Aamir Khan has opened up about his evolving relationships with fellow Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, revealing that their bond has grown stronger over the years, marked by late-night gatherings and heartfelt conversations. In a recent interview, Aamir shared insights into their friendship, reminiscing about their initial rivalry and how they eventually moved past it.
Aamir admitted that in their early years in the film industry, there was a strong sense of competition among the three Khans. "Each of us wanted to outpace the other two. Isn't that what you call rivalry? So, that was there," he acknowledged. He mentioned that disagreements and conflicts were not uncommon, some of which were even reported by the media. However, he emphasized that these things happen between friends and that they have all matured and moved beyond that phase.
"It's been 35 years since we got together. We were born in the same year, 1965, and made our debuts also more or less around the same time," Aamir explained. "Now, that rivalry is no longer there. I don't think Shah Rukh, Salman or I even look at it that way now. Having journeyed together for 35 years, there is a sense of warmth and friendship between us, which has become more pronounced now than ever. We are much more comfortable with each other now," he added.
Aamir also shared that he now cherishes the time he spends with Shah Rukh and Salman. "We often make plans to catch up, and we never stop at one drink," Aamir revealed. "When we sit together, it is usually till morning, 7 am, not just with Salman but with Shah Rukh too. This has happened eight to 10 times till now," he added.
Aamir also spoke about how his friendship with Salman Khan deepened during a difficult period in his life. Following his separation from his first wife, Reena Dutta, in the early 2000s, Aamir went through a period of depression. "I used to sit alone and not meet anyone back then," Aamir recalled. "Like Juhi (Chawla, co-star) visited me, Salman Khan also paid a visit," he added.
"I don't remember how it happened, but he came to my home for a meal. We chatted for hours. 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. He admitted that he used to be judgmental towards Salman before that, particularly during the filming of Andaz Apna Apna. However, meeting him again years later made him realize that everyone has flaws and makes mistakes, which changed his perspective.
Aamir also addressed an incident where Shah Rukh Khan had jokingly called him "chichora" (crass or frivolous) during the promotions of 3 Idiots. Aamir explained that they didn't know each other well at the time, but they have come a long way since then. He also humorously clarified a misunderstanding from a Panchgani farmhouse vlog where he mentioned Shah Rukh licking his feet, explaining that it was actually the dog named after Shah Rukh.
Aamir, Shah Rukh, and Salman recently appeared together at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding festivities in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Aamir shared how the three ended up performing together on stage and expressed his desire to work with them in a film. "Once the rehearsal was over, I told them: 'Now, the three of us can do a film together.' They also agreed," Aamir revealed. While Shah Rukh and Salman have previously appeared together in films, Aamir has only shared screen space with Salman in Andaz Apna Apna. A film featuring all three Khans together remains highly anticipated by fans.
Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have been consuming alcohol.