Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, widely known as the ‘Mr. Perfectionist,’ has provided a candid account of the severe emotional and professional crisis he endured early in his career, moments after achieving blockbuster success with his debut film, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (QSQT).
Speaking at a recent event, Khan acknowledged that while QSQT instantly made him a star, he was disheartened when he failed to receive offers from the established directors he truly aspired to work with. He confessed that this frustration led him to make a critical error: signing eight to ten films simultaneously, believing he could manage the volume that other actors handled. This decision, he realized, was “disastrous” and fundamentally opposed to his nature.
The consequences were swift: consecutive flops earned him the painful label of a “One Film Wonder.” Khan revealed the immense emotional toll, admitting that he would “cry every evening” upon returning home, convinced that his career was “drowning.” This profound setback prompted him to make a crucial, unshakeable vow: he would never again compromise on the quality of his work.
This commitment redefined his professional trajectory. His career rebounded with Dil (1990), followed by blockbusters like Raja Hindustani and Sarfarosh, leading to his eventual status as an “immortal star” with hits like 3 Idiots, PK, and Dangal (which remains India’s highest-grossing film). Khan concluded that his failures were the foundation of his success, teaching him the clarity in decision-making that is now his signature trait.
