King Khan, they call him. I tend to find that description condescending to the other two Khans. If I were Aamir or Salman, I would’ve been peeved. In recent years, both Aamir and Salman have achieved stupendous success. While the former has redefined box-office bonanza, the latter has swept the country’s affection solely into his corner, leaving the ‘King’ a bit barren.

But, this blog isn’t about demeaning SRK; it’s about dissecting the myth that he is ‘the king of romance’.

The flattering title was bestowed upon him after the successes of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil Toh Pagal Hain and Kuch Kuch Hota Hain. He simply needed to stretch his back, bend his knees and spread his arms wide to leave the nation spell-bound in his wave of romance. He wooed charmingly, sang songs hummed till this day and created an irreplaceable image of Raj/Rahul in the hearts of millions. Each girl wanted Raj/Rahul to be her boyfriend, desired for him to go down on one knee for her. They were captivated by his disarming presence and mesmerized by his amorous expressions.

However , the man who lives in Mannat doesn’t view himself as the ‘king of romance’. “With all due respect, I would rather be called a ‘King’ than the ‘King of Romance’. I am an actor. I have done 75 films and have spent 21 years in the industry and would like to believe that I have done it differently.” Shahrukh told PTI.

That, is true. Shahrukh is one of the most versatile actors in the industry. He revamped the image of negative leads in films like Darr, Don, Anjaam and Baazigar, making such characters acceptable and laudable. He possessed smoldering intensity in Ram Jaane, Chaahat and Koyla. Unconventional roles such as the ones performed in Swades, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Chak De suggested that SRK can act and emote. One can argue, that over his filmography, these roles would be remembered as better performances when compared to the mushiness of the Rajs and Rahuls.

Shahrukh has a style of romance that cannot be mimicked or replicated. His style is uniquely his with limited scope for impersonation. The likes of Shahid Kapoor and Siddharth Malhotra have tried, but they cannot hold a candle to him. But, increasingly, SRKs romantic films have been coming under immense scrutiny. This isn’t a recent phenomenon, but flickered into existence since the days of Kal Ho Na Ho.

Although the Shahrukh-Preity Zinta-Saif Ali Khan starrer excelled at the box-office, it became the last romantic movie of the SRK era thus far to not only become a commercial success, but also remain fondly etched in the memory of fans and neutrals alike. Thereon, Veer-Zaara, KANK, OSO, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Jab Tak Hain Jaan have released and done respectable numbers at the box-office, but aren’t in the same ilk of his former films. Movies like Son of Sardaar and Ghajini had a telling effect on the collections as well, which upon inspection would be cause for concern, given these were distinctly average flicks.

Romance is often a two-way street. Much is written about Shahrukh’s reign as the numero uno in the genre. Little credit is/was given to his leading ladies. The heroines of that age, Kajol in particular, were brilliant actors and shared a remarkable chemistry with Shahrukh. There is a sharp contrast between them and the women cast alongside him these days. Much of the naivety, innocence and pure romantic chemistry has been mercilessly replaced with sexual innuendo, glossy cosmetic appeal and irrelevant screen presence. The alteration is seemingly devaluing Shahrukh’s ability to create magic on-screen.

SRK’s age of dominance is arguably coming to an end, with younger actors overtaking him in an area which solely belonged to him. Teenagers and twenty-something year olds aren’t particularly familiar with his classics. What they see today is a man severely wrinkled by time and bad habits, romancing women half his age. That somewhat doesn’t resonate with them.

Younger actors have upped their game. Ranveer Singh in just four movies has broken into the 100-crore club. His performances, with substantial degree of romance, are being embraced by audiences. Another favorite is Ranbir Kapoor, exhibiting a face that makes every young girl’s heart melt. Unorthodox stars have also exploded from the shadows. Emraan Hashmi has been bossing the single screens with a school of romance that has struck a chord with the masses.

SRK, much like the older superstars must continue to reinvent himself, which I’m fairly certain he will. After all, he’s been resplendent at doing so over the 22 years of his career. He must, alas, kiss the title of ‘king of romance’ goodbye, because he seems to have lost that, in numbers and in appreciation, over the last ten years. That throne is waiting to be occupied.