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Bollywood’s golden trio- Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan- are more than just actors; they are institutions of Indian cinema. For over three decades, the 'Khans' have dominated the industry, delivering blockbusters, dictating trends, and fueling endless debates about who is truly the biggest star. Yet, away from fan wars and industry rivalries, the three superstars have always shared mutual admiration. In fact, Aamir once humbled himself by declaring that Salman and Shah Rukh shine brighter than him.
Aamir Khan’s Disarming Honesty
During promotions for his 2016 film Dangal, Aamir Khan was asked if Salman Khan enjoyed bigger stardom. His candid response surprised many, “He’s always been a bigger star than me. There’s nothing new. I always considered Shah Rukh, Salman, and Amitabh Bachchan bigger stars. There are a host of stars whom I consider big, and this includes Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. There are so many stars who are hugely popular. I don’t get into comparisons.”
Also Read: The Ba***ds of Bollywood trailer out: Aryan Khan brings Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in unexpected cameos, watch
'When Salman or Shah Rukh Walk In, a Star Has Arrived'
With characteristic humility, Aamir went further, comparing his own presence with that of his colleagues. He said, “When I see Salman walking into a room, it feels like a star has arrived. When I enter, it looks as if a waiter has entered. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t say that because waiters are great people. I shouldn’t say that, but when Salman enters or Shah Rukh enters, it feels like a star has come… they are bigger stars than me.”
Aamir Khan says he is a 'waiter' compared to Salman Khan
by u/WolfAffectionatefk in BollyBlindsNGossip
Box Office Titans: Dangal vs Sultan
Ironically, the same year showcased the Khans’ dominance like never before. Salman’s wrestling drama Sultan (₹607.84 crore worldwide on an ₹80 crore budget) became a global hit. Months later, Aamir’s Dangal rewrote history by grossing an eye-popping Rs 2,070 crore worldwide against a budget of just Rs 70 crore.
Despite outpacing Sultan by numbers, Aamir stuck to his belief that stardom was never about comparisons.
Beyond Stardom...
Even today, the three Khans continue to support one another’s journeys. Ahead of Aamir’s upcoming Sitaare Zameen Par, both Salman and Shah Rukh visited him, sharing a heartfelt day with specially-abled children. Off-screen, their camaraderie shines as brightly as their on-screen personas.
The excitement doesn’t end there — Salman and Aamir are set to make cameo appearances in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, Ba***ds of Bollywood, slated to release on Netflix on September 18.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan 'planned' to end Aamir Khan's career? Dangal actor recalls why he thought so
Decades may pass, but the era of the Khans still defines Bollywood. Whether on-screen rivals or off-screen friends, Aamir, Salman, and Shah Rukh remain the heart of Indian cinema.
