"Deep Sense of Loss": Aamir Khan Breaks Down Recalling Career Lows
Aamir Khan opens up about career lows, family loss, and a potential 3 Idiots sequel at the Singapore International Film Festival.
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan shared a rare, vulnerable side of himself at the Singapore International Film Festival on Thursday. While attending the event to receive the prestigious Screen Icon Award, the actor became visibly emotional as he reflected on the personal costs of his three-decade-long obsession with cinema and the moments where he felt his career was slipping away.
The Heavy Price of Perfectionism
During a conversation session moderated by Singaporean comedian Rishi Budhrani, Khan opened up about a realization that hit him during the COVID-19 pandemic. He admitted that while being "obsessed" with work is sustainable for a few years, doing so for thirty years comes with a devastating price.
"When I was sitting in COVID, and I was thinking, I said, you know, about 30 years have passed of my life... 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," Khan shared.
The actor broke down in tears during this revelation, pausing to apologize to the audience before gathering himself. He noted that this epiphany has led him to consciously prioritize his family and close friends over the last four years. Expressing gratitude for the timing, he remarked that he was glad this realization came at age 56 rather than 86, when it would have been too late to mend those bonds.
The "Quicksand" of Early Fame
Beyond the emotional toll on his family, Khan recounted a professional crisis from the dawn of his career. Following the massive success of his 1988 debut Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, a young and ambitious Khan signed nine different films within a six-month window, believing he could multitask like the established stars of the era.
The decision proved disastrous. As filming began, the actor found himself overwhelmed, often returning home to weep to his then-wife, Reena. When the films subsequently flopped, the industry quickly labeled him a "one-film wonder."
Describing the mental state of that period, Khan said, "I felt like I was in quicksand. I was sinking slowly, and the more I struggled to get out, the deeper I was going."
A Glimpse of '3 Idiots 2'?
Amidst the emotional reflections, the actor dropped a tantalizing hint for fans of the 2009 cult classic 3 Idiots. When questioned about a potential sequel, Khan revealed that director Rajkumar Hirani (referred to as Raju) is currently working on the script.
Khan mentioned that he expects to hear the final version of the script in the next couple of weeks upon his return, adding a hopeful "fingers crossed" regarding the project's progress.
Celebrating a Cinematic Legacy
The Screen Icon Award was presented to Khan by the acclaimed Hong Kong-based director Peter Chan Ho-sun. In his acceptance speech, Khan emphasized that filmmaking is a collective art form where many contributors shape the final work.
This visit marks Khan's return to the festival after nine years, when he last attended with Secret Superstar. Adding to the nostalgia, the festival is also hosting a special 25th-anniversary screening of Lagaan, the landmark film that served as Khan's first venture into production.