Junaid Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, is poised to make a remarkable entry into the film industry. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Junaid has taken a distinctive route to his debut, setting him apart from other star kids who have recently ventured into Bollywood. His approach reflects a commitment to craft and a desire to establish his own identity, independent of his father’s illustrious legacy.
Junaid’s debut film, Maharaj, is a period drama, which promises to showcase his acting prowess in a narrative rich with historical depth and emotional complexity. Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra the film, released last week, is already generating buzz for its controversial topic and recent court case. Malhotra is known for making acclaimed films like Hitchki (2018).
What sets Junaid Khan apart from other star kids is his extensive background in theatre. Before stepping into Bollywood, Junaid honed his skills through various theatre productions and workshops. This grounding in theatre has equipped him with a strong foundation in acting, emphasizing discipline and a deep understanding of character development.
Moreover, Junaid’s debut project is a period drama, a genre that requires significant research and a deep understanding of historical contexts. Choosing such a challenging genre for his first film highlights his readiness to take risks and tackle complex roles from the onset. This is in stark contrast to the more commercial and mainstream roles often chosen by other debuting star kids, who usually opt for light-hearted or romantic films to appeal to a broader audience.
In contrast, many star kids played safe to kickstart their careers. Recently, Suhana Khan, Kushi Kapoor, and Agastya Nanda made their Bollywood and OTT debut together with Zoya Akhtar’s Archies, which was released on Netflix last year. The film was a musical-comedy about Anglo- Indian teenagers’ efforts to save the “Green Park” in a fictional town called “Riverdale.”
Similarly, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan debuted with Karan Johar’s Student of the Year in 2012, and Ananya Pandey starred in the spiritual sequel of the same film. Even Jahnvi Kapoor made her debut with a romance film, Dhadak (2018), which was a remake of the critically acclaimed 2016 Marathi Movie, Sairat. All these films either dealt with romance, or comedy and were mostly about teenagers.
Junaid’s decision to immerse himself in theatre first demonstrates his commitment to the craft rather than leveraging his father’s fame. This approach is a deliberate effort to carve out his niche and be recognized for his talent and hard work.
As Junaid Khan prepares to make his mark in Bollywood, his journey serves as an inspiring example of dedication and authenticity. His unconventional path, marked by a strong foundation in theatre and a challenging debut role, sets a new benchmark for star kids entering the industry.
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