantage. New hires should avoid the public.”
After thinking, Aamir Khan said, “The yardstick I have used for stardom is how many seats do you feel. If you fill theaters, you’re famous. Otherwise, I may love you but not see your film. Stars may not fill seats, but as a producer, I expect them to. Why take him otherwise?