It was believed that Subhash Ghai had said he’d launch Tiger Shroff as soon he’d hit 18. Given that both Heropanti and Baaghi, Tiger’s first and second film respectively, were sleeper hits, maybe Ghai should have held true to his promise. Because there’s something about Tiger that has made him a mass hero, Kareena Kapoor memes aside. Maybe it’s just the enormous love that people have for his father Jackie Shroff, the ever likeable Jaggu Dada. Incidentally, I don’t remember Jaggu Dada ever sitting during any of our awards. He prefers to watch the proceedings from a corner. And when people come to know he’s present, they always make a beeline for him. Jackie has tremendous goodwill in the industry and that has surely worked in Tiger’s favour, going by the fact that he has the industry backing him.
Akshay Kumar is the only genuine action star we have today. He maybe super fit but he’s flirting with 50. Given his awesome command over martial arts and gymnastics, the industry recognises that Tiger can certainly fill that vacuum. And let’s not forget that his dancing skills are second to none and act as another feather in his cap. He’s the right man at the right time and making most of the opportunity.
Slowly, with each release, he’s evolving. He’s still stiff around the edges, especially when it comes to emotional scenes. But that will smoothen out with time. His face is getting more rugged, more chiselled and soon he’ll match the macho good looks his dad is still famous for. He has determinedly toned his body and perfected his kicks and punches. He certainly has the discipline to hone his reactions in front of the camera and emerge as an ace actor too. He has chosen his films wisely, playing to his strengths and making sure they have enough massy elements and punchy dialogue to please his public. Both his films have been solo hits and that certainly takes some doing. He’s got a super hero film on hand right now. And if it does well then he’ll have a franchise of his own to nurture.
His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. If reports are to be believed, Karan Johar has signed him for Student Of The Year 2. Other big banners too have shown an interest. And let’s hope he gets the break that he deserves. He has remained calm and unruffled by the hoopla surrounding him, letting his work speak for him instead. It’s easy to lose your way in this industry and it’s good to see that Tiger’s feet are planted firmly on the ground. Let’s hope he remains like this forever. Also, may he continue to hunt down good films and slay the silver screen with his killer moves...