Sajid Khan recently shared his thoughts on how the idea of a “hero” in Bollywood is fading. In a recent podcast, he said that today’s industry has more lead actors than real heroes. He reflected on how the definition of a hero has changed over the years.
Classic Bollywood Hero Is Fading
In a conversation on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, Sajid Khan quoted that the classic image of a Bollywood hero, once represented by legends like Amitabh Bachchan , Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna , and Mithun Chakraborty , has faded over time. “Hero bahut kam bache hain apne paas. There are no heroes in today’s time. There are leads. “The ones who used to be heroes are now just leads. Nowadays, anyone can do a film because the value of a hero has diminished.”
True Heroes Still Thrive in South Indian Cinema
Sajid emphasized that the essence of a true hero is still alive in South Indian films. He noted that heroes in the South are portrayed with grandeur and are held to a moral standard, where their actions must align with societal values. He also pointed out that while there is no term like "super-lead," the word "superhero" still signifies the kind of stature heroes once held in cinema.
Changing Hero Dynamics and Physical Fitness
He reflected on how actors in earlier generations didn’t rely on muscular physiques to leave an impact. He noted that stars like Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan conveyed intensity through their expressions, despite not having well-defined bodies. Sajid credited Salman Khan for popularizing the gym-toned look in Bollywood, especially after 'Maine Pyaar Kiya,' which sparked the six-pack trend. However, he emphasized that physical fitness alone doesn’t define a hero; true intensity comes from an actor's eyes.
Emotional Depth Over Physical Transformation
Pointing to Ranbir Kapoor’s physical transformation for Animal, Sajid said his performance would have been equally powerful without the muscle gain, thanks to the emotional depth in his eyes. He also referenced Sunny Deol ’s role in 'Gadar 2', praising Deol’s natural, strong presence. Despite not having a gym-toned body, Deol’s “desi body” made his action scenes feel convincing and impactful.