Aamir Khan On SRK-Salman Khan’s Viral Pathaan Scene: ‘Ranveer Singh And Ranbir Kapoor Capable Of Taking Over From Us’

Aamir Khan has weighed in on the long-running conversation about the future of Bollywood stardom, turning the spotlight firmly on Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor as actors he believes are ready to lead the next era of Hindi cinema.

The discussion traces back to a much-talked-about moment from Pathaan, where Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan shared a playful, meta exchange about their larger-than-life presence and the idea of being irreplaceable. The scene sparked widespread debate among fans and industry watchers about whether a younger generation could step into similar territory.

Reflecting on that moment, Aamir Khan addressed the conversation while also acknowledging how actors like Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor have already begun making a strong case through their work.

In a conversation with a publication, Aamir Khan said, “You know, there was a very funny scene in Pathaan. I don’t even know whether I should mention this, but I haven’t watched the movie because I don’t watch that many films. But I was told about the scene and I saw it on YouTube. Salman and Shah Rukh are sitting at the end of the film and discussing who is going to… It was tongue-in-cheek. It was about the film, but it was also about outside the film. Usme masti, mazaak tha… and people laughed as well.”

He further added, “Without taking names, a lot of people guessed what they were trying to say. But today, those same young actors have shown us that not only are they there, they can give us a run for our money. Animal with Ranbir Kapoor, Dhurandhar with Ranveer. They’re there. They’re very capable of taking over from us. I would say they are very talented actors, perhaps more talented than us. They are staking a claim for a rightful place. So they have answered without saying anything; they’ve answered with their work. Which is fantastic. I really appreciate that. It’s wonderful to see that.”

Aamir’s remarks underline how both Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor have carved distinct cinematic identities and are ready to take the legacy forward. Ranveer has continued to build a reputation for transformative roles and high-energy screen presence, and with Dhurandhar, his silence and controlled performance further reinforce his command at the box office as an emperor, while Ranbir’s intense performance-driven choices, including Animal.

The actor’s comments reflect a broader shift in the industry — one where legacy superstardom is evolving into a space shared by performers who combine scale with craft. Instead of a symbolic “passing of the baton,” Aamir’s statement suggests that the transition is already underway, powered by performances that resonate with contemporary audiences.

As both actors move forward, Ranveer Singh (Dhurandhar: The Revenge) and Ranbir Kapoor (Ramanyana) have a strong slate of upcoming films that continue to balance spectacle with performance-driven storytelling, positioning them at the forefront of Bollywood’s next phase while expanding their reach across genres and scale.

With endorsements like Aamir Khan’s, the conversation is no longer about whether the next generation can rise — but about how decisively they are shaping the future already.