Aamir Khan shared emotional insights into his career sacrifices during a session at the Singapore International Film Festival, revealing how the pandemic reshaped his priorities regarding family and work.
Aamir Khan, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, expressed deep reflections on his personal sacrifices during his lengthy career at the Singapore International Film Festival on Thursday. Speaking candidly, he acknowledged how years of work have cost him precious time with his family, a realization that was amplified during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Receiving the festival’s Screen Icon Award from renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Chan Ho-sun, Khan was moderated by Singaporean comedian Rishi Budhrani in a session that delved into his professional journey, personal regrets, and filmmaking philosophy.
Reevaluating Priorities
During the discussion, Khan described himself as a workaholic who has dedicated a significant portion of his life to cinema. Despite the unwavering support from his family, the pandemic prompted him to reassess how his intense focus on work had impacted his relationships. “When I was sitting in COVID and I was thinking, I said, you know, about 30 years have passed of my life,” Khan said, as reported by Variety. He continued, “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… you’ve lost your relationships. Your kids have grown up, they’re adults now. So I felt a deep sense of loss.”
As he spoke, Khan became visibly emotional, pausing to collect himself before continuing, drawing applause from the audience. He expressed gratitude for the timely realization, stating, “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.”
Upcoming Projects: Sequels and Collaborations
Khan also provided updates on potential sequels to his past successes. He confirmed that director Rajkumar Hirani is currently working on a script for a sequel to the 2009 hit ‘3 Idiots’. “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,” Khan noted.
Additionally, he addressed the possibility of a sequel to the cult classic ‘Andaz Apna Apna’, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi in 1994. While he indicated that Santoshi was working on something related, he provided no further details, stating simply, “Yeah, that’s all.”
Career Reflections and Early Struggles
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Khan recounted the challenges he faced in the early stages of his film career. After his debut film ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ in 1988 became a hit, he signed nine films in just six months, which left him overwhelmed. “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,” he said. He also recalled a pivotal moment when he rejected a film offer from Mahesh Bhatt due to dissatisfaction with the script, a decision he later praised for preventing a series of compromises in his career.
Khan highlighted the significant impact of ‘3 Idiots’ on his international reach, particularly in China, where the film introduced his work to new audiences. He acknowledged the role of piracy in spreading the film but clarified his opposition to the practice. Furthermore, he discussed his meticulous approach to filmmaking, noting that he conducts 50 to 60 test screenings for his films, with around 25 people in each session to gauge audience reactions.
Financial Dynamics and Industry Changes
Addressing the financial aspects of film production, Khan mentioned that he occasionally waives his usual fee for smaller projects, opting instead to take a share of the earnings to mitigate financial risks for producers.
On the topic of technological advancements, Khan shared his views on artificial intelligence in filmmaking, likening it to the use of visual effects as a tool. However, he expressed concern over its potential impact on employment within the industry, stating, “My common sense is telling me that in the short term, for sure, people are going to lose jobs.”
Khan’s previous film, ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’, released in June 2025, received positive reviews, further solidifying his status as a critical figure in Bollywood.
