New Delhi: Actor Aamir Khan broke into tears while talking about his family at the Singapore International Film Festival on Thursday (October 23). The
actor said the COVID-19 lockdown made him realise that he had spent nearly 30 years working constantly and missed out on time with his children as they grew up.
The actor was speaking during an onstage conversation moderated by Singapore comedian Rishi Budhrani. The actor also received the festival’s Screen Icon Award from Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Chan Ho-sun.
Aamir Khan shares update on 3 Idiots 2
Recalling his years in the film industry, Aamir Khan said he had always been deeply involved in his work. He described himself as a workaholic who ate, slept and dreamed about films, while his family understood his commitment and gave him space to work. But the lockdown forced him to look at things differently.
“When I was sitting in COVID, and I was thinking, I said, about 30 years have passed of my life. And it’s okay to work like a madman, completely obsessed with what you’re doing for one year, two years, five years. But if it goes on for 30 years, I mean, you’ve lost your relationships. Your kids have grown up; they’re adults now. So I felt a deep sense of loss,” he said.
He became emotional while talking about his children, who had grown up during those years. Aamir paused to wipe away his tears before continuing, as the audience applauded.
“I’m so glad that this thought occurred to me when I was 56 and not when I was 86, when it would be really too late to do anything about it,” he added.
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Aamir Khan gives 3 Idiots update
The emotional conversation also brought an update for fans waiting for a sequel to 3 Idiots.
Aamir Khan confirmed that director Rajkumar Hirani is working on the script for the follow-up to the 2009 comedy. He said Hirani was expected to narrate the final version to him within the next couple of weeks, after he returned.
“Well, I’m not allowed to say a lot,” Aamir said. “I think I can say this much, that yes, Raju is working on the script. In fact, hopefully once I’m back in the next couple of weeks, he’s going to narrate the final version to me. So, fingers crossed,” he added.
Aamir was also asked about a possible sequel to Andaz Apna Apna, the 1994 comedy directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. Responding to it, Aamir said, “Well, I know that Raj Santoshi is working on something. So let’s see what happens.”
Aamir Khan recalls his career struggles
During the conversation, Aamir Khan also spoke about a difficult period early in his career. After Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak became a hit in 1988, he signed nine films within six months.
He later realised that taking on so many projects at once had been a mistake. As the films began to fail at the box office, he said he struggled emotionally and was labelled a “one-film wonder”.
“At that time, mentally and emotionally, I felt like I’m in quicksand. I’m sinking slowly, and the more I’m struggling to get out, the deeper I’m going,” the actor said.
Aamir recalled that filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt later offered him a film, but he turned it down because he did not like the script. He said he had decided to work only on projects whose scripts, directors and producers he believed in.
“If I had compromised with that and I had been practical, and I had, you know, said, ‘Yes, sir, I’m doing the film,’ I think my entire career would have been a series of compromises,” he added.
The decision did not end their professional relationship. Khan later worked with Bhatt on Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke.
Aamir Khan perspective on film screenings, piracy and AI
Aamir Khan also discussed how he tests his films before release. He said he typically conducts 50 to 60 test screenings, each attended by 25 people, to understand audience reactions. The first test screening of Taare Zameen Par, he recalled, went badly.
Speaking about his popularity in China, Aamir said the success of 3 Idiots helped audiences there discover his other films. He credited piracy with helping the film reach viewers, while making it clear that he did not support the practice.
The actor also shared his thoughts on artificial intelligence in filmmaking. He sees AI as another tool for the industry, much like visual effects, but warned that its use could lead to job losses in the short term.
“My common sense is telling me that in the short term, for sure, people are going to lose jobs,” he said.
Khan was last in Singapore nine years ago for Secret Superstar. The festival is also screening Lagaan on Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of the film, which was his first production.
Written By Uditi Sharma!
