Aamir Khan on 3 Idiots piracy and stardom in China: "Thanks to..."

Aamir Khan became a big name in China owing to piracy, when 3 Idiots didn't even release in the country, and he is now set to make his acting comeback in Indian cinema

Aamir Khan in 3 Idiots

Aamir Khan, who was adored for turning into a college student in 3 Idiots in India, also became a star in China owing to the movie. However, the actor was absolutely unaware about the fandom for the film in a country outside of India. This is because 3 Idiots did not even release in China back then. Yes, the Indian actor became a star in China owing to piracy. Here's what he thinks about that...

Aamir Khan's reaction to becoming a star in China thanks to piracy

Neither Aamir Khan nor Rajkummar Hirani were bothered to find out about 3 Idiots' success story outside of India back then, especially not China because the movie did not even release there at the time. Aamir joked about the same at Idea of India Summit 2025 by mentioning, "Humne film banayi, India mein hit hui, phir hum so gye."

Aamir Khan on 3 Idiots' success and stardom in China

Aamir recalled how 3 Idiots went viral in China because of piracy. "Main China mein star bana hoon thanks to piracy," he said, further thanking the Chinese audiences for watching the film and making him a star. Aamir recalled how the students in China saw his film on piracy and urged their parents to watch the movie. With that, 3 Idiots became a rage in China, and it all started with film piracy.

About 3 Idiots

Inspired by Chetan Bhagat's novel Five Point Someone, 3 Idiots tackles many important struggles in students' lives. The subject ranges from suicide, pressure from authorities, fraudulent students, and curbing of desires to pursue a profession that guarantees higher pay. The film starred R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Boman Irani in the lead roles with Aamir. Kareena Kapoor Khan played the female lead, while Jaaved Jaaferi made a cameo appearance in the Rajkumari Hirani-directed movie.

Aamir Khan is now set to make his acting comeback in Bollywood with Taare Zameen Par sequel, Sitaare Zameen Par. The film is slated to release in theatres on Christmas.

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