Star marriage sparks the great Bollywood divide
INDIA: A raging rivalry between two of India’s biggest screen stars
has worsened after a marriage in one of their families obliged actors
and producers in the world’s largest film industry to begin taking
sides.
For years, India has watched the popularity battle between the iconic
Amitabh Bachchan and younger superstar Shah Rukh Khan — the former, a
veteran who ruled the Bollywood box office for decades and remains very
popular, and the latter, the reigning hero with a massive fan following.
In recent years, the two stars have taken subtle digs at each other
in public although the rivalry was seen to have remained healthy in an
industry known for its cliques.
Apparently no more, industry analysts said, after the April wedding
of Bachchan’s son Abhishek to Aishwarya Rai — big stars in their own
right — created the ultimate Bollywood power family.
“With the marriage, the Bachchans have become a formidable commercial
package,” said Bollywood commentator and author Derek Bose.
“Brand Bachchan is now a threat to others. It has worsened the
Bachchan-Khan rivalry, sparking new power equations.”
The Bachchans omitted to invite Khan and most of Bollywood to the
wedding, leaving little doubt about who their friends were. On the other
hand, Khan is suddenly seen bonding more with Bollywood’s two other
stars — Salman and Saif — who also share his second name.
A few other stars too like Hrithik Roshan, once close to the
Bachchans, are seen to have fallen out with them.
“There seem to be two clear groups in Bollywood now — the Bachchans
and the Khans,” said Bollywood analyst Taran Adarsh.
Mumbai, Friday, Reuters |