Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan turned emotional during a candid session at the Singapore International Film Festival this week. While accepting the prestigious Screen Icon Award from renowned director Peter Chan Ho-sun, the actor opened up about the professional obsession that defined his life for over thirty years. Khan admitted that his relentless work ethic came at a significant personal cost, noting that while it is understandable to be obsessed with one’s craft for a few years, sustaining that intensity for decades led to a deep sense of loss. He reflected on missing out on precious time with his children, who have now grown into adults, describing the realization as a major turning point in his life.
Visibly moved during the conversation moderated by comedian Rishi Budhrani, the Laal Singh Chaddha actor confessed that the COVID-19 pandemic provided him the space to reflect on his journey. He shared that he is grateful this realization struck him at 56 rather than 86, allowing him to spend the last four years intentionally prioritizing his family and close friends. This wasn’t the only low point the actor revisited; he also touched upon the early days of his career following the massive success of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. After signing nine films in a rush, he found himself overwhelmed, weeping to his then-wife Reena as the projects flopped and critics labeled him a one-film wonder, a period he described as feeling like he was sinking into quicksand.
Despite the somber reflections, the superstar offered a glimmer of hope for fans of his iconic work. When asked about a potential sequel to the cult classic 3 Idiots, Khan confirmed that director Rajkumar Hirani is actively working on the script. He revealed that he is set to hear the final version of the narrative in the coming weeks, leaving fans optimistic about a return to the beloved campus comedy. Currently in Singapore for the festival, where he is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of his debut production Lagaan, Khan expressed his gratitude for the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the honor of being recognized by his peers.