Bollywood’s legendary triumvirate – Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan – recently came together, once again showcasing a bond that has transcended decades of stardom and industry comparisons. Their presence at the special screening of Aamir’s upcoming film, RS Prasanna’s coming-of-age sports comedy Sitaare Zameen Par, in Mumbai, sent ripples of excitement through the industry.
This heartwarming display of camaraderie followed their joint appearance earlier this year for the theatrical debut of Aamir’s son, Junaid Khan, in Loveyapa. Such public displays of solidarity are a testament to a friendship forged not just by shared success, but by profound personal experiences.
The Unlikely Genesis of a Friendship: Aamir Khan’s Battle with Depression
While the three Khans now share a palpable rapport, Aamir Khan recently revealed that his deep bond with Salman Khan wasn’t always a given. In a candid interview with The Lallantop, Aamir disclosed that their friendship truly blossomed during one of the darkest periods of his life: his battle with severe depression following his divorce from first wife, Reena Dutta, in 2001.
The emotional toll of the separation was immense. Aamir openly confessed to a period of intense isolation, often retreating into himself and, disturbingly, resorting to heavy drinking every night for over a year between 2000 and 2001. It was a time marked by profound personal anguish and a feeling of being completely adrift.
Salman Khan’s Unexpected Visit: A Turning Point
During this period of profound vulnerability, amidst his self-imposed solitude, Salman Khan paid an unexpected visit. Aamir recounted how Salman simply arrived at his home for a meal, and what followed was hours of unfiltered conversation, a true heart-to-heart that transcended their professional lives.
“I had a heart-to-heart conversation with him since I was going through depression then. He also shared a lot with me. That’s when we began bonding as friends,” Aamir shared, emphasizing the crucial role Salman played in helping him navigate that challenging phase. It was a pivotal moment, transforming a professional acquaintance into a genuine friendship.
From ‘Andaz Apna Apna’ Antagonism to Mutual Understanding
This newfound closeness was particularly striking given their initial dynamic during the filming of Rajkumar Santoshi’s 1994 cult comedy, Andaz Apna Apna. Aamir had previously harbored reservations about Salman’s professional conduct on set, particularly his punctuality.
“He used to never come to set on time and things wouldn’t go as planned. So I thought maybe we can’t be friends,” Aamir admitted. However, the raw, honest conversations in 2001-02 fundamentally shifted his perspective. He realized that judgment often blinds us to the human complexities that lie beneath the surface.
This personal revelation taught Aamir a valuable lesson in empathy: “When I met him in 2001-02 and we got chatting, that’s when I realized we’re all humans and make mistakes. We try to live better lives, but we end up doing some wrong things, so one shouldn’t be so judgemental. That’s a learning I had then.”
The Dynamics of Bollywood Stardom and Public Perception
Aamir Khan also acknowledged the persistent comparisons between him, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan, deeming them “legit.” He explained that such comparisons are a natural part of any field where individuals reach the pinnacle of their profession, whether it’s cricket or cinema. The media and public curiosity about those at the top are undeniable and understandable.
Aamir’s Humorous Take on Fan Following
In a lighthearted anecdote, Aamir contrasted his relatively quieter home in Bandra with the bustling fan crowds outside Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartments and Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat. He recalled a rare instance during his home renovation when he briefly moved to a building on Carter Road, which also housed Jackie Shroff.
“One day, I saw a lot of crowd outside the building and thought finally, a crowd has come to see me,” Aamir recounted with a laugh. His excitement was short-lived, however, as he soon discovered the throng was actually gathered for Jackie Shroff’s son, actor Tiger Shroff. This self-deprecating humor further highlights Aamir’s grounded nature despite his superstar status.
