During the promotional tour for Dangal back in 2016, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan offered a rare moment of humility and self-awareness. When reporters asked how he compared to fellow superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir candidly admitted that, to him, they outweighed him in star power.
He quipped, “When Salman enters a room, you truly feel a star has arrived. When I walk in… I feel like a waiter.” Although he quickly added that he meant no disrespect to actual waiters—praising them as great individuals—the analogy drove the point home: his contemporaries garnered a more emphatic aura of stardom, which he, in contrast, viewed as more understated.
Aamir went on to share his admiration for other Hindi cinema icons as well. Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh—all of them, he said, were formidable stars in their own right. He confessed that he refrained from ranking them, preferring instead to acknowledge each actor’s unique impact rather than engage in comparisons.
This extraordinary statement makes Aamir’s humility especially vivid—coming from one of the most respected and methodical actors in Bollywood. Where Salman and Shah Rukh often shine with flamboyant charisma and mass appeal, Aamir is known for his introspective performances and steadfast avoidance of public clutter on social media. His choice of roles—often socially important or emotionally grounded—reflects a different kind of connection with audiences.
In the years since that revelation, Aamir’s admiration for his peers has only strengthened. At a recent event, he expressed appreciation for both Shah Rukh and Salman’s contributions and made it clear there’s no rivalry—only respect. Rumors even swirl about a future film that could bring the three Khans together—a dream collaboration fans have long fantasized about.
Aamir’s waiter analogy remains a powerful testament to his grounded perspective amidst the glitz of stardom. It underscores the idea that presence isn’t just about screen time—it’s also about humility, authenticity, and the quiet strength of genuine prestige.