Once upon a time, the term “hero” in Indian cinema evoked images of towering personalities like Amitabh Bachchan or Dharmendra — men who commanded not just the screen, but the hearts of millions. They weren’t just playing roles; they were cultural icons, larger-than-life figures who defined eras. But now, according to filmmaker Sajid Khan, that very idea of the “hero” has faded away from Bollywood.
In a recent statement that has stirred conversations across film circles and fan communities, Sajid Khan claimed, “Bollywood only has lead actors, heroes are in the South.” A bold take, but is there some truth to it?
Sajid’s point is clear — in today’s Hindi film industry, the ‘hero’ has been replaced by the ‘actor.’ And while there’s no denying the talent and craft of the new generation, the magnetic presence of a traditional hero — someone who inspires awe, devotion, and mass frenzy — seems to be missing.
He backed his statement by referencing legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Mithun Chakraborty, who weren’t just acting — they were creating legacies. Their dialogues became slogans, their outfits became trends, and their every move was mimicked by fans in towns and cities alike. They represented more than just characters — they were embodiments of values, strength, and charisma.
But times have changed.
Bollywood today is more focused on realism, character arcs, ensemble casts, and performance-driven narratives. While this evolution is welcome and artistically rich, it has also chipped away at the aura of the quintessential “hero.” We now have great actors — Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Rajkummar Rao, and Ayushmann Khurrana, among others — who deliver impeccable performances. But do they create hysteria? Do fans throw coins in theatres or dance in front of screens for them? Not quite.
This is where the South Indian film industries — especially Telugu and Tamil — have maintained a stronghold. Heroes like Allu Arjun, Jr NTR, Yash, Prabhas, Thalapathy Vijay, and Ram Charan still enjoy a god-like status. Their movies don’t just entertain — they create festivals. Be it the rise of “Pushpa,” the frenzy around “RRR,” or the pan-India love for “KGF,” South cinema has managed to blend powerful narratives with strong, stylized hero figures.
These actors are not just leads; they are symbols. The fan base, the rituals, the dialogues, the first-day-first-show madness — it’s all intact. And that’s precisely what Sajid Khan is pointing toward. The South still understands the pulse of the masses and how to build a hero-centric spectacle without compromising storytelling.
So, is Bollywood really falling behind?
Not entirely. Films like Gadar 2 and Pathaan have shown that the “hero” isn’t completely dead. Sunny Deol and Shah Rukh Khan still have the power to draw crowds into a frenzy. But these are nostalgic echoes — not the everyday norm. The new Bollywood is sleek, smart, global — but in the process, it may have lost touch with its own myth-making roots.
The core issue here is identity. Bollywood is increasingly catering to urban, multiplex audiences. In contrast, the South speaks to a wider spectrum — from metro to village — creating stories that resonate at multiple levels. That’s why their heroes feel more “mass” and magnetic.
Maybe it’s time Bollywood learns from the South. Maybe it’s time to reimagine what a hero means today — not just as a man who fights 20 goons, but someone who stands for something bigger, someone who represents the spirit of the common man, someone who commands screen presence so powerfully that the film becomes unforgettable.
Sajid Khan’s remark isn’t just a critique — it’s a challenge. A challenge to Bollywood to bring back that iconic, roaring heroism that once made it the heartbeat of Indian cinema.
Because no matter how evolved cinema becomes, audiences will always crave someone to cheer for, someone to root for, someone to call… a hero.
