The Khans are being edged out by the next generation of HYDs (Hot Young Dudes). Masala! looks at the dudes in the running...
by Binu Sivan

Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir seem to be hopelessly headed for the dark side of the hill. Injuries, in-fighting (like middle-aged kids) and more flops than hits have dented the Khans’ hold on Bollywood. But the fans don’t seem to be noticing, as three hot studs have stepped in smoothly to fill the Khan’s stylish shoes – the suave Ranbir Kapoor, the chocolate-y Imran Khan and the edgy Neil Nitin Mukesh.

Who's got what?

The moves

Remember Ranbir’s Bachna Ae Haseeno moves?! He had Bips, Deepika and Minissha falling all over his cool dance steps. But Neil is not far behind. How can one forget his completely uninhibited gyrations to Move You Body Baby in Johnny Gaddar! And don’t even get us started on Aa Dekhen Zara. Poor Imran with Pappu Can’t Dance Sala comes in a lowly third.

The looks

Brooding eyes (Neil) versus puppy dog eyes (Imran) versus dreamy eyes (Ranbir) – who wins? All of them, of course! But in terms of sheer versatility (hmmm... we are thinking college-boy cute in Jaane Tu... and smouldering in Kidnap), Imran Khan wins hands down.

The talent

This is a tough call. Imran, like his uncle, has the potential to grow into a powerhouse performer and Neil has started out smartly by exploring some dark characters, although he should avoid being typecast like Shiney Ahuja. But in terms of natural talent and the ability to express with ease, it’s Ranbir all the way.

The girlfriend

Imran’s girlfriend of many years, Avantika, is slowly turning into a fashion plate and Ranbir’s dating Deepika Padukone who is, well, perfect. But Neil is deliciously single... so, as far as we are concerned, he wins in this all-important category.

The rumours

Imran has a squeaky clean image, Neil has had a few rumours swirl around him, but Ranbir Kapoor… now he is a tabloid magnet if ever there was one. We likeeee!

The hot factor

They are all young, handsome and gorgeous. But only one of them has swaggered on screen in a towel. And then again charisma is something you are born with and Raj Kapoor’s grandson has oodles of it.

The movies

Imran Khan
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na – Super hit
Kidnap – Flop
Delhi Belly – Under production

Neil Nitin Mukesh
Johnny Gaddar – Hit
Aa Dekhen Zara – Releasing on March 26
Tera Kya Hoga Johnny – To release soon
New York – To release soon
Jail – Under production

Ranbir Kapoor
Saawariya – Flop
Bachna Ae Haseeno – Super hit
Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani – Under production