Aamir Khan's Unique Relationship with Cinema: A Glimpse into His Childhood

Aamir Khan, a celebrated figure in Indian cinema, reveals his unconventional relationship with films, shaped by a strict upbringing that limited his exposure to movies. Despite his success, he admits that watching films, including his own, is not a natural inclination for him. Instead, he prefers reading, a habit that has defined his leisure time since childhood. This article explores Aamir's unique perspective on cinema and how his conservative background influenced his preferences, making his journey in the film industry all the more intriguing.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 27, 2026, 15:05 IST

Aamir Khan's Surprising Film Experience

Aamir Khan, one of the most renowned figures in Indian cinema, has shared an unexpected perspective on his relationship with films. Despite his fame, he disclosed that watching movies was not a significant part of his upbringing. Recently, he mentioned that his childhood was governed by strict household rules, which limited film viewing, particularly avoiding genres like romance. This revelation comes as he admits to not having seen the blockbuster Dhurandhar or its sequel Dhurandhar 2, although he has heard positive feedback about the film featuring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar.

Aamir Khan's Conservative Background

In an interview with Variety India, Aamir revealed that unlike many of his peers in the film industry, he does not spend his leisure time watching movies. Instead, he identifies as a reader, preferring books over films for relaxation. This inclination, he noted, has been a part of his life since childhood and continues to influence how he spends his free time.

Aamir's upbringing significantly shaped his film preferences. He described growing up in a 'conservative household' where film watching was not encouraged. His parents imposed strict guidelines on what he could view, and cinema was not a regular aspect of his daily life. He recalled, "If I asked my mom to watch a film, she would agree, but romantic films were off-limits." Despite these restrictions, Aamir found ways to engage with cinema, reminiscing about watching classic black-and-white films on Doordarshan during weekends, which introduced him to iconic actors like Dilip Kumar and Ashok Kumar. He also explored regional cinema, including Marathi films, and became acquainted with actors such as Ramesh Deo.

Does Aamir Khan Watch His Own Films?

Interestingly, Aamir noted that after turning 16, his film watching decreased even further. Cinema was never a consistent part of his life, making his successful career in the industry all the more fascinating. Although films are central to his life and profession, he admits that watching them does not come naturally to him.

He also discussed his approach to viewing his own work, stating that while he immerses himself in the filmmaking process, he does not actively seek to watch his films afterward. For Aamir, the connection lies more in the act of creation than in consumption, as he expressed, "Somehow I don't get down to it, because it's not in my system.” Thus, the Mr. Perfectionist of Bollywood refrains from watching any films, including his own, which has contributed to his distinctive identity as an actor and performer.