The dawn of the new millennium brought tectonic shifts to Indian entertainment, with two seismic events that would forever alter Bollywood's landscape. While a young newcomer prepared to challenge cinema's established royalty, the industry's biggest legend was about to conquer an entirely different medium.
The Birth of a Superstar: Hrithik Mania Takes Over
January 2000 witnessed the debut that would redefine stardom. Hrithik Roshan emerged not just as another actor, but as a phenomenon that threatened the long-standing dominance of the three Khans. His debut in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai was nothing short of revolutionary.
What made Hrithik's entry so disruptive?
- Unprecedented dancing prowess that set new standards
- Greek god physique that became instant fitness inspiration
- Dual role performance showcasing remarkable range
- Youth appeal that connected with the new generation
The film's massive success wasn't just commercial—it represented a changing of the guard. For the first time in years, the Khan triumvirate faced genuine competition from a newcomer who could match their star power.
The Small Screen Revolution: Bachchan's Television Triumph
While Hrithik stormed cinema halls, Amitabh Bachchan was orchestrating his own revolution on television. Kaun Banega Crorepati didn't just launch—it transformed Indian television forever.
KBC's impact extended far beyond ratings:
- Legitimized game shows as prime-time entertainment
- Made knowledge aspirational for millions of Indians
- Proved that film superstars could successfully transition to television
- Created a new format that would be copied for decades
The Khan Counter-Offensive
The established stars weren't about to surrender their thrones easily. 2000 saw some of their most memorable performances that reaffirmed their staying power.
Shah Rukh Khan delivered the iconic Mohabbatein, clashing with Bachchan himself in a battle of generations that audiences loved.
Salman Khan scored with Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega and Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, proving his romantic hero appeal remained undiminished.
Aamir Khan continued his selective approach, letting his previous year's Sarfarosh continue to build his reputation for quality cinema.
A Watershed Year for Indian Entertainment
Looking back 25 years later, 2000 stands as a pivotal moment where:
- New talent proved it could challenge established hierarchies
- Television became a legitimate platform for film megastars
- The industry expanded to accommodate multiple superstars
- Audience tastes evolved to embrace both mass and class entertainment
The simultaneous rise of Hrithik Roshan and Amitabh Bachchan's television dominance created a perfect storm that expanded Bollywood's horizons forever. It was the year that proved Indian entertainment had room for both established legends and explosive new talent—and that sometimes, the most interesting stories happen both on and off the silver screen.
