Vivek Oberoi has inadvertently set off a major online debate with his recent musings on how celebrity fame can fade, even suggesting that Shah Rukh Khan might not be a household name by 2050. His comments, made during a discussion on the longevity of public figures and the passage of time, have captured widespread attention.
During the conversation, Oberoi posed a hypothetical: “In 2050, people will say, ‘Who is Shah Rukh Khan?’ Maybe.” He then drew a parallel to the current generation’s potential lack of familiarity with pioneers like Raj Kapoor, a filmmaker and actor revered as the “God of cinema,” especially when contrasted with fans of current stars such as Ranbir Kapoor. Oberoi’s core idea was that “History relegates you into nothingness.”
The internet, particularly Reddit, has become the epicenter of this discourse, with users fiercely debating Oberoi’s statement. Some have come to Oberoi’s defense, arguing that his words were taken out of context and that social media amplified a nuanced point into a controversy. These defenders believe Oberoi was making a general observation about how time impacts fame.
However, a significant portion of the online community has criticized Oberoi’s comments. Many pointed out that prominent figures like Raj Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan have managed to maintain significant recognition across generations, suggesting that some legacies are more resilient than Oberoi’s prediction implies. While the exact timeframe is debatable, the sentiment that even the most celebrated stars may see their immediate recognition wane over decades resonated with many.
