Aamir Khan’s journey in Bollywood is one of passion, persistence, and reinvention. From his debut as a chocolate-boy hero in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) to establishing himself as a thinking superstar in the 2000s, and finally navigating turbulent waters in the last decade, his career mirrors the highs and lows of a cinematic odyssey. His story is not just about hits and flops, but about a relentless pursuit of excellence that has redefined Indian cinema.
The Making of a Star (1988-1999)
Aamir Khan’s entry into Bollywood was almost serendipitous. Coming from a film family—his father Tahir Hussain was a producer, and his uncle Nasir Hussain was a filmmaker—Aamir’s first brush with cinema happened as a child artist in Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973). However, it was in 1988 that he truly arrived with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (QSQT), directed by Mansoor Khan. The film, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, struck an emotional chord with audiences, making Aamir an overnight sensation.
The 90s saw Aamir carefully choosing projects that set him apart from his contemporaries. While he gave commercial successes like Dil (1990), Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi ( 1991) Raja Hindustani (1996), and Sarfarosh (1999), he also took risks with films like Earth (1998), showing his willingness to step into unconventional roles. However, despite being a bankable star, the ‘superstar’ tag still eluded him.
The Superstar is Born (2001-2015)
The turning point in Aamir Khan’s career came in 2001 with Lagaan, a film he not only acted in but also produced. A historical sports drama set during British rule, Lagaan was unlike anything Bollywood had seen before. It was a mammoth success, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. This marked the beginning of Aamir’s shift towards content-driven cinema, where storytelling and performance took precedence over formulaic masala films.He followed it up with the cult classic Dil Chahta Hai and chnaged the paradigm of coolness in the industry.
In the years that followed, he delivered a string of critically and commercially successful films. Rang De Basanti (2006) was a cultural phenomenon, awakening a sense of social consciousness among the youth. Taare Zameen Par (2007), which he also directed, was a heartwarming story about dyslexia that struck a chord with families across the country. Then came Ghajini (2008), a high-octane action thriller that became the first Bollywood film to cross the Rs 100 crore mark, solidifying Aamir’s position as a superstar.
His streak of excellence continued with 3 Idiots (2009), a coming-of-age film that resonated deeply with students and parents alike. It became a box-office juggernaut, breaking records not just in India but also in overseas markets. Aamir’s ability to choose films that balanced entertainment with social messages set him apart from other stars.
The 2010s saw Aamir further solidifying his status with Dhoom 3 (2013) and PK (2014), both of which became the highest-grossing films of their time. PK, in particular, was a bold take on blind faith and religious superstitions, sparking debates and conversations across the country. It also reinforced Aamir’s reputation as a thinking actor who was not afraid to take risks.
However, the pinnacle of his success came in 2016 with Dangal. Based on the true story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, Dangal was not just a box-office behemoth but a cultural milestone. The film shattered records worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film ever, largely due to its unprecedented success in China. Aamir’s portrayal of Phogat, complete with a physical transformation, was lauded as one of his finest performances. At this point, he was not just a Bollywood superstar but an international icon.
The Struggle (2018-Present)
Just when it seemed like Aamir Khan could do no wrong, his career hit an unexpected roadblock.In 2018, Thugs of Hindostan, an ambitious action-adventure film featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, and Fatima Sana Shaikh, released amidst massive expectations. Marketed as India’s answer to Pirates of the Caribbean, the film opened to record-breaking numbers but crashed spectacularly due to negative word-of-mouth. Critics panned it for its weak screenplay, and audiences rejected it, making it one of the biggest failures of Aamir’s career. It was a rare misstep for an actor known for his impeccable script sense.
Unfortunately, his next big release, Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), fared no better. A remake of the Hollywood classic Forrest Gump, the film was a labor of love for Aamir, taking years to develop. However, despite his heartfelt performance, it failed to connect with audiences. The film’s reception was further marred by online controversies, boycott calls, and changing audience preferences. The failure of Laal Singh Chaddha raised questions about whether Aamir Khan, once Bollywood’s most bankable star, had lost his magic touch.
What Lies Ahead?
The last decade has been a turbulent one for Aamir Khan, but if history is any indication, he is not one to back down. While the setbacks of Thugs of Hindostan and Laal Singh Chaddha may have dented his box-office aura, Aamir remains a filmmaker’s actor—someone who prioritizes content over stardom.
Aamir is now carefully selecting his next projects, focusing on fresh narratives that align with his creative instincts like his next project Sitaare Zameen Par with like RS Prasanna. He recently revealed that is is a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par and he also has hopes to make Mahabharat for the bog screen.
