Bollywood witnessed a rare and powerful moment as four of its biggest superstars — Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn — came together for the first-ever cover of Variety India. The iconic magazine cover, released on February 1, quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking massive fan reactions and discussions across the film fraternity.
A Landmark Moment in Bollywood History
Variety India unveiled its debut cover featuring the four actors, describing them as “Unshakable. The superheroes that broke the rules of stardom.” The phrase perfectly captured the legacy of these actors, who have dominated the Indian box office for decades and redefined mainstream cinema in their own unique ways.
The cover photograph showcased Akshay Kumar seated confidently on a couch, while Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Ajay Devgn stood behind him, resting their hands on one another’s shoulders. The pose symbolized unity, strength, and an era of Bollywood that shaped modern Indian cinema.
This rare collaboration instantly became a historic image, celebrating longevity, stardom, and the evolution of Bollywood’s leading men.
Fans Praise the Cover but Miss Shah Rukh Khan
While fans largely applauded the striking cover, Shah Rukh Khan’s absence became the most talked-about aspect online. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, many expressing admiration for the visual but also disappointment that SRK was not included.
One fan commented, “Wow, this looks amazing!! Missing SRK, though — it would’ve been a complete picture.” Another wrote, “This picture is incomplete without Shah Rukh Khan.” Several users echoed similar sentiments, calling it a “generational picture” that could have been even more iconic with SRK’s presence.
Some fans also mentioned Hrithik Roshan, suggesting that the cover could have featured more stars representing different generations of Bollywood superstardom. Comments like “Where’s SRK?” and “SRK and Hrithik Roshan deserved to be here too” trended across fan pages.
Despite the debate, many praised the sheer aura of the four actors together, calling it a rare sight in an industry where such collaborations are uncommon.
The Legacy of Bollywood’s Biggest Superstars
Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn have each carved distinct paths in Bollywood. Salman’s mass appeal, Aamir’s content-driven choices, Akshay’s versatility and discipline, and Ajay’s intense performances have collectively shaped the Hindi film industry over the past three decades.
Their appearance together on the Variety India cover is a reminder of their enduring relevance, even as Bollywood continues to evolve with new talent and changing audience preferences.
Star-Studded Variety India Launch Event in Mumbai
Following the cover release, Variety India hosted a grand launch event in Mumbai, attended by several prominent celebrities from the film industry. The glamorous evening saw the presence of Akshay Kumar with Twinkle Khanna, Salman Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Arjun Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Shanaya Kapoor, and many others.
The event celebrated the arrival of Variety India as a major voice in entertainment journalism, bringing global credibility and spotlighting Indian cinema on an international platform.
A Cover That Sparked Conversation
The Variety India cover did more than just showcase four superstars — it ignited conversations about Bollywood’s legacy, representation, and the stars who have defined generations. Whether fans loved it or wished for more names, the cover undeniably made history and reaffirmed the influence of these actors in Indian cinema.
As Bollywood continues to expand globally, moments like these highlight the stars who laid the foundation and continue to command admiration worldwide.
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