Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: In a rare and iconic moment, Bollywood’s three biggest superstars: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, came together on one stage at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, captivating fans worldwide with their candid insights into friendship, fame, and the future of Hindi cinema.

The “Khans of Bollywood,” as they are fondly known, have dominated Indian cinema for over three decades. Yet, this appearance wasn’t about past glories; it was a heartfelt reflection on their journey, humility, and enduring connection with audiences.

Do the Khans see themselves as “stars”?

Kicking off the conversation, Salman Khan downplayed the idea of stardom altogether.

“None of us call ourselves stars. Some journalists may write ‘Salman Khan, star’ or ‘Aamir Khan, super duper star’, but we don’t believe in it at all. At home, we are just like everyone else. I still get yelled at by my father and mother,” said Salman with his trademark humour.

He added that the real credit goes to the teams behind the scenes, directors, writers, and especially the audience.

“It’s the people we work with — the directors, DOPs, writers — and the audiences who make us who we are. They’re the ones who turn average, mediocre people like me into what you see on screen.”

Shah Rukh on the secret of stardom: “It’s emotional”

Shah Rukh Khan, who turns 60 next month, spoke about the deep emotional bond between Indian cinema and its audiences.

“Maybe it is our culture or maybe we belong to India… there is a familial connect somewhere, whatever be the story. If I’m playing good guy, bad guy, happy guy, poor guy or rich guy, whatever character we are playing, I think the culture part of it and the emotional connect transcends boundaries of language and platforms,” he said.

SRK added that he sees himself on a mission, to serve and entertain audiences, always.

“I always make sure they get entertainment, and I am forever grateful for the love and support my fans have given me over the last 35 years… I look up to these guys. Look at me, I’m still looking up to Salman! They are aspirational and inspirational, and I feel really grateful to sit on the same stage with them,” he said with a smile.

Aamir on destiny, reluctance, and being a “corner guy”

Always introspective, Aamir Khan spoke about how timing, luck, and destiny played a major role in shaping their careers.

“Perhaps all three of us were fortunate to be born in India, where we could be a part of Hindi cinema. Had we been born somewhere else, we wouldn’t have been here…It’s about opportunity, being in the right place at the right time. Of course, everyone works hard, but many factors work in your favour that are beyond your control.”

Calling himself the “most reluctant star”, Aamir admitted he’s uncomfortable in the limelight and prefers staying in the background.

“Salman’s family is my family”: Shah Rukh

One of the most heartwarming moments came when Salman noted that both he and Aamir come from film families — but Shah Rukh doesn’t.

SRK responded emotionally, “Salman, I’m sorry, but I also come from a film family. Salman’s family is my family. Aamir’s family is my family.”

To this, Aamir quipped, “Now you know why Shah Rukh is a star,” prompting applause from the audience.

Could a three-Khan movie finally happen?

The long-standing dream of a film featuring all three Khans came up again — and this time, they didn’t rule it out.

Aamir Khan hinted at the possibility, “It’s just a matter of coming across the right script. So hopefully… it’s going to be the script that’s going to be the most important for the three of us.

Aamir said the three of them feel emotionally ready to come together for a film.

Salman joked, urging Shah Rukh to repeat his iconic line, “So, Shah Rukh has this one thing. He keeps saying over and over again… I want him to say that here. Try and say that here that nobody can afford us three in a film together. Say it.”

Shah Rukh replied with wit, “I don’t want to say it in Saudi because everyone will get up and say, ‘Habibi, done, done, done!’ Affordability isn’t just about money — it’s about time, eccentricities, and the way we work. We joke so much that any director will have to tell us to start working!”