From Rajesh Khanna to Shah Rukh Khan: Bollywood superstars who went viral long before the internet existed
Much before memes, hashtags and algorithm-driven fame, Bollywood created its own kind of virality. Stardom travelled through cinema halls, magazines, radio shows, television appearances and sheer word of mouth. Fan hysteria wasn’t measured in likes but in crowds, letters, rituals and imitation. These stars didn’t just act in films — they became cultural moments. From Rajesh Khanna’s unmatched frenzy to Shah Rukh Khan’s global romance, here’s how Bollywood’s biggest names became viral sensations in a pre-internet era.
Much before memes, hashtags and algorithm-driven fame, Bollywood created its own kind of virality. Stardom travelled through cinema halls, magazines, radio shows, television appearances and sheer word of mouth. Fan hysteria wasn’t measured in likes but in crowds, letters, rituals and imitation. These stars didn’t just act in films — they became cultural moments. From Rajesh Khanna’s unmatched frenzy to Shah Rukh Khan’s global romance, here’s how Bollywood’s biggest names became viral sensations in a pre-internet era.
