Aamir Khan Reflects on Career Struggles: ‘Cried Every Day, Thought I Was a One-Hit Wonder’

After the massive success of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Aamir Khan was flooded with offers but soon faced heartbreak as his films flopped, making him question his choices.

March 12, 2025: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, often referred to as Mr. Perfectionist, has delivered some of the most iconic performances in Indian cinema. However, his journey to success was anything but smooth. In a recent candid conversation with Javed Akhtar at the launch of Aamir Khan: Cinema Ka Jadugar, a film festival by PVR INOX, the actor opened up about the turbulent phase in his career when he feared being labeled a one-hit wonder.

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A Flood of Film Offers After QSQT

Aamir’s breakthrough came in 1988 with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (QSQT), a film that established him as a heartthrob overnight. Following its success, he was bombarded with 300 to 400 film offers, leaving him overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate his newfound stardom.

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“I had only worked with Mansoor Khan and Nasir Hussain as an assistant before QSQT,” Aamir recalled. “After the film became a hit, I was approached by producers from all over. As a newcomer, I didn’t realize what a huge responsibility signing a film was. I had no idea.”

At the time, Bollywood actors frequently worked on 30 to 50 films simultaneously, with Anil Kapoor having the “least” number of projects at 33. Following the trend, Aamir signed 9 to 10 films at once, but soon regretted his decision.

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A Career Nosedive and Daily Tears

While he had dreamed of working with top directors, none of them came forward with offers. Instead, he found himself stuck in projects he was unhappy with, juggling three shifts a day.

“I was not happy. I would go home and cry,” Aamir admitted.

As his subsequent films flopped—including Love Love Love, Awwal Number, and Tum Mere Ho—the media branded him a ‘one-film wonder’.

“I blame no one for that label. By then, I was certain my next six films would also be disasters. I could see my career slipping away. I felt trapped, unable to get out of the swamp,” he said.

Lessons Learned and the Road to Success

Despite the setbacks, Aamir learned valuable lessons—understanding that a good script alone wasn’t enough; the director, producer, and their vision played an equally important role in a film’s success.

His experience shaped his meticulous approach to choosing films, ultimately leading him to the blockbusters and critically acclaimed projects that define his legacy today. From nearly fading into obscurity to becoming one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Aamir’s journey is a testament to perseverance, learning, and reinvention.

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