Saif climbs the ladder

The industry always spoke of the three Khans when it spoke of star power -- Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman. Then Hrithik Roshan made it to the premium list and also Akshay Kumar. These five actors called the shots, commanded the best fee, while their films fetched incredible prices. Post RACE, Saif Ali Khan has joined the club.

Saif's talent was acknowledged long back; the actor has delivered sparkling performances in films like KAL HO NAA HO, EK HASINA THI, HUM TUM, SALAAM | NAMASTE, BEING CYRUS, OMKARA and EKLAVYA. But RACE has consolidated and cemented his status as a star with tremendous pull.

Although Saif is yet to penetrate into deeper pockets like SRK or Akshay, Saif is a certified crowd puller at bigger centres and at multiplexes specifically. Also, he has worked his way up in the Overseas territory. RACE, his new release, is his second biggest opener in several international markets, after KAL HO NAA HO [this writer has the international data to substantiate the statement]. Way to go!

Taran Adarsh