Islamabad, 23 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan became emotional while reflecting on the personal cost of his decades-long filmmaking career, admitting that his intense dedication to work had left him regretting the time he missed with his children and loved ones. Speaking at the Singapore International Film Festival, where he received the Screen Icon Award, Khan said the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to reconsider his priorities and recognise the importance of family relationships. He acknowledged that being completely devoted to a project for a limited period could be understandable, but maintaining the same pace for decades had affected his personal life. Reflecting on his children growing into adults, Khan said he felt a deep sense of loss. He paused to contain his emotions, wiped away tears and apologised to the audience before continuing his remarks, which drew applause. The actor said he had consciously tried to spend more time with his family and close friends over the past four years. He expressed gratitude for recognising the need for change at the age of 56 rather than waiting until later in life, when reconnecting with loved ones might have been more difficult. Khan also recalled the challenges he faced early in his career following the success of his 1988 film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. He said he signed nine films within six months of the movie’s success, a decision that eventually became overwhelming as several projects failed commercially. Recalling that difficult period, Khan described feeling emotionally trapped and said he had turned to his then-wife, Reena Dutta, for support amid mounting professional pressure. Following a series of unsuccessful films, some people labelled him a one-film wonder, further intensifying his distress. Alongside reflecting on his personal and professional journey, Khan provided an update on the proposed sequel to the 2009 comedy 3 Idiots, directed by Rajkumar Hirani. He said Hirani was working on the screenplay and expressed hope that he would hear the final version within the next few weeks. The original film, featuring Khan alongside R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor Khan, became one of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable comedies, exploring friendship, education and societal expectations. However, progress on the sequel remains dependent on the screenplay’s development. Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Chan Ho-sun presented Khan with the Screen Icon Award at the Singapore International Film Festival. During his remarks, Khan highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking, emphasising that films are shaped by the contributions of many people rather than a single individual. He last attended the festival nine years ago with Secret Superstar, while this year’s programme also features a 25th-anniversary screening of Lagaan, the acclaimed 2001 sports drama that marked his debut as a film producer. Khan’s emotional reflections offered insight into the personal sacrifices behind his celebrated career, underscoring the importance of maintaining a balance between professional ambitions and relationships with loved ones.