Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar continues its unstoppable run at the box office and is fast marching towards the coveted Rs 400-crore club. While the film boasts scale spectacle and a star-studded cast it is Akshaye Khanna who has quietly walked away with maximum applause. His brooding turn as Rahman Dakait paired with a viral hook step has struck a chord with audiences and reminded many why Akshaye remains one of the finest actors to come out of the 90s. But Akshaye was not alone when he stepped into Bollywood. The late 80s and early 90s saw the arrival of several promising faces Sumeet Saigal Ayub Khan Vivek Mushran and Salman Khan. While talent was never in short supply destiny clearly had different plans for each of them. Why did Sumeet Saigal fade away despite a strong start? Sumeet Saigal made a confident debut with Insaniyat Ke Dushman (1987) and followed it up with films like Eemaan Dharam Tamacha Lashkar Bahaar Aane Tak and Gunaah. With his boyish charm he was noticed early on and worked alongside stars such as Sanjay Dutt Govinda Jeetendra and Mithun Chakraborty.However most of his roles remained second lead and as Govinda’s popularity surged Saigal gradually slipped out of the spotlight. His last notable appearance came in Saajan Ki Baahon Mein (1995). Later he tried his hand at filmmaking with the horror film Rok (2010) which failed to make an impact. Today Saigal runs a company that dubs South Indian films into Hindi staying firmly behind the scenes. Did Ayub Khan’s lineage help or limit him? Ayub Khan nephew of Dilip Kumar came from a celebrated film family. He debuted with Mashooq (1992) followed by films like Salami Mrityudand Jeeo Shaan Se and Mela. While some of his performances were appreciated box-office success as a leading man remained elusive.By the early 2000s Ayub transitioned into character roles in films such as Gangajal LOC: Kargil and Apaharan. He also found steady work on television with shows like Uttaran and Muskaan. Though consistent stardom as a hero never truly arrived. Was Vivek Mushran a one-film wonder? Vivek Mushran became an overnight sensation with Subhash Ghai’s Saudagar (1991). The song Ilu Ilu turned him into a national heartthrob. He went on to star in films like Dil Hai Betaab Sanam Bewafa Se Wafa and Ram Jaane but none matched his debut’s success.After 2005 he largely disappeared from films later returning in smaller roles in Tamasha Begum Jaan Veere Di Wedding and Do Patti. While he remained active in television and web projects the leading-man phase was short-lived. So what made Salman Khan unstoppable? Salman Khan’s career took off with Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) and there was no looking back. From Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Karan Arjun to Bajrangi Bhaijaan Sultan and the Tiger franchise Salman consistently delivered box-office juggernauts.By blending mass appeal with reinvention he became the only actor from that generation to dominate across decades. As Dhurandhar proves talent may open doors but longevity timing and audience connect decide who truly survives in Bollywood.