How Salman, SRK risked decades long image with bold new choices

As stars like SRK, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn step out of their comfort zones to play unconventional roles, experts commend the move, say they are pushing the envelope.

Actor Salman Khan plays a simpleton in director Kabir Khan’s new film. Like him, a number of other popular Bollywood actors — Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan and Shahid Kapoor — will also be seen playing different roles in their upcoming ventures.

While Shah Rukh plays a gangster in Raees, Ajay, who is known for his high-octane action roles will play a middle-aged family-man in Drishyam. Experts feel that trying off-beat roles is good for established stars.

Since his 2009 release, Wanted, Salman Khan has become synonymous with larger-than-life films that are high on action. But, with Bajrangi Bhaijaan (BB), he has tried something unconventional.

While Shah Rukh plays a gangster in Raees, Ajay, who is known for his high-octane action roles will play a middle-aged family-man in Drishyam.

Aamir, who is, perhaps, the only star who has consistently experimented with his films over the years, will do the same with his next. He will be seen as an aged ex-wrestler in Dangal. "I have never worked as per logic; I just go with my heart. The fact that an actor gets to be different human beings is what makes the job exciting," Aamir told us, in an earlier interview. He will be seen playing a 27-year-old as well as a 55-year-old in the same film.

Experts also feel that trying off-beat roles is good for established stars. “They are all phenomenal actors, and it’s great that they are trying their hands at different kinds of roles as they can’t just keep playing to the gallery. After all, they also have to push the envelope as far as quality Hindi films are concerned,” says Akshaye Rathi, exhibitor-distributor.

The actors, on their part, also realise the challenge that is associated with trying something new. “It is a space I have never tried; it is a different film. Rahul Dholakia (director) narrated the script to me and I liked it very much,” Shah Rukh had told PTI, while speaking about his next.