Aamir Khan's Turbulent Journey: From 'One Film Wonder' to Bollywood Superstardom

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Aamir Khan's journey to becoming one of Bollywood's biggest superstars was not without its challenges. In a candid conversation at the 2025 Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, the actor revealed the low point in his career that came after his debut film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). Despite becoming an overnight sensation, Aamir struggled to find meaningful roles and was labelled a 'one film wonder' after a series of flops. He recalled, 'I used to come home and cry every evening, I was so unhappy with my work.' Aamir's dissatisfaction stemmed from a string of films he had signed, thinking that working with multiple directors would be beneficial. However, he soon realized that he was not built for such a high volume of work. He also understood the importance of selecting a director who shared his vision and sensibilities. 'Your director is the captain of your ship,' he emphasized. 'It's crucial to have the right director.' Aamir's turning point came when he was approached by filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt for a project. Despite being a rising star, Aamir declined the offer after realizing that the script didn't resonate with him. This decision marked a shift in his career, as he began to prioritize his artistic vision over commercial success. He shared, 'When my back was against the wall, I had the conviction and courage to say no to something that I didn't believe in. And that strength gave me the strength to take all the difficult decisions in my career after that.' Aamir's commitment to his artistic vision led to critically acclaimed films like Lagaan (2001) and Taare Zameen Par (2007). The actor's journey serves as a testament to the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision, even in the face of adversity.