Aamir Khan has reflected on the personal cost of spending decades completely immersed in his film career, admitting that he realised only later how much time he had lost with his family and loved ones.

Speaking at the Singapore International Film Festival on Thursday, the Bollywood actor became emotional while discussing his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons he drew from that period.

Aamir said he spent nearly three decades focusing intensely on his work, eventually realising that relationships can suffer when a career consumes too much of a person's life.

“During COVID, I sat and thought that almost 30 years of my life had passed. You can be obsessed with your work for one year, two years or even five years. But if it continues for 30 years, you lose relationships. Your children grow up and become adults. That created a deep emptiness inside me,” he said.

The actor had to pause several times while speaking. After taking a moment to compose himself, he apologised to the audience, who responded with applause and support.

‘I’m Glad I Realised It at 56’

Aamir said his realisation was not simply about regretting the past. Over the past four years, he has consciously tried to make more time for his family and close friends.

He has also become more careful about ensuring that work does not consume every moment of his life.

Reflecting on whether he wished he had understood this earlier, Aamir said he was actually grateful that the realisation came when it did.

“I’m very happy that this thought came to me at 56 and not at 86. By then, it might have genuinely been too late to do something about it,” he said.

Fear of Failure After Early Success

Aamir also opened up about one of the most difficult phases of his career.

His 1988 film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak made him a household name. Following the film's success, he signed nine films within just six months.

Initially, he believed the opportunity would help him move quickly forward in his career. But when several of his subsequent films failed at the box office, his confidence and sense of security were shaken.

Aamir recalled how he would return to his then-wife Reena and cry, worried that he might fail to establish himself beyond the success of his first major hit.

Describing that period, he said he felt emotionally trapped.

“At that time, emotionally and mentally, I felt like I was stuck in quicksand. I was slowly sinking. The harder I tried to get out, the deeper I went,” he recalled.

Special Honour in Singapore as ‘Lagaan’ Turns 25

Aamir Khan was honoured with the Screen Icon Award at the Singapore International Film Festival this year. Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Chan Ho-sun presented the award to the actor.

Following the ceremony, Aamir took part in a conversation about his life and career, moderated by Singaporean comedian Rishi Budhrani.

Aamir had previously attended the festival in 2017, when his production Secret Superstar was screened there. This year, the festival is also marking the 25th anniversary of Lagaan, his landmark film that marked his debut as a producer, with a special screening.

After decades of success in Bollywood, Aamir's latest reflections show that his definition of a fulfilling life has expanded beyond films and professional achievements. For him, making time for family, relationships and the people closest to him has become an equally important part of life.