Aamir Khan and Indian films breaking China box office records have shaped cross-border cinema history, with milestones set by Aamir, his father Tahir Hussain, and legendary actor Raj Kapoor. Their extraordinary achievements span decades, highlighting unique moments no other Indian film has surpassed on the Chinese charts.
Raj Kapoor’s Awaara – The First Indian Film to Top China’s Box Office
Indian cinema’s journey into the China box office spotlight began with Raj Kapoor’s iconic film Awaara. In 1955, Awaara not only premiered to large audiences but also surpassed local Chinese movies to become the nation’s top-grossing film that year. This remarkable accomplishment marked the earliest moment when an Indian film captivated viewers in China on such a grand scale. The impact of Raj Kapoor’s work endured for years, leading to a popular re-release of Awaara in China in 1978, which once again attracted massive audiences and reinforced the film’s legendary status.
Tahir Hussain’s Caravan – Record-Setting Footfalls at the China Box Office
Decades later, another milestone emerged, this time from Aamir Khan’s father, Tahir Hussain. As the producer of Caravan—featuring stars such as Jeetendra, Asha Parekh, Aruna Irani, and Mehmood—Tahir Hussain delivered a groundbreaking result in China. The movie achieved an astonishing 30 crore admissions, earning it the record for the highest footfalls by any Indian film in Chinese theaters. Caravan remains listed among the top 20 films with the most tickets sold in the history of China’s cinematic landscape, underlining the lasting popularity of its cast and production team.
Aamir Khan’s Dangal – Rising Among Highest-Grossing Foreign Films
In recent years, Aamir Khan himself continued this legacy with Dangal, which became a cultural phenomenon across China. Dangal secured a place as the 20th highest-grossing foreign film ever released in the country, grossing 1.29 billion Chinese yuan. This massive success not only set a new bar for films from India but also cemented Aamir Khan’s reputation as a leading figure for Indian cinema abroad. The rare achievement of earning 100 crore in a single day in China remains unique to Dangal, a testament to the film’s immense resonance and appeal.
Continuing the Legacy and the Road Ahead
These records by Raj Kapoor, Tahir Hussain, and Aamir Khan represent pivotal moments that no other Indian film has yet matched at the China box office. The sustained influence of Indian artists like Aruna Irani, Jeetendra, Asha Parekh, and Mehmood testifies to the universal power of storytelling and entertainment. As anticipation builds for Aamir Khan’s upcoming projects, many are eager to see if the actor will once again redefine success in the region and further strengthen the bond between Indian and Chinese cinema communities.
Box office achievements, cited here, are based on industry estimates and a variety of sources. These figures may vary and have not been independently verified by Koimoi.
