Aamir Khan on Hindi cinema’s struggles: “We’ve improved, but there’s still room to grow”

As Bollywood continues to face a challenging phase at the box office, superstar Aamir Khan has shared his thoughts on the current state of Hindi cinema. In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor offered a candid perspective on how Hindi films measure up to other industries, especially in light of the recent rise of regional cinema which is constantly delivering good content.
"There’s scope for us to improve as filmmakers"
Aamir Khan acknowledged the downturn in Bollywood's commercial performance, particularly in comparison with regional films that have made significant box office strides. He emphasized that while Hindi films are on par in many aspects, there’s always room for growth. “I’m not saying we can’t be better. There’s definitely a lot of scope to learn from other industries and improve our craft,” Aamir said. He dismissed the notion that quality filmmaking is exclusive to certain regions, asserting that talent exists across the board in Indian cinema.
"The audience has evolved since the 2000s"
Looking back on the evolution of Hindi cinema, Aamir pointed out that the quality of films has significantly improved since the late ’80s. “When I entered the industry in 1988, the quality of most films wasn’t great. But by the 2000s, the audience started seeking fresh, diverse content,” he said. According to Aamir, the shift in audience preferences has played a vital role in pushing filmmakers to experiment and innovate.
"I just want to tell stories I believe In"
When asked how he sees his role in navigating this transitional phase, Aamir humbly admitted that he doesn't believe in grand visions of changing the industry single-handedly. “All I can do is focus on telling the stories I believe in. If I can make one good film, that itself is a big achievement,” he said. Reflecting his grounded approach, Aamir added, “It’s very difficult to make a film. Let me just make one good film; that’s enough.”
Aamir Khan’s work front
After the lukewarm response to ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, Aamir Khan will return to the big screen with 'Sitaare Zameen Par', co-starring Genelia D’Souza.