Aamir Khan, in a candid discussion, shared insights about the dynamics among the three superstars who shaped Bollywood in the 1990s—himself, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan. He addressed the ever-present conversation regarding Aamir Khan on competition with Salman and SRK in 90s, capturing the intense yet healthy rivalry that fueled their careers. Their stardom blossomed in parallel, with film debuts and breakthrough hits that turned them into household names across India and far beyond.
The trio’s rise to fame was almost simultaneous, beginning from their days as newcomers to attaining status as superstars. Their debut films—Aamir Khan with “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” in 1988 alongside Juhi Chawla, Salman Khan starring in “Maine Pyaar Kiya” with Bhagyashree, and Shah Rukh Khan opposite Divya Bharti in “Deewana”—set the stage for decades of dominance in Indian cinema. Each experienced overnight recognition, international fandoms, and career highs and lows, pushing each other to strive for greater heights.
Over time, the relationship between these actors has been viewed with fascination. Often considered friends, at times rivals, and sometimes even competitors whose fan bases clashed, their individual journeys unfolded in the public eye. The ongoing debate about who outperformed whom only intensified their mutual drive and solidified their legendary status in Bollywood.
Aamir Khan Reflects on the Nature of Their Competition
Aamir Khan spoke openly in a recent podcast with Raj Shamani about the competitive atmosphere that was ever-present among the three Khans in the 1990s. He addressed the reality that, given their comparable career paths and achievements, it was natural for them to vie with one another for both critical and popular acclaim.
He expressed that wanting to be the best and hoping for universal appreciation was a common thread not just among the Khans, but among artists in general. According to Aamir, this drive for success is fundamentally positive, pushing individuals to excel.
“Har koi ye chahta hai ki sabse zyada wo successful ho, sabse zyada log uske kaam ko pasand kare, aur ye acchi baatein hoti hai.”
—Aamir Khan, Actor
By his own account, the sense of competition was underpinned by respect. Success for one spurred motivation in the others, setting a standard for the industry. While competitors on screen and at the box office, the Khans’ interactions outside work included camaraderie and even collaborative discussions about their craft and impact.
Aamir Khan’s Perspective on Inspiration, Not Rivalry
Delving deeper on his view, Aamir Khan clarified that while they shared a rivalry, it was also a catalyst for self-improvement. He recounted how seeing one of his peers succeed, particularly Shah Rukh Khan with the massively popular romance “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” would inspire rather than threaten him. The landmark film enjoyed widespread praise and brought a shift in mainstream cinema, elevating Shah Rukh Khan’s career to new heights.
Aamir offered heartfelt accolades for both the movie and its lead star, explaining that admiration did not equate to imitation. He recognized the achievements of his peers without feeling compelled to chase identical milestones in his own career.
“Mujhe ye nahi tha ki main DDLJ jaisi badi romantic film karu kyuki mujhe wo film achi lagti hai. SRK ne bahut kamaal ka kaam kiya hai. Bahut achi lagti hai mujhe, mujhe bhi dekh ke mazaa aata hai. To main usse thodi compete kar raha hu.”
—Aamir Khan, Actor
This approach demonstrated Aamir’s desire to stay authentic, choosing scripts and roles based on personal conviction rather than the pressure to replicate another actor’s journey. The sense of competition served only as a motivator, showing that appreciation for each other’s craft was just as vital as winning acclaim.
Recognition for Other Contemporaries of the Era
While reflecting on his experiences with Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan also brought attention to other notable actors from his era. He shared a sense of regret that talented contemporaries, such as Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, and Akshay Kumar, do not always receive the same level of widespread celebration as the Khans.
Aamir pointed out that these actors, who debuted around the same time and have made significant contributions to Indian cinema, maintain strong careers and sizable fan bases. Yet, he acknowledged that media and public narratives often prioritize the achievements and longevity of the three Khans over their peers.
His remarks suggested hope for a more equitable appreciation, expressing that the achievements of Devgn, Roshan, and Kumar deserve similar recognition for their artistic and box-office milestones. This call to action highlighted the need to celebrate all artists who shape the industry’s landscape, beyond just the Khans.
The Impact of Their Early Successes
Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan each had stellar starts that fundamentally transformed Bollywood. “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak,” “Maine Pyaar Kiya,” and “Deewana” emerged as major hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s, not only launching their careers but setting new benchmarks for commercial Hindi cinema. These movies introduced fresh faces and voices, helping to shape the aesthetics, themes, and storytelling practices of their era.
As leading men, their success brought in a wave of youthful charisma that appealed to generations of fans. The competition that followed—both in terms of film releases and fan followings—sparked healthy debates and intense loyalty among audiences. Over time, their longevity in the industry has fostered a sense of both rivalry and mutual respect, creating a legacy that continues to influence actors today.
Their stardom has also led to recurring discussions about Bollywood’s tendency to idolize specific figures, occasionally at the expense of other deserving artists. The careers of the Khans, shaped by divergent choices and memorable roles, highlight the diversity within the industry and the power of a competitive spirit that fosters growth.
The Ongoing Dialogue Around Bollywood Icons
The dynamic between Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan has become an integral part of Bollywood’s narrative. As each continues to appear in films and participate in public life, their careers exemplify the balance between rivalry, admiration, and the push for personal excellence.
Each Khan has taken unique paths—Aamir is respected for his meticulous approach and choice of unconventional themes, Salman for his action-packed entertainers, and Shah Rukh for his mastery in romance and charisma. Their continued relevance demonstrates the value of constructive competition and the ability to carve distinctive legacies, even when pitted against one another.
In recent years, interactions among the Khans, such as celebrations, collaborations, and behind-the-scenes conversations, have been featured in the news, proving their camaraderie remains intact despite decades of professional rivalry. Their joint influence is seen in the way film releases are anticipated, and how public discourse often returns to comparisons between their bodies of work.
What the Competitive Spirit Means for Bollywood’s Future
Looking ahead, the story of Aamir Khan on competition with Salman and SRK in 90s continues to inspire aspiring actors and shape the aspirations of filmmakers in India. The healthy but intense rivalry showcases how personal ambition, mutual respect, and recognition for others’ strengths can together lead to greater achievements—both as individuals and as an industry collective.
Aamir Khan’s openness in discussing his relationships with both Salman and Shah Rukh Khan highlights the importance of acknowledging competition, while also celebrating difference and originality. His advocacy for equitable recognition of other contemporaries signals a potential shift toward more inclusive acknowledgment of talent in Bollywood.
For audiences and industry veterans alike, the legacy of the Khans and their extended circle serves as a reminder that cinema thrives on both teamwork and healthy rivalry. Their experiences offer ongoing lessons in balancing ambition with appreciation, and in using competition as a tool for shared progress.
As the next generation of actors emerges, the model set by Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan—and their acknowledgment of fellow stars like Ajay Devgn, Hrithik Roshan, and Akshay Kumar—may redefine the standards by which talent is celebrated in Indian cinema.
