Everybody strives for that one in a billion identity, that distinctive image. In a country of billion people, reaching that position, when the stakes are high, obviously is difficult. But once you attain that stage, holding to that special position is even more difficult. I feel heart broken seeing such people who got all the love, all the fanfare and all the stardom in their career, but on the way lost their charm, their grip. Let's have a look at those few lucky one's in the Hindi Film Industry- who missed it all halfway- while the race is still on!
5. Suniel Shetty: Suniel Shetty debuted with Balwan in 1992 and tasted moderate success. His first big success came in with Waqt Hamara Hai and Mohra. Both, However, featuring Akshay Kumar with him. Akshay for his better dancing skills and a mischievous look gained all the spot light and thus Shetty, who had an equal acting ability, remained under his shadow.
The only time he could have capitalized and rose to fame was, when he gave 3 back to back hits in Dilwale, Gopi Kishan and Bhai. He should have taken some risk with more solo films trying different genres. Instead he gave amazing performances in some supporting roles like Border, Hera Pheri, Refugee, Dhadkan Main Hoon Na, to name a few but could never come out of it.
4. Jackie Shroff: He debuted in Heera Panna in a villanious role and then did Swami Dada with Dev Anand. But his time turned, when he was casted by Subhas Ghai in 1983's Hero, which went on to become Super Hit. He tasted success with yet another film Andar Bahar with Anil Kapoor (that was beginning of his association with Anil) He gave several hits with Anil Kapoor in the coming years from Karma, Ram Lakhan, Parinda, Kaala Baazar to 1942 - A love story. He also gave powerful performances in 100 days, Saudagar, King Uncle, Rangeela
But somehow, when Anil Kapoor was still going strong and emerged as strong solo hero in years that followed, Jackie started accepting roles as supporting actors. Though he was brilliant in Khalnayak, Rangeela, Saudagar, Agni Shaksi, Devdas, he never remained the actor most talked. Also because, the country had accepted and was moving towards more romantic and chocolate type heroes like SRK, Aamir and Salman. Thus he got sidelined and was considered actor of an older generation. He grew as an actor with performances in Mission Kashmir, Devdas, Yaadein, but never was able to experience that star status that Khan trio and even Hrithik and Akshay are experiencing.
3. Akshay Khanna: His debut film flopped. However, his performance in J.P. Dutta's Border was appreciated. The turning point, and also from where he should have picked as a bankable actor, came in 1999. He gave stunning performance in Taal and moderately successful Aa Ab Laut Chalen.
He then took a break and then was seen in 2001 in Farhan Akhtar's cult movie Dil Chahta Hai. But by then, Hrithik mania had gripped the nation and a new fit-fine, heartthrob, dude image of Hindi film hero had become strong and thus Akshaye could never fit in.
However, the only good this film did to him was establish him as strong supportive actor. We saw some really strong performances of his in films like, Humraaz, Hulchul, Hungama, Gandhi My father and Aakrosh. Alas! He too went the Jackie way.
2. Bobby Deol: According to me he is the most veteran star son's to debuted just close to new millennium. His debut movie gained him the Filmfare best debut new comer award for Barsaat in 1995. He could have enjoyed the stardom today, if he would have capitalized on the early success. He did well after his debut, in films like, Gupt, Soldier, Kareeb, Badal and Bichoo. Bearing Kareeb all established him as action hero. A hero who was vulnerable yet powerful.
But, post this, selection of some awful films let to his down fall, from where he could never get back. Series of flops like Dillagi, Hum toh Mohabbat Karega, Aashiq, Chor Machaye Shor, Kismat etc. took him no where! Thus an almost end to what could have been a successful career. He came back in Humraaz and now in Yamla Pagla Deewana, but has missed on the much deserved stardom!
I feel really sad listing Govinda here. He is one actor that has been not honored his due by the industry. He has had a long inning. His first film was Ilzaam in 1986. Although the movie was a flop, it had a hit song 'Street Dancer'. He later featured in several such films from Love 86, Zulm Ki Hukumatt (an Indian remake of the Godfather) and was more than once paired with Neelam in Hit films like Hatya, Khudgarz, Jeetey Hain Shaan Se, Hum, and even in actions films like Martey Dum Tak, Jung Baaz.
He paired for the first time with David Dhawan in Taaqatwar and went on to give Superhit films with him like Coolie No.1 Hero No. 1, Aankhen, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Shola Aur Shabnam, Saajan Chale Saural, Haseena Maan Jaayegi and many more.
As a result, he widely gained popularity as the king of comedy and dance and as a Hero who could do anything. He had his unique style and approach to every scene that he delievered.
But as the 2000 year approached, his style of humour, his style of cinema began to lose hold in the industry. He failed to achieve the transition that he successfuly did from the late 80's to 90's. He had the opportunity to try that new 'something' post his awful political career. But, alas he chose the same rom-com genre!
Once a visual treat, once a flawless actor was trapped in the same old formula and style. Today, he's trying to successfully comeback in films like Partner, Raavan, but the charm, the undisputed charisma that he had in 90's ( that gave even the Khan power a tough time) is missing!
It is in the losses and hard time that we realize the real meaning of life! We realize the importance of relationship and how indebted we feel at their absence. But as life moves on, individuals have to move on.
It is in the losses and hard time that we realize the real meaning of life! We realize the importance of relationship and how indebted we feel at their absence. But as life moves on, individuals have to move on.
