The premiere of Aamir Khan's Sitaare Zameen Par on Thursday, June 19, 2025, became a star-studded affair, marked by the rare reunion of Bollywood's iconic trio: Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan. Amidst thecelebratory atmosphere, a playful banter between Salman and Aamir caught the attention of fans and media alike. Salman Khan jokingly accused Aamir of "stealing" Sitaare Zameen Par from him.
According to reports, Salman humorously claimed that he was in the process of doing the "paperwork" for the film when Aamir, without informing him, went ahead and made it. Salman quipped, "I was doing the paperwork, slowly and steadily... I had praised the film so much. But he didn't tell me he was going to make it. He just went ahead and made it! I told him I wanted to do this film, and he said, 'I've already done it!'" Aamir responded to Salman's teasing with laughter, adding to the lightheartedness of the moment.
Sitaare Zameen Par is described as a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan's critically acclaimed 2007 film, Taare Zameen Par. While the original film addressed the topic of learning disabilities in children, Sitaare Zameen Par broadens its scope to focus on adults with intellectual disabilities and how society perceives them. Aamir Khan stars as a basketball coach who is assigned to train a team of individuals with special needs as part of community service. The film is adapted from the Spanish film Champions.
The movie's plot revolves around Gulshan, a basketball coach with anger management issues, who is sentenced to community service after a drunk driving incident. He is tasked with coaching a basketball team of neurodivergent adults, specifically individuals with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Initially, Gulshan is portrayed as conceited, with preconceived notions and patronizing plans for the team. However, as he starts working with them, he develops a bond with the players, embarking on a transformative journey filled with emotional growth, resilience, and victory. The film emphasizes themes of inclusion, understanding, and acceptance, aiming to promote empathy in a society that often overlooks differences.
The premiere was attended by numerous Bollywood celebrities, including Rekha, Vicky Kaushal, Tamannaah Bhatia, Tiger Shroff, and Riteish Deshmukh. Aamir Khan's son, Azad Rao Khan, also made a rare public appearance at the event, while Gauri Spratt, rumored to be Aamir's girlfriend, made her first official appearance with him at a public event.
Directed by R.S. Prasanna, Sitaare Zameen Par marks Aamir Khan's return to the big screen after a three-year break, following his appearance in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). The film is set to release on June 20, 2025.
Early reactions to Sitaare Zameen Par have been mixed. While some viewers have lauded the film's important message and emotional impact, drawing comparisons to Taare Zameen Par, others have found it to be average. Some critics praised Aamir Khan's acting and the film's comedic elements, while others felt that the movie dips in the second half. Nevertheless, many agree that Sitaare Zameen Par carries a vital message about celebrating differences and promoting empathy.
The camaraderie between Aamir Khan and Salman Khan has been a topic of discussion in Bollywood for years. Despite initial clashes during the making of Andaz Apna Apna in 1994, their relationship has evolved into a genuine friendship. Aamir Khan has mentioned that Salman reached out to him during a difficult period in 2002, leading to a strong bond between them. The two actors have often supported each other's projects, with Salman attending screenings of Aamir's films and vice versa. Their playful banter and mutual respect have made them one of Bollywood's most beloved friendships.
