Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 11: Filmmaker Sajid Khan recently shared his candid views on the shifting definition of a "hero" in Bollywood, arguing that the era of iconic, larger-than-life male leads is on the decline. In a podcast conversation with Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa, Khan reflected on how the industry today is filled with lead actors, but very few who carry the stature of a true hero.

The Classic Bollywood Hero is Fading

According to Khan, the traditional image of a Bollywood hero—embodied by legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna, and Mithun Chakraborty—has become rare. “Hero bahut kam bache hain apne paas. There are no heroes in today’s time. There are leads,” he remarked. In his view, today's actors may headline films, but they lack the larger-than-life appeal that once defined stardom. "Now, anyone can be in a film. The value of a hero has diminished,” he added.

South Indian Cinema Keeps the Hero Alive

While critiquing the evolution of Bollywood, Sajid praised South Indian cinema for preserving the true essence of heroism. He noted that Southern heroes are still portrayed with grandeur, often held to moral and cultural ideals. “In the South, the word ‘hero’ still means something,” he said. “There’s no such thing as a ‘super-lead’—only superheroes, and they still carry that aura.”

Muscles Don’t Make the Man

Khan also spoke about how today’s focus on physical fitness has changed perceptions of what makes a compelling lead. He pointed out that older stars like Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan weren’t known for gym-sculpted bodies, but their intense expressions and screen presence made them unforgettable.

He credited Salman Khan for popularizing the fitness trend in Bollywood, especially after Maine Pyaar Kiya, which kicked off the six-pack craze. But he was quick to clarify: “A hero is made from his eyes, not just his biceps.”

Emotions Over Aesthetics

Using Ranbir Kapoor’s role in Animal as an example, Sajid stressed that emotional resonance matters more than physical transformation. “Ranbir’s performance would’ve been just as powerful without the muscle gain—because it’s the intensity in his eyes that connects,” he said.

He also praised Sunny Deol’s powerful presence in Gadar 2, noting that his unchiseled, raw physique still made his action scenes impactful. “Deol’s ‘desi body’ has more weight than six-pack abs,” Sajid asserted.

In a time when style often overshadows substance, Khan’s words serve as a reminder that true heroism on screen comes from depth, conviction, and charisma—not just physical form.