Jab Tak Hai Jaan: Time to search for a new king of romance

New Delhi: The common viewers as well as the critics agreed on one fact after watching 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' is that Shah Rukh Khan has given a satisfying performance in the film despite the flaws in his characterisation. However, he would not be there for long to play the quintessential romantic hero, for obvious reasons.

So, it's the time for Bollywood to start looking for a new hero who could replace Shah Rukh Khan as the ultimate romantic hero of the Hindi film industry.

There are actors who have shown the promise to emerge as a good romantic hero but age is not on their side because most of those actors are in their early thirties or late twenties. If they start doing out and out romantic roles at this juncture of their career, they will either look misfit or over the top.

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  At 47, Shah Rukh Khan is working with actresses who are almost half of his age. Take a look at his most popular leading ladies...

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  Shah Rukh Khan was seen romancing Deepa Sahi in 1993 film 'Maya Memsaab'. Deepa is almost of his age.

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  His chemistry with Madhuri Dixit in 'Anjaam' was also great. She is two years younger to Shah Rukh Khan.

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  Shah Rukh Khan was cast opposite Kajol in his one of the most popular romantic films 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', released in 1995. She is 38 now.

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  'Pardes' actress Mahima Chaudhry is eight years younger to King Khan.

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  Karishma Kapoor played the second lead in SRK's 'Dil To Pagal Hai'. She is also 38 now.

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  'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' actress Rani Mukerji is 13 years younger to him.

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  SRK's 'Mohabbatein' lady love, Aishwarya Rai is eight years younger to him. Can you make out the difference?

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  In past few years, the age gap between Shah Rukh Khan and his heroines has increased a lot. 'Asoka' actress Kareena Kapoor is 32-year-old.

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  In 2006 film 'Don', Shah Rukh Khan was cast opposite Priyanka Chopra, who is just 30.

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  Deepika Padukone was just 21-year-old when she made her Bollywood debut with 'Om Shanti Om' in 2007.

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  SRK's 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' co-star Anushka Sharma is almost half of his age.

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  Shah Rukh Khan was seen romancing Kareena Kapoor yet again in 'Ra.One' released in 2011.

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  His 'Don 2' co-star Lara Dutta is almost 13 years younger to him.

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  His latest leading lady Katrina Kaif is just 28-year-old. Did you like their chemistry in the film?

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There are actors who have shown the promise to emerge as a good romantic hero but age is not on their side.

Shahid Kapoor still has boy-ish charm and a little innocence on his face, but he hasn't looked very convincing as a romantic lead in the past.

Similarly, Ranbir Kapoor is an actor who has good acting potential and 'Barfi' showed his range. He is 30 and experimental, but probably he would not go for happy-go-lucky roles. If he goes than he could be a good replacement for SRK.

The time has changed and filmmakers have decided to make films which can suit the mindset of the contemporary generation, therefore every new actor is doing character driven films rather than theme driven films.

The Indian audiences have a distinct idea of a romantic hero, and any actor with rough-tough appearance might not match their expectations, so the choice gets very limited. Ranveer Singh and others of his league are not the 'innocent' lover-boys.

The filmmakers and veteran actors know this fact and that's why they are still going for established actors. In this scenario, one would just wish for a new talent to emerge and fulfil the vacant slot.

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